Overnight in Vintage Japanese Imported Van (Mazda Bongo Micro Camper)

[@samuelurquiza3242]

Will, can I suggest a video idea. Interviewing all the owners of the campers/vehicles you've camped in. The main question is "What's the story behind this camper / vehicle setup" It could be a compilation video with clips from different interviews

[@keithronson2624]

Will & Ben. You are 'on fire'! This series is utterly fantastic in every sense. Funny as! And oddly inspiring! Together you are producing great content. Said it before, there is a TV series here for sure. Excellent. Thank you guys. And Megan & Jake for the amazing Mazda!

[@meg66613]

You're very welcome it was our pleasure 😊

[@WillsWhereabouts]

Thanks very much!!

[@jamesdare8584]

Why on earth would this want to be a TV series? it's perfect as a KZbin Channel. Who watches TV nowadays anyway?

[@barrybranch5658]

​@@WillsWhereaboutshere in America our version of that kind of van is a VW Westfalia

[@richprice482]

We had a Bongo for many years. As a family of 4 it was a fantastic vehicle. Packed with so many clever features, it really was the motor for all situations.

[@davidmwood560]

The secret to living well in a small van is two-fold. Ensure the van has a fridge; pre-prepare your meals, store in fridge and heat with a steamer. Or, only cook with a steamer

[@chewbarker110]

I love my Mazda Bongo, you can get them so customsed no two are the same. Mine i cook out the back loads of space then. The kids love playing in the top box and it makes a late night setup real quick

[@richjamjam]

Mate your video editing and presenting skills are pro! You are officially my Sunday night viewing.

[@WillsWhereabouts]

Thanks very much!

[@mentalneil]

Thanks Will, you've now made me feel really old, I'd served 8 years in the British Army by the time you were born, and was on my second tour of Northern Ireland

[@chox2001]

Thank you for your service ✊

[@MrBaiLiE7]

And written ‘Heart of Gold’ that’s amazing

[@Tim_G_T6]

Yes! Loved our Mazda Bongo for three summers. Even though we now have a long wheel base T6, I still point out Bongos on the road. They have a truly deserved cult following ❤

[@trevorsbarkingmadchannel4501]

Reminds me of what the original vw campers were like in the 70s. Great vlog and review. Best wishes

[@RED-filmmyrun]

As a suggestion in my family’s van it’s very very similar to that van but on the back door we have a table we can take out and clip it to the counter so it’s a table when sitting down my mum uses this to cook on so she can sit down and chop on the table then get up and cook on the cooker

[@stevemichael8458]

Great vid. I love my Bongo - and mine has electric operated curtains on the tailgate window too :)

[@nervo6321]

Great entertainment especially the cooking and trying to find the rear blind 😁

[@graceydez6199]

Just wanted to say bloody good job of reinventing the channel and pushing forward. You are killing it. 😊

[@nickyhamblin5467]

The best video yet in this series although I’m biased as I own a Bongo which we love. Perfect weekend van, and our awning makes it even better when we’re away longer. Window blinds and flare are awesome extras :) looking forward to seeing what you try next.

[@lees9401]

Pork Fillet (tenderloin). cut up and tenderise with a rollin pin or something or similar. Season. Fry. Add- Mushrooms Onion Garlic Double Cream Butter Beef Stock Loads of cracked pepper. Serve with Rice and maybe bread n butter. Very quick tasty meal. Gotta smash up that pork though or can be a tough chew.

[@timhoneycutt7036]

Will we love it when you cook, once again thank you for cutting back on cussing, oh you’re still funny with out all the cursing, We truly enjoy your videos!

[@Alivefrom45]

Nice one Will, we had a Bongo for 12 years, we only sold it to buy our current van to convert. Every Bongo is different and has its own quirks. They are great to drive and being 4wd they don't even mind a bit of off road.

