Potential Bongo newbie - best layout for 3 kids?
Posted: Mon Jun 10, 2019 11:34 am
Hi All,
I'm new to the forum and new to Bongos, but have been browsing various sights for a little while.
We have 3 older kids (6, 9, 12), so only need a booster seats for the youngest two. We currently have a MK 6 Ford Transit Tourneo, which we have been intending to convert to a camper, but after 2 years the only work we have managed is to remove some seats for cheaper insurance! I've decided this is the year to finish the job and am at the point of planning/building a kitchen pod and bed. But...... the rust is also starting to rear it's ugly head - common for Transits.
So, before we start spending money on a lovely interior when there are potential hefty welding bills in the future, I'm wondering whether to look at an alternative base vehicle instead. And Bongos tick a lot of boxes - especially with a raising roof which is not possible on our van.
I've not seen a Bongo in the flesh yet, and the nearest for sale are a good couple of hours away, so I'm trying to do as much research as possible first.
My biggest concern is the passenger seating whilst driving. Our Tourneo has all three kids on the back bench seat, which is nearly 6 foot wide and 3 point belts all round, so lots of space. I would prefer the same layout in a Bongo, but the seats seem a bit smaller, and look like 2 x 3 point belts with a lap belt. Is that right? Are there any models with 3 x point belts? Is there even room for 3 older children/potential teenagers along the bench seat or is it too tight?
If not, what layouts do people use for 3 kids, using both rows of seats? I've seen the rear split/lift seats, which would leave space for a removable kitchen pod. But as these are on older models, what other layouts do people use?
We only have one vehicle, so passenger safety/belts trumps everything else, but I do want the option of a basic kitchen. We have a huge awning for camping, but would love a kitchen pod for long days at the beach etc.
I've been browsing the 'show us your interiors' thread, but any comments/opinions on passenger seats would be very welcome.
Thank you!
Oh, and if anyone knows of a Bongo dealer nearer to us - please do tell! We are slap bang in the middle of Wales, so seem to be looking at Swansea or Birmingham at the momen
I'm new to the forum and new to Bongos, but have been browsing various sights for a little while.
We have 3 older kids (6, 9, 12), so only need a booster seats for the youngest two. We currently have a MK 6 Ford Transit Tourneo, which we have been intending to convert to a camper, but after 2 years the only work we have managed is to remove some seats for cheaper insurance! I've decided this is the year to finish the job and am at the point of planning/building a kitchen pod and bed. But...... the rust is also starting to rear it's ugly head - common for Transits.
So, before we start spending money on a lovely interior when there are potential hefty welding bills in the future, I'm wondering whether to look at an alternative base vehicle instead. And Bongos tick a lot of boxes - especially with a raising roof which is not possible on our van.
I've not seen a Bongo in the flesh yet, and the nearest for sale are a good couple of hours away, so I'm trying to do as much research as possible first.
My biggest concern is the passenger seating whilst driving. Our Tourneo has all three kids on the back bench seat, which is nearly 6 foot wide and 3 point belts all round, so lots of space. I would prefer the same layout in a Bongo, but the seats seem a bit smaller, and look like 2 x 3 point belts with a lap belt. Is that right? Are there any models with 3 x point belts? Is there even room for 3 older children/potential teenagers along the bench seat or is it too tight?
If not, what layouts do people use for 3 kids, using both rows of seats? I've seen the rear split/lift seats, which would leave space for a removable kitchen pod. But as these are on older models, what other layouts do people use?
We only have one vehicle, so passenger safety/belts trumps everything else, but I do want the option of a basic kitchen. We have a huge awning for camping, but would love a kitchen pod for long days at the beach etc.
I've been browsing the 'show us your interiors' thread, but any comments/opinions on passenger seats would be very welcome.
Thank you!
Oh, and if anyone knows of a Bongo dealer nearer to us - please do tell! We are slap bang in the middle of Wales, so seem to be looking at Swansea or Birmingham at the momen