Rojie

Hi Shawn, Can I speculate on this a bit more. I have another car which, unlike Alphies, has a computer that advises instant fuel consumption. The rev counter advises the revolutions the engine is experiencing. It doesn't advise the fuel consumption. So, in your case, it doesn't follow that you are using more fuel; just that the engine is turning more rapidly. Which it will be as you are moving downhill. The ECU will virtually shut of all the fuel during your mile long coast. The other issue, I have read, concerns oil circulation; both in the auto gearbox and in the engine. Unlike the fuel, engine oil circulation is controlled by the engine speed. I don't know whether the auto oil is, or is not. My view is, not that it is dangerous, just unnecessary to coast. But, as my dear old Dad used to say, "Brakes are cheaper than gearboxes" Whatever you decide, HAPPY MOTORING.

Jenny, see page 206 of your manual. I assume Halfords will be able to identify the existing aerial cable and use that for your new head unit. I have read reports that the signal strength from the on board aerials can be a little weak. Hopefully yours won't be. I am sure Halfords can fit one for you, if necessary.

nov is right. I only mentioned Northstar as you are so close to them. They may be useful for other bits and pieces, you never know.

Hello, Welcome to the Forum. Any issues to report during your 4 years of ownership ? Most of us have had ours for far less time than that. Your experiences would be interesting to many Forum users. Japanese MPV Specialist is very near Heathrow. I bought mine from them, and they had undersealed it during lockdown. Yours looks great underneath. Your undersealer did a great job.

Northstar Conversions, IOW.

There is loads of info on E10 on this forum. Like the rest of us, you get to read it and make your choice. The safe bet is E5.

Many years ago I lived in the States. In some areas of Tennessee it was quite common for the enthusiasts to have a tricked up vehicle and tow an identical vehicle, with the front half removed, behind it. Some looked incredible. But four tonnes, or so, would take my over the limit on my Old Folks Drivers Licence.

Great idea, but I'll still need a tent to keep the wind out. Can't cook in a howling gale, even with two Alphies. I suppose I could cook in one and sleep in the other.

Very good point, but then you lose quite a lot of counter space. I wonder why you never see two Alphies that are identical !

This is a recent import so the dealer should be able to supply the auction sheet. Handy to have. Also, if the car is carrying a warranty by the AA, ask for a copy of their survey report. Check the leather upholstery carefully as repairs are expensive. I paid the AA £300 for a pre purchase inspection. Nothing of note was found, but it was worth the value for the reassurance all was in order. Somewhere on this forum, I forget where, there is a link to a Japanese company that can provide the full history of the vehicle, if you want it, all for about £22. Welcome to the Alphard fraternity.

You could also ask your vendor for a copy of the auction sheet. The auction sheet will note mileage (in km) and what body blemishes it has, or had before retouching.

Very useful information, pcous. Thank you. Any of us experiencing uneven tyre wear may find a solution in this data. It may help tyre fitters too, who often want to tweak the suspension geometry ! Or to get it corrected after they did !

Maybe have a chat with Northstar Conversions as there are close to you.

Mine doesn't; but it's tight. But I wouldn't be surprised if some do. Some convertors pay more attention to detail than others. I guess it also depends on how well the fridge has been installed. It might be a hassle, but moving the fridge forward an inch or two should do it. Or is there no access to the release because of the conversion floor? Maybe someone on here will know if the spare can be released from underneath the car, or whether there is a modification that can be done.

I wrote to MonsterS just now to ensure he is aware of your offer as I am unlikely to find ours any time soon.

Finding the fuse box is the first problem. Mike Matts and I have been exchanging views on this. I have explained how to remove the lower glove box. Mike has found the fuse box, so has Monster S. Chat with them for location, accessibility and method of removal. Fuse should be 10A, marked TAIL. Of course, if the fuse has blown, you need to find the cause. One contributor to this Forum found water in his tail lights. Good Luck.

Yes, but what do I do about the width difference ? Styrofoam sheets will do it. I have decided on an articulated trailer, then I'll have room for everything, including my spa bath.

Looking at the first of these, it seems very suitable. It looks like you erect the tent and than reverse into it. I particularly like what appears to be 'rain deflectors' at the bottom of each tent face. Thinking about it, without checking VW measurements, I seem to recall they are wider and less tall than an Alphie.

Good Luck with Halfords. Please report your choice and success.

Hi Shawn, They are more suitable assuming they fit an Alphie. I have considered the possibility of abrading the paint on windy days. I have been looking at neoprene to cover the headlights when not in use, to prevent yellowing. I could use neoprene to stop abrasion of the tail gate but then I have another item to find a space for ! More research needed !

Well Mike, There's some good news and some bad news. The good news is that the lower glove box box comes off easily. Open it, put hand under bottom edge and pull up gently. The plastic hinges will give way and the glove box can be jiggled outwards. There is a small plastic piston system which unclips very easily. The glove box and the piston will be in your hand now. Reassemble in reverse, remembering to re connect the piston. The bad news ? I found a million wires and a loads of connectors. I'm too chicken to touch any. I did not see any obvious fuse box. After putting it back together I checked my manual again. IF correct, it shows the fuse box to the upper rhs inside where the glove box was. Good luck, I think you may be needing it. Roger I have seen a switched feed taken from the cigarette lighter before, but the dash console has to come out. I have been too chicken to try that either.

Hi Mike, You have to remove the lower glove box. Supposed to be easy, but I have never tried! Empty glove box ! I believe their is a small catch at the side of the lowered box which van be pushed to release the glove box. Then you should be able to get at the fuses more easily. Good luck, I'll go check my 3.0 see how easy it is, or isn't.

Who's Rosie ? The manual only says it is by the drivers seat. My guess is it is under the dash somewhere. Quite small. Only 10 fuses (plus some relays I think).

"The price is right". It's a Spring purchase for me. Plenty of time for more research! If I find a unit that fits over the hatch I'll be in touch with you.

Hi Mike, You have not said what vehicle you have. The 2.4 and 3.0 engines have different fuses. I believe one of the fuse boxes is behind the lower glove box on the passenger side. There is another one near the drivers seat.