Small problems.

[starider]

Hi,

Just returned from several days away and we are delighted with the vehicle and conversion, but somewhat annoyed with some of the fitments, the table leg was too flimsy, all the drawer and cupboard catches were cheap and nasty and when filling the water container I noticed the jubilee clip fixing the pipe to the pump had gone rusty as it is submerged, why wasn't a stainless steel one fitted[another job],all done I suspect  to save money? I know it's a niggle but the vehicle cost enough!

[OldWellhouse]

Sorry to hear that, but they sound like cheap fixes if you're still happy with the van overall. 

Table leg, I'd switch to a tripod base and pack it up when not in use, cupboard catches can be easily upgraded for buttons if you find the right type and sizes at screw fix etc. No idea about water systems but a jubilee clip might sound like something you could tackle yourself in replacing.

Fair play having a mini rant though, it's good for the soul.  

[Rojie]

5 hours ago, starider said:

Hi,

Just returned from several days away and we are delighted with the vehicle and conversion, but somewhat annoyed with some of the fitments, the table leg was too flimsy, all the drawer and cupboard catches were cheap and nasty and when filling the water container I noticed the jubilee clip fixing the pipe to the pump had gone rusty as it is submerged, why wasn't a stainless steel one fitted[another job],all done I suspect  to save money? I know it's a niggle but the vehicle cost enough!

 

Barnstaple ?

[starider]

Hi, already replaced the sub standard parts, although need stainless clip.[ex motor mechanic].

 

Near Newton Abbott.

Edited June 16, 2022 by starider

[Rojie]

7 hours ago, starider said:

Hi, already replaced the sub standard parts, although need stainless clip.[ex motor mechanic].

 

Near Newton Abbott.

 

Hi,

 

Thanks for this, all part of the knowledge bank.

Quite local to me too.

 

Not using a stainless part in drinking water is rather naughty, and extremely mean !

 

Flimsy table legs are common.

If it is the type I am thinking, same as the one I have, a major benefit is that they can be removed and reattached to the rear of a rear conversion.

Hugely beneficial when catering !

 

Of course, you will need a suitable rail fitted to the rear of the 'kitchen'.

 

[starider]

Hi, our camper has a side kitchen so unable[unless major construction]. I just feel that as the rest of the conversion is good, why the need to fit the cheapest parts?

If I was asked to pass comment on the company and their workmanship,I would praise the overall work done, but fail to understand penny pinching.It's cost us around £100 to  achieve a satisfactory finish.

[starider]

PS Our Alphard is badged as an Alphard G. Any significance?

[Rojie]

3 hours ago, starider said:

PS Our Alphard is badged as an Alphard G. Any significance?

No real significance.

Just the distribution channel.

 

I believe G is through the Toyota dealer network; whereas V is through another (official) network.

There are detail differences with grill panels, spoilers, and other 'trim' options.

 

try eightseater.blog.com for more details

 

[OldWellhouse]

14 hours ago, starider said:

Hi, our camper has a side kitchen so unable[unless major construction]. I just feel that as the rest of the conversion is good, why the need to fit the cheapest parts?

If I was asked to pass comment on the company and their workmanship,I would praise the overall work done, but fail to understand penny pinching.It's cost us around £100 to  achieve a satisfactory finish.

Squeezing every last penny of profit. Why use an £8 catch or hinge when a £1.20 one will 'do'. I find higher quality ironmongery makes a huge difference. 

I dont convert vans btw, just some joinery experience. 

[starider]

The problem with the cheaper catches was that some  them didn't work properly,one jammed in and had to be dismantled and replaced,others worked intermittently. So they all were replaced.

[Pritch]

Hi all,

2005 side kitchen conversion.

we too have had problems with our water pump detaching itself from the hose.

2 things we have told that will 'help eradicate' this :-

 

1- Travel with the water tank either empty, or full. If half/ qtr full  water 'sloshes' putting pressure on the fitting, and effectively pushing apart.

2- Clip on to the pump, we have fixed by using a plastic self locking plastic strip (our intention is to add a length of hose to the existing hose, then fix to the pump, thus giving more manoeuvre room). Fiddly to do, but also eradicates any rusting potential.

 

Table

We have basically ditched ours from the side conversion, as found it to be pretty useless. Weve replaced by using a fold up camping table, which doubles up as an outside table when needed.

We have however, added a metal tube (that the table fixes to on in the kitchen unit) , to the rear storage flap, and this gives us the option of a rear table with the door up.

 

HTH