Converting my tin top

[john787030]

hi I have a bongo tin top and want to convert it to a motor home , where do I start? Any help appreciated.

[Colin H F]

there are profesional converters around had my first tin top done by a company but there not in buisness now

[Simon Jones]

Pop your location in your profile so folk can recommend some companies in your area. Alternatively you could convert it yourself if you have the tools and skills.

[Gasy]

You can buy a kitchen pod for about £1000
Remove rear bench and bolt in place job done

[Bongoplod]

You can buy a kitchen pod for about £1000
Remove rear bench and bolt in place job done

A lot less than that............:-

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/MAZDA-BONGO-N ... 1436413571

[Gasy]

^^^^
That price is just for the base unit cupboard

No high side cupboard
No table
No electrics, 240 or 12
No battery charger , hook up
No cooker
No gas piprwork
No gas bottle
No sink
No water pump
No water butts

Just a large wooden box with a big hole in it

[dobby]

Surely that's for all the components as the tranzwagon one's basic bit is £399?

[Colin H F]

"And comes as seen in the pictures,Fully Assemble " this is what the add reads

[winchman]

hi I have a bongo tin top and want to convert it to a motor home , where do I start? Any help appreciated.

If you want a lifting roof I would just sell it and buy one as they cost a lot to fit.
Conversions can cost for £100 to thousands give us a better idea of what you need and we will show you some ideas

[New Forest Terrier]

I have a tin top with a full rear conversion. Its got its drawbacks but so does any design as Bongo's have limited space and tin top's lack the storage space a rising roof gives.

I would use it for a few camping trips and work out how you want to arrange the space. As you do not have a roof to sleep in, you sleep downstairs and the conversion needs to give you enough free space. I went for a rear conversion because I found one second hand and I wanted the full Bongo width to give some floor space.

A removable conversion is a good idea in a tin top. One that can be lifted out and put in an awning, giving you the full width and length. I had a Stimpson Explorer kitchen in a box that could be used in or outside the Bongo for several years. I only changed to the conversion when I found one with a fridge which is the best thing about it. Mine is operated from inside the bongo which I find a pain a lot of the time. I would prefer to be able to cook from outside and load the fridge after I have packed the Bongo. Its great though if its raining and you can sit inside with a coffee. Also you can go back to bed with the coffee on a really horrible morning.

Unless you get a real full conversion, I would not bother. Mine has the fridge and storage cupboard both useful. A two burner stove can be used just as easily on a sturdy bench and a sink has no real advantage over a washing up bowl. You can run a power cable through the gap in the tailgate for the electricals. I still cook outside a lot on a gas BBQ as I do want the ghosts of bacon butties haunting the Bongo.

[New Forest Terrier]

The first thing I did was to fit a leisure battery. You then have lights, window blinds and a powered cool box. All useful if you are camping with no power. With that comfort levels rise and are on your way to a motor home.

With mine I can manage a festival in relative comfort and be sure to have the power to start again.

[Jillygumbo]

I have a tintop too. I've had a leisure battery fitted for the sockets, rear lights etc. I've also got a Fiamma 45s wind out canopy, although it does rattle while driving, despite best efforts. I camp on my own with the dog most of the time but sometimes need 8 seats. I replaced the rear bench seat with gull wing seats and leave one down withe the bed made up. That leaves space for a porta potty at the side- just. I have a Stimson explorer kit and think it's wonderful. I use a quechua base tent as my kitchen/storage area on site.

I would not bother converting a tintop or adding a roof. When the time comes I plan to get one with a roof and conversion but I'm in no rush. I now know exactly what I'll want at that time but Tintin is a good'un so I'll wait ...