The distance does make things feel strange. For folks in the back there is also a lack of security with nothing to hold onto. This is made worse with the lack of shoulder restraints or headrests. Installing a rear facing seat out of a Carat behind the front passenger seat will allow someone to ride with the kids and take care of them. 

Dennis 

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of Truls Erik Johnsen
Sent: Tuesday, February 24, 2015 7:21 AM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Rear seat comfort on a Vanagon Westy?

Hi guys,

First of all: Thanks for the assistance on my question regarding the headliner the other day. Turned out to be a no-brainer, really.

Then: How is the rear seat comfort on the Westy? The spesific model I'm considering is an '85 Club Joker with Westfalia interior. My old camper had a secluded (half wall between front and rear) camper setup.
This gave a rather distanced feeling between passengers and driver/front passenger seats. I'm mainly conserned with this distance (hard to talk etc) and comfort when it comes to having my two kids sitting in the back seat. So feedback from those of you who frequently travel with more than two persons in the car, and especially kids, would be ace.

Kind regards,

Truls