[@lmak7285]

There’s a guy who asks people to send him recipes whiles he’s camping and he gives you like a shoutout if he uses the recipe cool Idea

[@daynegilbey3674]

These new videos are definitely more you Will. I think you’ve found your mojo again mate 👌

[@slap_A_flamingo]

A dish I usually cook when I'm camping. Easy as pie. Get some sweet chilli sauce, cooked chicken, pepper and some chilli flakes. Use about 1/4 to 1/2 a bottle of sweet chilli sauce. That with some white rice is the nuts! Usually buy the pre-cooked chicken and sweet chilli (or sweet and sour) sauce in a squeeze bottle. Can adapt to your own taste as well. Could always throw in some bean sprouts or mushrooms as well. Loving the new series as well. The diversity with all the different camping is kind of an insight into their personalities. Glad to see no wood burner this week to burn yourself on. Hope you're doing well.

[@WillsWhereabouts]

Great suggestion! And glad you’re liking it!

[@slap_A_flamingo]

@WillsWhereabouts love it man. What a journey. From the galaxy to now. What an experience.

[@LynetteShawMcKone]

I've almost finished converting a Bongo on a very low budget. Two back rows of seats removed, wooden single bed frame re-built from an old one that's been in my shed for 15 years, I made a kitchen unit from a little hall shoe cabinet, (removable to make space for a single airbed if grandkids want to accompany me and my 2 little dogs), under-bed storage, and a drive-away awning, electric hook-up, lots of solar powerpacks for charging and a puppy-cave for the dogs. I'm disabled, so its been a case of 10 minutes work, 30 minutes recovery time, another 10 minutes, Etc.

[@PaganHippy]

Love this video, and love my bongo! Thanks for showing them in a good way. Only downside we found is the coolant system (a low coolant alarm is a must) a chasing the rust. But hey they are old vans after all.

[@chad9090]

Love the Bongos! Travelled around Europe in one for 6 months back in 2019 🤘

[@sharronmiles1759]

Hilarious video, brought back lots of memories as we had a Bongo for three years. It started us off on our van journey. It was a bit temperamental at times, but we travelled all over in it.

[@DarkXenith]

Will, much as I love your wanting to expand your culinary horizons, you picked a puzzle of a recipe there! LOL Loving the new format ^_^ Have a quick and tasty recipe for you here, 20 mins to sort. Cheats Chicken Satay: 2 Chicken Breasts - slice into stir-fry strips 1/2 Onion - Slice up 1 Tsp Garlic Paste 1 Tbsp Honey 2 Tbsp Peanut Butter of choice 2 Tbsp Light Soy Sauce 2 Tbsp Curry Powder of choice (taste as you go, add more for extra kick) 2 Chicken Stock Cubes 500ml hot water on stanby to adjust thickness of sauce - use for cooking rice to save waste if you don't use it all :) 2 Tbsp Oil for cooking Coriander & Spring Onion to garnish Rice to serve. Prep chicken , fry off with onions, add in garlic and curry powder and stirfry til fragrant ( or you require air ;) ) Add in peanut butter, honey & soy sauce, stir until combined, add in chicken stock cubes and a little water to dissolve them. Cook out and adjust thickness with water until suitable. Taste, adjust seasoning with soy / curry powder as you like. Serve with rice, garnish with green bits :)

[@Lost_On_Purpose_2021]

Greatest thing that happen to vanlife on KZbin is Will with this series. Informative. Funny. Versatile. Great video Will. Cant wait to see you experience some more of micro campers 😉

[@ExploringWithBeard]

Definitely should have bought a ready made Katsu sauce just like you buy a fajita mix ready made. Still do the chicken and rice from scratch though. Keep up the fun videos mate!

[@kimtalley5740]

Thanks Will..once again i thoroughly enjoyed that..although i love the bigger more luxurious vans..these little'ns are me favourite..love the cosy feeling like being a kid in a den x

[@WillsWhereabouts]

It is like a den!

