pros and cons of a diy rear kitchen - advice

[Bongo Sully]

Hi all,

been a proud (unconverted) Bongo owner for nearly four years now - but want to finally convert.

Grateful for all the advice on here - some excellent stuff.

However, now looking possibly at a rear diy conversion - so would like some advice/tips on considerations I would need to take into account

1. Would it be best to turn the rear seat around (facing the rear) - have already removed the back bench seat.
2. Would that make sleeping arrangements downstairs difficult?
3. If yes to the above - what do I do about seat belts anchor points?
4.If this seat is turned round (backing on to the front seats - does it restrict (too much) getting in and out of the sliding door.

Apologies if this has all been covered before - but all advice/experience - much appreciated.

thanks

[winchman]

I needed all 8 seats so built this

You now fold the front seats and middle seat down to sleep on.

[alan]

we had the side conversion with 6 seats one been turn around to face the rear the 3point where replaced with lap blets think there where taken of the front seat belt anchor points. there another room to get in and out ok .
if you do a rear conversion then behind it two small box like in this onehttp://clearcutconversions.co.uk/product/rear-weekender/#prettyPhoto then this with a broad could make you bed

[Bongo Sully]

ok guys - thanks for sharing - much appreciated.

[Spencer54]

I have the rear conversion and its a bit of a squeeze getting in and out, but gives a nice lounge feeling.
I've come to the conclusion that the side conversion is the easiest to live with but you'll have a thinner bed.

Like everything its a compromise, so full width bed, and lounge vs access.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/26861283@N00/12222658566

[winchman]

Card board is the key!
Make a kitchen and see if its suitable.
I would love a side conversion but I need 8 seats, so its all about compromise

[been-and-bongo]

Winchman that is amazing. May I ask if you made or bought the cupboards? I have a camping gaz stove and want to make something similar using it.

[winchman]

Designed by me local kitchen fitter made it with a table for £100 then we had to re make it to make it fit but worth it and if I built another it would be easier

[been-and-bongo]

Would you mind if I used your pictures to show a tradesman what I want. Just looked through all the 'show us your innards' and whilst many were gorgeous, yours is exactly what I want!

[winchman]

No problem, let me see yours when its finished
We all need something different as we all have different needs, its a pity you are so far away as you could have come and had a look at it

[Bongo Sully]

I have the rear conversion and its a bit of a squeeze getting in and out, but gives a nice lounge feeling.
I've come to the conclusion that the side conversion is the easiest to live with but you'll have a thinner bed.

Like everything its a compromise, so full width bed, and lounge vs access.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/26861283@N00/12222658566

As has already been said - your arrangement is excellent - exactly what I would like to reproduce - looks great - especially like the 'lounge feeling'.
With the middle seats reversed - is it that much of a squeeze using the side door for access?

Sully

[winchman]

Its a bit tight with the middle seat reversed but manageable and much better as a lounge, I moved mine back to forward facing as the elderly inlaws found it more difficult to get in and out.
I did look at making them commercially but I am happy for you to make one for your own use as several people already have I did have a drawing but cant put my hand on it at the moment.
Its not to every ones needs so it limits the market and getting appliances to fit is difficult, I used a domestic hob converted to LPG and a cut down sink from a Coach.
The cheapest way is to just use one of these stoves

http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stor ... yId_165650
and a washing up bowl from £1 land
It wont meet the DVLA Camper van regs but you can cook etc and build it very cheaply.
Some one from North Wales ( sorry cant remember his name) built his own using what ever he had to hand cost about £20 and was excellent
I do have another unique design that I might make this summer, its the same idea but more compact

[winchman]

Just a top tip
I added a luggage net as coats etc end up piled on top of the kitchen this stops them falling out when you open the boot

The brackets are caravan window stays same as this as I was breaking a caravan at the time and they fitted looked good and dint snag on stuff
http://www.caravan-breakers.net/caravan ... -228-p.asp
The net is a £1 land one taken to bits and re tied total cost £1

[Spencer54]

Getting in and out is OK, not perfect as the seat length kind of covers the opening.
But I think if I moved the seat back a bit more on the runners it'll make a big difference.

If I had the swivelling seat - It'd probably be the best layout of all.