We looked at a Bongo before we got the current caravan and travelled down to Poole to see them at the place they fit them out. They were very well kitted out and I wanted one until we looked at one with the bed down. Could'nt use the porta potty and I could'nt see how if the weather was bad how you put the bed down and up again as there was no room for feet. Out of interest and in case we ever need to get rid of the caravan, how do you get the bed down etc. I was shown the mechanics but In the showroom they did not have any of the coats and sleeping bags and paraphanalia that is needed, where do you put that when putting bed down. Obvious answer is a pup tent for storgage but do you have to stand outside in your jim jams for access for doing the bed?.
Hello Carolbay- yep, your comments are spot on. There is room at bottom of bed (only just!) for portapotti though we tend to keep ours outside (either in awning/quechua pop up tent or hidden discreetly behind van) and when bed is being made up there is no room for observers LOL. How we work it is one of us is either brushing teeth doing ablutions etc or sipping wine in tent/awning. I love our Bongo, it suits all our needs and the small size is what is most important to us. However, I am not blind to it's drawbacks. It really is a mindset - we think of it as a car with a bed/cooker etc - we never think of it as a motorhome or mobile caravan and thinking of it our way allows us to appreciate the benefits instead of focussing on the negatives. During the winter (in fact any time of the year) we go away for impulsive overnights using the van only - during the summer it is like back to camping, we have a tent that we use for everything except sleeping. We started off with tent, progressed through a number of caravans (each one bigger, newer and more luxurious) and then to the bongo. The bongo and tent has proved to be our ideal set-up. Not to be considered if you are looking for the comforts of a caravan. It probably is a case of weighing up what is is you want from a small campervan.
Hi Feeblecat, I really fancied being able to go out for days, or show events where food stalls are expensive,.and have everything to hand for picnicing, toilet stop etc and the Bongos' would be bril for us in that. Our caravan is one of the smaller ones so maybe when we can't manage the added cost of insurance, servicing etc for a caravan we will join the ranks of Bongo users
I think perhaps the bongo would supplement your small caravan perfectly in that case - ideal for shows/days away etc but a good tower for longer breaks........I had actually thought along the same lines for a short time but weighing it all up the bongo/tent option is cheaper and suits us better.
Quote: Originally posted by Carolbay on 27/12/2009
I would like that, a Bongo and a caravan! <IMG border=0 align=absMiddle src="https://www.ukcampsite.co.uk/chatter/forum_images/smiley1.gif" width=25 alt=24>
We've had our Bongo for nearly 3 years and it's the best vehicle we've ever owned. It's a great car to drive, it's passed 3 mots with no work needed, it's taken us to France twice and on a mammoth trip of the hebrides etc, etc.
We also have a quechua base pop-up tent so we can store stuff in it and sleep in the Bongo, and a Khyam awning for longer stays.
you need to think ahead with the bongo - when the beds down you can't get to the fridge, bed pulls up from the middle when you're inside and all the bedding can go on front seats while you're folding. I have got a quechua base tent to use for storage and we have a 2 secs folding one for the kids if they want to come too....
can I just ask about curtains - there are the usual blinds and then I have cutains for back window and a velcro stick on one that goes behind the seats - does anyone have a rail with them that go round the front window - was thinking of having one put on...mines an older shape one 1995....mary
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can I just ask about curtains - there are the usual blinds and then I have cutains for back window and a velcro stick on one that goes behind the seats - does anyone have a rail with them that go round the front window - was thinking of having one put on...mines an older shape one 1995....mary
We bought some silver screens for ours, didn't bother with curtains.
Hi Maryn - does it depend on the set up re bed and fridge? We can get into our fridge when the bed is down. The bottom of bed is probably within a centimetre or two of fridge door! Portapotti is exact width of fridge so in extreme emergencies (when it can't be discreetly hidden outside) loo can still be used with bed down in space behind consol. (incidentally, dog sleeps on passenger seat folded down flat!). Sure tests the agility LOL. We have the rocknroll bed - dog travels on back outward facing seat (seat faces back door) with duvets etc in the floorspace bit. When stationery duvet etc can sit on back seat. It does take a bit of discipline and working out to get the set-up to work but it is very doable - and there is a big element of fun to it. Some of our best trips in Bongo have been in the winter when we havent had the extra space of the tent - sitting at night side by side with table in-situ, small flat screen 10" telly strapped to drivers seat, playing cards and drinking gin - very cosy. As before a bit of pre-thought makes it more comfortable - we have small folding down step-stools that double up as footrests and cushions as armrests. I'm talking myself into an overnight as I type!
yes, now you mention it probably does depend on your setup, have an elite conversion in mine and the bed comes half way across the fridge, bit of a nuisance but manageable so far!! I love the cosiness like you say - what sort of heater do you find best - used the oil filled rad last time but have wondered about the small fan with thermostat, low wattage......
Hi, we use the smallest sized oil radiator - can be kept on all night at lowest setting and doesn't take up too much room. Have a fan heater but dont use it as I find the heat inconsistent and the noise of it going on and off during the night always wakes me up.