[@kimtalley5740]

@@WillsWhereabouts except my den was the coal bunker in the back yard ..but then im getting on a bit 😂

[@toyradish1]

Brings back memories of touring around Tohoku and Hokkaido in 2002 in a Mazda Bongo. It was ACE! 😊

[@zoltar666pz]

Will & Ben wow I do love you Will your enthusiasm is infectious love you mate

[@denniskyalo7460]

By the time you finish making the bed youve done a full a full body workout😀😀😀

[@brianparker5228]

Will you should be sectioned if the bloopers are anything to go by. So glad that now you appear to have your mojo back. Loving this series 😂😂😂

[@WillsWhereabouts]

Haha!

[@BellagiosBangerz]

Finding myself here daily since you started this series thank you

[@Pkeenan1983]

Also got a bongo and love it. Always consider getting rid of it but drive it and think no chance. Got a rear conversion with a swivel bench makes it easy.

[@andrewjones-productions]

The Mazda Bongo Friendee was also sold as a Ford Freda here in Japan. This period in the 1990s saw a camping boom here in Japan and the launch of several leisure vehicles by major manufacturers. Honda sold the Odyssey which also had a pop-top roof as well as the Honda Fancy caravan (made by Yokohama Motor Sales). Subaru sold the Domingo Aladdin (made by Field Life in Shibukawa, Gunma Prefecture). One reason for this boom and its demise was that in the 1990s you could have your vehicle registered as an '88' number classification by simply putting in a bed and sink. This made for cheaper road tax and other financial benefits. The law changed to make it more difficult, but has been recently updated again to make it easier, but not as easy as in the 1990s. This period really saw a boom in motorhomes and caravans, which were very scarce previously and that cemented towing and the leisure vehicle market has generally grown ever since. Now, there is a plethora of leisure vehicles, including camping trailers of all varieties and the boost to trailers was largely down to the jet-ski market. It still is nowhere near being on a par with countries like the UK, but continues to grow. Especially as Japan is currently undergoing another camping boom. In part, because of Covid.

[@alzeNL]

see the rail beneath the cooker, there should be a fold-out table that 'locks' onto the rail there, that would of given you a little more space to work your ingredients/prep space, its small, but its suprisingly useful. Maybe on the side-conversions that table isnt there, but seeing the rail makes me think its probably hidden away somewhere in the bongo. I use mine, but its a rear end conversion. Also when your lowering the roof there is a delay/pause when it comes down, you'll see at 14:43 the lining is caught in the push-roof, its better for the longivity of the green to check around the bongo and push that in nicely to stop it tearing/being damaged :) Great video and enjoyed seeing a bongo being well used.

[@kbiggs49]

Great series guys, this Mazda Bongo type I have looked at it for a couple of years, thanks for the review, most people I have spoken to who own one of these speak highly of them for certain aspects and most of them have a build quality that outdoes other small vans but they serve a purpose as you say for short trips take care.

[@zianeshkasparen4358]

Enjoyed it very much. Do not give up on the foods. Just RELAX & BREEEEAAATHEEE.

[@tallulahbelleoriginals7709]

We’ve had a Bongo for 10 years. Find it fine for 2 bout wouldn’t want to do 4. Been all over Europe for weeks at a time. 4 wheel drive so has take us up many mountain tracks in Europe. We’ve got double cupboards at the back so loads of storage. You just need to be organised. Plenty of room for a potta potty and we fitted a diesel heater. Has swivel seats and a table to go in the middle, that’s far easier to prep food on that 😃 Never had any mechanical issues other than normal maintenance. We’re converting a Boxer at the no but will be keeping the Bongo cause we love it and it’s perfect for more adventurous trips the Boxer wouldn’t cope with.

[@davidjones7571]

This looks just like my bongo! I've got the 2.5 diesel 4x4 and it's taken me all over Scotland in the middle of winter. Up Applecross in the snow just before they were closing it, no problem. It's also great down in Cornwall around small lanes and villages as it's so slim.

