Mine is my only vehicle. He takes a my granddaughter to the park, takes stuff to the tip and gets the shopping. Over New Year I was camping with other Bongonaughts. I have a small drive away awning and it's the perfect set up for me. Would not want any other vehicle now. Great video. Do you leave the door open if you are using your gas cooker? I always worry about the fumes if I'm making a coffee on mine.
Brilliant! I really need to get out to some Bongo meet ups! I did the annual bongo bash a few years ago which was great fun. When using the stove I always have that window open (it's hard to see on the video) and the window on the sliding door was open too. When cooking I generally have the sliding door open a bit as well. Cheers 👍
I love my Bongo as a daily driver. She's a converted 2.0 litre with an aftermarket roof. Just fitted an LPG system to make her a little more economical and now she's perfect! Not too big around town and the turning circle makes her more akin to a car when you're in a tight spot. Couldn't go back to driving a car now - especially since I'm used to the higher driving position. Feels so much safer than being in a low down car.
Sounds like we have the same set up! I agree on all the points you've made, the high driving position is great isn't it! Makes driving a pleasure rather than a chore. Thanks for your feedback 👍
I live in Oklahoma and I have a 1996 Bongo friendee, it does not charge its battery in the kit that came from the factory,( kitchen, sink) where can I get the solution and some accessories. What do you advise me to do?
The Bongo Friendee gets twice as many miles to the gallon as a Chevy Suburban and almost twice as many as a Jeep Grand Cherokee. You can’t stand up in those vehicles. We do have minivans with similar fuel economy but you can’t stand up in those either. It’s funny hearing Europeans call the Bongo “thirsty.” My only real question Is how mechanically reliable is it? I have heard about the potential overheating problems and the potential the rust and rot. I will take precautions to prevent this. I have a Friendee arriving in a couple of weeks. I’m hoping to be able to prove to those shocked at the risk I’ve taken, in buying such an unfamiliar vehicle, that the choice was a no-brainer. 🍀
With our fuel prices I’m pleased it’s not any more thirsty than it is! It’s the most reliable vehicle I’ve owned to date. Mine is the 2ltr petrol version. I don’t do a lot of maintenance outside of an oil change every year. But yes there can be coolant issues if you’re unlucky with corroded pipes, but get underneath and really inspect the coolant pipes and you’ll be good. They are great fun vehicles so I’m sure you’ll be happy with it 👍
My Bongo is an unconverted AFT which we use in the summer months in conjunction with a drive away awning & In that way we can make the van into a proper double bed. It is also my daily driver (200 miles per week) & gets serviced every year & it has proven totally reliable. Like yours mine is dual fuel with LPG so half price motoring! For days out we normally go thermos flask with picnic. I'm very much enjoying the channel. Cheers!👍
Getting some good usage there!! I reckon this has been the most reliable vehicle I've owned which I wasn't expecting when I bought it. I think one thing I forgot is just how nice they are to drive as well. Glad you're enjoying the channel 😁
I have a Bongo (Freda actually) 2.5 diesel 4X4 and love it. It’s my only car so use it for everything. I was lucky my job was only 10 mins away and now I’m retired anyway. Such a useful vehicle, a car, van and campervan all in one. Living in rural Cumbria the 4 wheel drive comes in useful too. I’m especially lucky that my local Bongo specialist is only 1/2 an hour away for any problems that need sorting out but touch wood none really yet. Parts seem fairly cheap so the only real expense is fuel. I’m getting a regular low thirties on hilly local roads plus a bit of town and motorway but not much. I don’t dawdle around but the key is gentle (most of the time 🤔) acceleration. All in all Freda is great fun 😃 So much so that my partner sold her Suzuki Vitara and now she has a Bongo too 👍
Sounds like you've lucked out with having a Bongo/Ford Freda specialist close by!! Love the fact that you've both got a Bongo ha ha, that is great, I'll have to convince the wife to trade her car in for one now. Cheers 👍 👍
Just to say a T5 will fit in a parking space - I've had one but I prefer the Freda! I just got a 97 plate Diesel with 92K on it FSH ad 12 months clean MOT for £6495! - I literally use mine every weekend for work as accommodation and I am getting around 320 miles to a tank can't complain.. that's at the current price - wondering if I can run it on Bio like I used to run my P reg laguna but not going to risk it - she's done 136 miles between the last MOT's and never done more than 3000 miles at any time - I love my little Freda! 4.5M long so gets in any space.
