Hello and camper conversion suggestions

[gilsof]

Hello Alphard owners!

Firstly -  many thanks for this brilliant resource. Loads of useful info, and mercifully free from point scoring macho bullsh*t which often seems to ruin forums like this.

Short version of my journey to Alphard ownership: I have a Hymer motorhome and a car. 2 vehicles started to feel a bit excessive, so I looked into options for combining the two into one camper that could also be an everyday vehicle. Looked all over at possible base vehicles and converters. The new transit Custom (which will also be the new VW Transporter) seems like a great vehicle. I was all set to order Misano transit conversion from Wellhouse Leisure, but these new conversions are going to be over £70k, and in the end it is still a van. As I looked through the Wellhouse website, their Alphard conversion caught my eye. so I went to Barnsley to drive one. Revelation. One of the most comfortable vehicles I have ever driven. Paid the deposit that day and I have a 2008 AH20 3.5 being converted at this moment for pretty much the same amount of cash I will have from selling my car and Hymer.

It is still in build, so, question for all Alphard camper conversion owners. Is there anything you wish you had included in your conversion, or that you have added and couldn’t do without?

So far I have opted for: Blown air heating, Lithium Battery, Solar panel, Gaslow system, bike rack, C channel awning rail, Underseal, UK spec double din with carplay etc, colour reversing camera, Thatcham alarm.

Any suggestions for other useful additions would be very much appreciated.

 

Many thanks

Francis

 

[Rojie]

3 hours ago, gilsof said:

Hello Alphard owners!

Firstly -  many thanks for this brilliant resource. Loads of useful info, and mercifully free from point scoring macho bullsh*t which often seems to ruin forums like this.

Short version of my journey to Alphard ownership: I have a Hymer motorhome and a car. 2 vehicles started to feel a bit excessive, so I looked into options for combining the two into one camper that could also be an everyday vehicle. Looked all over at possible base vehicles and converters. The new transit Custom (which will also be the new VW Transporter) seems like a great vehicle. I was all set to order Misano transit conversion from Wellhouse Leisure, but these new conversions are going to be over £70k, and in the end it is still a van. As I looked through the Wellhouse website, their Alphard conversion caught my eye. so I went to Barnsley to drive one. Revelation. One of the most comfortable vehicles I have ever driven. Paid the deposit that day and I have a 2008 AH20 3.5 being converted at this moment for pretty much the same amount of cash I will have from selling my car and Hymer.

It is still in build, so, question for all Alphard camper conversion owners. Is there anything you wish you had included in your conversion, or that you have added and couldn’t do without?

So far I have opted for: Blown air heating, Lithium Battery, Solar panel, Gaslow system, bike rack, C channel awning rail, Underseal, UK spec double din with carplay etc, colour reversing camera, Thatcham alarm.

Any suggestions for other useful additions would be very much appreciated.

 

Many thanks

Francis

 

 

Hello Francis, 

 

Welcome to the Forum.

[Arthur]

If the budget allows, consider getting a powered pop-top and an electric roll-out rock and roll bed. Both would be top of my nice to haves!

[gilsof]

Hi Arthur

Many thanks for these suggestions. Just checked on the Wellhouse website, and it seems electric bed is already included in the latest Alphard conversion (nice!) Power pop top is a great idea though, I will do some research. In terms of cost - because I am comparing this with a £70k new van conversion I feel like almost any extra is justifiable, and I am still saving a heap of cash! And I get to cruise around in a V6 limo instead of a Ford van. I am beyond excited to pick it up in a few weeks time.

Francis

[Arthur]

Hi Francis

 

Just had 3 days away camping in Anglesey. Fantastic weather until coming home in lightning storms and torrential rain. Looking in my rear view mirror all I could see was camping gear piled up throughout the cabin. I’m going to investigate fitting a rear view camera that projects the image on a screen which replaces the rear view mirror. They’re a bit pricey (4 figures) but I’d rather see the vehicles behind me rather than the contents/passengers of my van. I could (and do) use my door mirrors but a camera/mirror may be worth the money. Happy to help you spend your savings 😂

[gilsof]

Good suggestion! Thanks Arthur.

Francis

[Alpha Hydrae]

Totally agree Arthur, I'm lucky as mine has the factory fitted camera and I couldn't live without it (amazing that it was an option back in 2002!). Better than parking sensors.

Apologies for the dusty stereo/dashboard 😔

[pcous]

Hi Francis,

A few additions which have really helped:

1. we had an LPG conversion, which paid for itself over 24000km (approx 14500m), Lpg is cheaper, both here and abroad, and somewhat better for the environment than petrol. The LPG filler is tee'd to fill the Gaslow for cooking as well as fuel tank.

2. Also, we had a canopy-type awning fitted, originally thinking it would be useful shade, but actually it really comes into its own in the UK climate when extended about a third to act as a rain porch/drying area (avoids it flapping about in foul weather when fully extended).

3. We had blown air heating fitted, but hardly use it - a small oil-filled radiator is much quieter on chilly evenings. Worth noting, however, neither heater would be good for wild camping because of the electricity draw...

Glad you've opted for underseal - a must!