My Top 5 Upgrades to my Mazda Bongo Campervan

[@alzeNL]

that is a very nice bongo ! thanks for sharing :)

[@VantasticIdeas]

Thank you :)

[@markthompson50]

Another really useful video. Not sure why I haven't subscribed already! I have an unconverted Bongo 2.5 v6 petrol engine so it can be thirsty but fortunately it also has the LPG system fitted like yours. Sadly I am finding it increasingly difficult to get LPG when I need it. I have the App that locates the stations selling it but often the info is out of date & tells me it's available but when I get there it isn't (normally either pump faulty or just run out!) A big tip is to fill up if you are anywhere near a Bank Holiday as the demand for LPG far exceeds supply around this time.

[@VantasticIdeas]

Hi Mark! thanks for subscribing 👍 I'm finding the same with LPG, I guess that APP relies on people informing them the garages don't sell it anymore. I bet your V6 2.5 is a nice engine to drive! Cheers!!

[@janewhitzend688]

Really interested in you mattress ideas. Great content, just bought a standard set up bongo. 2 kids and a dog, so looking at layouts and changes we may like .

[@VantasticIdeas]

Hi Jane, I'm getting to the mattress idea soon (I think). It's been a hard one to fit in as it involves modifying the rear seat extensively, so I need time to do it. There are 2 parts to my mattress plan (downstairs and upstairs) which will come with challenges, but nothing ventured and all that! Layouts can the trickiest part, especially with kids and a dog!! now my kids are getting bigger the challenges keep mounting lol! happy bongoing 😀😀

[@terrydarby164]

Another brilliant video👍

[@VantasticIdeas]

Thanks, much appreciated 👍👍👍

[@PhilipPembleton-rm4lm]

Great video, I've had the same model ,colour and spoiler for the last six months. Could you advise me what the name and model of the bike rack is as I have just purchased an electric bike , and did you have to adapt the spoiler. Please keep posting as essential info for a novice like me. Many thanks

[@VantasticIdeas]

Hi, it's the fiamma bike rack that fits Mercedes Vito Mk1 vans and Mazda Bongos. Yes you do need to adapt the spoiler, it's a bit fiddly but with plenty of careful measuring it's not too bad, might be worth checking out my bike rack respray video as I do show the spoiler a little bit at the end of the video - kzbin.info/www/bejne/o2rRkImAmpmkjLcsi=L5dq2BUYy5roIVTd Thanks 👍

[@knightbrolaire526]

Hi! I’ve read in the comments that your Bongo is the 2.0 petrol version. I just wanted to ask if you feel it’s a good volume for this car? Is there any situation when you feel it suffers from a lack of power, or is it just alright all-around if you don’t need to break acceleration records? I’ve been deciding between 2.0 and 2.5 liter petrol tin-top, and from what I’ve read the 2-liter 4-cylinder is less thirsty and one of Mazda’s very reliable, tried-and-tested engines. I was inclined to get that one, but was just wondering, whether the 2 extra cylinders and higher power (but also consumption) is maybe worth it?

[@ComunidadeMirage150]

Thanks for your videos, they’re super useful, I have quick question about the BIKE RAck, did you install it yourself? Would you mind sharing the model? Thanks

[@VantasticIdeas]

Thanks! Yes I did install it myself. It's a Fiamma Bike Rack that fits Mercedes Vito and Mazda Bongo - tinyurl.com/vc8shzu2 - If you have a spoiler you will need to cut the spoiler to fit (or remove spoiler entirely). 👍

[@flasheart3817]

Hiya mate great vids. Love the front kitchen layout etc. Been looking around for a decent Bongo. Wondered if the parts are easy to come by now they've stopped making them?

[@VantasticIdeas]

Thanks! I’m still liking this layout too, as with small van layouts there’s always compromises! As for spares, they’re not too bad as there’s a few places that have both new and used parts. I tend to use bongospares or Ava leisure and there’s also the bongo fury site which also stocks spares. Up to now I’ve found everything I’ve needed. Cheers!

[@benjamintrevor67]

Great video, thanks! Just wondering if there's a load limit on the roof rack if you stick a roof box on it? Also, where do you keep your roof boards? Couldn't see them in the video.

[@VantasticIdeas]

I keep the load very low up there (max 30kg even though it can take more). The roof box that I'll get will be small sized so will only weigh about 11kg itself. I've got a future modification in mind for the roof rack to make it even sturdier. I've started taking the boards out for daily use as they weigh a ton and without them the van handles far better on corners and it's so much easier to operate the roof without them! 👍

[@jamesmcmillan2741]

What's your plan to get rid of the cumbersome cushions? I've tried inflatable mats in AFT roof and back seat but still don't give a good enough sleep and they take up so much room like you said. Still thinking this one out.

