Some advice on what to kit out my van with

[Queenie77]

Hi all

I am buying a Bongo and am very very excited about it. I need 8 seats (5 for use with child seats) so am leaving the original seats in but also want to have a comfortable camp. I am thinking of getting the rear kitchen and a top storage unit but am looking for advice on what else you all reckon would be must haves / nice haves / luxury haves. e.g. leisure battery, mattresses vs air beds, electric hook up, awning etc.

Thanks in advance for your advice

[philpdr]

Leisure battery and 240v hookup for definite.If you're getting an AFT then a mattress in the roof for sure.

[notlob]

Each to their own and it depends on your family needs.

We have an unconverted AFT and I've stuck with that as we have all the camping gear for cooking, etc to use outside the van. Started with a drive away awning but have moved on to a basic awning and Quechua Base Seconds 4.1 tent to use with the van. Have also got a trailer so all the gear sits in there ready to go whenever we want

Seriously thinking about some top storage units though so some stuff can stay in the van for camping and days out.

Enjoy

Dave

[winchman]

I also needed 8 seats but needed the Bongo to be seen as a camper in the eyes of the insurance as the cost went from £1000 to £200 as a classic camper on limited miles, so I made this.

The issue you will have with a rear kitchen is it has to be very compact as you only have a small space availible as you need all 8, with the seats all the way back, once you start making a bigger kitchen you will loose leg room.
At Notlob says with 5 kids and two adults I feel you need a trailer.
I have a Tin top and have slightly altered a VW T3 full length roof rack to fit, I can carry all sorts on it and it wll take two roof boxes.

You will need an awning for cooking / sleeping in

[thevanarchist]

Hmmm. I was kind of assuming that insurance companies would want a van that has been re-registered by DVLA as a camper, rather than a simple removable rear kitchen module. Do you mind me asking who you are insured with? I ask as I'm preparing a project to do a simple rear conversion myself (still not sure if I will be keeping all 8 seats or not - will probably start with and take it form there) and obviously if I can get camper rates as it progresses that would be helpful.

[winchman]

Many insurance companies realise the DVLA can be funny over classification of motor homes / campers so have there own criteria.
I have used Pete Best and Adrian Flux as these two would do campers with 8 seats most wont.
Remember.
It left the factory with fixed seats that convert to a bed, but also convert to a table and seating for four people.
I then added a sink, two burner hob and storage cupboard, the insurance are happy with this.
My kitchen is not quick release, but take the spare wheel off and undo 4 screws and its out, needing tools is the key point.

[Mark Elvin]

There are a couple of very neat rear kitchens out there that fit behind the third row of seats.

Have a look at JAL, Northstar Conversions & Clearcut Conversions websites. They are reffered to as Rear Weekender or Slimbacks.

[Queenie77]

Thanks all for your comments

Electrics was a key thought of mine and having flexibility with power so both hook up and leisure battery sounds important. Yeah having storage where I can leave essentials in the van will be a must have for me as it takes me ages to get anything packed up! The slimback / rear weekender kitchens look great, will have a closer look for sure. Hadnt thought about a trailer but is a good idea as well will have limited space in the van. As for lighting - how do you all find the lights? Are the van lights ok or do you have extra fitted? I have seen led push button ones that look neat but not sure how bright they are, will need to test them.... Lots of fun to be had

[philpdr]

I've changed all the standard interior light bulbs to led's,in the cab light one led bulb is brighter than the 2 halogens put together.I've also got a battery charger fitted permanently so if I'm on hookup I can charge the leisure and starter batteries if needed.

[winchman]

There are a couple of very neat rear kitchens out there that fit behind the third row of seats.

Have a look at JAL, Northstar Conversions & Clearcut Conversions websites. They are reffered to as Rear Weekender or Slimbacks.

Just check but I think all the above encroach in to the seating space so you have to consider if you will have enough leg room.
Personally I would be looking for cheap small caravan to tow

[Mark Elvin]

There are a couple of very neat rear kitchens out there that fit behind the third row of seats.

Have a look at JAL, Northstar Conversions & Clearcut Conversions websites. They are reffered to as Rear Weekender or Slimbacks.

Just check but I think all the above encroach in to the seating space so you have to consider if you will have enough leg room.
Personally I would be looking for cheap small caravan to tow

They fit behind thethird row of seats, We nearly bout one but decided we never use the third row so couod afford to lose them.

[winchman]

There are a couple of very neat rear kitchens out there that fit behind the third row of seats.

Have a look at JAL, Northstar Conversions & Clearcut Conversions websites. They are reffered to as Rear Weekender or Slimbacks.

Just check but I think all the above encroach in to the seating space so you have to consider if you will have enough leg room.
Personally I would be looking for cheap small caravan to tow

They fit behind thethird row of seats, We nearly bout one but decided we never use the third row so couod afford to lose them.

I might be wrong but as far as I am aware the commercially available versions have to have the rear seat moved forwards a little bit so you would loose some leg room.
It took a good few weeks to design mine as it fits but the rear seat is all the way back against its stop so you have the maximum leg room and the smallest possible kitchen