Oh we adore our tintop Bongo... it's a great all-round vehicle, great for holidays, great for commuting, shopping and visiting .... we can park it anywhere, yes we love cooking and sleeping in it, and for a day out its a great base for getting changed in etc.... yes it drinks petrol but we don't need to pay for starbucks and mcdonalds or restuarants so actually we save money
@@VantasticIdeas Plus i absolutely adore my Bongo.... i don't think i've ever 'loved' a vehicle before..... it's like it's part of the family, not just a car
My 98 TD has served me very well. Definitely looking to get a newer one in the next year or so and convert to LPG. Obviously a lot are tin tops, I’d love it if you could find someone near you with a AFT and do a comparison on the aftermarket top.
Yes, that would be good. I know my aftermarket roof is definitely smaller (mainly lower) than the original AFT, still very useable though. I have considered experimenting altering my pop top to make it higher as that's my main bugbear with it. Cheers 👍
Great videos i watch them all! I have an older bongo than yours but it’s fully converted to campervan with the auto free top and deisel . What advantage dose the solar panel give you? I ask this as I have been away for a week and the battery (110ah) coped fine with 30min charge from alternator each day. So a drive to the beach or next site was enough. Does the panel effect your entry to car parks?
Thanks for watching the videos :) The solar is great for days when you're not driving around and also not on electric hook up. On a sunny day the van can be boiling inside so the fridge is working overtime to keep up, so having the solar panel to basically run everything (and charge phones/tablets) is great. I've just replaced my leisure battery to a 110ah and it's been pretty good so far. And if the van is sat on the drive for extended periods it will be topping up the leisure battery. For me it's a good addition. As for barrier height, I can get under 2.2m barriers, but I've not measured the roof height (I need to do that!!). My roof bars are the highest point on the roof at the moment. On the original AFT roofs you can get a nice kit ready to go for the AFT or you could install a flexible panel that is totally flat so no problem with barrier height? Cheers 👍
Just fulfilled my long-time ambition and bought a Bongo: I'm so excited just thinking about all the places I'm going to. Pick her up tomorrow, conversion kit on Wednesday and then the fun of getting her exactly how I want her. It'll be me and my little guys, 2 Chihuahuas, 3 years old Peanut and 4 months old Pepper. I've got a list that I began 50 years ago of the places I'm going to visit now that I'm retired, and I can't wait to get started. Thanks for your video confirming that I've made the correct decision.
Congratulations! Do u mind if I ask, “What conversion kit?” I’m also expecting a Bongo AFT, which I will use as a daily driver, and for quick camping trips. Trying to learn as much as possible and I just enjoy seeing what people have done with them and other campers. 😊 Enjoy!
Hi Alan, Glad you found the channel and I hope you enjoy the content. I always find myself admiring the Hitop vans, I bet it's nice being able to stand up without faffing with the roof? I've never been in one before. Cheers 👍
Hi! Really great videos. Collecting my Bongo tomorrow and planning to copy your layout! Thanks so much for the brilliant content. Really well thought out and innovative. Can I ask what your flooring is and whether you installed it / removed original carpet / insulation etc? Thanks in advance and hope to see more videos soon.
Hi! thanks for the positive feedback :) The flooring was already in when I bought the van. The previous owner mentioned it was flooring they use in hospitals! so very hard wearing. Have fun with your new Bongo!!! Cheers 👍
Oh yes, I definitely want one, but I've got a space issue due to the LPG stuff being in the way of the normal space under the passenger seat. Hopefully going to rip out the rear heater parts and put it there. Cheers 👍
Great videos, keep it up. We have a 95 2.5 Diesel with the Auto Free Top. It's our only car and definitely love the space it provides. There are two issues for me which are inconvenient but acceptable overall. Firstly the height, ours is just over 2m so there are quite a few car parks with height restrictions that we can't use. Secondly the vehicle falls foul of the ULEZ rules in London and some other cities. Overall, great vehicle though and in combination with the use trains is perfect for us.
Thanks! Height can be an issue for sure and is par of the course for a lot of vans. Not actually sure how my 2ltr petrol fairs on the ULEZ front, so might have look into that. I just hope that I can keep mine going for as long as I need it. Happy bongoing!! Cheers 👍
Thanks
Mine is my only vehicle. He takes a my granddaughter to the park, takes stuff to the tip and gets the shopping. Over New Year I was camping with other Bongonaughts. I have a small drive away awning and it's the perfect set up for me. Would not want any other vehicle now. Great video. Do you leave the door open if you are using your gas cooker? I always worry about the fumes if I'm making a coffee on mine.
Brilliant! I really need to get out to some Bongo meet ups! I did the annual bongo bash a few years ago which was great fun.
When using the stove I always have that window open (it's hard to see on the video) and the window on the sliding door was open too. When cooking I generally have the sliding door open a bit as well. Cheers 👍
I love my Bongo as a daily driver. She's a converted 2.0 litre with an aftermarket roof. Just fitted an LPG system to make her a little more economical and now she's perfect! Not too big around town and the turning circle makes her more akin to a car when you're in a tight spot. Couldn't go back to driving a car now - especially since I'm used to the higher driving position. Feels so much safer than being in a low down car.
