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Hi Lucho, From memory, I think our Alphard does just over 2500rpm in 5th gear at 70mph, so 3300rpm sounds like it may well be still in 4th gear

Hi Mick, Just as a precaution, it's worth noting that campervan conversions typically have mains electricity, gas and water, all in a relatively small space, and it's worth having an annual habitation check (rather than just gas) to ensure there are no problems/leaks, electrics are isolated/insulated, ventilation is OK, smoke/CO alarms are functional etc. Our insurers stipulate an annual habitation check and also that we have a fire extinguisher handy, but I'd be inclined to have it checked anyway, particularly because it's mains electricity rather than a 12v car system. I guess some people may be able to do habitation checks themselves, but for peace of mind we've had our annual check done by our local garage/campervan hirer in Yorkshire - not too expensive.

Hi all, By way of an update since my post this time last year, the Health & Safety Executive [HSE] issued a briefing report on this LPG issue in Nov 2024. Their investigation related specifically to forklift trucks which run on LPG; there were several forklift fires reported, which prompted the investigation. As I understand it, a crucial difference between forklift LPG systems and car LPG systems is that forklifts start on LPG, rather than switch to LPG when the engine has warmed - like our LPG system. Problems with starting because of a build-up of residue in LPG vapourisers led to some forklifts being flooded with LPG from repeated attempts to start the engine, which then caused a fire when the LPG escaped and came into contact with a hot surface. So, car LPG systems were not subject to the same risks – however, as we’ve already seen, build-up of residue in the vapouriser caused a lot of difficulties with misfiring and the fuel-air mix. Here’s my summary: the HSE report confirmed that the problem was confined to the Humberside refinery, which supplies LPG to the Midlands & North England. They said the refinery have made (unspecified) changes that have improved the situation, but not solved it; but because the levels of contaminants in the LPG were less than the threshold which applies to fuel standards (and, therefore, testing), it can’t be monitored effectively unless the fuel standard is changed (which they hinted seems unlikely). So, those of us who fuel our Alphards with LPG in the MIdlands & North will still need to check LPG regulators (or vapourisers) for gradual build-up of gunk, more often than we did before late 2022, but hopefully less often than over the last 2 years…. For those of you who like more detail: The HSE report states that Phillips 66, who own the Humber refinery, acknowledged in Feb 2024 that users had reported a build-up of residue in LPG vapourisers. HSE said that, “amongst the many different chemicals found within the contamination, concentrations of (plasticisers and) thiophene and thienothiophene (TTP) compounds were found in the affected vaporisers. The HSE analysis: “identified the presence of the TTP marker chemicals and other similar sulphur compounds, which were present both in contaminated vaporisers and in the LPG refined by Phillips 66 ", i.e. the Phillips 66 refinery in Humberside, “but which were either absent or at low levels in LPG from other refineries/sources…. Phillips 66 have confirmed the presence of these markers through analysis of their own and HSE-provided samples. Their analysis also showed the presence of plasticisers” They concluded that the “most likely cause of the residue appears to have been related to an increase in the processing of used cooking oil as a co-processed feedstock through the refinery, with specific compounds being found in the propane product, but not impacting on the other products produced at the refinery. Processing of used cooking oil is part of a strategy to meet renewable fuels obligations, reducing the reliance on fossil fuels as part of achieving Net Zero.” The report also concluded that “the steps taken so far may have reduced the rate at which replacement vaporisers are required… however, as of July 2024, the replacement rate had not returned to pre-September 2022 levels. So it’s better than it was, but not fixed. In explaining why, the HSE said there was no breach of fuel standards, because: “the residue is at very low levels, which could not have been identified by testing to BS 4250, the standard for this fuel.” And they said that “producing a workable update to BS4250 is not straightforward because the contaminants are at very low levels and the tests necessary to find them are complicated” The HSE state that they are working with P66 to monitor the effectiveness of the steps already taken and to resolve the issue in the short- and medium-term by altering/improving the refinery process. For the full report, see the UK Material Handling Association website: https://ukmha.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/HSE-Report-on-Forklift-Fires.pdf Hope this is helpful...

Hi Pete, Our Alphard was registered by the converter under the category of Motor Caravan PLG (Private/Light Goods) as a 4-seater. Of course,this was a new registration in the UK following import. I assume this is a standard registration category, but other contributors will let you know if it's not...

