Apologies if this subject has already been covered but I have searched the forum and can't find anything like this. We bought a Bongo in July and it has the original roof. We are considering getting it converted to an AFT roof but I would like to know the options and the pros and cons. I understand you can have one that hinges at the back or one that hinges at the side, which I assume is what is referred to as a mushroom roof. Which one is better? Our bongo came with a driveaway awning. Would fitting a rising roof stop us from being able to use it (as the straps go over the top of the Bongo)?
How much space is created by a rising roof? How do you use it for sleeping? How do you get up there? Is it cold? Does it leak when open in heavy rain? Do they go wrong after a while? Are they all automatic or do you have a choice? If so is automatic better? Is it worth the money? Any and all information and opinions gratefully accepted.
Nearly forgot to add that we use the Bongo for weekends away and we like to drive out in it each evening so that we can go out to eat so I don't want a roof that involves too much faffing about.
AFT / rising roofs
Re: AFT / rising roofs
I guess you mean you bought a TinTop ? The Auto Free Top (AFT) is the original Mazda electric powered roof, the mechanical diagrams show the roofs as having different construction so cutting a hole out and installing a Pop Top (generic name for aftermarket roofs) usually calls for extra strengthening. The Pop Top roofs are generally manually lifted all though there is rumour that one firm is installing original AFT's on Bongo's and other vehicles.
All the roofs can have problems including the AFT, but as normal if maintained they work well.
Yes sleeping in the AFT is expected, my wife used it for 8 years of travels whilst I inhabited the R&R bed downstairs
Getting up there depends on what other sorts of conversions you have, but we just stepped on a stool then onto the side conversion and lifted ourselves into the AFT, after passing up the sleeping duvet first. It tended to be a bit cooler in Winter and we would use hot water bottles if wild camping or small electric blankets if on EHU when it was snow outside, otherwise king size duvet and perhaps an extra fleece.
All the roofs can have problems including the AFT, but as normal if maintained they work well.
Yes sleeping in the AFT is expected, my wife used it for 8 years of travels whilst I inhabited the R&R bed downstairs
Getting up there depends on what other sorts of conversions you have, but we just stepped on a stool then onto the side conversion and lifted ourselves into the AFT, after passing up the sleeping duvet first. It tended to be a bit cooler in Winter and we would use hot water bottles if wild camping or small electric blankets if on EHU when it was snow outside, otherwise king size duvet and perhaps an extra fleece.Geoff
2001 Aero V6, AFT, full side conversion.
2001 Aero V6, AFT, full side conversion.