Rojie

Would it surprise you to know that Churchill is part of the Direct Line Group of companies !

I thought it would be less. Thanks for letting us all know.

Hello Philip, Welcome to the Forum. Members are invited to recommend suitable garages. There is a section where those are listed. On your home page, top left, click on Forums and scroll down. I hope you find what you are looking for.

350 to 400 should be your target. More for a camper. Try not to use internet quoting, and make a few phone calls.

Load shift. The quicker, and more suddenly, you accelerate the more loading shifts (load transfer) to the rear axle/wheels. As the vehicle is a fixed weight, less loading will be on the front axles, causing less adhesion. Is the rear end suspension in prime condition ? Similarly, if your front suspension is less than optimal that will increase the tendency to 'tramp', as Paul described. You should get your suspension checked, when is your next MOT ? The quick, easy and inexpensive solution is to 'take' it easy.

Good to know. What engine size does your Suzuki have ? As it is the torque of the engine that is the measure of its ability to 'turn' a load 1 foot, the more torque the engine produces the less the affect the air con will have. My guess is beyond a certain torque it will make no difference. What is that figure ? No idea, and it will depend on many of the vehicles characteristics. However, I would expect if you are running on Propane the air con will have quite an affect due to its much low efficiency.

Many fellow Alpharders are using their converted Alphards as campervans, and most of those vans will be carrying gas. I noticed in my Insurance Documents that my insurance company requires my vehicle, as I have one gas bottle, to have the installation certified by a Registered Gas Safety Engineer. This certificate is not required by Law, but is by my insurer. The Certificate is not a Habitation Certificate, which is required by Law for Motorhomes and Caravans. Habitation Certificates are not required for Campervans. In doing some research I came across the information in the link. There are many other similar articles. I thought I would start a Topic. My camper is a stealth version so I do not want (or need as it happens) LPG stickers in plain sight 'everywhere' ! I found it a very interesting article, especially the guidance on how to find a local qualified Registered Gas Safety engineer. In my view my installation, although not fitted by a registered engineer, meets the physical requirements. However, I will be calling my local 'Gas Man' tomorrow to get the certificate before the season starts. In the meantime ? There is no gas bottle in my van ! The gas tight cabinet, the strap, and the carbon monoxide sensor, are all there. But no gas bottle. Perhaps any owners carrying gas should be checking the small print in their Insurance Policy Documents. https://vandercampadventures.com/campervan-gas-regulations-2022/#:~:text=There are no requirements for,involved in a road accident.

For those that do intend to (or already do) tow there is always the route that Albert (Nick Fisher) took. 160 pounds is hardly beer money, but is a one time cost.

Presumably, you mean affect on MPG ?

Interesting. Without wishing to be contentious, my interpretation of the modal verbs shall and should is the opposite of yours Richard. Imho, shall is a future intention, should is in the now timeframe. Less controversially, I have read, on this Forum, that it is OK to tow with and Alphard, but have also read that it is not ! Clearly, you have being trying to understand UK Law in this regard, if that is possible ! Getting a Yes/No answer from any Government Department is never easy, if indeed a ever a possibility. Towing involves a trailer of some sort, i.e. one wheel or more on the ground. Accordingly, I believe, using a tow bar to support a bicycle rack or a platform frame is, ihmo, entirely legal. I await other members opinions on this topic with interest. ps. I don't have a tow bar, so no towing or bike racks for me. Finally, thank you Richard for trying to clarify towing with an Alphard.

I would be very interested to know where you buy the struts, when/if you do. I lubricated mine today, great improvement but still a slight juddering. And the cost of them. If you choose to fit them yourself, safely, you will need to prop the tailgate as they are heavy !

Hello Tony, Welcome to the Forum.

Before renewing your tailgate struts ensure you order the correct one. Obvious, I know, but there are several types. They are identified by quite a large letter on the body of the strut. I have not changed mine yet, as it could be the motor, and I am not keen to replace that as my conversion makes it rather awkward !

There are no Maintenance Manuals available in English. Many of us await the release of one by JPNZ, but it hasn't materialised yet ! JPNZ produce an Owners Manual, which is very useful; however it does not cover head units or any maintenance tasks

Is that an OEM head unit, or an aftermarket one ?

There are benefits to two singles; especially in the heat of summer. I don't have one, but I guess an air mattress would help bridge the gap. A small table like support could also help It also depends on where your head end will be. Some owners use contoured foam to make the sleeping area more level. You need to examine an eight seater to help you decide.

Just check the rail separation on a 7 seater versus an 8 seater; you will understand what I mean. It's not a big job; I have done something similar, the seats are not a straight swap. Do you need 8 seats ?

Where is your rear camera ? It should be inset by the middle of the top of rear number plate. Certainly hidden form any direct light impinging on the camera lens. Otherwise, has someone increase the intensity of the reversing lights and you are getting blinded by reflected light ?

Unfortunately, I think you will find it is not quite that simple ! The middle seats in a 7 seater sit on four rails, shared with the rear seats. The eight seater uses 5 rails ! So you will need the rails and the runners as well. Since the rails are in different places you are likely to need new carpets and sound deadening materials too I guess, as the sound deadening is out of sight, the original parts can probably be made to fit. Nevertheless, it would not be a huge job, assuming the bolt holes and captive nuts are already in place under the chassis. I assume you want the middle seats to swivel ?

I think you may find that all Alphies from September 2005 (Gen 1 facelift) are compliant. It is vehicles manufactured before that crucial date that can be problematic.

I think you will find "an import is an import". Taxation will not change

No wonder they keep coming back. I would for more chocolate !

There has been a lot of commenting on Awnings in this forum. May I respectfully suggest you search for that as a topic. You will see photos of various approaches to the attachment.

It is reassuring to know that Snows are still working on Alphards; unlike many other Toyota Dealers. Let me know how you get on. I have just booked into Exeter, as my local Snows, unusually, cannot do the work needed !

How are they getting in ? Do you have a camper ?