Hi Vincent - a bit late to the party I'm afraid, but this may be of use to others in the future... We have the Strada Evo 3 and the roller pull-out system gives sufficient clearance when the Alphard tailgate is lifted. We've used it for a few years now and it's served us well on both short and long (eg. Swedish arctic circle) journeys. I believe the Strada Evo, Vario and DL racks use the same pull-out system - the rail pulls away from the rear, but also down towards the ground with bikes mounted.

Hi George, You could take a loook at a previous thread - https://uk.alphardclub.com/forums/topic/6917-tracking/#comment-20580 In addition to the jltechno data, our local alignment guy found a more extensive list of figures, which included the range for SAI and Included angle, which may be helpful. We had an issue with pulling left, in the end we found it was due to a poorly assembled wheel bearing retainer on the rear - 2 of the 4 nuts were missing (!) so the leading edge of the OSR wheel was facing slightly outwards.

Like Geralt, I once had stuff stolen from a tent while I was sleeping, but that was at a festival and I've not felt the need to lock our Alphard camper overnight at campsites. However, if it's a busy city site or one with high turnover we'll go for a compromise - lock with the key fob, then unlock the n/s sliding door manually, working on the basis that anyone opening the side door in the night would make enough 'sliding' noise to wake us. The good news? This doesn't result in an alarm going off when heading to the loo in the middle of the night, but then I've never heard our alarm so I can't be sure that we have one....

By way of a follow up.... I asked around for longer exhaust hangers and found that Powerflex do a range of aftermarket hangers for exhaust modifications. The Toyota Alphard OE hangers are 35mm between hole centres and our exhaust box needed to be just a tad lower to avoid vibrating against the towbar. The Powerflex EXH011 hanger is a universal type and has holes at 40, 60 & 80mm, so can be used to drop the exhaust box enough - for us the 60mm hole was well placed (and the additional 'unused' length of the hanger went above the top bracket, rather than below where it would be nearer the exhaust box). I had to drill the holes to enlarge to 12mm to fit, but this is a fairly easy job if you're handy enough to fit the hangers yourself. There appears to be no need to drop the front rubber hanger on the exhaust box.

Hi David, Try PCT Automotive in Sheffield - they offer fitting instructions, which might help: https://www.pctautomotive.com/vehicles/all/toyota/alphard/mpv/2011

Hi Joe, If Warrington's not too far to travel, you might ask for a price from GasTech to install your cruise control - they specialise in LPG systems and Alphards. Word of warning: cruise control is limited to 68mph, so if you're someone who likes to sit above the speed limit on our quiet UK motorways (as if...) it may not suit you. We've recently returned from a long Scandanavian trip and having cruise control was a real bonus!

We also have a towbar fitted, for bikes and I discovered the bar had also been shortened by the fitter who put our towbar on. HIs solution was to drill a small hole through the bar near the end and put a washer/splitpin to stop the rubber hanger from working its way off the bar. Seems to work... However, I also noticed that the exhaust box was lowered slightly (20mm) to avoid vibration against the towbar, so non-standard hangers were put on by the fitter. All was well until these perished over time and needed replacing - but Toyota hangers no longer fit and I'm now looking for a longer version (55mm b/w hole centres rather than 35mm). Has anyone with a towbar fitted found longer rubber exhaust hangers (don't have to be Toyota, of course)?

Hi George, The unladen axle weights for our Gen 1 facelift Alphard are 1070kg front, 800kg rear; total 1870kg. The gross vehicle weight (GVW) is 2255kg (allowing for 7 passengers at 55kg each...?), but there appear to be no data on how this loads on each axle. You might assume the extra passenger weight loads on the rear axle more than the front, but without loading up the car and placing it on a weighbridge it would be difficult to be precise. Following our camper conversion the weighbridge info indicated that the weight of our additional van furniture loaded almost exclusively on the rear axle. We also load bikes on a towbar bracket, which increases rear axle weight and marginally decreases front axle weight. As a result we went for 109/107 tyres on rear to take max 1030kg per tyre and 101 on front (825kg per tyre) – with plenty of leeway to avoid overheating etc. From memory, I think the original tyres when imported were Yokohama 97 load rating (730kg per tyre). Ultimately, once you've finished your own conversion it’s weighbridge data for your laden vehicle that will help you decide. You’re right that conversion and/or fully loading with 7 passengers (most likely >55kg each!) could exceed the stated GVW. John Hollis started a thread on this in early 2021 – see: https://uk.alphardclub.com/forums/topic/619-overweight-vehicle/#comment-11210

