I have a full side conversion with the standard x 2 double forward facing seats and I was concidering fitting a rock and roll bed, however it would have to be crash tested and pass the seat belt test all of which are going to cost.
The other option that I have had suggested is to re-upholster the existing seats to make the base and backs flat. Has anyone done this and if so know where do I need to go or who to contact.
NB - I'm a 'newbee' so apologise if I have not used the correct Bongo terminology in this post.
Rock and roll bed.... or not?
Moderator: Doone
Re: Rock and roll bed.... or not?
If you have a side conversion and 2 x double seats, then these are not "standard" - the mazda ones are 2 x triple. So what you are using just now hasn't been crash tested - they are cut-down and re-welded from the originals. TBH, the originals are really over engineered, so cut down ones would probably pass a crash test, but I don't know of any which are tested. (My rear 2-seat bench is a cut-down one, and I am happy that it's as strong as the original - I made it so I know that the welding and structure is as good as the original)
The seats are not the most important factor though - the seatbelts are. Specifically the ones for the passengers sitting next to the conversion, as these belts are not attached to the standard mountings.
One way you can have the flat bed of a RnR, but retain the comfortable seat profiles is to replace your rear double seat with a fixed platform, with 3 sections of board which hinge and unfold over the flattened middle seat. You then need a (possibly custom made) 3-section mattress to unfold over the boards. I've used this arrangement for a few years, and it's great - but you would lose the rear seat.
Another option is to use the rear seat upright, and mid seat flattened and an inflatable mattress over it. I'm currently experimenting with an inflatable one, and it's pretty good - possibly too thick.
The seats are not the most important factor though - the seatbelts are. Specifically the ones for the passengers sitting next to the conversion, as these belts are not attached to the standard mountings.
One way you can have the flat bed of a RnR, but retain the comfortable seat profiles is to replace your rear double seat with a fixed platform, with 3 sections of board which hinge and unfold over the flattened middle seat. You then need a (possibly custom made) 3-section mattress to unfold over the boards. I've used this arrangement for a few years, and it's great - but you would lose the rear seat.
Another option is to use the rear seat upright, and mid seat flattened and an inflatable mattress over it. I'm currently experimenting with an inflatable one, and it's pretty good - possibly too thick.
Re: Rock and roll bed.... or not?
I had a full side conversion and a R&R bed and I found the bed a blooming nuisance, when down you can't get to the fridge or lower cupboards. I'm now looking for another Bongo with full side conversion and NO R&R bed.
Re: Rock and roll bed.... or not?
Sorry about the delay and thanks.
I'm keeping the seat arrangments and I have built a collapsable frame that goes over the middle 2 seats (down position) and the rear seat (in the upright position). This has given me a completely flat surface and I still have access to the fridge when the bed is in place.
Frame stores under the current seat arrangment and takes about a minute to put in place.
Cost £30
I'm keeping the seat arrangments and I have built a collapsable frame that goes over the middle 2 seats (down position) and the rear seat (in the upright position). This has given me a completely flat surface and I still have access to the fridge when the bed is in place.
Frame stores under the current seat arrangment and takes about a minute to put in place.
Cost £30
Re: Rock and roll bed.... or not?
How about posting pics