Arthur

Hi. I think you will probably struggle with the available space to fit an awning rail due to the pop top mechanism. I have had a rail bonded to my 2007 Alphie as I didn't want holes drilling in the roof. It was relatively easy to remove the black plastic strip covering the drainage gulley but the awning rail didn’t fit well in the gulley so it’s been attached to the roof between pop top and gulley. The rail is hidden under the pop top when the roof is down and therefore has minimum exposure to the elements. If you particularly want a windout awning there are a number of postings on the forum dealing with the subject - check out Pritch who has had experience of fitting both rail and windout awnings to his Campard.

Hi. We have a Vango Faros II Air Low which has the Airbeam technology. It has proved reliable and is easy to erect. Some people have experienced punctures/bursts with the Airbeams but I believe that often these failures have directly resulted from over inflation. The Airbeams are more expensive than the traditional pole types. Probably be worth visiting a camping/caravanning specialist which has both types on display to see which you prefer.

Hi Eddie I purchased a 3.0 Alphard from Calder in February this year. I particularly wanted a 3.0 litre with low mileage and Calder were able to supply a 2007 AWD with less than 15k on the clock. The conversion has been completed to a good standard and I’m very pleased with the purchase. What I would say however is visit your preferred supplier and test drive some of their vehicles before purchase. Understand what you actually want (Rojie’s list will help you focus) as you need to be clear as to what exactly you want from your conversion - mine was a side conversion with wide bed, Propex heater and Apple CarPlay allowing me to use my iPhone for music and satnav. It also has a pop-top. Using an ‘approved’ converter will also help with insurance and ensuring correct registration of the vehicle with DVLA. Whichever supplier you choose keep in regular contact before, during and after the conversion. You need to actively project manage your purchase to ensure the end result answers your dream. Happy motoring.

Found this photo of an Alphard for sale on Autotrader. Is this the finish you were thinking of?

Would be delighted to come down from Wirral to join in the fun but unfortunately can’t do this September. Hope it’s a great success and we’ll be able to meet everyone next year.

I have a Yupiteru DCL82ES fitted to my 2007 V6 AWD. No idea how it works (or what it does 🤷‍♂️). I’m [very] slowly working my way through the 74 page instruction booklet using Google Translate. It’s certainly something not to be messed with by a Luddite like me and I think I’d rather it wasn’t there at all. The vehicle seems to have a variety of aftermarket wiring for technology (including dashcam, satnav and radar detection systems) that has been removed prior to its import from Japan.

Snap. Think I must be stalking you Pritch - just bought the last Vango Faros II Airbeam in stock from Winfields in Chester this morning!!! Been practising putting it up in the garden this afternoon. Winfields wouldn’t sell me the magnetic attachments as they said there wasn’t enough roof available with the pop top to enable them to work properly but have assured me that the over roof straps will do the job fine. Only time will tell but if they don’t I know a man who has had a roof rail fitted 😂

Congratulations on your purchase. I took the same decision as you and got a 2007 3.0 AWD (4x4) with 15k on the clock from Calder in March. As we live in Wirral we stayed in Helensburgh for a few days to check out any potential faults before driving South and thankfully only minor teething issues experienced to date. Just back from a 7 day tour of Northern Ireland and we are delighted with the comfort and performance. Hope you have as much fun as we’ve had in our 6 weeks of ownership. Just looking around for a suitable drive away awning with magnetic fastenings but everywhere locally seem to be out of stock. Hope you’ve been able to make use of your bubble tent.

Previously with Direct Line but they won’t now insure camper conversions. Caravan Guard has provided fully comprehensive cover on. 3.0 AWD 2007 Alphard with European breakdown recovery for <£400 but they referred to a list of ‘approved’ converters as they won’t cover all conversions - something I hadn’t considered when I was originally sourcing my conversion!

I’ve had cruise control fitted retrospectively to my 2007 AWD 3.0 Alphard by Calder Campers based in East Calder, Scotland. I believe that another company based in Warrington has also done a retro fit to a 3.0 using Toyota parts so it’s something that can be done - depends on what you’re prepared to pay and whether you want to diy.

At least they filled the drinking water bottle free of charge but then we couldn’t do anything with it - no kettle and couldn’t pour it away on the roadway without breaking the law!😀

Picked up our camper conversion from Calder Campers only to discover that most of the £500 free accessories pack was ‘unavailable’! This included basics such as kettle and grey waste collection/disposal. I’m now looking for a small waste water container and wondered if any forum members can suggest/recommend suitable products.

Hi Colin I’ve just seen your post from October last year saying that there’s a key shop in Merseyside that can provide new keys. I’ve just collected a 3.0 AWD Alphard from a converter in Scotland and will be making my way home to Wirral in the next day or so. Could you kindly give me the name and address for the shop as I only got one key (plus a remote engine starter?). Many thanks