Bongo Fury

You can use gutter mounts for the roof box but, on the ones I have seen, you have to remove the roof box and roof bars before you can lift the roof. The box is quite difficult to remove from the bars due to the height - I have to use a step ladder to remove our box and I'm 6'3". The bars can be awkward to remove without damaging the roof too. It would be a pain each time you camp to remove it all and put it all back on.

The rear mount boxes are a better solution, or better still a factory fitted AFT is in my opinion a better option over the after market roofs.

JAL are all tin tops so they will have to fit a mushroom roof - looks like this will be our bongo with the added extra's from JAL:-

unconverted MPV with mushroom roof
mesh front nets (not stormproof only shower proof) Not sure about this yet
coolant alarm
underseal

maybe's

an immobilise
rear rack and a rear tailgate storage box
mushroom mk3 mattress dual foam
silver insulation screens

its all mounting up but I don't want to scrimp and regret something

scuffe wrote:JAL are all tin tops so they will have to fit a mushroom roof - looks like this will be our bongo with the added extra's from JAL:-

unconverted MPV with mushroom roof
mesh front nets (not stormproof only shower proof) Not sure about this yet
coolant alarm
underseal

maybe's

an immobilise
rear rack and a rear tailgate storage box
mushroom mk3 mattress dual foam
silver insulation screens

its all mounting up but I don't want to scrimp and regret something

If you opt for a rear rack and storage box, you might be well advised to fit air assistors to rear suspension to prevent suspension from grounding. I suppose a trailer is not an option? A lightweight Erde/Daxara with a lid tows with no fuss, detaches easily, and gives excellent weatherproof storage on site.

You could save a bit of dosh by making your own insulation screens..

thanks Mikeonb4c

I have no problem with a small trailer suppose I would need a tow bar fitted
think I will just get the bongo and use it a few times and add bits as I get used to it - this year will only be short weekends breaks and possibly a week somewhere

scuffe wrote:thanks Mikeonb4c

I have no problem with a small trailer suppose I would need a tow bar fitted
think I will just get the bongo and use it a few times and add bits as I get used to it - this year will only be short weekends breaks and possibly a week somewhere

Yes, these decisions don't have to be made at once. Might be worth seeing what best price from JAL for towbar fitting might be as compared with quotes elsewhere. The other great thing about a weatherproof trailer is that gear can live in it and be ready to go at a moments notice. I keep my trailer in the garage where it all stays super dry and means it and its contents can be pulled outside in a moment if i need my workshop

storing the trailer could be a slight issue , towbar costs £215

scuffe wrote:storing the trailer could be a slight issue , towbar costs £215

Yes, sounds on balance like a trailer might not be right for you.

Mushroom roof is out as they are not fitted to MPV only campers .

scuffe wrote:Mushroom roof is out as they are not fitted to MPV only campers .

Huh? Whyever not?

Because Phil has just said unless we go for the full camper we can only have the sky lift roof

scuffe wrote:Because Phil has just said unless we go for the full camper we can only have the sky lift roof

I wonder why he applies that restriction. Oh well it is what it is i guess.

Weird statement from Phil - unless it's just a way of trying to persuade you to have his conversion. You can get roofs elsewhere too - just sayin'

Yep. He told me the same thing about the mushroom roof. I'm waiting for the call to go up and view mine. Supposed to have docked mid-June, but no news yet as regards arriving at JAL. Patience is a virtue I suppose.

As you are going for an un converted Bongo .. can I ask you why JAL ..??

There are many more Bongo importers with a very good reputation who would supply what you want as opposed to what they want ..

Before any negative comments ... I have a JAL Mushroom V6 ..I have to say nice Mazda mechanics .. quality of conversion verses cost ..???

I am well known to be 'anti dealer' .. to me most dealers are not your friend .. they simply see you as a source of financing there mortgage and business ..

Also shop around for possible costs .. as an example when a roof catch broke on mine ...



I was quoted £80 (supply only) for the pair .. I sourced two brand new ones easily from eBay for around £10 ..

Hi Mike

We went to JAL as he seems to have the most stock and they all seem high quality so I guess its peace of mind, also searching this forum there is was no negative comments regarding the vehicle or after sales service. Originally we were going for a conversion but only just decided to use as an MPV to get a feel for it and see what would work for us as a family. We will probably get JAL to fit the conversion once we have decided what's best for us but its just disappointing we couldn't get the mushroom roof in the interim