Hi all, I've noticed the outer lower weatherstrip between glass and front o/s door has hardened and snapped at one end. I'm able to source a replacement, but wondered what the procedure is for stripping the door panelling off / moving glass in order to gain access. Have any forum members who've taken on this task be able to give any tips please? Thanks

Hi Philip, We had ours done by a local reputable bodywork shop - I could be wrong (others on the forum will soon let me know...), but I don't think they need to be familiar with the Alphard in particular, just familiar with undersealing techniques for any vehicle. We had ours treated a few years ago and we check each year to see if it needs 'topping up' (no need...).The treatment was upol with added waxoyl, our sprayer said the underside was clean enough to avoid prior steam cleaning, so it wasn't too pricey. As you probably know, roads aren't salted in Japan, so I gather this is the reason that vehicles aren't undersealed. In the UK, on the other hand....

Hi Paul, You've thanked others for their responses to your queries, but I'd like to thank you for your responses, which I've seen in a number of threads - always helpful! As they say, the end of one adventure is just the beginning of another...

Hi Joanna, We had a a towbar fitted (bought from PCT Automotive, Sheffield - fitted locally). We bought an Atera Strada Evo bike rack, which has a roller pull-out system, when unlatched the rack can be pulled away from the rear with the bikes still on, which then allows enough room to lift the tailgate. T'was a great find! As Roger has already said, I think there would be a problem with suspending bikes on the tailgate itself because of the additional weight, both lifting it and keeping it held open.

Hi Francis, A few additions which have really helped: 1. we had an LPG conversion, which paid for itself over 24000km (approx 14500m), Lpg is cheaper, both here and abroad, and somewhat better for the environment than petrol. The LPG filler is tee'd to fill the Gaslow for cooking as well as fuel tank. 2. Also, we had a canopy-type awning fitted, originally thinking it would be useful shade, but actually it really comes into its own in the UK climate when extended about a third to act as a rain porch/drying area (avoids it flapping about in foul weather when fully extended). 3. We had blown air heating fitted, but hardly use it - a small oil-filled radiator is much quieter on chilly evenings. Worth noting, however, neither heater would be good for wild camping because of the electricity draw... Glad you've opted for underseal - a must!

Hi Ross, t'is a 13-pin connector

Hi Andy, Yes, we're still using it and it works fine. My only gripe is that the slider release mechanism (which you operate with your foot) is plastic rather than metal - it could be more durable; that said it's worked fine. Regarding security, the handle that tensions the rack on the towball has a keylock once in position. The arms which hold the bikes in position also lock (at the bike end) – at the rack end there’s no lock but, from memory, a pin in the arm itself stops the arm from being released once a bike is locked to it. I guess all locks can be broken, but then the thief would have an unusable bikerack! In addition, we normally thread an ordinary bike lock through wheels/frame for peace of mind when on the road, but I’ve not felt I needed this extra security once on a campsite.

Hi Lee, Sorry for the delay in replying. I thought initially it was 4502D, but after looking at the parts diagram I believe it's listed as: COVER SUB-ASSY, STEERING COLUMN HOLE, NO.1 Genuine Toyota (4502558010) 45025-58010 Weight 0.33 kgs Catalog COVER SUB-ASSY, S

Hi Richard, Our engineer agreed a rear coil spring deflection of 400lb/in (yes I know, imperial measures…), which was based on our weighbridge figures for front & rear axles with 2 people, when normally loaded and with bikes on a towhook-mounted bike carrier (2350-2450kg). Springcoil in Sheffield measured the original coil spring at 300lb/in, and they manufactured the uprated springs. The Alphard unladen front/rear axle weights are quoted as 1080/800kg on the export certificate, & the max laden weight is 2225kg. However, there are no separate max figures for front & rear axles, so we put our campervan on a weighbridge to get the individual unladen/laden weights before getting the engineer’s opinion above. For us, this included campervan furniture, LPG tanks slung under the chassis and a bike rack; as a result, our extra weight loaded on the rear and made little difference to the front axle. However, a factor to consider: because of the cantilever effect, additional weight on a bike rack can reduce the front axle load. Everyone’s situation will be different, so don’t take our 400lb/in figure as a general figure. So, depending on your figures, the Autojapspares 20% uprated springs may be a possibility, or you could try Springcoil. Or as they say, “other coil spring manufacturers are available”

