Toyota Alphard / Vellfire

[Absmith]

Hi there, I'm in the market for a campervan & the toyota alphard & vellfire have caught my eye, I'm in no hurry to go camping this summer, so I'm thinking maybe source my own vehicle & then decide how I want the layout & what additions I would like adding. Is this a better & cheaper option ? Or am I better off just buying one already done ? I'm totally new to all this & would appreciate any advice. I'm not fussed about everything being "brand new" so secondhand would be fine, if, it has most of the "gadgets" I'm after. Night heater 3.0 litre etc.

Appreciate any info

Many thanks

[Rojie]

2 hours ago, Absmith said:

Hi there, I'm in the market for a campervan & the toyota alphard & vellfire have caught my eye, I'm in no hurry to go camping this summer, so I'm thinking maybe source my own vehicle & then decide how I want the layout & what additions I would like adding. Is this a better & cheaper option ? Or am I better off just buying one already done ? I'm totally new to all this & would appreciate any advice. I'm not fussed about everything being "brand new" so secondhand would be fine, if, it has most of the "gadgets" I'm after. Night heater 3.0 litre etc.

Appreciate any info

Many thanks

 

Hello Allen,

 

Welcome to the Forum.

 

Don't underestimate the skills needed to convert your own camper.

 

Depending on what you want / need; I would start there; make a list.

 

Cooking, you will need plumbing and gas experience.

EHU, you will need electrical experience.

Furniture, you will need carpentry experience. 

 

You will also need to develop a process, in terms of what to do first, and how.

 

Night heating, sounds like a diesel heater or LPG.

No Alphards carry diesel fuel or LPG as OEM equipment.

 

Ready converted vans are not cheap, but what you see is what you get.

 

My advice ? Buy ready converted.

[Absmith]

Thanks for the reply, I may have worded slightly wrong there, it's not my intention to do the work myself, after  I find a good solid base vehicle, it would be my intention to then source prices from  reputable conversion companys, anyone know roughly how much a conversion can be ? I'm thinking side conversion, I've seem some lovely pictures  of Wellhouse & Northstar conversions, but I've still never seen a van in the flesh, like I said, totally new to all this, I've only ever seen alphards driving on the roads, not even sure if they are campers.

Many thanks

Allen

[Rojie]

34 minutes ago, Absmith said:

Thanks for the reply, I may have worded slightly wrong there, it's not my intention to do the work myself, after  I find a good solid base vehicle, it would be my intention to then source prices from  reputable conversion companies, anyone know roughly how much a conversion can be ? I'm thinking side conversion, I've seem some lovely pictures  of Wellhouse & Northstar conversions, but I've still never seen a van in the flesh, like I said, totally new to all this, I've only ever seen Alphards driving on the roads, not even sure if they are campers.

Many thanks

Allen

Many Alphards are not campers, many are.

 

Stealth versions, such as my own, are hard to tell; no hint whatsoever on the outside; only be peering in from the front.

 

Alphards that are not converted are very much a limousine ride, with gadgets to match; and luxury seating.

A very, very upmarket MPV.

 

Regarding cost; your first main decision is do you require a pop-top ?

They can run to £5k to source and fit.

Do you plan wild camping ?

 

There are several first rate conversion companies, and many more that are not so good.

 

My best tip? 

 

Go to your local beaches or campsites, talk to owners; they are all proud of their vans, probably members of this Club, and will be glad to speak with you.

 

Finally, check out our Sales area; there are many photographs to widen your mind, and deepen your pocket !

 

Good Luck.

 

 

[Absmith]

Once again, thanks for some great advice, I live right near the beach (Brighton) I'll go talk to some of the people I see on the front, Also, having never even driven any of these vehicles, I'm not really sure of which engine, am I right in thinking the 2.4 is maybe slightly underpowered & the 3.5 a bit thirsty, leaving the 3 litre probably the "better" engine ? Your thoughts appreciated.

Thanks 

Allen 

[NeilT]

My 2.4 does 29mpg which goes up to 33mpg on a long run. It doesn't seem underpowered to me but I'm not a speedy driver. My only criticism would be it's noisy at low speeds, especially from the outside. At least people hear you coming though.

 

[Chajoma]

I have a 2.4 which I imported from Japan and got converted here around 3 years ago. The import took around 4 months and the conversion took another 2 months. So buying already done means you'll be enjoying your van a lot quicker.

 

The 2.4 is far from underpowered. It is a delight to drive. I love mine.

 

I have a gas powered heater which works really well. Diesel heaters require a separate fuel source.

Edited August 2 by Chajoma
More information

[Rojie]

According to reports in this forum, the 4 cylinder is not underpowered.

 

From what I can gather the V6 is smoother and slightly more quiet.

 

The 4 cylinder (engine) is easier to work on for plug changes.

 

I also forgot to mention earlier, if you buy privately there will be no VAT; buy from a business and there most probably will be.

If you run a VAT registered business you can reclaim the VAT; otherwise 20 % straight to the HM Treasury

[Absmith]

That's all very helpful information thanks, Another question, I recently viewed (on autotrader) a "Wellhouse" conversion alphard, with a hot & cold shower attachment in the rear, hangs from the back door (when open) has anyone had experience with this conversion ? Is it expensive ? Does it work well ? Does it have its own water supply ? How many litres ? Is it a "worthwhile" addition ?

Once again

Thanks everyone for your help

Allen 

[Rojie]

9 hours ago, Absmith said:

That's all very helpful information thanks, Another question, I recently viewed (on autotrader) a "Wellhouse" conversion alphard, with a hot & cold shower attachment in the rear, hangs from the back door (when open) has anyone had experience with this conversion ? Is it expensive ? Does it work well ? Does it have its own water supply ? How many litres ? Is it a "worthwhile" addition ?

Once again

Thanks everyone for your help

Allen 

 

If you intend wild camping maybe it is worth considering.

Heating the water could be a challenge. Carrying enough water shouldn't be.

 

If you intend using campsites why not use their showers ? Or get an EHU fitted.