Mazda Bongo Camper Van Tour | 3 different Layouts/Conversions
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 30 มิ.ย. 2024
- In this video I show you how I tried 3 different conversions to end up with the perfect layout.
Getting the right camper van conversion can be tricky in a small van, check out this video to see what decisions I made to get the right mix for my van.
All music is Royalty Free Music - www.ibaudio.com - ยานยนต์และพาหนะ
What a great video. You've done a real service for bongo owners and potential bongo owners. Well done.
Wow, thank you for the very kind words, appreciate it!! I do love Bongo's :)
@@VantasticIdeas No problem. was it easy enough to secure the kitchen unit? What did you screw it to? I have a conversion in mine but it doesn't suit. I was after something just like yours so looking to pick up some tips. I'll be doing it myself but I'm not as handy as you!
Lovely video. Excellent narration and editing. Love the ingenuity of angling the passenger seat forwards to make a back rest for the box seat. Third layout was perfect. What a legend.
Thanks!! appreciate the positive feedback 😁😁
Привет )) Идеальное решение для такого авто ))) Я сделал по другому. Видимо буду переделывать так же как у тебя )) Круто, молодец ))
Thank you, thank you!!! Thought we were about to watch many many conversion videos to find the best layout for us but nope… you’ve totally nailed it with option 3! To work… 😂
I'm happy that the videos have been useful :)
Well done! 👍
Thanks 👍
Awesome.. last one is definitely the best. Great to see different options for a bongo.. 😊
Thanks :)
Love it man. Thanks for some ideas. I'm going to buy one next spring
Thanks!! good luck with your Bongo search :)
Excellent video.
Thanks!
You’ve cracked it… perfect use of space!
Thanks!! 😁
Excellent stuff. Lots of good ideas that I'm glad I thought of....😋 its hard to envision a more effective use of space.
😆I'm just waiting on the next batch of ideas please...lol. Cheers 👍
We are thinking of getting a bongo. Layout 3 is the best, great video
Thanks! I'm working on a big update at the moment that will make layout 3 even better (I hope!!). Cheers 👍
Brilliant!
Brilliant video thank you! We’ve just bought a Bongo with a rear kitchen but your recent conversion looks like a very tempting change.
The rear conversion has some good benefits if it suits your needs. I think the main thing to watch out for with my conversion is that you have the seat rails that go all the way to the front and if the bed length is good enough. If you watch my bed conversion video ( th-cam.com/video/Qy871J2cICg/w-d-xo.html ) you'll see my final steps for making the bed as useful as possible with this layout.
If you have any questions just let me know!!
Cheers 👍
Very good video.
Thanks 👍
Amazing video. Just what I needed to see. Thank you
Thanks Emma 😁glad you enjoyed it!
@@VantasticIdeas question.. Where did you put the water cans for the sink?
@@emmagrant6671 It's behind the drivers seat and the kitchen unit. It fits nicely at the bottom down there.
And the waste water is routed out of the van underneath.
Came to TH-cam looking for reviews on the full side conversion as I was seriously considering one I’ve seen on eBay, after watching this I think I need a rethink! I definitely prefer the look of the full side style but this looks much more practical to use.
It's food for thought! the only conversion I haven't tried is the full side...maybe one day 😅I haven't looked back since doing this conversion though, I've got a few more tweaks to do it to make it even better. Cheers 👍
Excellent work! And it looks extremely comfortable. We're just awaiting a new import/conversion, which is due in early June. Now thinking I should have gone for the MPV version and custom built the inside. Maybe next time!
Thanks 👍If it's already done then at least you can get on with enjoying the van! should be nice being a fresh import, make sure the undersealing is done when it gets here. Here's to Bongo adventures, cheers!
Love your ideas I have a bongo
Thanks my fellow Bongonaut :) I've got a lot more videos to come!
Very impressive
, less is definitely more in this conversion . 👍
Thanks 👍
Superb video mate ,Just inherited a mazda bongo
Thanks! welcome to the club :) great vans!!
