Sparkie19 Posted October 19, 2021 Share Posted October 19, 2021 (edited) Hi there. We are after a cheap and cheerful awning solution for our Alphard. We've got a 2006 generation 1 mode. We've not getting it converted for a fair while but are prioritizing the pop-top roof to mean we can still use it to camp overnight on a site or in the wild. One thing we want is an awning so we can pop it up and sit under it if say the weather turned for example. Any advice is greatly appreciated. Cheers Mark Edited October 19, 2021 by Sparkie19 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rojie Posted October 19, 2021 Share Posted October 19, 2021 Hi Mark, Since earlier this year, I believe, fitting a pop top will cause the vehicle to need to be reclassified as a motor home. What difference this makes, I don't know, but just wanted to make you aware so you can make further enquiries if you choose. Hopefully, I'm not wrong on this, but if so, I'm sure I'll be corrected quite quickly. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shawn Posted October 19, 2021 Share Posted October 19, 2021 Sparkie have you seen previous threads here like this one - https://uk.alphardclub.com/forums/topic/1132-tailgate-hatchback-awning/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sparkie19 Posted October 20, 2021 Author Share Posted October 20, 2021 20 hours ago, Rojie said: Hi Mark, Since earlier this year, I believe, fitting a pop top will cause the vehicle to need to be reclassified as a motor home. What difference this makes, I don't know, but just wanted to make you aware so you can make further enquiries if you choose. Hopefully, I'm not wrong on this, but if so, I'm sure I'll be corrected quite quickly. Thanks for the heads up on this one. My understanding was that for it to be classed as a 'Motor Caravan/Home' in the DVLA/VOSA's eyes it had to meet the criteria outlined here; https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/registering-a-diy-caravan/converting-a-vehicle-into-a-motorhome Cheers for the heads up though. I was after something like this that would slide into a rail that's fixed to the side of the alphard. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rojie Posted October 20, 2021 Share Posted October 20, 2021 1 hour ago, Sparkie19 said: Thanks for the heads up on this one. My understanding was that for it to be classed as a 'Motor Caravan/Home' in the DVLA/VOSA's eyes it had to meet the criteria outlined here; https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/registering-a-diy-caravan/converting-a-vehicle-into-a-motorhome Cheers for the heads up though. I was after something like this that would slide into a rail that's fixed to the side of the alphard. Hi Sparkie, I checked the link. Very useful. I discovered a checklist for conversions. Pop tops seem to be OK, Hi tops are different however. Wording reading. I am not sure why owners would want to reclassify their vehicle unless it is mandatory for certain modifications. Maybe the regulations effect Van Conversions more than our Alphies. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sparkie19 Posted October 20, 2021 Author Share Posted October 20, 2021 This is also a useful link, outlines the data for the DVLA being even more useless than ever in terms of approving re-classification requests. https://climbingvan.co.uk/van-life/reclassifying-your-campervan-dvla/ In terms of a cheap and cheerfull sun canopy/awning rail... can you or anyone else recommend any? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pritch Posted October 20, 2021 Share Posted October 20, 2021 We have this one from Maypole (we have bought the sides for it as well which we wanted), but love it. Put it up in minutes, and packs away in a very small bag, even with the sides. https://www.maypoleltd.com/product/mp9527-air-sun-canopy-for-campervans/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rojie Posted October 20, 2021 Share Posted October 20, 2021 Afraid I can't help with the side awning, as I'll be going rear awning in the summer. I am sure others here will help. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rojie Posted October 20, 2021 Share Posted October 20, 2021 5 hours ago, Sparkie19 said: This is also a useful link, outlines the data for the DVLA being even more useless than ever in terms of approving re-classification requests. https://climbingvan.co.uk/van-life/reclassifying-your-campervan-dvla/ In terms of a cheap and cheerfull sun canopy/awning rail... can you or anyone else recommend any? Yes it is a another good link. Thank you. Based on the statistics, it isn't even worth trying. What is the DVLA doing ? Have they got nothing better to do. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sparkie19 Posted October 21, 2021 Author Share Posted October 21, 2021 Can anyone recommend an awning they have fitted or have had fitted in the past to their Alphard please. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jcf1 Posted October 28, 2021 Share Posted October 28, 2021 I've just fitted a plastic c rail to the roof of mine and have a cheap "maypole" awning/sun canopy that looks very similar to the pic. As it's only going to be a fair weather awning I've tiger sealed and self tapped the plastic rail to the existing gutter strip. Saves me holing any metal work. I've adhered it to all but the last 6 inches or so at the end as the pop top flares out towards the back and don't want it fouling. It seems strong enough but will let you know when I try it out. The canopy was about £75, one of these: https://youtu.be/jPQJK89U8jo The plastic rail here: https://www.ukleisureparts.co.uk/shop/awning-rail-c-channel-black-plastic/ Total cost was only about £110. So fingers crossed 😅 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vellfire1 Posted October 28, 2021 Share Posted October 28, 2021 (edited) On 10/21/2021 at 10:40 AM, Sparkie19 said: Can anyone recommend an awning they have fitted or have had fitted in the past to their Alphard please. Hi Sparkie. I have a near as new Dometic drive away awning that I bought in 2021 used once and now it's cleaned and stored. May sell if you're interested, it fits perfectly, sleeps 4, pm me if interested. Tony. Edited October 28, 2021 by Vellfire1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sparkie19 Posted October 28, 2021 Author Share Posted October 28, 2021 9 hours ago, Jcf1 said: I've just fitted a plastic c rail to the roof of mine and have a cheap "maypole" awning/sun canopy that looks very similar to the pic. As it's only going to be a fair weather awning I've tiger sealed and self tapped the plastic rail to the existing gutter strip. Saves me holing any metal work. I've adhered it to all but the last 6 inches or so at the end as the pop top flares out towards the back and don't want it fouling. It seems strong enough but will let you know when I try it out. The canopy was about £75, one of these: https://youtu.be/jPQJK89U8jo The plastic rail here: https://www.ukleisureparts.co.uk/shop/awning-rail-c-channel-black-plastic/ Total cost was only about £110. So fingers crossed 😅 That's awesome mate thanks. Exactly what I was after. How did you go about permanently attaching it to your Alphard? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jcf1 Posted October 28, 2021 Share Posted October 28, 2021 Tiger seal and self tappers. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jcf1 Posted October 28, 2021 Share Posted October 28, 2021 It's not permanently attached at the moment though, only to the existing gutter strip. Which seems to be fine. Should ideally permanently screw to the bodywork I guess. Haven't tried it yet though as the weather is hideous. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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