|
|
Post by snobbyafghan on Oct 4, 2009 15:56:44 GMT
I'm thinking of selling our Dimension 2 whilst its still got nearly a year of manufacturer's warranty left.
Why? Well, not for any negative reasons about the van - we love it. It's just that we don't use it enough to justify having that considerable financial commitment just sitting doing nothing for most of the year.
I'm thinking of getting something smaller and cheaper so that I can carry on having the option to go camping without the financial negatives. So, that means something second-hand.
So, on a budget of about £6-7000 (after I've sold the Dimension), what would you choose?
I've posted this question on the Bongo board specifically aimed at getting opinions from Bongo owners about their vehicles. Anyone got an other suggestions?
Doug
|
|
|
|
Post by Graham on Oct 4, 2009 17:19:27 GMT
Hi Doug
At the moment we've got a Dimension but if I wanted to downsize I would definitely go back to the Duo we used to have and get rid of our car, using the Duo for everyday use as well.
Graham
|
|
|
|
Post by snobbyafghan on Oct 4, 2009 18:41:37 GMT
Graham - a Duo rather than a Bongo?
But what sort of example would I get for my budhgetr of £6-7000?
Doug
|
|
|
|
Post by Graham on Oct 4, 2009 20:27:30 GMT
Well you asked what I would go for and yes I would prefer a Duo to a Bongo, on a budget of £6,000-£7,000, I would sell my car and throw that in to the pot as I wouldn't want two vehicles, that should be enough to get me a second hand Duo.
|
|
|
|
Post by Derek on Oct 5, 2009 8:17:31 GMT
I'm thinking of getting something smaller and cheaper so that I can carry on having the option to go camping without the financial negatives. So, that means something second-hand. So, on a budget of about £6-7000 (after I've sold the Dimension), what would you choose? Doug Hi Doug We've just been down this route, you say smaller and cheaper, are you looking for a full camper conversion or an MPV that you can sleep in. I was going to get a cheap, unconverted Bongo but found that I could get a good Berlingo Multispace for my budget of £3000 to £4000. There are lots of MPV's out there, particularly Jap imports where the seats fold down to a bed. Derek |
|
|
|
Post by snobbyafghan on Oct 5, 2009 10:48:08 GMT
Derek
Are you saying you use an unconverted Multi-space for camping? Tell me more.
I've actually got a 2003 Multi-space already and although it's a fantastically versatile vehicle, I can't imagine camping in it.
Doug
|
|
|
|
Post by Derek on Oct 5, 2009 11:34:40 GMT
Derek Are you saying you use an unconverted Multi-space for camping? Tell me more. I've actually got a 2003 Multi-space already and although it's a fantastically versatile vehicle, I can't imagine camping in it. Doug Ours is a Dec 2003 Forte with the 1.9 diesel, here is a link to the thread about my project. My self build sagaAmdro provide kits that look good, another link Amdro Jump conversion and Boot BedYou can get a 6' 2" bed in if you slide the seats forward, OK if you are under 6' tall  It works for us, we sleep two of us in there together with the dog. Derek |
|
karenw
50+ posts.... 3 wheels on my wagon!
Posts: 92
|
Post by karenw on Oct 5, 2009 12:23:16 GMT
It can be done!
My husband has a Renault Kangoo (very similar to a Berlingo) and during the week it's a perfectly normal car but come the weekend and the offside rear seat is folded down and a wooden bed frame added. In the void behind the nearside rear seat there's a gas burner and curtains are looped-up all around. To the casual observer there are no clues re its dual role but it works well for occasional weekends away.
Pics available if you need inspiration!
|
|
|
|
Post by snobbyafghan on Oct 5, 2009 12:44:03 GMT
Derek
Thanks for the link - I'd missed your project - I haven't been on the forum much this year - moving house kind of took over.
So, now you've had more experience with the Berlingo, are you still pleased? And does the camper stuff come out so you can use the vehicle as an ordinary Berlingo?
The youtube links were interesting, especially the Amdro one - I must see how much their conversion for the Berlingo costs.
Doug
|
|
|
|
Post by Derek on Oct 5, 2009 14:34:08 GMT
So, now you've had more experience with the Berlingo, are you still pleased? Yes, very pleased. The youtube links were interesting, especially the Amdro one - I must see how much their conversion for the Berlingo costs. £1300 for the Jump, £656 for the Boot Bed And does the camper stuff come out so you can use the vehicle as an ordinary Berlingo? Yes, the vehicle is not modified in any way. The platform is held down with straps fitted to the existing rings on the floor. The platform can be removed and the seats bolted back (8 hex headed bolts). Derek PS, your avatar has vanished, is this the start of the changeover? ;D |
|
|
|
Post by snobbyafghan on Oct 5, 2009 14:48:01 GMT
£1300 for the Jump, £656 for the Boot Bed I can't quite make out the info on their site. Is the "Jump" everything including the Boot Bed? PS, your avatar has vanished, is this the start of the changeover? ;D Blimey - how did that happen? Must check it out. Maybe Graham thinks I'm being too disloyal to the Dimension and has zapped me ;D Doug |
|
|
|
Post by Graham on Oct 5, 2009 14:54:33 GMT
Blimey - how did that happen? Must check it out. Maybe Graham thinks I'm being too disloyal to the Dimension and has zapped me ;D Nothing to do with me, honest guv. |
|
|
|
Post by snobbyafghan on Oct 5, 2009 14:55:11 GMT
Just returned from a dangerous mission into cyberspace to recover and reinstate my avatar.
