3 kids and 2 dogs

Anything non-technical about the Mazda Bongo Friendee van

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bongo ryan
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3 kids and 2 dogs

Post by bongo ryan » Fri Mar 22, 2019 2:36 pm

Hi all,
We are a family of 5 - kids aged 8, 6, and 3 (plus 2 dogs). We're keen to get a van and love the Bongo. But are we being unrealistic in thinking we'll all fit?!
We'd plan to use a drive away awning for longer trips, and think we'd be ok to put 2 kids in AFT and 1 across front seats on hammock frame occasionally.

BUT -
What is the best conversion? Thinking either mid, or slim side.
Anyone had experience of putting 3 children across the rear bench for travelling? I believe we could get the middle lap belt converted to 3 point seatbelt.
Anyone managed to fit 3 children on an extra wide rock and roll bed (JAL think this is possible).

I'd be really grateful for your opinions / experiences.
Thank you!
Ryan
Flanners
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Re: 3 kids and 2 dogs

Post by Flanners » Sat Mar 23, 2019 1:17 pm

Personally no way it's far too small; but where this a will.....think you would be looking at gaining extra storage solutions on the top/and to the rear to enable you to take the awning/camping gear as the interior of the van itself would be rammed with the conversion and yourselves/the dogs whilst in transit.
2002 2.0 Aero with Outback Conversion and Roof Top Tent
Bob
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Re: 3 kids and 2 dogs

Post by Bob » Sun Mar 24, 2019 2:36 pm

Have to agree this would be very 'cosy' for all of you.

If you fancy the Bongo it would make a great 'day van' coupled to, say, a trailer tent for camping. 8)
Philfish
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Re: 3 kids and 2 dogs

Post by Philfish » Wed Mar 27, 2019 3:33 pm

Having taken grandchildren away in my bongo, the biggest problem is where to put luggage, awning, seats, tables etc.
Luckily my bongo already had a tow bar so I bought a "buzz rack" which fits on top of the ball and I can fit all our camping stuff on it without it going over the weight limit. Found the rack after a recommendation somewhere on bongo fury and a bit of googling. Good luck. Maybe a small camping trailer would be good too.
bongo ryan
Apprentice Bongonaut
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Joined: Fri Mar 22, 2019 12:33 pm
Location: central Scotland

Re: 3 kids and 2 dogs

Post by bongo ryan » Wed Mar 27, 2019 3:42 pm

Good advice - thank you!
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g8dhe
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Re: 3 kids and 2 dogs

Post by g8dhe » Wed Mar 27, 2019 3:53 pm

Thule do a rugged system;
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Geoff
2001 Aero V6, AFT, full side conversion.
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Bob
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Re: 3 kids and 2 dogs

Post by Bob » Wed Mar 27, 2019 7:33 pm

The 'nose weight' limit, ie the downward force on the tow ball, is 85kgs.

That is evreything, rack, box, and contents. 8)

And bear in mind the total weight a Bongo can carry is only about 500kgs, conversion, occupants, food, water, stuff on rack... :wink:
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