[@coops1964]

What’s the mpg like Dave?

[@davidjones7571]

@Coops1964 high 20s, low 30s depending on type of roads. It's not my daily and for an old 4x4 not too bad. A VW does better but the price premium means you would need to do a hell of a lot more miles to even break even. A lot of people also run diesel bongos on veg oil mixes without mods.

[@duvessa2003]

It’s terrific seeing this. I have a Bongo Friendee on the way. I’ve made a mental note to cook out of doors as well as to set up an auxiliary tent on the campsite where I can Store things I don’t want cluttering up the van.

[@cherylmckay9347]

LOL I LOVE your videos. Keeping it real. As for the meals mate, grab a cooked chicken and a jar pf premade sauce, throw in some vegetables and BOOM!! Too Easy!!

[@ZerHour]

Great stuff Will , a simple yummy meal boil medium egg noodles , drain, tip with a good cheese grated melt under grill ,add barbecue sauce on top or whatever , pretty tasty easy cook 👍

[@charcreates6428]

Love the pop top! That’s what I’d go for!

[@LorraineG123]

Will you are a scream, but through all you bumps and hiccups, that van would suit my needs, and live it big time. Delighted you set up in this one.

[@mattjayclay]

Love the rear blind Search fiasco hilarious 😂😂😂

[@catherineferguson7388]

Those Bongo vans are underrated, there so cosy and sweet, when it’s hot you can sleep in the roof, brilliant , I also like the retro vans the best, they have character. Well done Will, I really enjoyed the video, the weather was crap as normal, but at least you have a roof over your head. Thank you xxxx see you on the next one. Xxxx

[@andrewdavis9223]

Best one yet

[@VannyingAround]

Great review of the bongo... We bought one 6 months and love it.. Always a big smile on my face while driving it, got some trips coming up and i can't wait..me the wife and 2 dogs , cramped yes but they'll be downstairs and I'm sleeping up top.. got an awning for extra space.

[@JustCallMeTartan]

Really loving this new series, it’s almost like it’s relit a fire for your passion for content creation, it’s amazing to see

[@ChristiesSteamWorkshop]

Bongos are legendary my parents have owned one for 18 years now

[@danieldking]

hello will here is a recipethe easiest dish to make and is very good that you should try in a video. Fry bacon champignons with and a little salt and pepper then fry tomato red green yellow pepper with the bacon and then any favorite seasoning add 2 to 4 tablespoons or 3 dl creme fraiche let it fry for a while or a minute so the creme fraiche doesn't become runny it should just be creamy and then is gone and filling, I cook it in. You can have other vegetables in it if you want

[@deborahtellis7583]

I had 1995 Bongo but sold it as I thought 2 was insane as I’ve also got a 2001 white bongo- I love them. So easy to drive.

[@jacklifeonwheels]

Best video so far will , with the different campers etc.much better. Dw bout the food stuff so much

[@bleukreuz]

If you're going for japanese curry, you could have use the premade curry in block form that you just need to melt, and i bet it taste more authentic too! Alternatively you can go for something simple like oyako don (chicken and egg bowl) 14:30 Also you forgot to put the van ceiling down before putting the tent roof down, that's why it was struggling to close!

[@annamric6597]

Is that what the tent roof was caught up. Oooo, it made me cringe.

[@annamric6597]

Do you know the name of the premade curry in block form, & where to buy it. I've never heard of it or seen it to buy

[@annamric6597]

I will google it, buy grateful for any reply.

[@rob20452]

These vans and the VW t vans for me OK for a trip down the seaside and take aways and sleep for a night or 2

[@WillsWhereabouts]

Totally agree!

[@ProjectCamper]

LMAO, try and find a Mitsubishi Delica 4x4 camper to have a night out in and take it off roading, such a cracking micro camper. Brilliant as always mate, great talking to you the other day ❤.

