New member seeking advice

[nicola]

Hello Bongo Forum! New member - living in Bath

I'm hoping to get some feedback as I am about to purchase a bongo and get it converted into a camper and it's a major investment with a vertical learning curve!

My current position is I've seen a V6 in Worcestershire and am hoping not to lose it while I work out which conversion would suit me. I like the idea of a rear conversion. These don't seem very common though. Is there any reason for this? Anyone know someone who is excellent at rear conversions in case the dealer in Worcestershire is unable to create one?

Regards and thank you

Nicola

[Poohbear]

I assume you're talking about JAL. If so they do a rear conversion. I think there are a fair number of rear conversions amongst the people here. Different conversions suit different needs. You probably need to have a chat with Phil and discuss your requirements in detail. Have you had a good look at their website as they show most things on there http://www.jalimports.co.uk/index.html

[g8dhe]

Also give some thought to just how you intend to use the van, how many seats you need, if your using the van for day trips or short breaks (2-3 days) or longer holidays. Worth taking a look at this thread as well showing lots of conversions and ideas http://www.igmaynard.co.uk/bongo/forum/ ... 47&t=37365

[mikeonb4c]

Welcome Rear conversion gives the opportunity for a full width bed, and since Bongos are narrower than VWs etc, this is valuable, as the bed in a side conversion can be a bit narrow for two people. On the other hand, a rear conversion means you can't make best use of the Bongo as a rear loading goods carrier. You'd do well to look at other peoples conversions in helping you decide what might suit you best. Personally, I love the versatility of an unconverted Bongo and I toy with the idea of a swing out removable kitchen unit, with a tailgate throwover awning (though nobody makes exactly what I'd want so I'd have to DIY it)

[sdsk]

Our Bongo came from JAL and is fitted with their Skylift roof.

There are some pictures of our rear conversion on the Bongo Wiki:
http://mazdabongo.wikispaces.com/Conver ... onversions

and photobucket:
http://s156.photobucket.com/user/darron ... ngo?page=1

This conversion was done by K2 campers (http://www.k2campers.co.uk/bongo_conversions.php), based near Southampton.
JAL didn't do rear conversions at the time. The conversions they did do required water and gas to be connected from outside the van ..... so watch out for that.

I've recently added a hanging rail with (Ikea Skubb) organiser in the rear wardobe and a rail on the outside to allow the table to fit on the rear of the kitchen for use when cooking outside.

The rear conversion suits us, as we wanted to keep some proper seats (and belts) for the children that weren't a mile away in the back of the van. Creating a comfortable bed from the folded down seats is something we're still working on.

Good luck!

Darron

[winchman]

Heres my cheap DIY conversion
I didnt have a lot to spend but needed to keep all 8 seats

Cost less than £150

[Bob]

Nicola, since you're so close try and get to Southern Softie near Calne.

Bear in mind the Saturday walk, but everyone will happily show off their conversions and talk pros and cons.

Six years on we're still camping in ours unconverted as it is so versatile.

If stopping on site more than 1 night we use a 2 man tent as a shed, £12 from Asda, goes up in 2 mins, pile the junk in.

We do have a table which fits so we can eat sat on middle seat.

Forum Mod Madmile does a grad job converting.