Question about Prep before DIY kitchen build

[kingfisher]

Hi all I am new to the forum, and planning to buy a Bongo sometime next year.

I am saving my pocket money to hopefully buy a 4x4 model. I wanted to start off with some questions about the DIY kitchens
I would prefer to have fitted a side kitchen conversion, as shown in first two pictures in the link below: http://www.convertyourvan.co.uk/mazdabo ... rsion.html

I have two choices either buy a readymade model, at a higher price of around £7-8k or buy a cheaper MPV version, and convert it myself ?.

My question is the how much prepping has to be done to fit them ?.

Apart from the flooring, does the side- trim i.e. panelling/plastic skirting need to be stripped out of the van, or are the kitchens designed to fit over, and around them ?.

here's an example of a stripped out model : http://igmaynard.co.uk/bongo/forum/view ... &start=150

do I have to basically strip the vehicle down to that extent or similar to fit a ready made kitchen system ?.

Appreciate any help.

[Gasy]

Most of them are shaped to go around the interior
Some just remove seat and bolt into floor runners
12v supply can plug into rear cigar lighter and your done

Some swap them back for seats when conversion not needed and 8 seats are required
Others are permanent fixings with rock and roll flat beds

[the1andonly]

look here for ideas

http://www.igmaynard.co.uk/bongo/forum/ ... 47&t=37365

I suggest if pos a fresh import of an mpv (probably difficult for a 4x4)
Use it as it is, look at others talk to people in the flesh.
I'm not impulsive but its taken 2 versions and back problems to buy "what we've got" and not what is best
ie don't hurry

side conversion:
if for 2 people you need in lie in one to find out if enough room.

[mikeonb4c]

Can't add much to the two excellent posts above except to emphasise there's not much point building a great conversion into a tired base vehicle so I'd bias spend towards getting a good base vehicle. You may find you are happy with making simple and inexpensive removable DIY units and retaining the versatility of an unconverted Bongo. That's certainly proved the case for me, as I've always needed more space than a Bongo alone will provide so always cook in an awning. For a couple wanting 'turn up and cook' ability though, I can see that the right bespoke conversion can be attractive. The double bed is barely a double though, if you opt for a side conversion.

[kingfisher]

Thanks for the replies everyone,

Looks like it may be easier to convert than I’m expecting LOL

This is going to be my fishing van, so a permanently fitted system would probably suit me better, at most it will only be for two sharing, but mostly I’ll be on my own.

The side conversion appears to give the best compromise in leg room, and usability, plus obviously I need the room to store my rods holdalls bivvies etc, which are around the 6-7 ft. mark, I should be able to open the side door and rest them against the rear seat, with little effort ?.

I have been watching a few videos and websites, but not yet seen where and how the gas canister for the stove, and water bottles for the sink are stored, I assume they are directly under the appliances themselves, but from the video’s I have seen this doesn’t always seem to be the case?

[helen&tony]

Hi
Mike...
You're right, I'm afraid...Here's the size of beds:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bed_size
No way in creation a side conversion has a double bed, except the JAL super slim model with a 47 inch bed.
For the O.P. if you have the seats down, you can get 2 metres (6'6" and a tad more flat on the floor), so with a rear conversion plus a small hatch in it, you can take your rods by sliding through the conversion...easy job!
Another one to consider if it's a "weekender", is the removable Stimson Explorer kit.....very nice...a friend has one, and they're ideal "weekenders" : http://www.stimsonexplorerkit.co.uk/
Cheers
Helen

[kingfisher]

Thanks H&T for the link to the Stimpson, it looks like a really good piece of kit for small vans, estate cars etc, I’ll look at getting one to use, whilst saving my pennies for the Bongo.

My camper will be used for long weekender, and few times a year for a week or two longer sessions , so I would prefer a more permanent conversion, I‘ll have an awning as well, for cooking the fry-ups etc, and only use the fitted hob for the cleaner types cooking, I don’t fancy the idea of fat & grease getting all over the inside of the camper.

As for the bedding area, I am not bothered it’s not going to be a double bed, with a side kitchen fitted; it still looks like a big single bed which is good enough for my needs.

I’ll mostly be using it on my own, and when I occasionally have someone else with me, they can have the roof bed.
The camper is really going to be enjoyed in the winter months, I can just go take a seat inside, with doors shut, make a brew in comfort, and just wait for the buzzers to go off.

I am still a little puzzled about the gas and water bottle locations however?, would appreciate any feedback about where they usually get placed.

[philpdr]

I've built my own mid conversion,which is basically a side conversion which doesn't run the full length.I have a Smev sink/double burner hob built in to a unit and just put a water container in the cupboard underneath and drop the water pump for the tap into the container.The gas canister for the hob lives in it's own vented section in the base of the rear facing seating unit.
The rear facing seat folds down to make a bed with the rear seats when they're folded flat.If you're anywhere around my area I'd be happy to let you have a look at it.

[honey badger]

I have just bought an AFT for exactly the same reasons..
Mad as it sounds I also have aToyota Land Cruiser, but it's not big enough inside..haha
My ideal day is wintertime, park by my swim, lake usually to myself,get too cold or wet, jump in the van, kettle on, cup of tea, read a book, nap,anything i want,but not cold, wet and able to stay out all day.
I watch the other people huddled under a brolly or shelter,not for me thanks..
I have just bought a rear kitchen unit from Tranzwagon, The Compact Classic Delux,with wheel boxes and table.
When they made the kitchen, had a doors cut in the back,one inside, one outside opposite each other, in the middle.
I can now open both doors and slide my rods through, from outside, and they slide under the seats, straight up the middle.
I only do this if the weather is bad, and don't want the rod bags getting soaked.
The gas and water fits under the sink, and you can get a strap for them to hold them steady.
Iv'e had an Auto Sleeper Trident T4 which I have to say was fantastic, factory converted,but a fixed high top, which was sometimes a bit awkward, car parks, MOT station had to be able to get it in the air.
Also Had a T5 which terrified me with bills..
This AFT ''touch wood'' so far, has made me smile..

[helen&tony]

Hi
Kingfisher...
If you're mainly on your own, then the Bongo is an ideal vehicle. For two, if one kips upstairs it's also good, but...purely a personal viewpoint, the best way to cook is outside...We had a VW Type2...which is wider inside, and it was fully converted...it took a long time doing our own conversion, but we never cooked inside! preferring to cook on the barbie , or a stove, but then we cooked on a barbie outside at home nearly all year round....I never fancied spoiling the inside of the van with grease and smell.
The best thing is to try before you buy...see what it's like unconverted, maybe with a thing like the Stimson, and look at wind-out awnings!
Cheers
Helen