Sounds like we have the same set up!
I agree on all the points you've made, the high driving position is great isn't it! Makes driving a pleasure rather than a chore. Thanks for your feedback 👍
I live in Oklahoma and I have a 1996 Bongo friendee, it does not charge its battery in the kit that came from the factory,( kitchen, sink) where can I get the solution and some accessories. What do you advise me to do?
I have Bongo too))) Amazing car and I love so much))) Greetings from Siberia😉
Greetings! I've just subscribed to your channel!! a Bongo in Siberia is too good to miss. Cheers 👍👍
The Bongo Friendee gets twice as many miles to the gallon as a Chevy Suburban and almost twice as many as a Jeep Grand Cherokee. You can’t stand up in those vehicles. We do have minivans with similar fuel economy but you can’t stand up in those either. It’s funny hearing Europeans call the Bongo “thirsty.”
My only real question Is how mechanically reliable is it? I have heard about the potential overheating problems and the potential the rust and rot. I will take precautions to prevent this. I have a Friendee arriving in a couple of weeks. I’m hoping to be able to prove to those shocked at the risk I’ve taken, in buying such an unfamiliar vehicle, that the choice was a no-brainer. 🍀
With our fuel prices I’m pleased it’s not any more thirsty than it is!
It’s the most reliable vehicle I’ve owned to date. Mine is the 2ltr petrol version. I don’t do a lot of maintenance outside of an oil change every year. But yes there can be coolant issues if you’re unlucky with corroded pipes, but get underneath and really inspect the coolant pipes and you’ll be good.
They are great fun vehicles so I’m sure you’ll be happy with it 👍
My Bongo is an unconverted AFT which we use in the summer months in conjunction with a drive away awning & In that way we can make the van into a proper double bed. It is also my daily driver (200 miles per week) & gets serviced every year & it has proven totally reliable. Like yours mine is dual fuel with LPG so half price motoring! For days out we normally go thermos flask with picnic. I'm very much enjoying the channel. Cheers!👍
Getting some good usage there!! I reckon this has been the most reliable vehicle I've owned which I wasn't expecting when I bought it. I think one thing I forgot is just how nice they are to drive as well.
Glad you're enjoying the channel 😁
I have a Bongo (Freda actually) 2.5 diesel 4X4 and love it.
It’s my only car so use it for everything. I was lucky my job was only 10 mins away and now I’m retired anyway.
Such a useful vehicle, a car, van and campervan all in one.
Living in rural Cumbria the 4 wheel drive comes in useful too.
I’m especially lucky that my local Bongo specialist is only 1/2 an hour away for any problems that need sorting out but touch wood none really yet.
Parts seem fairly cheap so the only real expense is fuel. I’m getting a regular low thirties on hilly local roads plus a bit of town and motorway but not much.
I don’t dawdle around but the key is gentle (most of the time 🤔) acceleration.
All in all Freda is great fun 😃
So much so that my partner sold her Suzuki Vitara and now she has a Bongo too 👍
Sounds like you've lucked out with having a Bongo/Ford Freda specialist close by!! Love the fact that you've both got a Bongo ha ha, that is great, I'll have to convince the wife to trade her car in for one now. Cheers 👍 👍
Just to say a T5 will fit in a parking space - I've had one but I prefer the Freda! I just got a 97 plate Diesel with 92K on it FSH ad 12 months clean MOT for £6495! - I literally use mine every weekend for work as accommodation and I am getting around 320 miles to a tank can't complain.. that's at the current price - wondering if I can run it on Bio like I used to run my P reg laguna but not going to risk it - she's done 136 miles between the last MOT's and never done more than 3000 miles at any time - I love my little Freda!
4.5M long so gets in any space.
That's good milage for a 97 plate. Sounds like you've got a nice Freda on your hands!
Oh we adore our tintop Bongo... it's a great all-round vehicle, great for holidays, great for commuting, shopping and visiting .... we can park it anywhere, yes we love cooking and sleeping in it, and for a day out its a great base for getting changed in etc.... yes it drinks petrol but we don't need to pay for starbucks and mcdonalds or restuarants so actually we save money
Sounds like we are on the same page. They really are so versatile and quirky. Cheers 👍
@@VantasticIdeas Plus i absolutely adore my Bongo.... i don't think i've ever 'loved' a vehicle before..... it's like it's part of the family, not just a car
My 98 TD has served me very well. Definitely looking to get a newer one in the next year or so and convert to LPG. Obviously a lot are tin tops, I’d love it if you could find someone near you with a AFT and do a comparison on the aftermarket top.
