Pritch

Just an update to the above, the rail fitted is NOT 260cm long, rather it is a max of 220cm. This is the longest it will go due to the curvature of the roof, so BE AWARE when buying the awning itself. Our rail fits inside the pop top roof, as told that if it extends outside this it can affect the roof sit - makes sense. We set our awning up last Friday for the first time, and tbh it sat very low, despite some adjustment, and were told that the awning height was 205cm....its actually around 195, (couldnt go higher or further back, so for the Alphard, this seems the highest you can get.)

Hi there I have the same issue, do you have the details please ? Many thanks

Has anyone done this either by themselves (is it easy ??) or had one fitted ? Considering doing so but like to hear of other peoples experiences. TIA

Rolje - we used Calder Campers in Livingston, near Edinburgh - we picked it up this week.

Hi there, if it helps, mine is under the drivers side, as think a battery will interfere with turning the passenger seat. My battery is what I would call 'normal size'. HTH

Mine were fitted though at conversion stage..we dont really use them as have covers for the windscreen/side windows..

I have a 2005, no idea of trim level but its an AlphardV if that helps...

I have had an awning rail fitted to mine, which is 260cm long and will accept most campervan & drive-away awnings (need drive away kit). We were advised AGAINST a Fiamma type roll out awning as it doesn't fit great and because stands away from the car, is very noisy.

For what its worth, when we were 'speccing' our 2005 3.0, the Converter did say, because of the dims etc, they have to fabricate one by cutting up existing bits of other racks, as there ISN'T one out there to fit 'out the box'. Can be done but got impression, at conversion stage not after. They also suggested better to fit a tow bar which we didn't want, so we've bought 'fold up 'bikes..... HTH

We nearly ready to take delivery of a 2005 V6 3.0l conversion, been trying to find out what the deal is on this year but struggling - anyone got any advice ? TIA

Agree with above poster AF were massively higher than any other Co I spoke with. We will go with Caravan Guard (used before) and spoke with them on the phone so happy they will cover, and we get the cover we need, same excess as AF...oh and they were nearly 45% LESS than Flux for same cover, CG offering £390 ...RIP OFF. We are getting an 05 3.0l with mileage around 8k a year...can't wait to get it now. HTH folks

Were in same position as you but have not yet taken delivery of ours, so can let you know where we are now, why we have come to this decision, and hth. Weve bought an 05 with less than 30k on the clock, direct from a Converter.We've gone for the 3.0l as this will be mainly a camper use van, and having test driven both the 2.4 & 3.0, my preference is for the 3.0, which will I think be better on long motorway hauls. Insurance - dont be scared by some of the stories & prices you will get from some Co's. Initial price I got from the Co pushed on here was over £700 for an 05 3.0l... However have got that down to less than £400 with CaravanGuard (used before when we had a tourer), spoke with them as well so happy were getting full cover. Conversion - We are going down the conversion Co route, no way we can do ourselves. Take a look at likes of Calder Campers / Wellhouse Autos (there are others but weve been to both these), and were going with Calder. But yes, the whole interior from behind driver & passenger seats needs doing so a lot of work. Some converters wont touch the speedo/odometer but Calder change it to MPH and equiv mileage (our preference). I would say the average cost of a full side kitchen conversion, roof, heating, bed etc is circa £13-14k through a Converter. Pop Tops - I guess this comes down to personal preference, but for us its a yes, as no way could we function without the headroom. This again is being done by the Converter. Classification - For us this is being handled by the Converter So hope that helps, but one question you also need to consider is are you going to use this just, as a camper, or for an everyday vehicle as well. Ours will be just for camping, me fishing, and odd trip out, so not a day to day van. Cannot wait to pick it up....good luck

Hope you guys can help as seen lots of conflicting info as the regards the min Octane (RON) needed for the 3.0 V6 engine. Is there a definitive 'dont buy less than X' ? My supermarket does 97 in Super Unleaded, the Shell garage is 97, so looking for some help on what to fill up with v what not. Many thanks

Hi all, we are having heating (gas) fitted to our van, with the intention this will extend our travel periods, and am interested to hear what peoples experiences are (if any) of condensation overnight during those colder months and what you have done to combat it. I'm thinking if its a vile night, wet or very windy that the pop top may well be brought down (assume thats a good thing under those circs?) Or am I worrying about nothing ? TIA Pritch

I am in the process of buying ours, and for its warranty will be using the Converter I bought it from. After that expires I'm going local independent as I know Toyota garage will be very expensive. HTH

Does anyone on here use them and if so which ones ? Not sure if it materially affects insurance, but as we are taking possession in a month or two, interested to know what/if people use them ? TIA

Thanks Bryan - who is she with please ? Thanks

Brian, maybe a silly question, but is this for the converted model (campervan), or the standard 8 seater model, as not getting anywhere close to these figures... Seems soon as I mention 'imported' 'converted'. 'campervan'...up it goes

Thanks I will, as am buying a 55 V6 3.0 - let you know how I get on.

Just had AF revert to me for my 55 plate...3.0........blimey £700 !!! Wasn't expecting that tbh....

Have you clicked on the Ins tab at the top of the page - Adrian Flux Ins ?

Not regulation, its due to the sun....it has that effect on the plastic, but as others have said, can be buffed out to clear. Were in the process of buying one which has yellow headlight glass but been assured 100% they will be crystal clear when we pick it up. HTH

Hi Nomad, how well do these roll up to tuck under the seats, not too bulky ? Cheers

Right, so after a day trip to Calder Campers in Livingstone, we have put down a deposit on an 05, low mileage 3.0 V6 Grade 4. Absolutely immaculate Fell in love with their conversions, and they were so helpful with all our questions, and answered things we hadn't thought of. Just need it converted now, so very excited. Getting heating added so planning some Autumn, Winter trips.... Here we go........

Hi Ian, might be worth giving Calder Campers, Livingstone a call, as they seem to know most suppliers of most things for the Alphard. Be interested to know, as we may be in the market for one next year.. Good luck.