VW Transporter T5-T6.1 (2003–2024) Handbrake Lowering Kit by Kiravans

Fitting a swivel to your VW Transporter driver’s seat?

As is often the way in the world of campervans, it’s not quite as straightforward as you might think. The main issue is that the handbrake (even when released) sits higher than the metal seat base in your van.

If you fit a swivel on top of the seat base, it will crash into the handbrake when you try to rotate the seat - and that’s a problem!

Realistically, you have three options to get around it:

Option 1: Use a RIB swivel

These driver’s side swivels include a pair of 20 mm spacer bars that raise your swivel and seat slightly higher. The extra height is just enough to clear the handbrake.

However… your seat will now be around 45 mm higher than VW originally designed. You may also need to remove the handbrake’s plastic trim to gain a few extra millimetres of clearance.

Option 2: Fit a handbrake lowering kit

These are typically supplied by the swivel manufacturer. By removing your handbrake and refitting it at a lower height, you create space to rotate your seat without hitting the lever.

However… most handbrake mods look a bit rough, as the plastic trim no longer fits properly, and the lever often ends up sitting at an odd angle.

Option 3: The Kiravans Solution

We’ve developed what we believe is the perfect handbrake lowering kit.

• New vacuum-formed plastic trim cover for your handbrake bracket
• 4 mm steel bracket to eliminate flex
• All nuts, bolts, and cable protection included - installs in 10 minutes
• Compatible with all swivels on the market -  including the Double Seat Swivel

If you’re using a RIB driver’s swivel with our kit, you can remove the spacer bars and drop your seat height by 20 mm - a perfect setup.

Compatibility

This handbrake lowering kit is designed for right-hand drive VW Transporter T5, T6, and T6.1 models.

It’s intended for use with the standard rubber floor mat. If your van has an extra layer of carpet (for example, in Caravelle models), the plastic trim may not fit as neatly.