Rojie

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 ?

So it 'just' needed bleeding ! The lesson here is for us all not to allow the ater level to get low so that air cannot get to places it shouldn't be ! So glad you sorted it, and thanks go to whoever's thread you read that took you in the correct direction.

Try Fuel Lagoon. I know they make very good ones for the Gen 1 machines.

It may be in a different place in the Hybrid cars; I wouldn't know. In my Owners Manual, which does cover Hybrids, there is no mention of the box being elsewhere. Fuse box "in the cabin, by the passengers seat". Have you removed the glove box door, and the glove box ? You will need to ! I doubt it is the fuse. The A/C fuse also seems to protect the Audio. Does your audio work OK ? Are you sure the flap valve is working ?

I use a couple of cargo nets for lightweight items.

Mounting points, very good point (pun intended).

I had a very high class rear conversion fitted. The only items needed to be 'stripped out' were the two rear seats, their seatbelts and the cubby hole cover ! I would agree with Peter. It is best left alone; and all that insulation and sound deadening material works very well. There are a few (self assembly) 'pod' conversions available.

Sounds like you are almost there ! Look carefully behind all those cables !

What an interesting question. Which I cannot answer ! If the middle seats and rear seats are mounted on the same rails it might be possible. My concern would be, that in the interests of safety in an accident Toyota may have taken precautions to prevent that happening, and vice versa. But I don't know, and am interested hear other members views. The other issue may be the middle seats fouling the rear inner wheel arches.

Great to hear you have overcome Alphie's suitability issues There have been a couple of threads about seat covers on this forum You could try and search this forum or try Amayama. I also have a vague recollection that Picasso has some. Sorry to both if I'm wrong !

I think as the Alphard and Vellfire become more popular dealers are beginning to realise how much potential business they could be failing to secure. As awareness of the commonality between Lexus, Camry and other Toyota part bins is increasing the perceived difficulty is diminishing. I am interested in how your dealer would distinguish between repair and maintenance. I assume unwilling to repair means, in this case, an unwillingness to replace suspension parts, etc. Servicing being restricted to fluids and filters ?

I agree with Geralt, as long as it meets DOT 3 you should be OK.