• MAZDA BONGO

    Enjoy the quality you expect from a Stimson design.

    We can now build and supply the beautiful GRP (fibreglass) Stimson designed "Outback"  layout / kitchen, please read more:

    The above observations plus comments taken from surveys carried out by questioning those visiting Caravan and Leisure Exhibitions regarding camper van requirements were used to help create a design brief from which the Stimson ‘Outback’ designs could be developed.


    THE BASE VEHICLES 'Outback' :


    One of the major plus points with the Mazda Bongo - Ford Freda base vehicles is the fact that they are fully productionised passenger vehicles with proper crash tested seats and belts. Many converters strip out or alter valuable ‘bits’ like safe ‘type approved’ seating simply in order to cram in accommodation.







  • THE DESIGN BRIEF:

    The brief was for Barry Stimson to further develop the design of the vehicles Mazda Bongo -and Ford Freda to offer even more versatility as leisure vehicles. To tweak the design so that the vehicles could truly be used as camper vans when required, with proper beds – galley - W.C - without compromising the vehicle as a car. The brief for all vehicles was to retain five of the production seats/belts and provide luggage area. In fact to turn the vehicles into M.P.V (L)’s multi purpose vehicles (living). The brief was not to ‘chop out’ everything including seats from the base vehicle simply to produce a camper van.

    Before Barry Stimson even put pen to paper a list of shortfalls found in other camper van conversions was drawn up. That list was then used to help the design progress without falling into the same shortfalls. Some of those logged shortfalls are listed for your interest:

    (1) Many converters strip out or alter valuable ‘bits’ like fully type approved seating and seat belts, or cut down seats simply to make the conversion work as a camper van.

    (2) Some converters try to retain some type approved seats but in doing so create a less than ideal accommodation unit with poor ergonomic design making cooking – sleeping – eating, restricted and difficult.





  • (3) Many conversions have little or no worktop space making the preparation and serving of food difficult. Many have tables that are far too small, other than using for a snack.

    (4) Many conversions have no usable floor or seating area in which to undress or dress once the beds are laid down, leaving scrambling over beds the only option, and positively no room to slide out the W.C in the night.

    (5) Many converters seem to expect the ‘end user’ to put up with poor ergonomic design and beds that are undersized.

    (6) Some converters appear to pay very little interest to the many and varied customer requirements relating to the vehicles uses, leaving the customer to do all the compromising.

    (7) Many converters use materials more suited to garden shed ‘fit outs’. They are heavy, have sharp edges and are not particularly durable.

    (8) Many converters try to use some of the original seats laid down as beds without mattresses, they can be very uncomfortable.

    None of the conversions evaluated seemed to offer true inside/outside living potential while retaining everything that makes the base vehicle so comfortable.

A TYPICAL STIMSON DESIGN CONVERSION would have all you would expect to find in Mazda Bongo -or Ford Freda (to your chosen spec) and all you would hope to find in a conversion.

DRIVING:

Very high spec base vehicles with manufacturer’s type approved seating (five seats with belts) in all designs. All models have extremely large load carrying area when used as a car. Great for those airport ‘pick up’ or ‘drop offs’ – transporting garden centre ‘must haves’ – picking up D.I.Y materials – and many other uses.


SLEEPING Mazda 'Outback':

A proper sleeping 'room' for two can be created instantly by electrically elevating the roof, providing one or two beds over 2mtrs (6’3”) long. Alternative or additional sleeping area can be created for two; by laying vehicle seating flat and using the ‘U’ form mattresses supplied.

COOKING/DINING Mazda 'Outback':

Upholstered seating for ‘cooking duties’ and to create a four seat dining area.

Slide out worktops for food preparation and dishing up food, accessible from inside or outside the vehicle. 

Upholstered chefs seat and fully adjustable dining seat for four.

Galley base unit cupboards with sliding doors, accessible from inside or outside the vehicle. As the doors are sliding doors all cupboards and slide out W.C can be accessed at any time even when dining or beds are made down. All models.

Sliding G.R.P table (adjustable) for use in dining area. All models can also be used in conjunction with the moulded ‘lay flat’ bench seat back. This creates even more space for anything from a cheese board or bowl of fruit, to a bottle of wine with glasses. Still allowing four people to sit round the table. Check that out in other conversions. All models.



LOUNGING Mazda 'Outback':

The wide rear bench seat has independent ‘recliner back rests’ to allow the users to ‘fine tune’ adjust the seats for maximum comfort. The lounge area seating faces forward allowing front seats to form foot rests for ultimate comfort. That area can also be used to seat up to five people in comfort on site as front seats can quickly be transformed into 'jump seats'. Great when inviting newly made friends round for a ‘cuppa’ or a glass of wine.

 

STORAGE:

Cupboard space for ‘cool-box’ accessible from inside or outside the vehicle. The ‘cool-box’ can simply be removed to take on a picnic or to the beach (cool-box supplied). All models.

Cupboard space for water and gas bottles accessible from inside or outside the vehicle.

General cupboard space. Sliding doors are fitted for easy access at all times.

Cupboard space for W.C accessible from inside or outside the vehicle. W.C can be removed for emptying from outside the vehicle in the interest of hygiene.

Large under seat storage box (slideable). Other storage boxes with hinged lids.
STANDARD EQUIPMENT:

Mains hook-up and 25mtr site lead.
Thermal screens for windows.
Cool box 25ltr capacity.
2 'U' form mattresses.

OPTIONAL EXTRAS:

Porta potti 335.
Tow bar and electrics.
Bike racks.


THE CONCLUSION:

The Stimson designed ‘Outback’ model retains all the production ‘good bits’ then add the modular and monocoque conversion to make the vehicles truly multi purpose ‘safe’ vehicles. The transverse and 'L' shape galley module offers slide out worktops for food preparation inside or outside. Great for a ‘pit stop’ on those continental runs. The vehicle conversion has been designed for all ‘adventures’ and ‘activities’. Bongos - and Freda’are also available in four wheel drive, offering even more flexibility particularly with winter sports activities, like ski holidays. The piece de résistance has got to be the inside or outside living possibilities. The Stimson designs allow the user to use the – galley – tap – sink – hob – cool-box – cupboards from inside or outside the vehicle. The ‘slide out’ worktop completes the ‘L’ shaped galley, great for BBQ and alfresco eating or even a ‘pit stop’ en-route when stretching legs. The lift up tailgate provides sun or rain cover: a real bonus when using the ‘Outback’ facilities.



Available from £2495 fitted