Hi
We are a family of 5 (we foster 3 young children, 7,3&2) and are looking for something we can load up and take off for long weekends in. We have been looking for ages now, and have decided against a caravan because we would have to store it and couldn't just take off. We looked at folding campers and was worried about how we would dry if wet when we got home. So now we have been looking at smaller camper vans (VW's, Hiace, Bongo's 4 berths etc), which would seem to work well with a drive away awning 2/4 berth. We would be able to street park, which would be great and be impulsive on when we go. What we are struggling to find, is seating with fixed seat belts? We obviously need 3 x 3point seat belts in the rear, with a nice conversion - not just a liftout kitchen unit in the back. We have about a 8-10k budget, but this has got to include awning, towbar and bike rack. Oh dear, it does seem we want too much for our money, maybe it will be back in the tent again for the the rest of the summer (hmm what summer!).
any advice please on if additional 3 point seat belts can be added to certain types of vans/seats would be appreciated. or if you know anyone selling this illusive van, we would love their details.
many thanks
Hi, Have you been able to see any adverts in Motor home or Camper Van Magazines? I have no experience at all with Campers ( although that is how we always refere to our 'van) You dont have your location logged so it is dificult to suggest dealers for you to have a look at. The vehicles you mention are sound...loads of those seen on the road. I am glad you are wanting to know about seatbelts and the number of. It is essential that they are fitted for all (No matter what others may say or think)
Come on every body....Mazda Bongo's...VW...Toyota....owners, tell these guys all about your toys. OR...anyone who has a van they no longer require....OR...selfbuilders?
Thanks Austins. We are in Skipton, North Yorkshire - if anyone can recommend any good dealers nearby. We are off to Harewood House VW festival on Sunday. I will be peeping in all the vans to see if they would fit our little tribe:-).
Just great, getting out to have a look. Owners will be only too pleased to let you have a view inside. Just one thing I may be able to help you with. Toyota Hi Ace....bought an 'N' reg back in 2000, 75,000 on the clock. Used it daily for my work van, and sold it just under 2 years ago...with 130 thousand plus on the clock. She was as beautifull when I sold her as she was when I got her. Stll I see it on the road locally, and it still looks like a modern van. No significant costs for her keep other than regular servicing and oil change. I have to say she was not as economical fuel wise as I would have liked. You and the 'kids' enjoy your weekend.....Dont take any money or credit cards! Just being nosey right now tell them. Make an informed choice, having done the research. Whats the rush...winter is coming, although I have to say...some of the best deals about in autumn.
A Bongo would be on the small side for 5 however you will find parking in the street easy and the range of conversions that are available would mean that you would undoubtedly find one that suits your needs.
We've had five years of trouble free motoring in our unconverted Bongo, two adults and two kids.
We can sleep four in the van comfortably and use either an awning or canopy for cooking in, depending on how long we are camping for and how bad the weather is!
We bought with the idea that we would one day convert it but it suits us fine.
Downside of a Bongo is fuel economy; it's not great!
For good Bongo advice check out Bongo Fury
Any of those mentioned would likely do - as long as you have an awning. The inlaws have a fancy California for only three of them and they insisted it was fine. But, theyve ended up with an awning for it as it was obvious there wasnt room to swing a cat outside travelling in it.
Not sure what you will get for the money though. There seems to be a 'bottom line' to which none of the campers seem to drop past, irrespective of age, mileage, or condition.
Hi
thanks for all your advice.... The bongo fury website is looking like it could be promising, I will keep you updated.
We've had a great day out at the VW festival at Harewood today. We saw some lovely vans, but sadly either too expensive (custom fitted T5's with 5 seats) or too small (lovely split screens that are a retirement dream).
Thanks again.
I sold my bongo because it was far too small for the 4 of us and my kids where much younger back then...toyota hiace super custom is a better bet with a cab bunk bed to give you 5 berths, though as mentioned before they are thirsty as they tend to be 4x4 autos..there are two wheel drive manuals out there but theyre few and far between ..good vans though..
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4 berth with the wedge top ( or use for storage) and you could attach an awning. We have one the same and there are 3 seatbelts fitted in the back so it is possible.
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Thanks jimsmimm, that one looked perfect - i emailed today to visit tomorrow and the guy had just sold it:-(.
Thanks squirrelchopsWe looked at a few T25's at a festival yesterday and most of them didn't have belts fitted, but I suppose we could get them fitted.
I think the Hiace is a bit bigger and I like the 2 seats with the bigger kitchen area, so we will keep looking at them.
the hiaces being a toyota is pretty reliable and although they are imports toyota will supply all parts if you provide them with the chassis number.. they come in three lengths mwb lwb and xlwb and 3 engine types ..2.4turbo..(avoid) ..2.8 non turbo(a bit under powered and 3ltr turbo the best of the bunch..the base vans also come in different specs though being japanese even the most basic vans have electric windows and aircon though some of the higher spec vans are really loaded with electric everything ... as I said before they tend to be thirsty returning low 20s mpg in town to high 20s to low 30s motorway... I really liked mine and had it for a few years ...there are loads of different companys in japan turning out different conversions and I would try and visit one of the jap import companies if possible to view a few to see which conversion best suits you.....good luck.
A day of all things motorhome and campervan. The show is held both in the main indoor arena and across the grounds. Catering, hot drinks and food options are available. Easy access to the site and free parking included. Win one of five pairs of day tickets
Topic: campervan for family of 5- any help pls
