Third Row Jump Seat
JK Enthusiast
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 108
Likes: 0
From: Lowell, Arkansas
Finally got my jump seat installed today by Littlepassengerseats.com! I decided on a side facing configuration so that I didn't lose to much loading space in the back. Installation went fairly smoothly...there is this thick plate that is bolted to the Jeep and secured underneath the body. (I'm probably going to trim my rear Husky rear cargo liner so that I can slip it under the seat and hide the exposed hardware.) The seat itself was pretty easy to bolt on to the plate and also remove if needed (2 big bolts hold it down). The only hiccup was that I will need to modify the little cargo hatch door in the back by cutting a notch in it to allow access to the small floor storage area...However, when the seat was mounted rear facing (instead of side facing), the floor cargo area was accessable w/o modification. Also, the fabric it came very closely matched that of my grey Sahara interior!
They also have a bench style seat which can be mounted either rear facing or front facing (I took pics of it when they were test fitting it my Jeep and as you can see, it's in the khaki color).
For an adult, the leg and head room was very tight with the bench seating configuration, but definitely comfortable enough for smaller kids (I'd say 4'10" and under...I'm 5'2")....
Overall, I'm very pleased with how it turned out. At least now I know in a pinch I can carry 6 passengers in my Jeep if needed!
They also have a bench style seat which can be mounted either rear facing or front facing (I took pics of it when they were test fitting it my Jeep and as you can see, it's in the khaki color).
For an adult, the leg and head room was very tight with the bench seating configuration, but definitely comfortable enough for smaller kids (I'd say 4'10" and under...I'm 5'2")....
Overall, I'm very pleased with how it turned out. At least now I know in a pinch I can carry 6 passengers in my Jeep if needed!
Thread Starter
JK Enthusiast
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 399
Likes: 0
From: Northern California
I haven't really had the need to use the seat so far (I've only used it once). My original intent for getting one was not for daily use, but for "just in case I needed an extra seat". Surprisingly, even though I don't regularly use it, I haven't found it cumbersome or in the way (that was my main concern). The fact that the seat folds is a big bonus. I was able to load our 7ft Christmas tree among other things w/o problems. I can still store the freedom top panels back there (I just make sure to put some sort of towel between the folded seat and the tops so that my painted panels don't get scratched up).
JK Newbie
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 15
Likes: 0
From: Village of Brewster, NY
This is Fantastic
We are expecting our 3rd child in April, that's why I bought the 07 unlimited X. I figured the kids could sit on either side of the baby in the back. Now, if it is tight, one of the kids can go in the third row seat. I am going to check the site out and see if they can ship it to me in NY.
Your post was very useful, thanks.
picasojo
Your post was very useful, thanks.
picasojo
JK Enthusiast
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 108
Likes: 0
From: Lowell, Arkansas
I haven't really had the need to use the seat so far (I've only used it once). My original intent for getting one was not for daily use, but for "just in case I needed an extra seat". Surprisingly, even though I don't regularly use it, I haven't found it cumbersome or in the way (that was my main concern). The fact that the seat folds is a big bonus. I was able to load our 7ft Christmas tree among other things w/o problems. I can still store the freedom top panels back there (I just make sure to put some sort of towel between the folded seat and the tops so that my painted panels don't get scratched up).
JK Enthusiast
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 386
Likes: 0
From: The Woodlands Texas
Sorry, but that is just not safe. The seat design might be good but the weak link is in the vehicle it is installed in. The crush zones in the JK would allow major injury for anyone sitting back there.
If you need more seats then it would have been better to get a different vehicle, or at least have something else if the need arises.
Your call and your kids.
I am simply cautioning anyone who thinks that this is a safe or safer than the factory seating, it is not and this is why it was not offered as a factory option.
If you need more seats then it would have been better to get a different vehicle, or at least have something else if the need arises.
Your call and your kids.
I am simply cautioning anyone who thinks that this is a safe or safer than the factory seating, it is not and this is why it was not offered as a factory option.
Thread Starter
JK Enthusiast
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 399
Likes: 0
From: Northern California
I'm not an automotive engineer, but when I did a collision repair research on the JK, I found out that there are four strengths of steel used in the frame, from the 30,000 psi minimum yield strength mild steel for the crushable front rail tips (the "frontal crush zone") to 80,000 psi minimum yield strength in the roll-formed center section. High-strength steel internal reinforcements in selected areas in the frame are all 50,000 psi minimum yield strength. As you can see from the figure below, the rear of the JK is made out of 50,000 psi minimum yield strength much stronger than the frontal crush zones.
