Al F Posted April 29, 2023 Posted April 29, 2023 Hello - I'm new here and actually don't yet have an Alphard. But I want to get one and I am hoping for some advice on who I can trust re buying and maintaining a Campervan Conversion. I'm not a mechanic or a petrol head. I don't want to be ripped off! What do I know? To ask for import certificate to see what grade it was on import (4B etc) and photos if possible - If BIMTA / Import cert not available buy one from VX ( I have set up account) To make sure lightweight ply has been used for conversion (not MDF) - if buying used then ask which company did the conversion I need a side conversion (not rear) - with RnR bed I want 240v hook up It's just for me to tour UK / Europe - off grid where possible - want Pop Top with Solar Panel, Fridge (accessible when bed down), Cooker / Microwave, Potti As new a model as poss - post 2006 so ULEZ compliant?? Low mileage - c 40 to 50k seems reasonable - or should I not worry about this? I'd like a modern Head Unit for Sat Nav / DAB etc What I need help with... Which dealers are trustworthy in the SOUTH WEST (Somerset/ Devon/ Dorset etc) - I've heard some horrid tales! Which conversions are really good - not necessarily the most expensive! A trustworthy mechanic for servicing within 50 miles of Taunton, Somerset if Hybrids are worth considering (just sold a Mitsubishi PHEV) - or is LPG option better? Which models have cam belts? When should they be changed? Do I have to worry about Cat Converters? (e.g. like Nissan Elgrand?) What type of Head Unit should I get (I'm an Apple user) Any other wisdom and advice is warmly welcomed. Thank you Al F
Rojie Posted April 29, 2023 Posted April 29, 2023 1 hour ago, Al F said: Hello - I'm new here and actually don't yet have an Alphard. But I want to get one and I am hoping for some advice on who I can trust re buying and maintaining a Campervan Conversion. I'm not a mechanic or a petrol head. I don't want to be ripped off! What do I know? To ask for import certificate to see what grade it was on import (4B etc) and photos if possible - If BIMTA / Import cert not available buy one from VX ( I have set up account) To make sure lightweight ply has been used for conversion (not MDF) - if buying used then ask which company did the conversion I need a side conversion (not rear) - with RnR bed I want 240v hook up It's just for me to tour UK / Europe - off grid where possible - want Pop Top with Solar Panel, Fridge (accessible when bed down), Cooker / Microwave, Potti As new a model as poss - post 2006 so ULEZ compliant?? Low mileage - c 40 to 50k seems reasonable - or should I not worry about this? I'd like a modern Head Unit for Sat Nav / DAB etc What I need help with... Which dealers are trustworthy in the SOUTH WEST (Somerset/ Devon/ Dorset etc) - I've heard some horrid tales! Which conversions are really good - not necessarily the most expensive! A trustworthy mechanic for servicing within 50 miles of Taunton, Somerset if Hybrids are worth considering (just sold a Mitsubishi PHEV) - or is LPG option better? Which models have cam belts? When should they be changed? Do I have to worry about Cat Converters? (e.g. like Nissan Elgrand?) What type of Head Unit should I get (I'm an Apple user) Any other wisdom and advice is warmly welcomed. Thank you Al F Hello Alan, Welcome to the Forum. Dealers ? Some are good, some are not. There are several dealers mentioned in this Forum for their 'quality and service'. Lots of reading to do ! The best conversion is the one that meets your needs and is within budget. The choices are very personal. There is a company in, or near, Barnstaple. You could start your search there. Funky Ram is a trade member of the Forum. The Gen 1 V6 has has a cam belt. However, it is a non-interference engine (which means the valves won't hit the pistons if only the cam belt fails). Other (common) engines use chains. Good luck in your search.
Al F Posted April 29, 2023 Author Posted April 29, 2023 Thanks for your advice. I’ll keep looking. Best wishes
Charlie Brown Posted April 30, 2023 Posted April 30, 2023 17 hours ago, Al F said: Hello - I'm new here and actually don't yet have an Alphard. But I want to get one and I am hoping for some advice on who I can trust re buying and maintaining a Campervan Conversion. I'm not a mechanic or a petrol head. I don't want to be ripped off! What do I know? To ask for import certificate to see what grade it was on import (4B etc) and photos if possible - If BIMTA / Import cert not available buy one from VX ( I have set up account) To make sure lightweight ply has been used for conversion (not MDF) - if buying used then ask which company did the conversion I need a side conversion (not rear) - with RnR bed I want 240v hook up It's just for me to tour UK / Europe - off grid where possible - want Pop Top with Solar Panel, Fridge (accessible when bed down), Cooker / Microwave, Potti As new a model as poss - post 2006 so ULEZ compliant?? Low mileage - c 40 to 50k seems reasonable - or should I not worry about this? I'd like a modern Head Unit for Sat Nav / DAB etc What I need help with... Which dealers are trustworthy in the SOUTH WEST (Somerset/ Devon/ Dorset etc) - I've heard some horrid tales! Which conversions are really good - not necessarily the most expensive! A trustworthy mechanic for servicing within 50 miles of Taunton, Somerset if Hybrids are worth considering (just sold a Mitsubishi PHEV) - or is LPG option better? Which models have cam belts? When should they be changed? Do I have to worry about Cat Converters? (e.g. like Nissan Elgrand?) What type of Head Unit should I get (I'm an Apple user) Any other wisdom and advice is warmly welcomed. Thank you Al F Hello Alan We are very pleased with our Funky Ram conversion. They are based in Avonmouth. I think they sell most of their conversions through JMT at Weston. We found both companies to be be very good to deal with. Lots of help, not much nonsense. Both have easy to find web sites. Funky Ram are also very knowledgeable about the mechanical aspects of the Alphard. They have a full maintenance workshop devoted to Japanese imports. We've had our Alphard for about 15 months. The only thing I might do differently is to ask about a scratch resistant work top for the kitchen area.
Al F Posted April 30, 2023 Author Posted April 30, 2023 Thanks - much appreciated. The search continues!
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