Anyone opt for the bench seat in the front instead of captain chairs?

[Ram1500OwnerMaybe]

Anyone opt for the bench seat in the front instead of captain's chairs?

Bench seat pros:
Something falls over to the floor of the passenger side, I can still retrieve it while driving.
Feels more comfortable with regards to arm rests. Actually about an inch narrower then captain's chairs.

Bench seat cons:
Loss of center console storage area.

Captain' Chair pros:
Lots of center console storage room.

Captain' Chair cons:
If something falls over to the floor of the passenger side. Not able to retrieve until parked so can crawl over center console.

 

[vincentw56]

Anyone opt for the bench seat in the front instead of captain's chairs?

Bench seat pros:
Something falls over to the floor of the passenger side, I can still retrieve it while driving.
Feels more comfortable with regards to arm rests. Actually about an inch narrower then captain's chairs.

Bench seat cons:
Loss of center console storage area.

Captain' Chair pros:
Lots of center console storage room.

Captain' Chair cons:
If something falls over to the floor of the passenger side. Not able to retrieve until parked so can crawl over center console.

I've not used the bench seats, but the size of the interior is going to make it hard either way to get something off the passenger floor specifically while driving. And in my almost 4 years with mine with bucket seats, I think that had only been an issue once.

 

[millerbjm]

I've had both and probably would have stuck with the bench but wanted the dual wireless chargers this tune so went back to buckets. The bench gives you a bit more legroom if you want to have your right leg over more and doesn't really lose storage because you have in under the armrest (back of seat), under the seat, and in a deep cubby that slides out from the lower part of the dash. It was nice to have the 6th seat a few times but it is only usable for small kids or really small adults. Another pro is you can have your special someone sit right next to you if you want like in an old truck

 

[RAL]

If I had it to do again I would get the bench so my dog could sit in the middle on trips. With a Seat belt of course.

 

[beetlespin]

Bench seat is great for road head.

 

[Jako]

Bench for me, knee room, feel less confined, 3 couples vs 2 1/2, increased odds for a designated driver. Options stay open for companionship. And I prefer the look vs a "****pit". Bench console has plenty of room for my driving needs.

Also prefer the cloth. My 1990 Celica, 2001 Dodge Ram 1500 cloth seats all look good. My 1994 Ford Explorer and 2006 Honda Accord leather seats did not hold up are cracked, torn and looks old.

 

[Scram1500]

I miss my bench, the center console is way too big. The storage is nice but it feels a little claustrophobic. Also the wife can't lean over and.... adust the volume as easily

 

[Ram1500OwnerMaybe]

I miss my bench, the center console is way too big. The storage is nice but it feels a little claustrophobic. Also the wife can't lean over and.... adust the volume as easily

I can't recall the last time my wife adjusted the volume.

 

[Yzcr87]

The interior feel roomier & I'm not banging my knee into the center console & I've noticed on previous vehicles that the more storage I have, the more useless crap I cram into it before cleaning it out. The 6th seat has came in handy multiple times.
I special ordered my Laramie & opting for the standard bench seat saved the $1200 upcharge for the console & since mines a Level B with nowhere to put the wireless phone charger I wouldnt use anyway, a $400 credit was issued on the Level B package for not having them. No way the console is worth $1,600 to me.

 

[Bt10]

I ordered mine with the standard bench for a 6th seat, but it would have to be a kid to use available legroom. It’s always down, and the console is big enough. I don’t keep crap in my truck, except napkins and a phone holder.

 

[Jmac509]

As others have mentioned the Bench seat has significantly more knee room. If you sit in the buckets you will notice your knee sits against the center console. This can be a big issue for bigger taller guys. Personally I have the buckets but I know a few guys that seek out the bench seats for the extra leg room.

They did make Laramie trucks with all the options including adaptive cruise control and a bench seat. I've seen a few listed online for sale they are just rare.

 

[Yzcr87]

As others have mentioned the Bench seat has significantly more knee room. If you sit in the buckets you will notice your knee sits against the center console. This can be a big issue for bigger taller guys. Personally I have the buckets but I know a few guys that seek out the bench seats for the extra leg room.

They did make Laramie trucks with all the options including adaptive cruise control and a bench seat. I've seen a few listed online for sale they are just rare.

Thats like mine. Laramie Level B with the advanced safety group & a bench seat. Had to special order to get that configuration

 

[millerbjm]

They're hard to find on lots - my previous two trucks were Laramie's with bench seat and 6'4" bed making them kind of a unicorn. My 23 Laramie Level B is for sale on the dealer lot right now but they'll probably send it to auction after awhile like they did with my 21 after no one would buy it! So another thing to consider is resale - doesn't seem to affect trade value but might be harder to find a private sale buyer.

 

[SkittleRam]

The main reason I went with the buckets and console is for the rear A/C vent placement as I always have 3 kids with me.

Otherwise, I would have gone with the bench.

 

[biohazard]

If I had it to do again I would get the bench so my dog could sit in the middle on trips. With a Seat belt of course.

I gotta say, my dog loves riding in the middle seat.

We got the dog after I bought my truck. I originally wanted a center console for the extra storage space, but my Laramie was otherwise optioned perfectly for me and pickings of course were slim back then.
I went was far as getting a center console on ebay to replace the middle seat, but with the dog, I'm debating if I will install it.

 

[Quint]

I miss my old truck with the bench seat and the dual stick shifts. Nothing better than having a lady sit in the middle and having to jam it down into 4th gear. On the other hand, nothing worse than shifting gears with your buddy sitting in that middle seat....

 

[slatersan]

Bench seat is great for road head.

Do you give him a signal first, or do you just go for it?

 

[Blackdog.Tx]

2 things that make bucket seats with extra storage worthwhile:
1. Get accessories (like phone covers) in red so you find them when dropped.
2. Nimble & eager wife to 'adjust volume'
3. Younger gf

For those taking full advantage of bench seats, see pic...

 

[sdramsey24]

Love my bench seat! The 6th comes in handy all the time with kid sports and family trips. The center console space, cup holders, secret storage, console usb plugs etc. are ample and very well thought out. Zero complaints after almost 6 years!

 

[Bt10]

Ok, what’s the secret storage?