DIY how-to remove 3rd row from Gen 2 R1S (steps and photos)

[Leesa]

Another update on the 3rd row seat removal:
Because I disconnected the seat and seatbelt wiring, the car's sensors report that there is someone sitting in the 3rd row. Nice thing about that is that when my AC is on "auto" it automagically sends air to the 3rd row (cooling, but no warming). And the dogs in the 3rd row area get air. This is a nice unintended consequence so I don't have to remember to turn on the 3rd row vents every time I get in the car.)

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[MajorVex]

Did you notice the right side of the 3rd row arm rest sticks out about a half inch farther into cabin the left one? I just went to install new track slides after installing riser for existing T-slots (AKA the 20" tie down track) and right side is 1/2" off. Looks like it is in your photo too but it is hard to tell.

 

[Leesa]

Did you notice the right side of the 3rd row arm rest sticks out about a half inch farther into cabin the left one? I just went to install new track slides after installing riser for existing T-slots (AKA the 20" tie down track) and right side is 1/2" off. Looks like it is in your photo too but it is hard to tell.

Hmm, I don't remember that being the case, but I'll look when it's back from SC.

BTW - SC had to get to some part of the radio that was under my drawer. They are charging me for time to remove and re-install my set-up <sigh I knew that about rock sliders, but never considered them having to get down there to make my radio work again! Lesson learned!>

 

[MajorVex]

Hmm, I don't remember that being the case, but I'll look when it's back from SC.

BTW - SC had to get to some part of the radio that was under my drawer. They are charging me for time to remove and re-install my set-up <sigh I knew that about rock sliders, but never considered them having to get down there to make my radio work again! Lesson learned!>

bummer..
I heard it's best to remove stuff before any sevice.. thanks for reminder and thanks for your post. I wasn't going to remove third row until I notice I have to redo my track base an hour ago and saw your post.. great job!

 

[Biedronka]

Great job
I’m actually wondering how much weight savings you have ~more range.
Lucid Gravity has different ranges for 5 or 7 seat models.
While I appreciate the DIY drawers, there may be a weight penalty, despite the price, I like the idea of decked.com

 

[HaveBlue]

It'll make zero difference in efficiency for the R1

 

[Sidney]

I finally got the frame and gear drawer complete and installed. Removing the 3rd row allowed the few extra inches of height needed for the drawer. I am very excited to reach this functional stage!

Next, dog crates for the top of the platform!

What are the dimensions of the drawers? Would love to know the final length width and height!

 

[Leesa]

What are the dimensions of the drawers? Would love to know the final length width and height!

The drawers were designed to interfere as little as possible with the 2nd row of seating and to allow my 2 dog crates on the top of the deck. And remember the name of this thread - I removed the 3rd row of seats to give me a few extra inches; our design would not fit with the 3rd row seat installed.

The deck top is 47 1/2" back to front. 42" wide (so the legs fit between the wheel wells of my Gen2 S).

Back legs (by the tail gate) are 7 3/8" top of the deck to the bottom of the leg) . The back leg has a right angle foot that bolts into the cargo rail.

Front legs (just behind the 2nd row of seats) are ~11" (top of the deck to the bottom of the leg) and they sit on the floor . (Wish there were more tie downs in this area!)

Outside dimensions of the drawer are:
47 1/2" front to back (same as the top deck)
38 3/8" wide (plus a slide on each side)
and 5 1/2" tall.

These are quicky measurements. Let me know if you need something more exact and I'll pull up the drawings.
Hope that helps!
L2

Great job
I’m actually wondering how much weight savings you have ~more range.
Lucid Gravity has different ranges for 5 or 7 seat models.
While I appreciate the DIY drawers, there may be a weight penalty, despite the price, I like the idea of decked.com

I can tell you my set up (plus 100lbs of dogs) weights significantly more than that 3rd row of seating did. But it might be a wash for the seats plus 3 passengers. I did not record before and after range, but my casual attention has not noticed a difference.
I love decked stuff, but (at least when I inquired) they did not make a product for would work me.
I wonder if Lucid added more battery in the 5 seater?
L2

 

[Sidney]

Thanks! That's helpful. You mentioned having legs going down to the floor behind the 2nd row seats? Sounds like you weren't able to reuse the 3 bolt holes that were uncovered after removing the third row?

 

[Leesa]

Thanks! That's helpful. You mentioned having legs going down to the floor behind the 2nd row seats? Sounds like you weren't able to reuse the 3 bolt holes that were uncovered after removing the third row?

The drawer would have to be dramatically smaller to use the bolts for the 3rd row seats (which are near the seat back.)

 

[SpyderMS]

9) Lift and rotate the back of the seat bottom forward. I had to reach below the female seatbelts and pull the fabric around it.

(This photo taken toward the front of the car)

This is the step Im at, but unfortunately I'm unable to lift the seat bottom. There are metal ''clips" in your photo that you don't mention how you unlatched them (circled in red from your photo). They're holding my seat bottom pretty securely. Tried rotating/lifting but no luck.

 

[Leesa]

This is the step Im at, but unfortunately I'm unable to lift the seat bottom. There are metal ''clips" in your photo that you don't mention how you unlatched them (circled in red from your photo). They're holding my seat bottom pretty securely. Tried rotating/lifting but no luck.

Mine were not latched in any way. The metal U's you circled just sat in the white plastic sockets. No unlatching required. The seat bottom just rotated out once I got the seatbelt free.

 

[SpyderMS]

How strange! Mine were apparently clipped in. I just needed to not be scared of breaking/tearing something and use a little more force and they ended up coming right out.

 

[Leesa]

How strange! Mine were apparently clipped in. I just needed to not be scared of breaking/tearing something and use a little more force and they ended up coming right out.

Hurray!

What if your purpose for taking the 3rd row out? (just curious)

 

[SpyderMS]

Hurray!

What if your purpose for taking the 3rd row out? (just curious)

Developing a sleeping platform with drawers. I have a basic platform right now, but want one that has drawers with an integrated kitchen, etc.

I've also removed the middle row, just to try and determine if it might be worth building out an additional modular section to store things there. Would potentially be really ideal, but occasionally we do use the 2nd, and even 3rd row seating, so I'd like to be able to easily move around pieces as necessary depending on our use case at any given time.

Honestly the most difficult part will be finding a place to store the seats when they're not in the vehicle

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