Topaz 2007 drivers seat swivel

We've just upgraded our Trooper to a Topaz and struggling to turn the drivers seat efficiently to make the single bed. The handbook isn't much help. We can turn it slightly once we've released the handbreak but then it gets stuck. What are we missing dong?

Are you moving it forwards first, so the back clears the door?

On my 2007 Topaz that we had, you have to adjust the back rest, which was a pain turning the knob each time,  so as to miss the steering wheel and it also hit on the lounge bench seat. Should be easy to see where it is catching.

Only problem I had was the handbrake, it has to be released, good fun if on a slope or ramps, I left it in gear. Stupid design to say the lease.

Ask me if you need any other help, I found most things during my 9 year owner ship.

Richard

Kath
After almost 10 years of Topaz (two) ownership I have a practised routine that gets the job done in less than three minutes, without bruised knuckles ! In this order; wind the seat-back forward fully; move the steering wheel to its furthest in and highest position; put the gearbox into Park (auto) or a high gear (manual); drop the handbrake lever; slide the seat forward far enough to rotate it (seat-back towards the door) until it clears the long bench seat; it's then a case of shuffle back and forth to get the seat back-past the steering wheel. You may need to open the driver's door slightly.  I sit on the rotated passenger seat to do this.
Check that there is nothing stowed under the seat that may prevent full rotation.
When it's done, have a G&T and dream about the day you will own an AS Warwick duo !
Keith

Hi
Many thanks for your replies.
I'm only 5'1 so the drivers seat is as far forward as it can go
The handbrake thing is a concern and very badly thought out design.
KMRTopz - we've done exactly what you've suggested but it seemed such a silly way to do it and assumed there must be a simpler and quicker solution.
Also still trying to work out how to best place the 'fill in' cushions
Sure we will get used to it.

I got fed up with this, so until I swopped my Topaz in for a Warwick Duo, I towed a caravan with the Topaz. Great best of both Worlds.

I would like to add that I have now sold the caravan. The early years were no problem with the VW just got awkward as the joints got older.

Remember all these vans are conversions.

You have to do the same manoeuvre on our Nuevo, pain in the butt, long for a Warwick Duo but they are still just out of reach.

In defence of AS (just this once !) it must be said that this is not poor design.  The handbrake position is a VW standard and not under AS control.  If you want a rotating seat it has to pass over a dropped handbrake lever, there appears to be no alternative.
Keith

Agreed, same on my Celex - not an AS product!

Easier to do the turning from the drivers side standing outside.
This said not fun if its raining, windy or you are in your onesie!!
As said before it can be done quickly from the inside with practise, though I inevitably forgot the handbrake especially when outside.
Infill cushions in loft (for singles) and split the seat ones in two and use only the wedges.
frederic

Yep, spirit level indicates sufficient front wheel travel onto blocks, apply handbrake and engage first gear. Erm now to turn seat around. Bring seat forward, adjust seat incline towards dash, lift locking lever under seat, swivel, forward a bit more, back a bit. Now release hand break, b........ despite engaged gear, van still rolled back off levelling blocks! Can't put the kettle on yet as need to start all over again. Nearby campers (usually caravans) bear witness to 'naff motorhomer' making a spectacle of himself who can't position properly on first attempt as more diesel fumes waft over their pitch. Decided the need to purchase another set of levelling blocks with wheel chocks that hopefully will address the problem.