Bongo Fury

As we are both built for comfort and not speed, we are looking at a full-width rock 'n' roll bed, this option raises three questions:

1) What sort of kitchen options are available? can something fit between the rear of the seats (this is not a camper conversion)
2) Can the Cannon Forge rock 'n' roll bed slide using the existing floor sliders?
3) Does it allow all 3 seatbelts to be used? (middle is lap, others are lap diagonal)

I did a search for Cannon Forge but can't find anyone around SOUTHAMPTON we might be able to call on to see one in real life, anyone fancy a cuppa in return for a peek?

Cheers Bongoliers!

Mr & Mrs Dr B

Purple Pixie wrote:As we are both built for comfort and not speed, we are looking at a full-width rock 'n' roll bed, this option raises three questions:

1) What sort of kitchen options are available? can something fit between the rear of the seats (this is not a camper conversion)
2) Can the Cannon Forge rock 'n' roll bed slide using the existing floor sliders?
3) Does it allow all 3 seatbelts to be used? (middle is lap, others are lap diagonal)

I did a search for Cannon Forge but can't find anyone around SOUTHAMPTON we might be able to call on to see one in real life, anyone fancy a cuppa in return for a peek?

Cheers Bongoliers!

Mr & Mrs Dr B

What about a kitchen that swings out under the tailgate. I've seen it done once or twice and have always fancied trying it. With a lightweight tailgate throwover cover to keep the weather out it would give a very quick way of keeping the full width bed whilst having a proper full height kitchen space. You could perhaps spend your money instead on a memory foam Bongo topper for the standard seats from http://www.comfortzleisure.co.uk (I have one, they're great) and invest the money instead on the swing out kitchen and getting a throwover tailgate awning sewn up. Nick at Comfortzleisure was going to manufacture one for the Bongo and I corresponded with him about it a while back, so he might be receptive? This option would allow you to keep the Bongo with original seats, and I reckon the swing out kitchen and its swing out base could be easily removed when not needed.

It may be worth considering not having a built in kitchen. How about using a compressor fridge (such as the Weaco cf 25) that can be easily lifted in b out and a portable stove? With a bit of imagination and fabrication time, you could make a very compact unit to hold the fridge and stove when you're travelling and cooking.

If you're not bothered about carrying passengers in the rear very often, have the R'n'R seat facing backwards with a conversion across the rear. This is the layout we have although we use the original seat.

Thanks for all the replies, a lot to think about indeed! Keep them coming

I think we are looking at a rock and roll full width bed with a kitchen/storage unit sliding out from under the seat like in this photo, a unit that can be removed if necessary to get the van function back.



[Apologies for the vee-dub content]

I am still keen to see a Cannon Forge bed up close so anyone within spitting distance of Southampton got one we can view - the rounded seat tops would be good to see.....

Simon's seat seems to make up such a good looking bed I don't know that I would personally go for all the cost of a rock and roll bed that would probably give very inferior comfort as seats for passengers on all but short journeys. The pull out kitchen in the picture is very exposed to the elements if it should rain (that material doesn't look very rain friendly). It looks bulky too for what it offers, and the overhang engineering could be trouble prone. And if you should want to put a weather excluding awning over the tailgate there'd be no walk around space or access into the vehicle. With a swing out (or any kitchen unit that lifted out and sat to one side), you'd have that access so could get straight out of bed on a wet windy morning and put the kettle on in privacy. And you'd be using the two bench seats for the bed, so the vehicle remains fully useful as a people mover.

Here is one I prepared earlier


Totally impractical unless the weathers' perfect, but brought the insurance down from £1000 to £200
Cost £150 to build