Fitting Caravelle Seat Rails to a VW T6 or T6.1 SWB Kombi

The Problem

Owners fitting Caravelle double seat rails to a T6 or T6.1 SWB Kombi struggle to find a definitive list of which underfloor reinforcing brackets are required, how many, and where they fit. Published bracket lists generally cover LWB fitment, and no single source has collected the equivalent SWB part numbers — leaving SWB owners without the information needed to order the correct parts and complete a compliant, load-rated installation.

Solution

1. Identify and source the correct underfloor strengthening brackets for your exact wheelbase. A PDF listing part numbers and locations exists for LWB fitment, but the SWB-specific bracket part numbers are not consolidated in a single published source — confirm the correct SWB part numbers and quantities against the VW ETKA parts catalogue or with a VW commercial parts department before ordering (verify part numbers before ordering). Genuine VAG parts can be ordered from specialist suppliers such as oemVWshop at well below main-dealer prices.
2. Fit the brackets under the floor, using rivets to hold them in position prior to bolting. The rivets are positioning aids only and carry no structural load.
3. Use aluminium rivets in place of the OEM steel rivets — the steel OEM rivets are extremely difficult to set with a standard hand rivet tool. Match the rivet diameter to the existing bracket/floor holes and select a grip range that suits the combined panel thickness; confirm the original rivet diameter, grip range and any minimum material grade against the VW parts catalogue (verify rivet specification before fitting), as these are not published in the original thread.
4. Bolt the rails down through the brackets using the bolts supplied with the rails. The example rails came with 5 bolts per outer rail and 7 bolts per inner rail; confirm the count for your kit.
5. Tighten the seat rail bolts to the manufacturer's specified torque. This is a structural, safety-critical joint and the figure is not stated in the original thread — obtain the correct torque setting from a VW workshop manual or commercial parts/service department before carrying passengers (verify torque figure with VW dealer or workshop manual).
6. The rails are not directional, so seats can be mounted facing either forward or rearward.