Bongopoet wrote:
Klikchik Ours is an unconverted AFT. I love the height and use a memory foam matress on top of the seats to sleep on (Toasty warm). Unconverted means we can cart more people around, use it as a workhorse and generally love it.
For cooking I have a suitcase, two ring one grill, cooker that sits on a foldaway stand. I use cheap plastic drawer units for storage and flat boxes that fit under the seats. This means that it can be emptied out completely easily when needed as a people carrier!
Chrissy
I'm with Chrissy on this.
In my opinion, Bongos are on the borderline of being too small to waste space by fitting furniture and it is a shame to spoil their versatitilty by committing them permanently to one mode of use.
Cardboard fruit boxes from the supermarket cost nothing and can be found in perfect sizes to slide (and stay put) under the seats. Behind the rear seats there is room for deeper boxes or crates of a suitable height to allow the seat back to lower for sleeping.
I use only one row of seats for camping, right at the rear. A moveable bed board extends the sleeping area forward and is supported at its front on plastic crates which store food etc. This still leaves a little bit of floor space just behind the engine for getting in and out and using a small camping toilet.
A luxurious full width bed (angled for comfort at the head end) is then achieved with two Lidl memory foam guest beds side by side, conjoined with a fitted sheet or mattress protector. These beds fold up into three square sections each or can by stacked on top of each other when not in use for sleeping.
Having owned a VW type 25 (now awaiting a new home) for many years, I can't take Bongos seriously as campers. Mainly due to lack of walkthrough and remaining space in sleeping mode.
However, as multi role vehicles Bongos are a good compromise. On campsites it makes sense to use an awning for extra space and privacy. Tintop owners should consider a roof box for carrying tents
You will notice that I haven't even mentioned cooking. That's because in the VW it's a doddle. In the Bongo It's easier to go and find a cafe. I only take cooking facilities if I am using the awning.
The mind boggles as to how people manage in small vans like Berlingos and Bedford Rascals!
Frank