Anyone own a Mazda Bongo Conversion? I really need some advice please...

[Astrophe]

How does the upper sleeping bit work (how is it accessed?)

Are there 3 point seatbelts in the rear, and would they be suitable for child car seats?

Am I completely mad to consider one as a camper for DH, myself, DD and DS (who will be 4 and 2) for a 3 month trip in Europe?

Any thoughts and advice much appreciated.

Many thanks

bump

Hi Astrophe

I haven't got one, but I want one! I am fairly certain that they have 'proper' seatbelts all round, as they also double as a normal MPV-type car. (If I get one I'm going to use it as my main form of everyday transport as well as for camping in.)

AFAIK, though, the only way into the roof bit is to scramble up, so might be a problem for a 2-y-o. My dds will be 6 and 8 by next summer, so I reckon they can cope.

Hopefully a fully fledged bongista will be along soon to offer more advice. I know there are at least two on here.

I am hoping to go and look at some Bongos on Saturday so will get back to you with any feedback.

I believe a lovely Mner called Megsdaughter has one of those. You can find her in the Staff Room most days, although I haven't seen her for a couple of days! Not much help then, am I! I tried.

Do a search... I found a few old threads on this. Looks like kokeshi, seeker, browny and barking all have Bongos.

Depends on the conversion. You can get conversions which leave up to 3 seatbelts, but others will sacrifice more seatbelts. They would be fine for childseats.

Check out the Bongo Fury website (I don't have a Bongo myself; but we looked into it- I'd still like one). You can get a tent that takes about 5 mins to put up that attaches to the back of the Bongo. I was going to get one of those.

oh, thanks everyone. I have found a local place that does conversions, so we might have a look at the weekend. Our other option is a folding camper (which we are also looking at on the weekend) - DH is keen for the camper, but I don't fancy towing it. I will search the threads, tanks for the tip.

I had actually thought of DH and I sleeping in the top bit and kids down below - is the top bit really teeny though? Guess I will see on the weekend...

I like the extra tent option too - gives us more space, but still the option of just parking and sleeping if its raining or snowing!

bump