Very useful details
Thanks 👍😁
Nice so many options. Thanks. Here in Phillipines we have lots of Bongos also and I do also. Though camping is not yet very popular here but we lovw the van bec its very reliable. More on diesel version since diesel fuel is more cheap here. Thanks for sharing.
Hello from the UK! I Didn't realise they were popular in the Phillipines!! good to hear the Bongo is in use all over the world :) thanks!
great video .. well done!
Thanks 😀
Sage words about the fitted hob - I like having ours for an occasional cup of tea, but for cooking I'm always going outside with a folding table and a separate hob set. I like your set up - I'm thinking a 3/4 rock n roll bed with a side bench/storage box set up for a full width bed, and a similar kitchen to yours. Nicely done and great video.
Thanks! I agree, a 3/4 rock n roll with side storage sounds like a fantastic idea!! I can imagine the bed will be perfectly flat. I would love to see how that turns out, keep me posted 👍👍
It"s very good. Thank"s
Thanks 👍
Superb conversion. Have had a side layout and rear layout and I think this is better than both. Love that you can use the passenger seat back rest to look out the tailgate.
Thanks Steven! sounds like you've had similar layouts to us. Yes that seat is a nice place to site and admire views :)
@@VantasticIdeas It is! I know the passenger swivel seat is a popular mod these days but I think the factory 'foot-rest flip and seat back-of-seat' is just as good. They are such clever little vans, on my third one now. I love your conversion, I'm just wondering whether I can live with the smaller kitchen area, had in mind to build something like this: www.theplyguys.co.uk/product-page/cannings-kitchen-pod-for-behind-your-front-seats
@@stevensteggles7560 Third one! I would love to own another one (maybe one day). They are very well designed aren't they! That is a good looking conversion in the link, definitely more storage. I'd be interested to hear how you get on with it if you build something similar. cheers :)
Love it. the only thing I would change is putting the whole kitchen unit on sliders so when you are parked you can open the side door and slide out the kitchen to cook outside.
Thanks! That would be very cool :) For an extra outside cooking space I've added a table rail to that back storage box, so you can add a table and cook at the back (you can cook on top of the storage box with the mattresses removed).
Fab video thanks. Love the last conversion. Can you tell me where you house the fresh and waste water bottles please?
Thanks 😁😁 The fresh water is behind the kitchen unit, check it out here on my awning Video - th-cam.com/video/JCCQCint-qY/w-d-xo.html - The waste water goes directly outside underneath the van which I can then put a container underneath to catch it, I haven't actually shown how I route the pipe outside in any video yet, but there is a way without drilling any holes! (I'll try and create a video about that, if you need to know sooner just ask and I'll describe how I did it). Cheers 👍👍
Hey absolutely brilliant video, the last conversion was a real winner, that said I loved the box that doubled as part of the bed. I’ve done something very similar, ours houses the Chem’Loo but also acts as a bench seat when eating at the table.
The ONLY thing wrong with ours is my wife has to sleep diagonally, because the design of the cabinet/unit juts out into the bed space...she’s always got a corner to contend with. I’m going to build a smaller curved unit with a s even teardrop shape burner and sink all intergrated. My issue is taking all the electrics and gas apart...I haven’t a clue where to start!
Thanks for the positive feedback 👍 It is a great place to hide the loo, mine didn't fit in that space unfortunately. We had the exact same problem with the mid side conversion (conversion 2) I was always diagonal or bent around the kitchen unit!! I used to wake up with all sorts of aches down my side, so it had to go in the end.
Taking the gas and electrics out can be daunting, if you label everything and take lots of pictures it can be done. Cheers!!
@@VantasticIdeas well done dude...if doesn’t work it defeats the purpose!
did you do the gas and zig unit yourself? ...ps THANKS FOR your reply. Made my day! X🤘🏼🚐
@@gailpengelly8581 The electrics were already wired up from before (but I have had to rewire parts to accommodate the new layouts and new LED lighting). As I just use a portable gas stove now I didn't have to worry about the gas. Cheers 👍🏻
Great video. I'd love to see a bit more detail. I've two kids as well and have found it difficult to come up with a plan that kept a set of belt able seats, and gave us the space and storage we need.
