Another Sprinter thread

[VA300SD]

After lusting after the 140" wheelbase, 10-passenger standard roof Sprinter, I've come to my senses and decided 118" wheelbase, 8-passenger version is probably the more sensible choice for our family of seven.

In our attempt to consolidate the number of vehicles in the family and in need of a pickup truck, I thought it would be worth considering the Sprinter with a towing setup for pulling the occasional load of mulch, lumber, etc. in a trailer.

I have a few questions for folks who already own one of these 118" wheelbase models.

1. Although not a major issue, how difficult is it to remove the rear seats ?
I'm not concerned about where to store the seats.

2. If I want to install additional sound-deadening material, is it easy to
remove the interior panels and flooring covers ?

3. Are the rear seats on supports on either end or is there a third support in
the middle ? (Wondering if some long/wide objects such as lumber could
be slid under the seats.)

4. And finally....is the AC able to keep up with all the glass ?
(We would add tinting.)

I read on another thread the 2.7L 5-cylinder may be replaced with a V-6.
Being very familiar with the 617.951, I wonder if it might be a good idea to get the Sprinter with the 2.7 before they switched to the V-6 ?

Thanks for any feedback.