New Member here - Vangear Camping Pod Question

[Rumblestripe]

Looking to buy a 2010-ish Alphard/Vellfire in the near future.

 

My plan is to use it as a "Day Van" and to that end rather than put in an end conversion to fold up the rear bank of seats and use one of the Vangear Camping Pods which one would depend on how much space is available with the seats folded (I also think that it might be possible to just fold one seat and get a "micro-pod" in there)?

 

Has anyone tried this? Vangear say they are designed to fit Toyota rails (Proace) they use the cleats in the picture below to bolt the pod to the rails in the vehicle 

 

 

This would mean I could use the rear seats if I so desired by "un-mounting" the camping pod so I could use the carrying capacity as a van or for people as a "bus". Has anyone tried this? Anyone think this is a non-starter? Advice or thoughts gratefully accepted.

Edited February 26, 2023 by Rumblestripe
typo

[Rojie]

24 minutes ago, Rumblestripe said:

Looking to buy a 2010-ish Alphard/Vellfire in the near future.

 

My plan is to use it as a "Day Van" and to that end rather than put in an end conversion to fold up the rear bank or seats and use one of the Vangear Camping Pods which one would depend on how much space is available with the seats folded (I also think that it might be possible to just fold one seat and get a "micro-pod" in there)?

 

Has anyone tried this? Vangear say they are designed to fit Toyota rails (Proace) they use the cleats in the picture below to bolt the pod to the rails in the vehicle 

 

 

This would mean I could use the rear seats if I so desired by "un-mounting" the camping pod so I could use the carrying capacity as a van or for people as a "bus". Has anyone tried this? Anyone think this is a non-starter? Advice or thoughts gratefully accepted.

 

Hello Martin,

 

Welcome to the Forum.

[Aftab]

52 minutes ago, Rumblestripe said:

Looking to buy a 2010-ish Alphard/Vellfire in the near future.

 

My plan is to use it as a "Day Van" and to that end rather than put in an end conversion to fold up the rear bank of seats and use one of the Vangear Camping Pods which one would depend on how much space is available with the seats folded (I also think that it might be possible to just fold one seat and get a "micro-pod" in there)?

 

Has anyone tried this? Vangear say they are designed to fit Toyota rails (Proace) they use the cleats in the picture below to bolt the pod to the rails in the vehicle 

 

 

This would mean I could use the rear seats if I so desired by "un-mounting" the camping pod so I could use the carrying capacity as a van or for people as a "bus". Has anyone tried this? Anyone think this is a non-starter? Advice or thoughts gratefully accepted.

 

 

Welcome Martin 

 

I was looking at buying the micro pod from van gear in a few weeks time.

 

I have the 8 seater so I was thinking about removing one of the rear seats so that the pod fits more snuggly against the side window. 

If you decide to keep the seat up then the pod will sit more to the middle of the floor.

 

They do have quite a few fixing and what I gather is that you will definitely find one that will fit into the Alphard's rails.

 

Alphards are great vehicles.

Good luck and please post a picture up if you get the pod soon 👍🏼

[Aftab]

Hi Martin 

 

Just letting you know that I took one of the 3rd row seats out now. I've orderd the Vangear mini pod with a couple of extras. 

 

The fixing you will need will be the 'J clip'.

I'll post a picture of it once I receive it in 2-3 weeks. 

[Rumblestripe]

Thanks I'll be interested to see how everything fits around the pod. 

 

When you say you have taken out one of the rear seats, is that an easily reversed process? Can you simply lift the pod out and put the seat back?

[Aftab]

 

No problem, I'll make sure I'll do that in around 3 weeks as lead time for delivery is 2-3 weeks 👍🏼

 

Removing the 3rd row seats was really easy thanks to the you tuber 'Tc's anything goes'.

Have a look at his channel as it shows how to do things step by step.

 

The pod is only fixed on by the J bolts so very easy to undo and take out.

Fixing the seat back on should take 15mins max I reckon.

[Aftab]

Hi I fitted the Vangear mini pod in yesterday. It's a brilliant piece of kit 👍🏼

It took me about 20 minutes to fit it in.

 

I have started a new topic under 'Vangear mini pod' where I put details of the unit and some pictures. 

 

Aftab