Thanks! yes having the seat belts for the kids was a priority for me. With such small vans it's never going to be perfect, so compromises are needed. I utilise the bike rack and roof bars for extra storage. I'm going to be doing a video regarding packing/storage as it's so hard to fit everything in!! Let me know what extra details you'd like to know? cheers :)
@@VantasticIdeas excellent. I suppose it's how the bed actually goes together and fits in with your coking area etc. How the storage area is fitted and your amazing pull out drawers. do they sit on the seat runners or have you fitted a rail. We're not exactly competent diy folks so basic is good for us. But if you have any diagrams or design stuff you could share that would be amazing. Thanks for the reply. 👍🏽
Hi love your videos and particularly like layout 3. What’s the length of the bed in layout 3 please? Thanks
Them pasta packs are great 😅 always use them camping, nice video 👍🏻
If you don't have at least one of those in your van, you're not doing it right lol!!
@@VantasticIdeas 🤣 got to get myself a van first
@@jonoh5044 A future bongonaut maybe?
@@VantasticIdeas yeah, save up a bit first 😅
@@jonoh5044 cool, hopefully there'll be more for sale after the dust has settled on these lockdowns.
Hi - great video. Well done! Can I ask how you plan to modify your seats to be able to remove the mattresses? Can I also ask which size water tanks you use? Thank you in advance and please keep making videos. Cheers
Thank you :) I'm actually getting close to the seat update as it's long overdue. It's one of those jobs that I have no idea how it's going to work out, so I've just got start and work it out as I go. I'm pretty excited about it as it will hopefully mean a bigger flatter bed (the holy grail!!).
I've been busy with an update on the kitchen unit that I've been meaning to do for a while (video to follow soon)!
Water tank is 12L like this one - amzn.to/3JaOueN - But I'm going to be getting another tank soon that will be at least 24L as 12L between 4 of us doesn't last long enough. Cheers!!
Hey. Great videos!! Thanks for all the info. I want to do what you have done in your 3rd conversion, with my 1995 bongo. I wonder what year yours is to see if the same will work for me? Are the seats you have at the back that slide and unfold into the bed the middle set of seats? Or do you have the gullwing back seats doing that? Your advice would be much appreciated! Sarah
Thanks 👍 Mine is a 2002. The bed is made up from the middle/rear bench seat that folds back (that butts up to the rear pod that I made). I've got seat rails that go all the way to the back, so I didn't have those gull wing seats. What does your Bongo have?
Great video! What size bed do you end up getting there? Looking for a bongo but want to make sure me and my partner would fit. Thanks!
Thanks! If you watch the dimensions video I measure the bed in that one. I'm going to make something to make the bed near the sliding door longer at some point - th-cam.com/video/ioZXs4UXc_4/w-d-xo.html
One little bit I would add would be a worktop plug to fill in sink when hot in use? Gives a bigger cooking surface?
So weird you say that as I've just been saying exactly that yesterday!! It definitely needs it as I use a second little hiking stove which would fit in that space. Good call 👍👍
Like the last,3rd layout. You should turn that little storage box/seat behind the car seat into an EMERGENCY SITUATION porta potty.
That would be very handy!
Love your videos , just picked up a 96 2.5L turbo diesel friendee. Basically doing your 3rd conversion setup . How were you able to build the pullout drawer underneath the seats. Thanks for the cool videos 🤙🏻
Thanks, glad you're liking the videos!! :) congrats on getting your Bongo, let the tinkering begin 😀
The dimensions video gives you a good overview on how it's constructed - th-cam.com/video/ioZXs4UXc_4/w-d-xo.html - drawer part is at 5:49. There's definitely other ways to do the drawer, so if you find another good solution let me know! Cheers 👍
I have another question about your bongo , different topic , how often do you drain your fuel filter ? I keep getting a sediment code and having to drain water from the fuel filter . Thanks 🙏
@@jordanmckimmey5799 I've never had to drain it, mines a 2ltr so not sure if it's a different set up? Probably best asking another diesel owner if that's a common issue.
