I bought the Bongo!

Anything non-technical about the Mazda Bongo Friendee van

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Shazzza
Apprentice Bongonaut
Posts: 9
Joined: Sat Mar 30, 2019 3:32 pm

I bought the Bongo!

Post by Shazzza » Tue Apr 09, 2019 2:07 pm

Hello,

I can officially be on the forum, I bought the Bongo I saw !

So excited to be part of this amazing group of people. I collect Bruno on Saturday. Apart from getting him cleaned (he's not "dirty" as such, just need a nice valet) what else should I do?

I've sorted out insurance and breakdown cover and want to buy a steering wheel lock before I sort out some alarm, immobiliser, any suggestions on what to buy?

Is there a guide on here that gives all the instructions of how the electrics work ? I need to learn how the leisure battery works and how i charge it up, etc etc?

What suggestions do you have a brand-new Bongo owner?

Thanks :D
Sharon
Bob
Supreme Being
Posts: 15262
Joined: Wed Oct 17, 2007 12:54 pm
Location: North Somerset

Re: I bought the Bongo!

Post by Bob » Tue Apr 09, 2019 2:32 pm

Splendid news. :D :D :D

For the steering wheel I use a Disklok, gurt big heavy brute but worthwhile in my book.

I doubt you'll find a manual for the leisure battery wiring as each convertor has their own way, but any problems Geoff is our top man and super helpful.

As for charging the LB it should fill up from the alternator when you drive or from the mains when you are on hook up.

Some fit a solar panel if they camp away from mains for any length of time.

Congrats on Bongo ownership, and it's now law that you book for Stourport in June. 8)
Shazzza
Apprentice Bongonaut
Posts: 9
Joined: Sat Mar 30, 2019 3:32 pm

Re: I bought the Bongo!

Post by Shazzza » Tue Apr 09, 2019 2:35 pm

Thanks Bob!

It's actually meant to be - I am working at an event at the NEC, Birmingham on the Monday and Tuesday before the Bongo Bash - so I HAVE to come!

Will be signing up for sure.

S
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marionw
Bongolier
Posts: 168
Joined: Mon Apr 28, 2014 12:56 pm
Location: Surrey

Re: I bought the Bongo!

Post by marionw » Tue Apr 09, 2019 2:43 pm

Welcome Shazza,
Look forward to meeting you and your Bongo at Stourport.
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marionw
Bongolier
Posts: 168
Joined: Mon Apr 28, 2014 12:56 pm
Location: Surrey

Re: I bought the Bongo!

Post by marionw » Tue Apr 09, 2019 2:44 pm

Just spotted that you're in Surrey, so am I. Where are you?
Shazzza
Apprentice Bongonaut
Posts: 9
Joined: Sat Mar 30, 2019 3:32 pm

Re: I bought the Bongo!

Post by Shazzza » Tue Apr 09, 2019 2:56 pm

Am in Croydon
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Tony x
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Posts: 511
Joined: Mon Jan 28, 2013 5:23 pm
Location: Taunton

Re: I bought the Bongo!

Post by Tony x » Tue Apr 09, 2019 5:07 pm

Perhaps the single most important thing to do is fit a low coolant alarm.
A further good purchase in terms of bang for buck are rear air lift suspension - about £110.
Security is important and the aforementioned steering locks are great. The disc lock from Halford's at £50 work's well in it's mildly bent form (there's also a heavier bend) but some sort of immobiliser / alarm is also handy.
From there on it depends what you want from your Bongo.
I like being off grid and going off road plus loads of gadgets but one of the great things about the Bongo it it is something of a clean canvas on which you can put whatever changes you want. (well, within reason)
Cruise with it, pimp it, a comfy camping tourer or mobile disco dance van - it's up to you
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Gripped
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Joined: Sun Oct 04, 2009 7:38 pm
Location: S. Wales

Re: I bought the Bongo!

Post by Gripped » Tue Apr 09, 2019 9:40 pm

Congratulations on the new purchase.

Alarm wise, we have a Toad Ai606 which is a Thatcham Cat 1 alarm. We're about to get another one fitted to our new Bongo !


The "blipper" will also act as remote unlock/lock too which is useful.
Shazzza
Apprentice Bongonaut
Posts: 9
Joined: Sat Mar 30, 2019 3:32 pm

Re: I bought the Bongo!

Post by Shazzza » Tue Apr 09, 2019 10:31 pm

Thanks Gripped, i will check that alarm out
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