Chajoma

Hi Matthew I have a 2010 Alphard and recently had a Pioneer sph-da160dab fitted professionally. It wasn't cheap and I suspect it would be a DIY job if you are determined. Mine had a Japanese aftermarket unit fitted so a new surround was required and we are having to adapt the top part of the surround to make it fit. I was glad I'd handed the job to someone else :). I am very happy with the radio - it has DAB, Bluetooth for the phone and Android Auto/Carplay. Oh, and the reversing camera works too. I was told by several people to stay clear of the Chinese units. They don't work well and don't last either. This is what I have been told and have no reason to not believe it. Hope this helps. Paul

I have a fairly newly converted 2010 Alphard. On a recent trip (NC500 since you're asking :)), we plugged into the EHU and headed for bed. Just as I was dropping off, I noticed the CO sensor was giving a reading. We definitely didn't have anything burning so I had no idea where this was coming from. However, my wife had mentioned that she had heard a hissing noise which was outside my hearing range, and it seemed to be coming from the leisure battery which is mounted under the R&R seat. I switched on the battery monitor and could see that it was reading over 15V which seemed excessively high. A quick google revealed that overcharging a car-type battery can release, among other things, hydrogen, and CO monitors can detect hydrogen. I disconnected the EHU and the CO monitor returned to a happy state. Now I am home, I plugged in the the mains and watched the reading on the charger itself rise to 15.3V (see picture). I found a manual for the unit online and apparently it shouldn't go above 13.8V. I have tried setting the mode to 'wet' but the unit doesn't seem to do anything then - the fan in the unit shuts down. So, before I take it back to the convertors to complain, I wondered if anyone on here had any experience with these chargers and could share that with me. Thanks Paul

I was with DL for my previous car and changed the cover for my campervan a few weeks back when I took delivery. They had changed the policy to be a Toyota Previa. When the renewal came through, I called to get them to change it to an Alphard and when they did, the renewal was withdrawn - they won't insure it. I have just insured through Just Kampers (01256 444 546) for £425. I am 63, full no claims, no accidents etc.

I'm getting a Pioneer sph-da 160dab fitted to my Gen 2. A local car electrical specialist is doing it. It'll cost around £500 including a reversing camera. He came to fit it today but unfortunately the facia panel the suppliers had provided was not suitable so has gone away to investigate.

Its arrived! I imported the car from Japan last year and had it converted by Funky Ram in Bristol. Delivery is a bit late but worth waiting for.

I am in the market for an awning and this looks like a brilliant connection method. How many strips did you buy from Lidl? I am reading that most awnings connect along 260 cm of the roof, but I'm guessing you didn't buy 13 magnets.

I did ask them and they said it needed to be S5 or S7. I decided to fit one anyway. When my current insurance runs out I will shop around using the list on this forum to start.

I would definitely get another quote

I just bought one for £40. However it is being wired back to a new radio unit. Whatever you do shouldn't cost £1000...

I am just about to put my freshly imported, newly converted 2010 on the road. When I phoned Direct Line to get my insurance changed, they told me I would not be covered for theft unless I had a tracker fitted. I think this was because of the overall value with the professional conversion. Anyone else come across this?

I've just paid £14k for a full side conversion with pop top and R+R bed at Funky Ram in Bristol. Freshly imported, I'm picking it up on Friday. I'll post some pictures when I have it.

Thanks. I'll ask them what they are planning to fit

I am in the process of importing a 2010 Alphard from Japan. It's in a ship but in dock in China at present. I plan to get it converted by Funky Ram (was Hallen Imports) in Bristol. Their standard conversion does not include a petrol heater which we are keen to have so we can extend the camping season. They have said this will be something like and extra £2000. Does anyone have experience of installing, having fitted or using one of these heaters? Does this price seem reasonable? Thanks Paul

I was coming to that conclusion. Just to check, are you saying that the car won't go over 70 or you cannot use cruise control over 70?

Excellent - thank you. A quick look suggests it's pretty random which models have cruise. I am thinking of getting Algys Autos to find a vehicle for me so I can just specify it

I am thinking of buying an Alphard but am struggling to find specifications for different models/years. In particular, I want one that has cruise control. Anyone know where I can look?

Hi. I have just joined to get the lowdown on these Alphards. My wife and I have decided to get a camper for next year and are contemplating importing and Alpghhard and getting it fitted out. Any advice or warnings of potential traps would be gratefully received.