Top 3 Tips???

[briwy]

That's interesting - who did the conversion? How much does it hold? Do you have to drain it in winter? Do you also have a container for waste water?

It holds about 30 litres full but we never fill it up, usually about 10 litres in and then we top it up on site if necessary.
Always drain it in the winter. Not used so much then anyway and we would just use a small container and keep it inside to prevent freezing up.

Not got a waste one on this Bongo but did have one on our first van. It was fitted in the space where the rear heater is in the drivers side sill.

[dom_e]

I've seen some of Ed's work and, it is indeed top stuff. We never had the fund to have a proper job done, but he'd certainly be a guy I'd approach to turn our DIY job into a smart solution.

[Luke and Debs]

we have grey as our van is two tones silver so looks good as in keeping with the van.

as for floor we have a black specalled floor. good as does not show the dirt. but ed has loads of floor colours to look at so u can pick whatever takes ur eye.

nothing really extra to have as has most things.

only thing i would add is maybe a book hold behind the drivers seat on the side of fridge pannel but depend on how big the drive is as to how far back u want the seat. also ask ed what extras he does

luke

[Cashew]

Glad I opted for an additional 12 volt cigar lighter type outlet next to the zig unit running off the leisure battery, should have got another one fitted

Not opted for the whale type water pump external connector, I don't think I'll ever use this. Should have opted for under floor water storage.

I have a feeling I'm going to wish I had a proper or erberspaecher heating system, this winter

Cashew

[Dodgey]

12v socket at the very rear - i.e. pointing rearwards - very good for plugging in inflators, shower etc.

Levelling ramps - I bought mine to make up an order for postal delivery - turns out I've used them every time I've camped

[Velocette]

There is a purifying system you can get that allows you to use the same water for weeks and I believe it is drinkable. It is expensive though and frost would still be a problem I guess you would still have to drain it or use trace heating. You don't need to put clean water in you can use stream water for example

The chap I sold a spare wheel to was telling me about it. Me I just carry a water carrier and two small nested washing up bowls and drink bottled tap water or hot drinks.

If you are staying overnight in the winter you want a Webasto or Eberpacher heater, The only time I have used my heater overnight was at Krufts funnily enough and as it was just me I sleot on a camp bed downstairs, we usually sleep upstairs where the heater is of little use. It needs to be run off the leisure battery really as you don't want to drain the main battery overnight really.

You will want new wiring I think to run a fridge, the wiring to the 12V boot socket isn/t man enough, I did mine in 2X6mm.

Don't let the converter remove the rear aircon, it is fantastic for dogs.

[alimey]

Many thanks everyone - Bongo is now back & nicely converted by Ed & his team at Celtic Motorhomes. Last week I took it on its maiden (converted) voyage & everything performed absolutely flawlessly.

I did get an extra 12v - but didn't get one at the back (good idea - just didn't get the post in time).

The heater/ac unit in the back remains connected (although relocated) - although for my breed of dog it's the heater that's the important part of the equation! I also bought an Animalarm so I can tell what the temperature is in the back if I ever leave the dogs in the van.

I got flush doors which I love - very neat & sleek.

I can't afford a diesel heater at present - so if cold camping it's either a dog or 2 in the bed, or a hook-up and fan heater.

I haven't bought levelling ramps yet - but may do in the future.

The very best thing I took with me when I went away for a week dog training was my storage tent. It held everything not needed in the van.