bench back seat

I have a 2003 yukon denali xl and my kids (adult size) complain about the back seat all the time. It doesn't adjust and theres not much leg room. Does anyone have any suggestions for customizing the seat or replacing it. I like the way this suv handles, and all the whistles & bells, but comfort when you travel with kids is a real issue.

Are you referring to the second row, the third row, or both? With the second row--if there is no need for three-passenger seating (or two-passenger seating w/ cupholders), you could replace the second-row bench with two second-row captains chairs (the ones from the first row won't work); at least with the captains chairs you'll be able to adjust the seatbacks to a more comfortable (subjectively speaking) reclining position. Yeah, that won't help too much with leg room but it's better than dealing with sitting on a bench seat. The third row--well you're out of luck there, short of fabricating custom seats. Either solution will require a decent expenditure of money...

I'm guessing you're talking about the third row, given your complaint about leg room; either that, or you have long-legged kids because the second-row leg room on a DXL isn't that bad, especially when compared to second-row leg room on other SUVs--try sitting in the second-row on a short-bus Denali for comparison.

tonytone or anyone else, can you provide any additional information on swapping the bench seat for captain seating? For example, are the bolt patterns the same? Do you know a good place to search for the seats? I have a 2001 Yukon. With another child on the way, the easier access to the 3rd row seating would be very beneficial.

Are you referring to the second row, the third row, or both? With the second row--if there is no need for three-passenger seating (or two-passenger seating w/ cupholders), you could replace the second-row bench with two second-row captains chairs (the ones from the first row won't work); at least with the captains chairs you'll be able to adjust the seatbacks to a more comfortable (subjectively speaking) reclining position. Yeah, that won't help too much with leg room but it's better than dealing with sitting on a bench seat. The third row--well you're out of luck there, short of fabricating custom seats. Either solution will require a decent expenditure of money...

I'm guessing you're talking about the third row, given your complaint about leg room; either that, or you have long-legged kids because the second-row leg room on a DXL isn't that bad, especially when compared to second-row leg room on other SUVs--try sitting in the second-row on a short-bus Denali for comparison.

not sure about the bolt pattern, but I have seen them on E-Bay once and awhile, of course, you could also order them from a dealer.

I have captain chairs in the 2nd row, and the 3rd row is more like a split bench but is actually 2 seperate seats belted for 3. My 2nd row is comfortable, the 3rd row is a bit cramped but I am 6' 5" so just about anything is a bit cramped. I have a 2003 SLT Yukon 4x4. I was thinking about getting a bench for my 2nd row and was told I could swap them no worries by my dealer, but, I decided a bench would make things too much of a PITA to get in the 3rd row and decided that would be true. Only real delima I have is security now,.......

I got one of those little tonou cover things that covers the 3rd row area. OK that is good and keeps prying eyes out. But, with the captains chairs you can easilly see what is stored back there.

I got creative and use a piece cardboard to fill the space between the seats, with plans of making a carpet covered replacement soon now that I know it works well. You should consider this when deciding to go with captains chairs on the 2nd row.

I have the two captains chairs second row. So what I do is when I sit in the back I stretch my legs between the two captains chairs, or sit in the middle of the seat if it's just me back there. You could have your kids alternate doing that.

The XL should be more then big enough. The only thing bigger is the Excursion and unless you have six kids who needs it. Sometimes I do regret not going with XL, but then again I remember parking the damn thing, and the fact I don't really need the extra six in the back.

Good luck.

Everything I've read--and that's not saying much--says that a direct bolt-in swap can be done...although I would imagine there might be an extra hole or two visable after swapping bench for captain's chairs. If so, then you'd either need to: a) live with those visible holes; b) cover them with something; or c) replace the carpeting (???--yes I know that's not really a viable solution).