[@SavorTheJourneyDave]

So a friend turned me on to this concept, originally she got the idea from a cookbook called Skinn Taste.... but it's super simple that once you do it the first time you don't really need much Direction. Basically you use little tiny mini Crock-Pot on low or you can use the baby instapot or whatever, you add a couple of pieces of chicken, a packet of chicken taco seasoning and then I like a packet of regular taco seasoning I did try it with fajita seasoning and it wasn't as good, you basically cook it to death, over many hours but then you shred the chicken up and you have it in wraps and in those taco shell bowls and it goes in all kind of things you can eat on it it for days and days... 🌮 🌮 (It also works for other types of meats that would normally go in those types of wraps/soft tacos/etc.) 😁

[@cluckgould2954]

Love this video! It's great to see you taking older vehicles to test them out. Just shows you don't need to spend loads of money to get away on a adventure. Thanks for doing this

[@QuietlyExploring]

Bongos are the best, especially for solo camper trips

[@charliegraham7688]

You should borrow “love Sundays” van and camp on the beach and use all his snorkelling and surfing stuff, would be a laugh to watch.

[@PerunsZGRevenge]

Mate I've been really enjoying the videos. They're getting better with every next one. I hope you take all the experience you gather through this show at some point and apply it to your own van. Cheers!

[@AdmanMVR]

That is such a cool camper! Fantastic video, this series is so good 👍

[@WillsWhereabouts]

Thanks for the support!

[@DaveNashInIt]

I very nearly impulsively purchased a Mazda Bongo a while back . . . Glad to see you’ve covered this great little camper! 👍🏻

[@annrimmington8690]

I have a similar size Japanese camper but with a high top and I love it, loved the electric blinds. My fav Meal in mine is pasta with onion, bacon, garlic, broccoli, pine nuts and pesto, doddle. Lovin the series Will, keep em coming x

[@WillsWhereabouts]

Keep the recipe suggestions coming!

[@andrewsgarage796]

Good one again mate, it's all Bongos for you :) Best regards Andrew

[@andrewdavis9223]

That's about the size van I would want 😊

[@albiehill5035]

I’m looking at one this week lovely little camper van 👍🏻

[@willtaylor6112]

You should do a year with it, I have a Toyota granvia 1996 I did look at the Mazda bongo but they have a lot of issues and I didn't like the lack of access to engine.

[@sandyking2500]

Try cooking a kedgeree! (Microwaveable rice, smoked fish, sweetcorn, peas) (and curry powder!) Can all be cooked in one pan, and is delicious! Bon appetite!

[@fordfreda]

your supposed to wait for the glow plug light to go out first before starting

[@moe_1886]

I think this is one of my faves so far. I like how narrow it is (great for those South West country lanes) and that it can go to a lot more places off road. Lovin' ya work Will & Ben!

[@deborahtellis7583]

I have a 2001 Bongo! Love driving it. Rust is the biggest killer.

[@andykemp5918]

Liking the new serious. Your videos are getting better and better

[@Stozza_85]

Always guaranteed to put a smile on your face! 👌

[@scottw.3258]

That's a cracking wee van. As you said, it looks a bit tight, but it's got everything you need for a few days away. Brilliant work again. Keep 'em coming.

[@NorthernAnt]

I enjoyed the longer video, feels like more of the older Will videos, more of you cooking and chatting!!

[@fordfreda]

Anyone interested in buying a bongo i would suggest getting a 8 seater pop top version so you can decide weather to convert or leave as is. awesome vans

[@Marc-xc9uo]

That bugs me too when people don’t say thank you for giving them way!