Hi Ross, I can't help with your question about roof v towbar, however I can give you details of our setup. We had a towbar fitted, but then we have a camper conversion with pop-top, so there was no choice. Our towbar came from PCT Automotive in Sheffield [0114 251 1000]. I recall they provided fitting instructions on their website which you can download, so if you don't have a local Alphard expert on your part of the south coast I would guess that a garage that specialises in fitting towbars for any vehicle would be able to fit from these instructions. We have an Atera Strada Evo bike rack, which has a roller pull-out system, when unlatched the rack can be pulled away from the rear with the bikes still on to allow enough room to lift the tailgate. This has been really useful for gettting to all the bits & bobs we store under the bed. Overall, we've been really pleased with this setup....

HI all, I've been looking for a steering column gaiter for our Gen 1 facelift model to replace the shabby example we have which lets a lot of noise through from the floor where the steering column meets it. I think the technical description for it is a "cover sub-assembly: steering column hole", part no. 4502D. I've had one on order from Japan for several months now, but delivery seems no nearer! So, if you have a spare or you're breaking, then please let me know.... Thanks

Hi Antony, I've just posted a response to a similar query in the Servicing forum: - Hope this is useful

Hi George, Sorry, don't know about tracking specialists close to you in Cheltenham. As you'll probably know, the rear axle is fixed, so there are no adjustments to make and, in the absence of any specific problem, it may be that a front alignment check is sufficient. That said, 4-wheel alignment may still be worth doing - we had a problem with steering pulling constantly to the left regardless of road camber, the 4-wheel check showed that alignment on NSR rear was out, due to a poorly assembled wheel bearing retainer - 2 of the 4 nuts were missing so the leading edge of the wheel was facing slightly outwards. Alignment figures from previous posts on the forum have varied: Here are the 2007 Alphard figures from the jltechno lookup: http://www.jltechno.com/en/alignment-data-lookup/40016/Toyota.html Alignment Data Lookup->Toyota->Alphard/Vellfire:H10 Series:MNH10W Alignment Specs Parameter MIN spec Standard spec MAX spec Front Total Toe -0.17 0.17 FL Toe -0.09 0.09 FR Toe -0.09 0.09 FL Camber -1.42 0.08 FR Camber -1.42 0.08 Rear Total Toe -0.25 0.25 RL Toe -0.13 0.13 RR Toe -0.13 0.13 RL Camber -2 -1 RR Camber -2 -1 Left Caster 1.67 3.17 Right Caster 1.67 3.17 Left SAI N/A N/A Right SAI 0 0 Alternatively, our wheel alignment specialist found the following figures for 2002-07 Alphard, after searching Japanese data. They're a more extensive set of figures, but for some values the tolerance range is narrower than the figures above: Toyota->Alphard H10 Series:MNH10W Wheel Alignment Specification Parameter Minimum Maximum Front Total Toe -0.10 +0.10 FL Toe -0.05 +0.05 FR Toe -0.05 +0.05 FL Camber -1.25 +0.05 FR Camber -1.25 +0.05 FL Caster +1.40 +3.10 FR Caster +1.40 +3.10 FL SAI +10.05 +11.35 FR SAI +10.05 +11.35 FL Included Angle FR Included Angle Front Cross Camber +8.40 +8.40 -0.45 +11.40 +11.40 +0.45 Front Cross Caster -0.45 +0.45 Rear Total Toe -0.15 +0.15 RL Toe -0.08 +0.08 RR Toe -0.08 +0.08 RL Camber -2.0 -1.0 RR Camber -2.0 -1.0 We chose to go with the figures that had less tolerance, on the basis that we'd be conforming with both sets of figures. Good luck with your search...