Bongo Fury

Hello everybody,

We bought our Bongo last week to replace a smaller self-converted Renault Kangoo as we hope to camp even more this year. We really love her and enjoyed our first nights in it. But there a couple of issues we'd love to get solved.

One of the primary reasons we opted for a larger campervan was the option to sleep "upstairs". Our campervan was converted last year by northern star which included adding an elevating roof and a tent. Despite there is a ventilation hole in the roof, there are no windows or anything in the tent and we found that we cannot really sleep upstairs as it is too much moisture there by 5am so we can hardly breathe. Do you think there any way around it please? Or the only option is to change the tent? We were thinking of a window in the roof as well. But again these two may be expensive (or not?)..

The second issue is we have a rear conversion which is quite convenient apart from lack of storage space. So far I've come up with an idea of hanging Fiamma camping organisers on the handles near side windows, but they do not look particularly good there. Any recommendations on how one could improve storage space in a rear converted model please?

The original AFT has both a window and two sets of Zips one the "eyebrow" is up the top front and gives brilliant ventilation, why did you decide to go for a Tintop with added tent rather than an AFT ?

g8dhe wrote:The original AFT has both a window and two sets of Zips one the "eyebrow" is up the top front and gives brilliant ventilation, why did you decide to go for a Tintop with added tent rather than an AFT ?

Well, that's stupid, but it was quite a spontaneous purchase really... I should have read more about various issues. It's just we liked this particular vehicle. No rust, good condition, relatively low mileage, i have not even thought about details like roof.

Called the conversion guys (north star were very polite and helpful). Apparently, the roof was installed by JAL. Called JAL straight away. They blame the previous owner for extra moisture. I don't see much logic in it though. There is no mould or anything. The previous owner had a car for only half a year and by the look of it cared about it...

At the end of - not particularly nice, a bit hostile I'd say - conversation with JAL they suggested I should install a grill into the board (tent floor)... Hmm, I'd rather install the skylight though. Any recommendations if I may ask?..

How about putting in a rooflight (like in a caravan)!

janie wrote:How about putting in a rooflight (like in a caravan)!

Thinking about it actually. Thank you! Would you know a good installer please? (South East England ideally)

Ignis wrote:

g8dhe wrote:The original AFT has both a window and two sets of Zips one the "eyebrow" is up the top front and gives brilliant ventilation, why did you decide to go for a Tintop with added tent rather than an AFT ?

Well, that's stupid, but it was quite a spontaneous purchase really... I should have read more about various issues. It's just we liked this particular vehicle. No rust, good condition, relatively low mileage, i have not even thought about details like roof.

Ah OK, I just wondered if there was a particular reason, like lower height to get under barriers etc.

I don't I'm afraid. You could try motorhome conversion specialists or have a look on campervan conversion websites. Mainly I'd say have it done by a professional. After all they'd be cutting a hole in your roof and it needs to be watertight,

janie wrote:I don't I'm afraid. You could try motorhome conversion specialists or have a look on campervan conversion websites. Mainly I'd say have it done by a professional. After all they'd be cutting a hole in your roof and it needs to be watertight,

yes, that's a good point. thanks a lot, Janie!

Might be a bit too far west for you, but Autovan will do that sort of thing: http://www.autovan.co.uk/