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

New & Improved! October 2025

Are you fitting a swivel seat to the driver's side of your VW Transporter?

As is often the case in the campervan world, it’s not quite as simple as you’d imagine. The main problem is that the handbrake (even when released) sits higher than your van’s metal seat box.

If you fit a swivel seat on top of the seat box, it will hit the handbrake when you try to rotate it – and that’s a problem!

Option 1: Use a Scopema RIB swivel

These driver’s side swivels include two 20mm spacers which lift your swivel and seat up a little higher. The extra height is just enough to clear the handbrake.

However... your seat is now about 45mm higher than VW intended. You may also have to remove the plastic trim off your handbrake to give a few extra millimetres of clearance.

Option 2: Fit a handbrake lowering kit

These are usually supplied by the swivel seat manufacturer. By taking your handbrake off and re-attaching it lower down, this creates enough clearance to spin the seat without touching the lever.

However... most handbrake mods don’t look great, as the plastic trim no longer fits properly, and the lever is often left at an awkward angle.

Option 3: KIRAVANS SOLUTIOND

We have developed what we believe to be the perfect handbrake lowering kit solution.

• New vacuum-formed plastic cover for your handbrake console
• 4mm steel bracket to prevent flex
• All nuts, bolts, and cable protectors included – installs in just 10 minutes
• Compatible with all swivel seats on the market – including the Double Seat Swivel

If you use a RIB driver’s side swivel with our kit, you can remove the spacers and drop your seat height by 20mm – the perfect solution.

COMPATIBILITY

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

It is designed for use with the standard rubber floor mat. If your van has an extra carpet layer (e.g., Caravelle models), the plastic trim may not fit quite as snugly.