Can’t tell you how useful this video has been! We just bought our first camper yesterday, a lovely green bongo! This video immediately helped us pick the conversion which would really suit us!
Can I ask what brand/type of fridge you’ve got? Thanks x
Hi! Thank you for the really nice feedback :)
I'm glad the video was useful, conversions are so hard to choose between! I still love my current conversion and plan on updating it with some new features.
The fridge is a Vitrifrigo C39l (also called c39i), here it is on Amazon, it is available elsewhere - amzn.to/36zKHu3
Happy Bongoing!!
@@VantasticIdeas ahh fab thank you very much for the speedy reply and the link 😊
This conversion layout is absolutely brilliant! It solves so many of the issues I have with side and rear conversions. Could you tell us the dimensions of the kitchen unit and the rear storage boxes? And how long the bed is? It would be really helpful in planning my conversion. Cheers!
Thanks, much appreciated!!! It's working out well for us :) I'll try and get those measurements to you soon.
Hi, my wife & I have been stewing over which conversion to go for & I think you have hit the nail on the head for us!
Like Jen said, could you please pass on the dimensions you used for the last (& best conversion please)
Many thanks Paul
@@ThePaulie68 As I've had quite a lot of interest in the dimensions, I'm going to do a video dedicated to it as there are quite a lot of things to measure and consider with this conversion. I'll try and get that done very soon.
@@VantasticIdeas thank you that is much appreciated!
Keep up the great videos, it’s inspired us!! 😀
Hi. It turned out very well. And where do you have a toilet installed?
Thanks. No fixed toilet, I sometimes take a toilet tent. cheers!
Sweet kit. just wondering what fridge you've got in the last conversion? thanks
Thanks! it's the vitrifrigo C39l. cheers
Very interested in a Bongo myself originally as a potentially cheap way into owning a campervan but the more I have seen the more I feel like they are where the best value is anyway not just a cheap option! This conversion is awesome as well better than a full side conversion imo potentially costing thousands. As others have asked any chance of some dims for the storage boxing and the kitchen unit? I think your layout, lighting, seating and table arrangement is bang on and what I want to aim for myself if I do manage to get my own Bongo. Keep the vids coming they are great :)
Thanks for the positive feedback :) Bongo's are superb vehicles , I hope you find one soon! Yes the cost advantage for this conversion is very attractive (no rock 'n' roll bed to buy as well). I'm wondering if I should do a video with details on the dimensions of the units?? I keep meaning to measure it all up (I could kick myself for not actually videoing the build!! I just got carried away lol). cheers!
@@VantasticIdeas Yeah would love to see a video with more details of the materials used and dims of the units you have built especially fixing details. I dont have a van yet so it's especially hard to visualise but I am wondering how its all secured to the floor, or sides etc and how you maintain access to the engine under the seats. I'm also not handy at all although I do know a couple of joiners that I may be able to rope in for mates rates lol. Yeah hindsight eh? I got into fpv quadcopters a few years ago and originally intended to video everything but it never seems to pan out that way lol plus finding the time to sit down and edit everything and be happy with the end product. I think this van project will fit in really nicely with flying quads I will be able to get into some good flying spots and be able to charge my batteries on the move as well!
@@teddykgbelectronics9213 Yeah it would be a great base to go off and fly your quads! I use mine for mountain biking and it's nice to come back to a hot/cold drink and food. It's all fairly simple to build, but having joiners as mates is a definite bonus (they'll probably laugh at my efforts lol!!).
@@VantasticIdeas Nah I don't think they would laugh. I'm impressed anyways. If they build me something as good I will be well happy! Looking forward to more videos with more details :)
Brilliant video's for a potential Bongo owner! This layout is great, did you have to instal seat rails in the very rear? Most bongos I have seen only have rails for the middle row of seats. Thanks for helping
Thanks! the rails on my van went all the way to the back. I wonder if it's the Bongo's with those gull wing rear seats that have short rails?
@@VantasticIdeas ah yes thats what it is! The seats that are an complete 3 seater bench are on rails. Another 'must have' on my Bongo search. Thanks
Loving the underseat storage, don't suppose you have any further details? We have plastic containers but they don't move along with the seat.
