How to Install a 3rd Row Seat in Tahoes
by Leonardo R. GrabkowskiThe Tahoe is a full-size sport utility vehicle sold by General Motors under the Chevrolet brand. Most Tahoes are equipped with third-row seats when new; however, some are not. Every Tahoe has mounting points for the seat, regardless if it was equipped or not. Adding a third-row seat increases your capacity by three additional passengers.
Step 1
Open the rear hatch and remove the carpet mat. The carpet slides underneath the side trim panels, so you will have to pull the bottom part of the trim panel to get the carpet out.
Step 2
Remove the floor lining until you get to bare steel. Locate the factory mounting points for the third-row seat. The mounting points will be covered by square clips attached to the floor with adhesive. Scrape the edge of each square clip to separate them from the adhesive, and then remove the clip.
Step 3
Attach your factory mounting brackets using the socket wrench. Place your liner and carpet back over the cargo area and cut a slit in the carpet around the mounting brackets.
Step 4
Fold the third-row seatback down to make the seat easier to lift, and then install the seat onto the mounting brackets. The design of the seat brackets will allow them to automatically lock when the seat is mounted.
Tips
- If your Tahoe originally came with a third-row seat, there will be no need to remove the clips or install mounting brackets; simply install the seat over the brackets.
- This procedure will apply to the GMC Yukon and Cadillac Escalade, but not the Suburban or the Yukon XL.
Things You'll Need
- Tahoe third-row seat
- Factory mounting brackets
- Flat-head screwdriver
- Socket wrench set
- Carpet knife
Warnings
- Only purchase original equipment factory replacement parts; this is the only way to ensure compatibility with your Tahoe without modification. See your local dealer or look for used items.
- The factory Tahoe third-row seat is heavy, weighing nearly 70 pounds. Have a friend help you lift it if you are unable to do it alone.
Writer Bio
Leonardo R. Grabkowski has been writing professionally for more than four years. Grabkowski attended college in Oregon. He builds websites on the side and has a slight obsession with Drupal, Joomla and Wordpress.
