Using a Porta Potti in a Bongo?

[janeyjane]

Hi

As you'll know if you read regularly, I'm currently havng a Bongo (well, Ford Freda), converted with a local caravan fitting company who have just started doing motorhomes too. I did say clearly that I need to have sufficient space with the bed out to be able to use a porta potti in the remaining floor space. I was told that would not be a problem, yet, now they've decided to 'treat' me to the better bed with a 'metal frame and slats rather than the MDF version', there's apparently only going to be about 6" spare between the end of the bed and the front seats, with the bed made up. Grrrrrrrr. They've yet to receive the actual bed, so it may yet prove unduly pessimistic, however, what is the experience of other bongo owners? What style bed do you have and are you able to get the porta potti out with the bed down?

(I do have the option to reject the bed or even the whole van if it doesn't meet my requirement, without losing any money, so no hassle there, other than the lost time in me getting a usable van!).

Jane

[yamaha]

May 26, 2009 21:33:38 GMT janeyjane said:

Hi

As you'll know if you read regularly, I'm currently havng a Bongo (well, Ford Freda), converted with a local caravan fitting company who have just started doing motorhomes too. I did say clearly that I need to have sufficient space with the bed out to be able to use a porta potti in the remaining floor space. I was told that would not be a problem, yet, now they've decided to 'treat' me to the better bed with a 'metal frame and slats rather than the MDF version', there's apparently only going to be about 6" spare between the end of the bed and the front seats, with the bed made up. Grrrrrrrr. They've yet to receive the actual bed, so it may yet prove unduly pessimistic, however, what is the experience of other bongo owners? What style bed do you have and are you able to get the porta potti out with the bed down?

(I do have the option to reject the bed or even the whole van if it doesn't meet my requirement, without losing any money, so no hassle there, other than the lost time in me getting a usable van!).

Jane

Hi Jane

As we also have a Bongo, maybe I can comment. As you will see from a reply to Derek's post, I considered, then scrapped, the idea of a built-in bed.

We have found it easier to use the front and middle seats as the bed - albeit with the central engine cover between us. Feet down towards the windscreen - this leaves room in the back section for the Porta Potty.

If the weather is warm, I often choose to sleep in the roof, as I don't usually have to get up in the night for a wee!! There is a guy in the Bongo club that uses a funnel up there at night, with a long length of plastic tubing, that exits the van and deposits it's contents under the van!!! Wouldn't fancy that option!!

I prefer to take a bottle up with me, in case of emergencies, as it isn't really possible to get down from there in the night, without disturbing your partner, as you sleep on the hatch door.

Mike

[janeyjane]

May 26, 2009 21:33:38 GMT janeyjane said:

Hi

As you'll know if you read regularly, I'm currently havng a Bongo (well, Ford Freda), converted with a local caravan fitting company who have just started doing motorhomes too. I did say clearly that I need to have sufficient space with the bed out to be able to use a porta potti in the remaining floor space. I was told that would not be a problem, yet, now they've decided to 'treat' me to the better bed with a 'metal frame and slats rather than the MDF version', there's apparently only going to be about 6" spare between the end of the bed and the front seats, with the bed made up. Grrrrrrrr. They've yet to receive the actual bed, so it may yet prove unduly pessimistic, however, what is the experience of other bongo owners? What style bed do you have and are you able to get the porta potti out with the bed down?

(I do have the option to reject the bed or even the whole van if it doesn't meet my requirement, without losing any money, so no hassle there, other than the lost time in me getting a usable van!).

Jane

Well, I finally saw the complete van yesterday, and, as suspected, barely a few inches spare with the bed out. Also I'd specifically said I wanted the waste water kept inside as I didn't want to have to have a water container outside the van, and guess what....? And to top it all, they decided to add some high level lockers and managed to reduce the backwards travel of the drivers seat, so the driving position would also now be a problem. Ever felt like banging your head against a brick wall? So, I'm starting from scratch again, trying to find a new 'van :-(

Jane