[@VantasticIdeas]

I'm hoping to start that video soon as it's something I need to sort out before holiday season. I'll be tackling the downstairs first when I do as that is the most important one for me. I could go down the rock n roll bed route for the ultimate flat bed, but they are quite costly and I want to retain the original seatbelts.

[@LynetteShawMcKone]

@@VantasticIdeas I've just had a rock n roll bed fitted, and left the original rear seat belts attached to the rear panels, I repurposed the anchor part of the belt from the original seats onto the R&R bed, taking off the one that was fitted to the bed and the garage guy replaced it with the Mazda one, perfectly safe and legal as the bed is securely fitted to the floor. Vera just sailed though her MOT thus proving that point, and it's not a huge job so go ahead; I now have loads of room in her. I also took a seat from an old office chair, removed the upholstery, shaped the back making it 3 inches more narrow so that it would slip beneath the front passenger seat and rest on the dickie seat, replaced and recovered it, giving me a back-facing seat that easily accommodates me, (and I'm no lightweight!). It's very comfortable, easily removed to put the seat back into it normal driving position, cost nothing as I already had the original office chair, and adds greatly to the comfort of the the van. I love your channel and your laid-back approach to tackling all these issues.

[@ruslan6494]

Super 👍

[@NevinPower]

I noticed you didn't have a coolant alarm fitted. Are you ever worried about coolant pipes leaking or airlocks due to the manual bleed procedure? (or maybe you have the 2ltr petrol which doesn't seem to suffer as much as the diesel or V6 versions)

[@VantasticIdeas]

Well spotted (I wondered if any eagle eyed Bongonauts would spot that)!! mine is the 2 ltr petrol so it is a self bleed system. I should fit one though as my coolant pipes can still leak like any other Bongo and can cause problems if not spotted quickly. It's on my list so I will be fitting one in a separate video 👍

[@NevinPower]

@@VantasticIdeas great stuff!

[@onjonone]

What is the specification of fridge that you use, E.g size, power sources, make etc and would you buy it again if you needed a new one? Thanks

[@VantasticIdeas]

It's a Vitrifrigo C39L so it's 39 Litre capacity and runs off 12v. It's a great little fridge, it came with the van, but I've been very happy with it and does everything I want. When I upgrade my charge controller and new leisure battery I think it should be a perfect combo. When on hook up it's as good as the fridge at home! 😁

[@william_lynch]

is your van insulated? and once u set up leisure electric etc with split loom is the aircon powered by leisure battery ?

[@VantasticIdeas]

No insulation (might be something I'll do later on). I don't think I've ever heard of anyone swapping the aircon over using a split loom kit (I don't even know if you can), it's usually just lights, blinds, 12v sockets and radio. Cheers!

[@william_lynch]

Any issues using AFT with the roof rack ? Concerned it’ll weaken my already slow 1999 motors

[@VantasticIdeas]

Mines a manual lift roof so it's only on gas struts (no motors). When the box is full the gas struts can struggle to hold the weight sufficiently (unless you only pack marshmallows of course!). It's surprising how much weight it will hold though and still raise, but I only put lightweight stuff up there anyway as I don't want to stress the fibreglass roof too much. It's very common for people to put roof boxes on the AFT roofs, but I think like me they tend to pack light, I also understand that people use a stick to push the roof up as it goes up to help the motors! I think the main key is to pack light and maybe just aid it a little when raising the roof. Hope that helps! Cheers 👍

[@william_lynch]

@@VantasticIdeas interesting is it a replacement AFT? did u convert it to gas struts? How do u fancy the motors and a roof box ?

[@VantasticIdeas]

@@william_lynch No, it was originally a tintop van which was converted on import (this was all done prior to my ownership). Being as there are lots of user on the Facebook group that use roof boxes I would personally have no problem using one, might be worth chatting to someone with an AFT roof with a roofbox on the facebook group? cheers.

[@derekmale1365]

Hi can you tell me which fridge you have and maybe the dimensions please. Thanks Del we also just got an unconverted bongo

[@VantasticIdeas]

It's a Vitrifrigo C39i (or C39l) so it's 39 Litre capacity. Here's a link to the dimensions - www.vitrifrigofridges.co.uk/c39ifridge.htm

[@HM.Hatchet205]

Hiya were do u get the swao loom kit? Many thanks

[@VantasticIdeas]

This one on Ebay is considered as one of the best kits - www.ebay.co.uk/itm/114911456812?hash=item1ac141ae2c:g:qJgAAOSwuvtb5h03 Cheers 👍