Mission accomplished.....!
Doug
|
|
|
|
Post by Derek on Oct 5, 2009 15:09:21 GMT
|
|
|
|
Post by snobbyafghan on Oct 5, 2009 16:13:10 GMT
Derek
Verrry interesting - I wonder if anyone here has got one of either of those. Be interesting to hear from a user.
Doug
|
|
|
|
Post by jayjay on Oct 6, 2009 12:27:41 GMT
It can be done! My husband has a Renault Kangoo (very similar to a Berlingo) and during the week it's a perfectly normal car but come the weekend and the offside rear seat is folded down and a wooden bed frame added. In the void behind the nearside rear seat there's a gas burner and curtains are looped-up all around. To the casual observer there are no clues re its dual role but it works well for occasional weekends away. Pics available if you need inspiration! I need pics, Karen! Sounds like just what I need! ;D |
|
karenw
50+ posts.... 3 wheels on my wagon!
Posts: 92
|
Post by karenw on Oct 6, 2009 15:03:58 GMT
Husband's Kangoo car adaptation - a framed, removable bed fits over the folded-down rear seat and provides storage underneath:  Measuring up:  A simple idea - a series of frames with a plywood top forming the bed:  Stowed away while travelling:  My Kangoo van 'conversion':  With the bed assembled:  Finally - the Kangoo Roo layout. The de-luxe adaptation!  |
|
|
|
Post by yamaha on Oct 6, 2009 15:43:20 GMT
Karen - you have too many vehicles between you - you need to slim down the fleet - this is from someone who has 10 motorbikes, 2 quad bikes, a Bongo, and a car!!  Mike |
|
karenw
50+ posts.... 3 wheels on my wagon!
Posts: 92
|
Post by karenw on Oct 6, 2009 16:16:04 GMT
Karen - you have too many vehicles between you - you need to slim down the fleet - this is from someone who has 10 motorbikes, 2 quad bikes, a Bongo, and a car!! Mike I wish and I'm continuing to work on it. The tax and insurance costs a fortune and the van only covers about 3k miles per year. I've sketched a DIY 'conversion' of a Fiat Doblo (car or van) as my next project intended as a replacement for both Kangoos, but the insurance still remains an issue. Even the company kindly recommended to me last week via this forum won't touch me - because I need business use to drive to the post office twice per week (carrying goods - this seemingly makes a difference) and attend 2-3 exhibitions per year.  ( |
|
|
|
Post by jayjay on Oct 7, 2009 8:27:50 GMT
Just gorgeous, Karen! Many thanks for the pics! I like your Kangoo van conversion the best, looks to have more room than the deluxe version - and room for a dog! Love it! |
|
karenw
50+ posts.... 3 wheels on my wagon!
Posts: 92
|
Post by karenw on Oct 7, 2009 9:45:38 GMT
Just gorgeous, Karen! Many thanks for the pics! I like your Kangoo van conversion the best, looks to have more room than the deluxe version - and room for a dog! Love it! You're welcome. The van-conversion option would be practical for a dog. You could add a hinged cupboard door to the void beneath the bed, bolt it into the floor and this would give an extra secure locker away from your dog, hair and muddy paws. While you're sleeping, there would be ample space for a dog bed in the offside space - I've actually camped with a caged rabbit so it's almost been tested! The Roo version would be a squeeze with a dog and would be less pratical for cleaning. The plywood floor, walls and cupboards can simply be wiped down. I should add, inside the cupboard beneath the 'sink' (actually a plastic washing up bowl slotted into a recess!) is a porta-potti loo on runners. Since the pic was taken, I've also added a shelf arrangement that slots onto the opened door and is supported by lugs fitted to the wall. This holds a camping gaz burner (secured in a... dog bowl screwed into the shelf!) so provides a means of boiling water for a hot water bottle for chilly nights. The adaptation has served me well, cost about £400 which includes foil bubble insulation to the roof and behind the plywood-lined walls, and it's been all over the country throughout the year. I hope you'll have a go with your car/van and enjoy many happy camping travels and adventures! |
|
(