Alphard Conversion

[Steady Eddie]

Hi All

I am new to the forum and I need some advice.

I am about to purchase an Alphard Campervan but I am unsure who I should deal with.

So far Wellhouse Leisure, Northstar Conversions and Calder Campers are the only three to reply to my enquiries.

Well house did a 30 min WhatsApp video explaining what they do and it was very impressive.

Both Northstar and Calder will do a video for me and both have vans ready to go.

The Wellhouse option will be Jan 2023 completion.

Wellhouse side conversion has the sink and hob unit on the side but Northstar has then behind the drivers seat.

The vans Calder do are similar to Wellhouse.

who to go with, any advice would be very welcome as I am totally confused at present.

Steadt Eddie

[OldWellhouse]

I bought a van wellhouse did 5 years ago and it's still solid as a rock. I dont know what their seat and unit finishes are now but from the little I've seen, Northstar do better looking seats, I can't speak for the rest of their conversion bits.

All 3 are quality so if it were me I'd go with the cheapest that has everything I want. 

Quote

 

 

[Rojie]

2 hours ago, Steady Eddie said:

Hi All

I am new to the forum and I need some advice.

I am about to purchase an Alphard Campervan but I am unsure who I should deal with.

So far Wellhouse Leisure, Northstar Conversions and Calder Campers are the only three to reply to my enquiries.

Well house did a 30 min WhatsApp video explaining what they do and it was very impressive.

Both Northstar and Calder will do a video for me and both have vans ready to go.

The Wellhouse option will be Jan 2023 completion.

Wellhouse side conversion has the sink and hob unit on the side but Northstar has then behind the drivers seat.

The vans Calder do are similar to Wellhouse.

who to go with, any advice would be very welcome as I am totally confused at present.

Steadt Eddie

 

Hello Eddie,

 

Welcome to the Forum.

 

There are many conversion companies.

As OldWellhouse says, these three you mention are all well known and reliable.

Unfortunately they are not close to each other. Calder is closest, I think.

NorthStar is IOW !

 

Are you expecting to buy ready converted ? Side or rear conversion. Pop Top ?

 

The first questions you need to ask  is "for what purpose(s) am I going to use it ?"

How many people will be with me ? Dog(s) ?

Will I cook in it, gas or induction ?

Do I need a fridge ?

 

If I will sleep in it, for how many consecutive nights, etc.

Will I have an awning or a  supplementary tent; or neither ?

 

The Club is organising a Meet in Warwickshire in Autumn.

You would learn a lot there and be able to immense variety.

 

Good Camparding

[Arthur]

Hi Eddie

 

I purchased a 3.0 Alphard from Calder in February this year.
 

I particularly wanted a 3.0 litre with low mileage and Calder were able to supply a 2007 AWD with less than 15k on the clock.  The conversion has been completed to a good standard and I’m very pleased with the purchase.

 

What I would say however is visit your preferred supplier and test drive some of their vehicles before purchase.  Understand what you actually want (Rojie’s list will help you focus) as you need to be clear as to what exactly you want from your conversion - mine was a side conversion with wide bed, Propex heater and Apple CarPlay allowing me to use my iPhone for music and satnav. It also has a pop-top.

 

Using  an ‘approved’ converter will also help with insurance and ensuring correct registration of the vehicle with DVLA.  
 

Whichever supplier you choose keep in regular contact before, during and after the conversion.  You need to actively project manage your purchase to ensure the end result answers your dream.  Happy motoring.

[Pritch]

On 6/19/2022 at 7:30 PM, Steady Eddie said:

Hi All

I am new to the forum and I need some advice.

I am about to purchase an Alphard Campervan but I am unsure who I should deal with.

So far Wellhouse Leisure, Northstar Conversions and Calder Campers are the only three to reply to my enquiries.

Well house did a 30 min WhatsApp video explaining what they do and it was very impressive.

Both Northstar and Calder will do a video for me and both have vans ready to go.

The Wellhouse option will be Jan 2023 completion.

Wellhouse side conversion has the sink and hob unit on the side but Northstar has then behind the drivers seat.

The vans Calder do are similar to Wellhouse.

who to go with, any advice would be very welcome as I am totally confused at present.