Yes, that would be good. I know my aftermarket roof is definitely smaller (mainly lower) than the original AFT, still very useable though. I have considered experimenting altering my pop top to make it higher as that's my main bugbear with it. Cheers 👍
Really good video well enjoyed it I have an elgrand and I really enjoy it
Thanks! How do you find the Elgrand? They look great to me, are they about the same size as a Bongo?
Great videos i watch them all! I have an older bongo than yours but it’s fully converted to campervan with the auto free top and deisel . What advantage dose the solar panel give you? I ask this as I have been away for a week and the battery (110ah) coped fine with 30min charge from alternator each day. So a drive to the beach or next site was enough. Does the panel effect your entry to car parks?
Thanks for watching the videos :)
The solar is great for days when you're not driving around and also not on electric hook up. On a sunny day the van can be boiling inside so the fridge is working overtime to keep up, so having the solar panel to basically run everything (and charge phones/tablets) is great. I've just replaced my leisure battery to a 110ah and it's been pretty good so far. And if the van is sat on the drive for extended periods it will be topping up the leisure battery. For me it's a good addition.
As for barrier height, I can get under 2.2m barriers, but I've not measured the roof height (I need to do that!!). My roof bars are the highest point on the roof at the moment. On the original AFT roofs you can get a nice kit ready to go for the AFT or you could install a flexible panel that is totally flat so no problem with barrier height?
Cheers 👍
They do rot. After buy 3 pannel to weld in It was found that there was nothing to weld to so more was needed .got dun. But now its like new under it.
It's a real problem with these vans, hopefully you'll get many more years out of your van now :)
But like v w campers you pay £2.000 on welding and get another 20 years out of it.
Please show petrol engine bongo van
My van is a petrol bongo so just flick through the videos. cheers 👍
Just fulfilled my long-time ambition and bought a Bongo: I'm so excited just thinking about all the places I'm going to. Pick her up tomorrow, conversion kit on Wednesday and then the fun of getting her exactly how I want her. It'll be me and my little guys, 2 Chihuahuas, 3 years old Peanut and 4 months old Pepper. I've got a list that I began 50 years ago of the places I'm going to visit now that I'm retired, and I can't wait to get started. Thanks for your video confirming that I've made the correct decision.
Hi Lynette, That's great to hear :) Sounds like this has been a long time coming, I hope you have many great adventures in your Bongo :) cheers!!
Congratulations! Do u mind if I ask, “What conversion kit?” I’m also expecting a Bongo AFT, which I will use as a daily driver, and for quick camping trips. Trying to learn as much as possible and I just enjoy seeing what people have done with them and other campers. 😊 Enjoy!
Just found your channel. I have had a 2.5l V6 petrol hitop for 10 years now and love it. Regards AJ
Hi Alan, Glad you found the channel and I hope you enjoy the content. I always find myself admiring the Hitop vans, I bet it's nice being able to stand up without faffing with the roof? I've never been in one before. Cheers 👍
Hi! Really great videos. Collecting my Bongo tomorrow and planning to copy your layout! Thanks so much for the brilliant content. Really well thought out and innovative. Can I ask what your flooring is and whether you installed it / removed original carpet / insulation etc? Thanks in advance and hope to see more videos soon.
Hi! thanks for the positive feedback :)
The flooring was already in when I bought the van. The previous owner mentioned it was flooring they use in hospitals! so very hard wearing.
Have fun with your new Bongo!!! Cheers 👍
😃
Great vid as usual 😃
Thanks 👍
Love this! We have a run down bongo we are bringing back to life!
Thanks :) another bongo being kept alive is always a beautiful thing!! cheers 👍
@@VantasticIdeas a beauty indeed!
Oh.....it's a cooking show....lol
Any excuse to eat corned beef hash :)
@@VantasticIdeasI didn't realize corned beef hash had made it's way to Europe.... Love the setup and insight!
Hi have thought about fitting a diesel heater
Oh yes, I definitely want one, but I've got a space issue due to the LPG stuff being in the way of the normal space under the passenger seat. Hopefully going to rip out the rear heater parts and put it there. Cheers 👍
@@VantasticIdeas look forward to that video
Very best
Thanks!! 👍
Great videos, keep it up. We have a 95 2.5 Diesel with the Auto Free Top. It's our only car and definitely love the space it provides. There are two issues for me which are inconvenient but acceptable overall. Firstly the height, ours is just over 2m so there are quite a few car parks with height restrictions that we can't use. Secondly the vehicle falls foul of the ULEZ rules in London and some other cities. Overall, great vehicle though and in combination with the use trains is perfect for us.
Thanks! Height can be an issue for sure and is par of the course for a lot of vans. Not actually sure how my 2ltr petrol fairs on the ULEZ front, so might have look into that. I just hope that I can keep mine going for as long as I need it. Happy bongoing!!
Cheers 👍
I have a 97 Freda also a AFT - love it :)
Que tal funciona el motor?