Rojie

Hello Nick, Welcome to the Forum and your impending Vellfire ownership. As a Gosport Grammar School 'boy' I have progressed through life, without too much regret. My wife travels by train to London several times a year and I collect her from the railway station. Although we have a choice of vehicles to choose from she always prefers our Alphie MZ G. Although I have the regalia, cap, trousers, etc., she prefers that I not to wear it ! However, as I arrive, and glide to a halt, and the rear side electric door slides open with a whisper, exposing all the beige leather. she smiles her beautiful smile. We both feel like a million dollars ! "Welcome home" mutters our Japanese guide, as we serenely move away towards our home. I forgot to mention Tye, our extremely energetic Sprollie who is extremely excited to be reunited with 'Mum', and is going absolutely bonkers with total disregard for the surrounding luxury. Enjoy your new van, I am sure you will.

Hello Karen, You will probably (almost certainly) need an auto electrician. Are you located in South, Mid or North Devon? I can recommend one in South Devon. You will need a Master key, and 80 to 100 pounds !

Hello Graeme, When you speak of FM reception, and the window aerials, are you using an OEM Head Unit ? If so, are you aware that the OEM units will only receive Radio 2 on FM (analogue) without a band expander ?

Hello Karen, Flat battery, probably. It is essential in cold weather to keep your battery fully charged. Also, ensure all your courtesy lights (room lights) are off. The room lights can be difficult to notice during daylight hours. Halfords or Kwik Fit, or most garages, will be able to test your battery under loaded conditions. If you need a battery charger take a look at CTEK; good but not cheap. Alternatively, you could consider a unit that can jump start your van (when) if needed. They are like battery packs for phones, but much bigger.

Hello Lina, Welcome to the Forum. Lots of questions, so lots of reading for you to do ! I am sure you will get lots of answers, but mainly the answers are down to your own preferences. I suggest you consider carefully the use to which you will put your van, as that will allow you to make difficult decisions more easily. Budget is key. Conversions are not cheap, and a pop top will add considerably to the cost. My quick summary to your questions. Rock and Roll beds tend to be narrow, although wider ones are becoming available. Do you intend to buy a van and have it converted, or buy one already converted? With a Pop Top consider your ability and willingness to get up into the top. Pop Tops tend to lift at the front which is not very useful with a rear kitchen. Coastal car parks (at least where I live) often have height restrictions; a pop top can prevent your access, a high top certainly will. 4wd, depends on your intended use. Imho, not needed; just research your grass pitch campsites well and pray for good weather. My configuration is V6, no pop top and with a rear kitchen; so I do have a bias. Others will have an equally valid bias in favour of side kitchens, etc., etc. Go and inspect a lot of vehicles with different configurations. try not to buy the first one you see ! Good Luck. As an afterthought. Investigate where you will have the vehicle serviced. Most official Toyota dealers won't service it as it is an import ! But some will, so it's worth checking your local Toyota dealer.

Hello Fred, Welcome to the Forum.

Hi Dan, IF that is the correct part number; have you tried Toyota Direct ? Or ask Picasso

I respectfully suggest you get your battery tested. Without regular charging over winter the battery takes a beating. You should be OK if you drive some distance every day. Although inconvenient, you can disconnect the negative, or fit a 120 Amp (or more) switch on the negative side.

Hello Barry, Welcome to the Forum.

Hello Feysal, Welcome to the Forum.

Hello Rob, Welcome to the Forum. 10w 30 is fine, but 5w 30 is best for fuel economy. 4.5 litres, or 4.7 litres including oil filter.

To emphasise Larry's point; the further you travel into the South West the more difficult it is to find LPG. I am struggling to remember, but (I think) BP and Shell (maybe it was Exxon) have already announced withdrawal from forecourt LPG. I, personally, would not want to rely on the smaller independents. However, users of LPG are not reporting any significant issues, and, effectively, the installations produce a dual fuel vehicle. If heading to Devon or Cornwall this summer plan your fuel stops.

Hello Karen, Welcome to the Forum.

Hello Nicholas, Welcome to the Forum.

Looks great. Welcome to the Forum

It is not arranged yet. The organisers are looking for suitable suggestions. Search Alphard Club

Some other brands call them mood lighting. As Dan says, it just provides a dull illumination

Hi Dan, Welcome to the Forum. Welcome to Alphard ownership too

I have sent you another PM. Please send me one so I can reply to it and test the facility

The rail looks very much like the rail Dometic sells for windbreaks.

Send Lee a personal message. Personal Messages are private. Click on the Picasso circle and then Message and send him your registration number. Lee has a system for finding part numbers for the exact vehicle. It's up to you, but I can vouch for Lee.

Hello Adil, Welcome to the Forum

Hello Rob, Welcome to the Forum

I too use a dash mat, as I call it. Very effective. I also use the moisture absorbing crystals, but keep them well away from the fake wood trim (and the dog).

Bit further than that. But they do have two locations, the 'showroom' and the conversion workshop. I was referring to the showroom, as, I think, visits to the workshop are by Invitation only.