Steadt Eddie

 Have to echo Rolje & Arthurs comments.

We bought ours 05 3.0l from Calder, low mileage and they did the conversion, side kitchen, pop top, heater..

Before committing we visited both Wellhouse & Calder before deciding, it was a 'gut' feel and vehicle choice which for us was Calder.

We had some issues with them but essential you 'project manage', ie keep in constant contact, but THE most important thing is what do you want to use the van for...this will dictate what conversion etc you want.

Good luck

[Gareth Marchant]

I’ve just joined this forum and I’m in the much the same position as Eddie. On the research I have done so far and had a premises look at one conversion company, my list of companies to look more closely at are New Acre, NorthStar, New Dawn or Wellhouse. Even though I’m in Scotland I’m prepared to go further afield if the reputation for after sales care is really good, and from what I have read to date and corresponded with a few people, these ones all seem to get the thumbs up.  Calder is closer but looks a bit pricier, possibly the same with Wellhouse? 

I’m looking to get a side conversion, with pop top roof bed, 42” or 43” R&R with LPG, possibly fuel and habitation (although I think that would mean I couldn’t have the 4wd?)   Not sure whether to go 2.4L, 3.0L (or even the newer 3.5L) as yet.

Anyone have any views on the 2 companies I have mentioned in addition to Eddie? 

[OldWellhouse]

56 minutes ago, Gareth Marchant said:

I’ve just joined this forum and I’m in the much the same position as Eddie. On the research I have done so far and had a premises look at one conversion company, my list of companies to look more closely at are New Acre, NorthStar, New Dawn or Wellhouse. Even though I’m in Scotland I’m prepared to go further afield if the reputation for after sales care is really good, and from what I have read to date and corresponded with a few people, these ones all seem to get the thumbs up.  Calder is closer but looks a bit pricier, possibly the same with Wellhouse? 

I’m looking to get a side conversion, with pop top roof bed, 42” or 43” R&R with LPG, possibly fuel and habitation (although I think that would mean I couldn’t have the 4wd?)   Not sure whether to go 2.4L, 3.0L (or even the newer 3.5L) as yet.

Anyone have any views on the 2 companies I have mentioned in addition to Eddie? 

I think your decision might end up based on when they can fit you in, provided they dont have the spec you want ready to go. 

[Gareth Marchant]

1 hour ago, OldWellhouse said:

I think your decision might end up based on when they can fit you in, provided they dont have the spec you want ready to go. 

Thanks. We were originally thinking of a camper for next year even though we are able to bring that forward, so the lead times might not be a problem for us. But having read and heard how enthusiastic people are about their Alphards, it might get harder to wait!   

[OldWellhouse]

3 hours ago, Gareth Marchant said:

Thanks. We were originally thinking of a camper for next year even though we are able to bring that forward, so the lead times might not be a problem for us. But having read and heard how enthusiastic people are about their Alphards, it might get harder to wait!   

I only had mine a few months but I utterly love it, it fits my camping requirements perfectly and is pleasant to drive on nice scenic roads. No stress on the engine on steep lanes and mine is only the 2.4.  Good luck.

[Steady Eddie]

Hi All

I have almost decided to go with Wellhouse but the 2004 model I interested in is a V6 3.0 but in 4 speed.

Is the 4 speed less efficient that the later 5 speed.

Has anyone got any practical knowledge of the 4 speed

Regards

Steady Eddie

[Rojie]

6 hours ago, Steady Eddie said:

Hi All

I have almost decided to go with Wellhouse but the 2004 model I interested in is a V6 3.0 but in 4 speed.

Is the 4 speed less efficient that the later 5 speed.

Has anyone got any practical knowledge of the 4 speed

Regards

Steady Eddie

 

Hi Eddie,

 

I have a 5 speed, and no complaints. Later models have a 6 speed .

Quite a few 4 speeds get a LPG conversions, probably, imho, partly to do with fuel costs.

If you plan on long journeys ?

 

There is a thread on the Forum about fuel consumption. It's worth finding and reading before you make your final decision.

 

Do you have a 2.4L now ?

If so, you'll know the mpg as all Gen 1 2.4L had a four speed.