[@erolhassan5346]

Amusing video. When I cook in my van I keep it simple,,, fry up a steak & have a salad with it or something like that

[@CraigLondon]

My mate used to buy used Japanese cars at auction is Southampton.Mainly Subarus and Mazdas,but he would buy and sell these all day over here.Bongo...still makes me laugh today :D

[@markshepherd5193]

Love your videos will and Ben top blokes keep up the amazing work stay safe god bless ya

[@jukejoint65]

Had two Bongos. Absolutely loved them, apart from the coolant issues!

[@Niborino9409]

This is a lovely car. Wish I could find one! Just what I'd need!

[@SteamboatWilley]

Obviously being built for Japan, it's narrow, which makes it equally at home in the UK. I want one, and then fit it out with anime stickers and cushions, etc. I like your idea of cooking Japanese food in it, as well.

[@jackfinn2199]

I can definitely see myself living in one full time

[@WillsWhereabouts]

Could work for some!

[@stevenrobertson7786]

Defo one of the best starter vans on the market so glad I got one yrs ago electric roof and blinds you'll no see that on VW without selling the house to pay for it 🤣🤣

[@testpilotian3188]

LOL Mary is so jealous of sharing you with other campers she is shedding parts to get your attention….

[@WillsWhereabouts]

Hahaha! 😂

[@patwilliams9390]

Love this video reminded me of Bertie Bongo we bought in 2008 the roof switch failed and hubby had to dismantle it then crank it down by hand 😐 happy days 😂

[@bethanyrhodes6824]

I LOVE MY BONGO ITS THE SAME AS YOURS, GET A DIESEL HEATER I PUT MINE NEAR THE BACK DOOR... GREAT WHEELS TOO

[@noelandrews8209]

Hi will have you got a Roma home on your list to try out

[@IanClayton-ph1ru]

Me and my lady are saving for a bongo to live the van life full time, are we crazy lol

[@davidmwood560]

I've got a Nissan Elgrand. Bigger than the Mazda and very well appointed. I designed and built my own interior and incorporated a fridge, cooker, sink, storage and - a loo! There is still fabulously comfortable seating for 4 people, (although there are only the two of us...and a cat. There isn't a raised roof and I don't like them anyway. The van has a 3·5 litre V6 and auto box. It's fast, smooth, very reliable and surprisingly economical. I love it, but 2 nights is about the max. The only thing I'd replace it with might be a Sprinter sized Toyota purpose built camper. Same size engine and 6 speed auto with excellent comfort...but hard to find and very expensive!

[@borisbongo9494]

Great to see another bongo 👍

[@Kats4Brekkie]

I really enjoy this series of yours (and by default too, Ben!). Really fun to see different, unique, or odd vans/campers/beds on wheels. Also I enjoy your style of videography, which really makes the series IMO. You're not there to palm us off on a fake "review" of them. You actually use them, which is nice to see. I know some of your viewers haven't liked the way you're taking the channel forward, and that's each to their own, but I'm loving it and love to look forward to see what you're gunna have next week. Good Job!

[@WillsWhereabouts]

Thanks so much. Glad you’re liking the series! 🫶

[@Creativecavemanagain]

Another entertaining video. Try lowering the overhead divider before retracting the roof. Maybe cooking a nice stew in a pressure cooker, super simple and the potential for mayhem is unlimited 😂. They make pressure cookers specifically for campers.

[@vetworker]

Surprising amount of room for such a small van. Great for the weekends. Quite like it.

[@WillsWhereabouts]

Definitely good for weekends!

[@missybennett600]

Love you added the bloopers at the end of video

[@gingergill7896]

Loved this video Will. I’ve got a much loved 1995 Bongo, a rare manual gearbox. Just started a conversion on a TGE as wanted a bit more room and a fixed bed. Bongos are definitely “quirky” 😅. They are great as a beach van, as are small enough for narrow Cornish lanes, but give you somewhere to change in after a day at the beach.

[@visionsinblue7093]

3:23 - Bewdley (Wyre Forest) Great to see Kidderminster (Tesco) and Trimpley (overnight stop)