Thanks, it's been a super useful drawer. It does have wheels on the bottom (they were wheels designed for under-bed drawers so low profile, plus I inset them so the drawer could be as low as possible). I drilled the locks straight into the plastic trims, but might improve on that, but seem to work well. If you'd like more info just let me know!
Do you have a video about how you made your draw? That would be fantastic
@@sarahtam5916 I don't at the moment. But I am thinking of modifying it, I'll probably remake it from scratch so i'll do a video about it then.
Thanks for the video, really detailed and to the point. The row of standard seats that you have now in your current DIY side conversion, are they just the standard 3rd row seats? Also have you had to fit child seats to them? (have read of some issues of fitment of child seats)
Thanks! As far as I know it's a standard bench seat (the back was from my old swivel seat, but the base is standard). I've had a child seat for a child from age 6 upwards on it, I've not had an issue, but it was a fairly basic seat.
@@VantasticIdeas could you share what car seat please? I'm not sure our high back booster for our 5 year old is a good fit. Thanks
@@sllansdown We had a seat like this one - tinyurl.com/befvbyun
Another Bongonaut here! I love your conversions, and the beautiful finish on them. Very inspiring!
I treated myself to some power tools (circular saw, jigsaw etc.) for Christmas so I'm now at least in with a chance of learning to make the furniture for my Bongo myself. My big question is how do you fasten the wooden panels (cupboard sides etc) to the vehicle body? I'm stumped on that basic point! Any advice very welcome. Cheers! 💐
Hi, sounds like you're all tooled up and ready to go!! it's so satisfying making it yourself and watching your creation come to life. I'm going to try and make the unit removable so I'm going to redo the fixing points at some point (I'll make a video about that when I do). If you have a decent wooden floor installed you can screw down to that. For more security you can drill into the metal floor (super carefully) and use self clinching nuts (then you can just bolt down to those). I also secured the worktop to the plastic side trim as it's very firm. Good luck with your project!!
@@VantasticIdeas Thanks! I look forward to more videos from you. I would definitely like to see details of fixings if you do make a video on that. Cheers! 💐
@@sarahvegangarden4822 I'll second that. It's the fixings that interest me. 👍
We have just bought a Bongo,and this conversion is perfect for us!
How did you register the van ie as a camper or left it has a people carrier?
@@ThePaulie68 It was already registered as a camper van when we bought it. As far as I know you can no longer register vans (with pop tops) as camper vans, the dvla have changed the rules recently (I believe the High Top versions can be?).
How do you secure the units in the various positions? Do you simply screw them to the interior plastics wherever's nearby?
In the last conversion. How do you get at the engine etc. Does the sink l
Unit lift out. Cheers from old George
On the passenger side the little storage seat/unit I updated it so it's got a quick release system. The drivers side is a bit more of a pain and you have to prop up the seat when you lift it to access the engine bay, not ideal but manageable.
I'm going to be making another version of my kitchen pod with some new features and I intend to make it removable so I can get better access to the engine bay. Cheers!
👍
As a first time owner of a bongo, silly question have you lined the floor with ply first before doing the conversion, if not how do you fix the units to the base
Hi! The floor was already ply lined when I purchased the van. I fixed the kitchen to the floor with brackets (quite a few) and screwed into the floor, then the worktop is also connected to the side panel via brackets. The rear box is bolted to the floor using the previous conversions nuts that were installed.
Great video. I've been trying to work out the best layout for my Bongo for a while now and your current option looks to tick all the boxes. I'm surprised the bed is long enough on the sink side, I'd been put off doing anything that restricts the bed space.
Do you have any tips for children in small van/campers? Maybe a future video idea ;-) I have a 10 and a 6 year old and you can't put both up in the top as they just will not settle. I'm thinking of getting an awning and sticking the oldest in that!
Thanks, glad it's been useful :) It's so tricky getting the right layout. As for bed length it does depend on how tall you are, my wife or one of our kids is usually that side being slightly shorter than me (but I've been that side and slept fine). As for the other side you would have the option to extend the bed with maybe a simple board set up (or use dining table) so you could have a hugely long bed. I usually mock everything up inside the van before committing to anything.