Ultimately, yes, it's not the safest place, but there is always an inherent risk in driving. An accident can happen at any time (frontal, side or rear). One never knows. And each person who decides to modify their JK in any manner (may it be a lift, a third row seat, or larger tires, etc.) does so for its benefits, not for its risks.
I'm happy w/ my jump seat as it serves the purpose I got it for.
Ultimately, yes, it's not the safest place, but there is always an inherent risk in driving. An accident can happen at any time (frontal, side or rear). One never knows. And each person who decides to modify their JK in any manner (may it be a lift, a third row seat, or larger tires, etc.) does so for its benefits, not for its risks.
I'm happy w/ my jump seat as it serves the purpose I got it for.
JK Enthusiast
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 108
Likes: 0
From: Lowell, Arkansas
I'm not an automotive engineer, but when I did a collision repair research on the JK, I found out that there are four strengths of steel used in the frame, from the 30,000 psi minimum yield strength mild steel for the crushable front rail tips (the "frontal crush zone") to 80,000 psi minimum yield strength in the roll-formed center section. High-strength steel internal reinforcements in selected areas in the frame are all 50,000 psi minimum yield strength. As you can see from the figure below, the rear of the JK is made out of 50,000 psi minimum yield strength much stronger than the frontal crush zones.
Ultimately, yes, it's not the safest place, but there is always an inherent risk in driving. An accident can happen at any time (frontal, side or rear). One never knows. And each person who decides to modify their JK in any manner (may it be a lift, a third row seat, or larger tires, etc.) does so for its benefits, not for its risks.
I'm happy w/ my jump seat as it serves the purpose I got it for.
Ultimately, yes, it's not the safest place, but there is always an inherent risk in driving. An accident can happen at any time (frontal, side or rear). One never knows. And each person who decides to modify their JK in any manner (may it be a lift, a third row seat, or larger tires, etc.) does so for its benefits, not for its risks.
I'm happy w/ my jump seat as it serves the purpose I got it for.
JK Enthusiast
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 138
Likes: 0
From: Kentucky
Outside the protection zone of the roll cage? That's laughable. Even aftermarket add-ons for the 'roll cage' as you call it are called 'sport cages'. Why you ask? Because these are not 'roll cages' They will collapse very easily. A person sitting in that seat is just as 'protected' by the 'roll cage' as anyone else in the Jeep.
JK Super Freak
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 1,441
Likes: 1
From: Gilmanton Iron Works, NH
I'm not an automotive engineer, but when I did a collision repair research on the JK, I found out that there are four strengths of steel used in the frame, from the 30,000 psi minimum yield strength mild steel for the crushable front rail tips (the "frontal crush zone") to 80,000 psi minimum yield strength in the roll-formed center section. High-strength steel internal reinforcements in selected areas in the frame are all 50,000 psi minimum yield strength. As you can see from the figure below, the rear of the JK is made out of 50,000 psi minimum yield strength much stronger than the frontal crush zones.
Ultimately, yes, it's not the safest place, but there is always an inherent risk in driving. An accident can happen at any time (frontal, side or rear). One never knows. And each person who decides to modify their JK in any manner (may it be a lift, a third row seat, or larger tires, etc.) does so for its benefits, not for its risks.
I'm happy w/ my jump seat as it serves the purpose I got it for.
Ultimately, yes, it's not the safest place, but there is always an inherent risk in driving. An accident can happen at any time (frontal, side or rear). One never knows. And each person who decides to modify their JK in any manner (may it be a lift, a third row seat, or larger tires, etc.) does so for its benefits, not for its risks.
I'm happy w/ my jump seat as it serves the purpose I got it for.
I agree that anytime any one of us modifies his/her rig we are deviating from what Chrysler designed, and more importantly, tested. That said, I like this seat for the purpose for which you've installed it (occasional use) and am considering it for the same reasons. Any way you slice it, it beats having an extra occupant in the vehicle without a seat or the appropriate restraints. And, admit it people, we've all done that at one time or another.