 

According to my handbook you could expect 1km per litre improved consumption with the 2.4 (under manufacturer test conditions ! ).

Of course, that depends on how you drive.

 

The consumption thread concludes (in general) you get better mileage with E5 fuel.

 

[Steady Eddie]

Thanks Rojie

Is performance of the V6 3.0 impaired by the 4 speed.

Are resale values lower for the 4 speed.

I would have thought both performance and fuel consumption would be better on a 5 speed.

I have the choice of both 4 and 5 but there is a £2k difference in price.

Is it worth it?

What I don’t want is to buy the 4 speed and regret it later.
Regards

Eddie

 

 

 

 

 

[Pritch]

4 minutes ago, Steady Eddie said:

Thanks Rojie

Is performance of the V6 3.0 impaired by the 4 speed.

Are resale values lower for the 4 speed.

I would have thought both performance and fuel consumption would be better on a 5 speed.

I have the choice of both 4 and 5 but there is a £2k difference in price.

Is it worth it?

What I don’t want is to buy the 4 speed and regret it later.
Regards

Eddie

 

 

 

 

 

Eddie, I have had a 3.0l V6 (side conversion with pop top) now for just over a year, I absolutely love it. It has 4 speeds, but only ever use 'D'. for normal driving...I have used 'L2' (have D4/3/L2) but only to get out of a field on a slight incline, and needed the lower revs, and D4 when in the Lakes on Country lane inclines, but for normal driving, it stays in 'D'.

MPG wise, if I'm honest I dont have a clue, but reckon on 400+ miles off a tank (E5) on motorway/A road driving. Yes its thirsty around town, but hey, its a heavy beast...

I went for the 3.0 over the 2.4 as when I test drove both, the 3.0 just felt better. At 65-68 on a motorway, laden with 2 adults I pull just over 2k revs, and she just purrs along.

There will be those that tell you an X is better than a Y, but at the end of the day, its your choice.

What are you using the Alph for, 2nd car / Camper only / Day car ? 

This very much dictates what you go for (ive been advised by an LPG conversion specialist) that for the mileage I drive it, its not worth it (do about 4-7k a year max). 

HTH

[Steady Eddie]

Thanks Pritch

It will be my daily driver circa 8k miles pa.

I am about to place an order but my dilemma is 4 speed or 5 speed.

One is 2004 3.0l V6 with 27k on the clock 4 speed

The other  is 2007 3.0l V6 with 26k on the clock 5 speed.

There is a £2000 price difference but the 2007 is better equipped with cruise control etc.

Just don’t want to make a big mistake with the 4 speed.

Regards

Steady

[Gareth Marchant]

24 minutes ago, Steady Eddie said:

Thanks Pritch

It will be my daily driver circa 8k miles pa.

I am about to place an order but my dilemma is 4 speed or 5 speed.

One is 2004 3.0l V6 with 27k on the clock 4 speed

The other  is 2007 3.0l V6 with 26k on the clock 5 speed.

There is a £2000 price difference but the 2007 is better equipped with cruise control etc.

Just don’t want to make a big mistake with the 4 speed.

Regards

Steady

If they are Wellhouse cars I think I had my eye on that '07 3.0L V6....... One of the reasons I am looking at an '06 on 3.0L is that means (or so I have been told) it is more likely to be ULEZ compliant if I end up in a ULEZ zone at some point. Not sure if this is a consideration for you, but it is part of my thinking on which model year to go for. I also prefer the facelifted version of the 1st gen Alphards so it would be the 5sp, but that's just personal preference. I've also decided the extra expense of a Gen 2 for me isn't necessary. Looks like I'm almost a close as you to taking the plunge      

[Rojie]

I am biased.

 

I have the 5 speed, and have never driven the 4 speed.

 

The 5 speed will be ULEZ compliant. You can check on Transport for London website.

I seem to recall there have been compliance paperwork issues with the early Gen 1.

 

I can vouch that the V6 is smooth and quiet, and has a pleasant under load burble (not quite like a V8 though!)

 

Regarding resale values. What we all tend to overlook is how long we expect to keep the vehicle.

That has a large affect on resale value.

 

If you can afford the extra £2k; spend it.

 

Here's hoping you make the correct decision for you.