Isn’t there a lot of room in roof? I have a 9 and 5 year old and was planning on sticking them up there
@@jonoh5044 It's less about the room up there and more about them not wanting to kill each other. 😉
If your kids are able to sleep in the same bed without messing about all night then I reckon you'll be fine. 👍🏻
@@Vimesy74 ah that’s ok. I’m rather lucky, mine are really good with each other
@@jonoh5044 Yeah, the roof space is great. We used to sleep 2 kids up there (when they were about the same age as yours) or 1 adult and 1 child. It's a good space for a teenager or adult (I like it up there). I'm going to do another vid with extra bits I didn't get into this video.
Help please. On the Bongo drivers
Door switch panel is up and down windows. What does the button with on do. Cheers from old George
I think that turns the passenger window switch on or off.
Can the kitchen cabinet be moved? I’ve thought about something behind the seat but don’t you need the space behind to flip the seats up to get to the engine?
You can still access the engine bay, most side conversions end in the same place. But having said that I do have plans to make the whole kitchen unit easily removable (you can do it now, but would involve a fair bit of unscrewing!), I want to be able to simply unplug it and remove!
For the third option kitchen with sink, where do you have the fresh water and waste water containers? Struggling to figure it out. Thanks.
Hi Douglas, the clean water is behind the drivers seat at the back of the kitchen pod, it seems to fit nicely out of the way at the bottom. The waste water is routed outside and gets connected to another container. Cheers!
@@VantasticIdeas thanks for the info. Cheers
Hi, Whats the insulation like? Does it stay warm in winter conditions?
Non existent! it's all about layering up and finding a place to install a diesel heater :) I am considering adding insulation to the whole van as this will also keep condensation to a minimum. Cheers!
Where did you get the mattresses & cushions in the back?
We made the chequered cushions ourselves. The mattresses are from comfortz leisure - www.comfortzleisure.net/product-category/mazda_bongo-2/
In your one video. Why a bongo. You mention something about using a magnet to detect rust. How does that work
It doesn't detect the rust, but it will let you know if something has been heavily filled with filler! as the magnet won't stick to filler only metal :) It's common on Bongos to be bodged up with filler so take a magnet (maybe not too strong a magnet) along with you.
where do you live? could I pay you to convert mine to the third option - currently I have a side conversion
Hi Mary, I'd be very happy to convert your van! If you go to my channel page and click the ABOUT menu option you will be able to send me an email from there and we can discuss. Thanks!
I’m 6’4”. Is there a configuration that somehow magically allows me to sleep at full stretch? I’m seriously considering a bongo due to what you get for your money - nearly all other campers are so much more expensive…
With this layout (and I imagine with most others) you could add an extra (foldable) extension to the end of the bed. There's usually room behind the passenger seat to do something like that. I measured that out in my dimensions video (th-cam.com/video/ioZXs4UXc_4/w-d-xo.html) where you could potentially have up to 8ft.
They're not massive vans, but like you say often better value than a lot of alternatives.
@@VantasticIdeas thanks for the info! I’m just wondering - if you were to do a slimline rear conversion, would that give enough room for both passengers? I don’t need 8ft, but about 6’6” would be sufficient for me stretched out I think. Can the seats be moved forward to give more space for increasing bed length? Thanks.
@@NickOdantzis Yeah that would be a good option, one thing that would determine the depth of the rear conversion is if you wanted a fridge and how deep that fridge is, as they are one of the bulkiest items. As for seats, some Bongos have different configurations of seats so be sure to check if the runners are where you would need them, but usually you can move the seats all the way forward. You can even turn the seat round to face into the back if needed. Cheers!
Hello can we email you about insulation and soundproofing please
You are more than welcome to email me (address on the About page) but I don't know very much about insulation I'm afraid! it's one of things I've never done to my van, it's something I am considering doing though!!
no roof bed?
There are boards for the roof bed, see here in part 2 - th-cam.com/video/WRrP1ISDfIk/w-d-xo.html 👍
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