Roger Fontaine
Service Director
Last update: April 27, 2026
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Certified Retractable Bench Installation: Optimize Your Van Space with Our Service Department
Is your family growing? Do you want to share your van adventures with friends or bring your grandchildren along for the ride? At VanLife Campers, we support your van conversion projects through the expertise of our Service Department. We offer innovative and safe solutions, including the installation of certified Freedman® retractable benches. In this article, we walk you through our installation process using Fenton mounting plates—an ideal solution to maximize your van’s space while ensuring comfort and safety.
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3 minutes
A smart and secure solution
Our installation service includes Transport Canada certified single or double benches, allowing you to safely increase your van capacity from 2 to 3 or even 4 passengers.
What are Fenton mounting plates?
Fenton mounting plates are a robust system designed to provide a solid base for retractable benches. Their compact size allows installation even in already converted vans.
They ensure a strong and reliable attachment directly to the vehicle’s chassis while fully meeting Transport Canada safety standards.
A compact system that allows safe installation even in already converted vans.
The installation process in 4 steps
1. Vehicle preparation: We prepare the vehicle floor. If a floor is already installed, we partially cut it to integrate the Fenton plates and reinforce anchor points.
2. Installing the Fenton plates: The plates are securely fixed to the vehicle floor, ensuring maximum stability while adapting to existing layouts.
3. Installing the Freedman® bench: Once the plates are in place, we install the retractable bench, which can be folded against the wall when not in use to free up space.
4. Installation time: The entire process takes approximately three hours, allowing you to quickly get back on the road.
Compliance and safety
VanLife Campers holds the National Safety Mark issued by Transport Canada. This certification ensures that every installation performed by our team meets the highest safety standards.
The benefits of our solution
- Space optimization: A retractable bench maximizes your available space and adds flexibility.
- Safety compliance: All installations meet Transport Canada regulations.
- Durability: Fenton systems and Freedman® benches are built with high-quality materials for long-term use.
A perfect balance between safety, flexibility, and optimized space.
Additional services
Our Service Department also offers installation of vanlife accessories, maintenance, winterization, de-winterization, and much more.
Book your appointment in just one click here.
Final thoughts
Optimizing your van’s layout allows you to travel more comfortably and safely, while adapting your vehicle to your evolving needs.
Discover all our services and solutions here.
FAQ's
What is a retractable bench in a van?
It is a foldable seating system that allows you to increase passenger capacity while optimizing space when not in use.
Can I install a retractable bench in an already converted van?
Yes, with systems like Fenton mounting plates, installation is possible even in pre-converted vans.
Does VanLife Campers offer installation and accessories for vans?
Yes, VanLife Campers offers certified installations, van rentals, ready-to-go models for purchase, and a full range of accessories through its Service Department.
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