I have the atlee-dodge folding seats.
The Atlee-Dodge seats are stronger but the installation is much more involved..... and they are more expensive to purchase.... and they are heavier I believe.

Since I don't usually carry folks back there, I'd install Tom's version rather that the Atlee/Dodge if I had to do it over again.

Any idea what the net weight savings might me with removing the factory back seat and adding the fold ups?

KJ

My wag would be 30 lbs. dunno. It just opens up the back so nice its more than just the weight savings.

Looks like we're going this route shortly. The website shows when the seats are folded up there's a bungee strap holding them up. Is that how they work?

With the narrow bodies it's a pain in the ass to wrestle the seat in or out. That and what ever the weight savings are.

Looks like we're going this route shortly. The website shows when the seats are folded up there's a bungee strap holding them up. Is that how they work?

I've heard those folding seats can be brutally uncomfortable, but have no first-hand experience with them. But I guess if it's smaller adults (or kids) it could work OK. I've read about one guy on "another forum" who keeps just one of the folding seats installed, so he can load from the front, but still carry a 3rd person when needed. He says he "never" takes four people, but if he ever did, he would just re-install the standard rear seat.

Just the opposite, the atlees are very comfortable. Ive sat back there for many flights. There are differences in padding you can purchase. Im assuming the experiences you reference are folks sitting on bare metal.

Today was the first time I had the 182 at full gross with all the seats filled and it was gusty with cross winds no matter where we went. PIREP: The restaurant at KAPV is permanently closed so we went to KRIR for lunch. I did discover that you don't need much up elevator trim with folks in the back seat when landing. I was bummed about my landings as I seemed to struggle to grease it on which I did but I was not happy with with myself. I just felt out of my element. The good news is that the VG's gave me plenty of control authority while slow right at the end to save the day. My passengers were none the wiser. I think the VG's are a good bang for the buck and I appreciated having them today.

Oh well, back to practice mode...

Dave

I'm finally feeling like I'm back in the groove in the 172, but went out last weekend in the 182 and it humbled me a bit. We'll both get there, all it takes is more practice.

Dave,

I apologize, I'm 6 months late to the thread, but I wanted to congratulate you on one really nice 182. I hope she gives you all the utility, comfort, and adventure that you and your family can handle for many years to come

My Lakevu seats are stupid lightweight.
And
The are held up to the walls with bungees. Works fine.

I had two Oregon Aero cushions, and I use thosthe few times someone sits back there.

If I were carrying pax back there frequently, I might stay with factory seats. But, the combo of the extended baggage mod and folding seats makes the 182 a station wagon!

I have a hangar neighbor with a 180. He only has a set of jump seats, not a bench. They don't fold at all but go in and out quickly. He thinks they were a Cessna option. I had the "pleasure' of sitting on one last week going to pick up a 7GCBC for a friend. Longest 30 minute flight I've made in quite a while.

He would like to buy a 180 rear bench if anyone has one for sale and the brackets that mount on the side walls and lock in the back of the seat.

Jg

John, I have the bench seat that was in my ‘67 182. That model is wider than the 189, so I don’t know if it will fit.

The seat is in Hammond.

Tom,

Thanks but your 182 is wider than the 180 by 4 inches I think. When I added the Selkirk interior, my seat had to be narrowed by 1.5 inches so it would fit. We should have taken the opportunity to fabricate one using mine as the pattern.

It would seem that the rear benches from 180 and 185 conversions to jump seats would be a dime a dozen.

Jg