Rojie

Hello Tim, I am not an LPG user; but I do have an opinion. Despite what Gordon says regarding availability, I respectfully suggest you do your own research regarding locations where the fuel can be bought. I used the app Gordon cited and was not impressed with availability in my area. What type of motoring are you planning ? Urban or rural ? How many miles a year etc. There are several threads on this Forum regarding successful installations, and expected and actual consumption. There is evidence that the availability of lpg will diminish; in the UK at least. Indeed, is already diminishing. Shell has withdrawn from lpg at it's forecourt market already. They were in partnership with Calor. Hagerty UK, an independent, has declared withdrawal in 2024. Hagerty have suggested the number of stations will halve to 900 by 2024 ! IMHO, as the trend towards electric car ownership continues, such a situation will not improve. I concede that lpg users probably travel with a mainly full tank to provide more range than petrol or diesel users might. They may also be prepared to drive longer distances to get to their 'local' refuelling point. I doubt availability in London will be an issue; but journeys to Cornwall, North Devon, Wales, the NC500, and other depopulated routes may need careful planning. Although, of course, you can always switch back to petrol. I am not opposed to lpg, and hope that owners consider the possible future situation carefully. Having said all that; I wonder how long it will be before there are no petrol stations for my Alphie to visit. There are not that many near me now. If there were no supermarkets in my area I would have a very poor choice. Promoting your own business is not allowed on this Forum. However, members' Recommendations for Installers are encouraged.

I did a similar thing on one of my other cars. Bought the stickers, went to my local MOT station and had them fit them. Certainly a cheap approach rather than making a mess of it yourself.

Hello Dean, Welcome to the Forum. Good job. Thanks for the photos. They clearly show the difference between an 8 seater (which your is) and a seven seater. In each case the rearmost seats seat three. On the seven seater there are only two long centre rails; i.e. there is no 'split' centre rail (rhs middle) as in your photos. To change the seating arrangement those two rails need to be removed and replaced with one continuous one. I believe the rails are 'handed', so someone wishing to change their seating will need the correct rail(s).

Thank you for changing your profile.

This does surprise me. I am not surprised about the 100 plus mph; but the touch downs I am.

Hi Starider, If you have the HDD unit. Yes it can, if my memory serves me. I assume you have already cleaned the lens ! I will need to research the correct button sequence to navigate you to the correct screen. You could also try eightseater,blogspot.com, in the meantime, which is a really good resource for that HDD unit. Do you have the original (Japanese) manuals ? Perhaps I can get you a page number. I'll try later today.

Please change your profile when you get the newer machine; otherwise you will receive replies relevant to the wrong vehicle ! Good luck.

Hello Gord, OK, now I understand. I have a rear conversion but remain unconcerned. Why? My view is that the original tyres are specified for a full load. A full load being 6 to 8 people depending on your Alphie version. As the Alphie is a JDM, the weight allowance will be based on the average weight of a Japanese person. So with your Alphie, my guess is your seating, with seatbelts, is only 4 or 5; maybe less. The petrol won't count as that will have been allowed for in the OEM calculations. I think you are being overly concerned; but safety is vital. Concentrate on the condition, and legality, of your tyres. My tyres are fine, but when I need to replace I will fit XL, extra load versions. There is no shortage of Campers, or heavily loaded VWs vans, all over the Continent. They all face the same issue. I think the answer to your question is to locate a good tyre supplier/fitter and listen to their advice. Your could also email Kwik Fit, or Halfords, in the UK and ask for their recommendation. However, they are unlikely to have real life experience of snowy conditions in, or near, the French Alps (Or Pyrenees).

Hello Nigel, Tornados in Berkshire ? As an ex US resident (from the mid west) I don't think so. I have had the misfortune of being caught in one. Just a half mile wide. A real Tornado will rip the cover off and explode all your windows. maybe even lift your van off the ground and dump it somewhere down the street. If it is dropping hail, as they usually do, you won't have windows to explode and all your panels will be covered in indentations the size of cricket balls. I have a good quality, thick, windscreen cover, for the summer and night time privacy. I would not use it in the winter south westerly gales as, no matter how tightly it is secured it, will rub your paintwork. Good luck whatever you decide.

Hello Gord, According to my JPNZ Owners Handbook the standard tyre size is 205/60/16 95H. I am note sure I understand your issue. I feel sure that all the larger European manufacturers manufacture the suitable size. I am thinking Pirelli, Michelin, Continental and others offer the tyres you need. So you need the above size rated as All Season or Winter tyres to comply with French Law. I feel confident that a tyre supplier fitter in your nearest large town or city should be able to advise you correctly. As I see it, the vehicle, Alphard in your case, is irrelevant. Good Luck.

Hi Steve, The link works fine for me

Hi Sarah, Welcome to the Forum. Please attach a photo of your unit. It will help us to help you. You can drop your photo into the drag box at the bottom of your next post. Google Translate, on your phone, is one option eightseeater.blog.com is another if you have the HDD head unit.

Hi Steve, I tried to edit this to discover the sticker cost. The editor didn't open for me.

Hello Erica, Welcome to the Forum. There are lots of permutations for a conversion; and the price will vary accordingly. I have sent you a personal message. Please read it and reply.

Toyota Power Steering Fluid, 1 litre.

Just one other point, Nigel. None of the above will improve your cooking skills !

I agree with Michael, above.

Hello Phillip, Welcome to the Forum. Happy Alpharding

Hello David, Welcome to the Forum. Nice van. I like the two tone.

Well Done Esther. Well done Steve.

Hello Clayton, Welcome to the Forum. Seating. It does (at least) mean changing (some of) the rails. Your model will have four. You need five for the 1.5 plus 1 seating. I have never done it, but on the principle that putting things back together is never as easy as taking them apart, be careful. However, I would expect any converter to be able to do the job; although they normally only take them out. They may also be able to supply the seating too. Headunit. Can be done, ensure you ask about the cameras and steering controls being retained before agreeing to have it done. Curtains. My electric curtains are 'jerky' and do not perform perfectly. Unless you like to 'play' with them it is of no consequence. Park up, push button, manually adjust. I had thought of WD40 to lower friction; but friction may not be the cause. They do close and open almost instantly, I would have preferred a slow smooth action. Let me know about the furniture polish approach. I hope it works for you.

Hi Ben There is a thread on this Forum that lists reliable Alphard/Vellfire friendly (and competent) garages. Please search it out, and add your recommendation.

Hello John, You talk about 'we', so welcome to you both to the Forum. I have the same as you are getting. Fantastic. NC500, for you I hope.

Picasso asked you for the VIN number, which is allocated by Toyota; and is displayed on the B pillar, passenger side. I assumed that, because you said the van wasn't registered, i.e. assigned a registration number, you couldn't provide the VIN number as requested by Picasso. I am glad Lee sorted it for you, he is probably the best member for part numbers.

Does not need to be ! You don't need it registered to have a VIN number ! The VIN belongs to the vehicle, not the DVLA. You should find it in the B pillar, passenger side. It Won't look like a European one, because it isn't. Picasso is trying to help you. I checked the EPC myself, and there does not appear to be a rubber boot on there. There are more than one stay bar, maybe the boot comes attached to the correct one !