We are looking for a family van that has a decent front bed area. Increasingly we are finding many models with the centre chest of drawers between the front benches. Are these easily removable? They seem to impact the size of the sleeping area quite substantially and my OH is very tall. We would take the increase in sleeping area over somewhere to put a TV or mug any day!
The chests can be removed with relative ease, but you need to check how the bed would then make up without it.
For example, the chest in my van conceals the pull-out slats that span the space between the benches, to allow the make up of the bed. Without the chest, I'd have to manufacture something in it's place to house the slat section.
The seat cushions would also have a large void where the cabinet had been, so you'd need to consider how to deal with that too.
I bought a wrap around seat to replace the centre chest, it's much better and the bed is enormous.
It's basically a matter of taking one out and putting in the cushions, 5 min job
I have a Bailey \Valencia which came new with a nose weight in excess of the chassis max. Bailey advice was to travel with the drawer table unit in the shower as it can easily be removed.
I fitted one to our van years ago, just four screws. Couldn't get on with the small seat that was there. Only good for kids. The bed is still fine without it.
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Our centre chest is in two parts the top lifts off leaving two drawers and a top that is the same level as the bed and homes the slats so we just store the top part in the loft.
This is a very easy job.
The unit is removed by unscrewing the fixing screws.
Swift will supply matching cushions depending on the year of your van at a cost of approx £200.
Do not buy the panel to cover the void under the unit as this is £100.
I went to B&Q who cut me a piece of ply for £10.
Welcome to UKCS. That thread ended 12 years ago & the OP last posted in 2017. But hopefully your suggestions will help someone else who has the same query & is searching for ideas.
Quote: Originally posted by iaingoudie on 16/6/2026
This is a very easy job.
The unit is removed by unscrewing the fixing screws.
Swift will supply matching cushions depending on the year of your van at a cost of approx £200.
Do not buy the panel to cover the void under the unit as this is £100.
I went to B&Q who cut me a piece of ply for £10.
Good information there.
Thanks for sharing.
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Topic: Removal centre chest drawers
via mobile 16/6/2026 at 1:11pm
