New Conversion

[RAZ]

I have just bought a 2011 Alphard due at Southampton at the end of June.   Then the fun starts as I set off down the road to convert it to a camper.  I would love to hear from anyone who has already gone down the conversion path with any dos and don't.

I would like to get some things done as soon as it comes off the boat, like fitting a hard top, a towbar for a bike rack and a gas heater.  Recommendations of companies who could do this would be welcome.

The only hardtop I have come across to date is the Drivelodge, is there an alternative?

I'll be getting rid of the rear seats,  does anyone want them?

 

Many thanks in advance 

 

[RAZ]

1 hour ago, RAZ said:

I have just bought a 2011 Alphard due at Southampton at the end of June.   Then the fun starts as I set off down the road to convert it to a camper.  I would love to hear from anyone who has already gone down the conversion path with any dos and don't.

I would like to get some things done as soon as it comes off the boat, like fitting a hard top, a towbar for a bike rack and a gas heater.  Recommendations of companies who could do this would be welcome.

The only hardtop I have come across to date is the Drivelodge, is there an alternative?

I'll be getting rid of the rear seats,  does anyone want them?

 

Many thanks in advance 

 

does anyone have the internal dimensions of the Toyota Alphard ANH20W.

 

[pipsyp]

Hi,

 

I bought an already converted AH10 a few months back.  Rear Kitchen, MHU (mains hook up) and 12v wiring/leisure battery was done by New Dawn, pop top done by Northstar and is a Drivelodge.

 

I think each to their own but these are my thoughts.

 

Rear conversion works better than side conversion - this way you retain the factory 2nd row (which still folds flat into a bed) and retain full use of both side doors.  There is still useful bootspace between the kitchen and 2nd row......if you plan to use it as a daily then this is the way to go.  Only real downside is that it's nigh on impossible to get to the spare wheel release due to the kitchen placement (just resort to tyre gel and a compressor!).  I also am not personally a fan of rock and roll beds.....comfier to sleep on sure, but as nice to sit in on a journey (or as safe)....I doubt it.

 

New Dawn did a lovely job on the kitchen conversion, all very solid and nice materials/components used.  No complaints and they've been very friendly and responsive to requests for info I've made to them.

 

Definitely get a leisure battery with split charging.  I also strongly encourage having a battery charger installed that allows the 12v systems to be powered from the MHU and also charge the battery whilst connected.  We have a 12v fridge freezer in ours which is brilliant, but it kills the leisure battery quick and without the means to charge the battery when not moving means it's pretty compromised.  Mine currently doesn't have a charger so is something I plan to sort.

 

Drivelodge roof is very good, seems well made and is a nice profile on top of the van - well thought out.  I would however say it's only really ever as good as how well it is installed.  Northstar didn't do a bad job on it, but my suspicions are that Drivelodge would have done it better and would have been my choice had I got it converted.  The internal framing started coming unglued and some minor bits of trimming came unstuck which I've had to sort etc, which given it was only done mid 2021 is a bit disappointing.

 

My only disappointment with the roof is that the fly netting (believe it is fibreglass mesh) has started splitting in a few places already both sides, I believe as a result of it remaining folded much of the time.  Sadly the netting can't be unzipped and replaced (it's triple stitched in place), so it's going to be the case of taking it to a suitable place to get it replaced eventually, replace the entire canvas (big job, expensive and seems unnecessary seeing as it's perfect otherwise) or cut it out with careful use of a Stanley blade.  Still a bit of a shame given the roof is barely 2 years old.

 

Regardless I don't think there are too many poptop options for the Alphard, but despite my minor issues, it's an excellent bit of kit and would highly recommend.  I can also say that support from Drivelodge themselves is excellent 👍

Edited August 20, 2023 by pipsyp