space saving

[Nodd1]

In an attempt to save as much space as possible, I wondered what other people have found invaluable with regards to space saving in your Bongo.so what is your gadget or space saving tip?

[Bob]

Breakdown cover and a credit card.

[blobber]

Isn't 'space saving gadget' an oxymoron??

[Gasy]

Elastic cargo net fixed at high level inbetween rear grab handles ( on ceiling above rear bench seat )
And to loops I put on ceiling by back door
Makes a elastic net shelf for coats, silver screens , sleeping bags etc

Small elastic cargo nets fixed to rear of front seats for storage of books maps etc

Shop bread basket ( loaves of bread are deliverd to shops in them ) under bench seats makes handy large storage tray( can be tie wraped to under side of seat so they move with seats)

I tow a caravan for larger items ( seems to solve the problem )

[silage]

Wife and kids left at home..................lots of space then

[Diplomat]

Don't have a conversion!

...and take out any seats you don't need.


Frank

[Simon Jones]

I've found you need a combination of small things and making the most of storage space. My most recent tweaks have been to build an under-seat storage drawer which holds all the tea making things, cutlery, plates, pans, torches and electrical chargers and bits:



I then made a new table which can be stored on the rear of the seat so makes use of dead space:



The table be used in the van as normal but can also double up for use outside:

[BongoBongo123]

We used to throw heavy TOG quilts in the Bongo but this year I have a couple of lighter, warm compress-able sleeping bags. Will have to wait and see if they they are warm enough for early May and early Oct. I usually arise from bed looking like the abominable snow man with 4 layers of clothes on (early and late in the Bongo Season). It is a bit tight at times especially the morning starts for us... but compared with a tent, an absolute dream vehicle.

[Nodd1]

Thank you for all your suggestions

[Bob]

Might not always be sensible, but do ask, and we'll do what we do.

[mountainmummy]

I've found you need a combination of small things and making the most of storage space. My most recent tweaks have been to build an under-seat storage drawer which holds all the tea making things, cutlery, plates, pans, torches and electrical chargers and bits:



I then made a new table which can be stored on the rear of the seat so makes use of dead space:



The table be used in the van as normal but can also double up for use outside:

These look fab. Have you got a plan or idiot's guide for how to make them?

Sara

[Simon Jones]

Unfortunately, it was all measured and cut as I went along so no dimensions were written down. The tricky bit was maximising the drawer to get as much stuff in as possible. It was quite tricky to get all the clearances right so it clears the carpet when opening/closing and moving the seat. You can buy them ready made from places like Celtic Motorhomes. This is it filled up with all the stuff:

[B12ROCK]

Hi where did you get the fixings to put the table on the back of the seat Simon? Was just looking at doing the same but couldn't feel anything solid in the seat to fix it to. Cheers Brian

[Simon Jones]

Those ones in grey came from a motorhome show and I'm not sure I've got the supplier details to hand. You can get them from a lot of motorhome / caraven places but they tend to come in brown (which is not a great Bongo colour).

I've just found some that are available in grey, but I paid less than half amount: http://campervanculture.com/shop/vw-wes ... vanagonlt/

There was quite a lot of work required inside the seat to provide something soldier to fix it to. I cut a sheet of 5mm ply to the same shape as the seat back and then bolted it to the frame (under the upholstery) using countersunk bolts. Well worth the effort I think.

[adscatt]

Sorry to hijack the thread but this is a hot topic in our house at the moment, our 'Perry' is unconverted, which works for us rather than having a conversion, we have been thinking of the cargo net hung at the rear of the van, also considered are plastic boxes and plastic stacked drawers that can be transferred to the awning when we arrive at camp. Anybody use this system? Oh yeah we have 2 children and a weimeraner dog so the van soon becomes small with our entourage!