Charlie Brown

1 hour ago, devonia said:

 

Sadly, there is no brand that I know. Last time I used to service my own car - it was Duckhams 20-50  every time.  There are several Toyota 5W20 oils to select from and a myriad of synthetic 5W20.  So, I was hoping to benefit from the (more recent and relevant) experience of others.. 

First there is the question of viscosity. SAE 5W-30 and SAE 5W-20 are recommended in the hand book. The Mannol oil you were looking at meets this requirement and Liam's experience is worth noting. If you decide to go down the route of a more recognised brand, then the big majors would be a good place to start. Shell, Esso, Mobil, Castrol (owned by BP, who also own Duckhams), etc. Don't buy from a garage, they will charge a fortune. Accessory shops (eg. Halfords) and Motor Factors (eg. Euro Car Parts) are good places to go, or look for a deal on the internet. I hope this helps and that I'm not stating too much of the obvious to you.

23 hours ago, devonia said:

5w30 Fully Synthetic Oil  This came up on Hot uk deals?  Would you use it - or can you suggest a better one to get by mail order?  I only do about 7k miles a year now, mostly on motorways and dual carriageways at 70, from one side of the Country to the other, when the traffic is light.  I'd willingly pay more if it would be better for the engine. 

 

Oh and where can I buy the right sump plug washer?  It looks to be rather more complicated than a plain copper/aluminium disc. Where can I find the right torque setting for it?  Any help/suggestions much appreciated - We love our Alphard 😍  

 

 

 

This caught my interest as I used to sell lube oil for a living but have been out of it for over 15 years. Never heard of this German company but a few minutes on their web site I was quite impressed. It was very professional. https://www.mannol.de . They have a very complete range of oils across every market. They claim to have actual manufacturers approvals in quite a few instances. Product information is a backed up by H&S and MSDS sheets. Price is unbelievably cheap. I'm naturally sceptical but cannot see any catch, but If you have any doubts stick to a brand that you know. Even an expensive engine oil is cheaper than a new engine.

Hello. I 'm selling a set of four Work Schwert alloy wheels with tyres. Wheels are in good working order. Will need some cosmetic attention to bring them to as new condition. Complete with wheel nuts including locking nuts. 245x45xR18. Two tyres have a minimum of 5mm tread, the two others have a minimum of 3mm. Will accept reasonable offers. Collect from Stroud or I will deliver if a reasonable distance from Stroud. PM me if you're interested.

On 7/22/2023 at 3:18 PM, Biggeordie55 said:

Update. its a bit of a tail but it has a happy ending. after my first attempt, which i followed the online video and pulled the connecting plug apart to expose the wires, which didn't work i notices a socket that the original connector would have fit into so i bought another £10 kit as i needed a new cable. Went back in and plugged the cable connector into the socket on the steering wheel. Reconnected the battery and still no dashboard cruise light, oh well for £20 it was worth a try. Later i went out on a journey and when i was on the motorway i thought why not give it a go and low and behold the cruise control was working, still no cruise light but i noticed the ECO light was on permanently. So no cruise light but I have cruise control with the ECO light staying on when activated. Now if anyone knows a fix for the light that would be great but I have cruise control which was the point of the exercise.  

Hello All. My experience is very similar to this, I fitted cruise control, which works fine, but no cruise control light on the dashboard, (no ECO light either). I thought it was because I have a new speedo head fitted (which is in miles and mph) and thought they hadn't connected it up or something. Have others who have followed this process got a cruise control light on their dash or is this something that does not work with this method. Thanks.

Hello. I followed this topic with keen interest as I also did not want to have anything permanently fitted. I bought several of the Parkside magnets. They really do work. Our awning was up in a filthy storm last weekend and the magnetic rail on the roof did not move at all.

One mod I have done is to cut some slots in one of the magnetic bars and bend it slightly to follow the curvature of the roof at the front, see picture attached. It now sits firmly on the roof along its whole length. I think I might curve one for the rear, as it doesn't quite sit flat.

I do love this forum for the ideas you get. Thanks All.

11 hours ago, Geralt said:

OK, I see, So do you have a 24V (or 2 x 12V) leisure battery then?

In addition to what Rojie has said.

No, I don't have a 24 volt system. It is 12 volt. The old charger has had it, it blows fuses as soon as it is switched on, so i need to move on from that. Funky Ram were helpful and told me what they now fit, which is namely a Victron Energy Blue Smart Charger 12 volt, 15 Amp. I've now bought one from BMS Technologies at Tewkesbury, who were very helpful and kindly looked over the whole system on our camper and confirmed that was a good choice and gave me some tips how to fit it. So once fitted that should be that.

Hello

I have a Funky Ram converted 2008 ANH10 Alphard that you converted in early 2022. The battery charger has stopped working. On removing it from the vehicle I have found that it is a 24 volt charger. Could you please tell me why a 24 volt battery charger was fitted to this vehicle which has a 12 volt system. The model number is BC2410. Many thanks.

13 hours ago, Geralt said:

It's part of the conversion. Not original.

Not as a far as I know.

 

Could you let us know how you determined this please?

Hello Geralt

Thanks for the information, very useful. I know its a 24 volt charger for two reasons. First, it clearly says so on the label, along with a model number BC2410.  Also, I found the identical charger, with the model number BC2410 being sold by a company called Photonic Universe, see link https://www.photonicuniverse.com/en/catalog/full/350-10A-24V-Intelligent-automatic-multi-stage-mains-battery-charger.html . The spec clearly states 24 volts. Interestingly, they do a 12 volt version called a BC1210. Also of interest is that until it packed up, the charger usually showed a voltage of around 13 volts on the voltmeter connected to the system, which displays on the 12 volt switch panel.

Hello

Please see photo of a unit that is fitted to the the two batteries on our converted ANH10, 2008 Alphard. It is a voltage sensitive relay. I think these are sometimes known as a split charge relay. A couple of questions arise.

1) Is this a standard fitting on original Alphards or is it fitted as part of the conversion.

2) Do Alphards come with a leisure battery fitted for some operations.

The reason I ask is not really to do with the Alphard vehicle but is to do with the Funky Ram conversion. The mains battery charger fitted has stopped working. It is completely dead. The thing that really confuses me is that is a 24 volt output charger. Is this right? I'd like to understand this before replacing it. Any knowledge insights are very welcome. Thanks

On 6/9/2023 at 7:53 PM, OldTrouserFace said:

I’ve just fitted cruise control to my 2010 Alphard this evening after reading this post and watching the videos… it took me about 30 mins to do and I am no expert with this sort of thing. It is such a good upgrade and was only about £13.  Here’s a link to the part https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/184954212553?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0&ssspo=GlRjB-iQTh6&sssrc=2349624&ssuid=3wBgwBhwQfK&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY

 

 

Something that would be great to have is a proper dust cover for the stalk rather than trying to drill through the existing one. I don’t suppose anyone has a link to buy the right part? 

Hello Josh

I have a spare as I bought two for some reason. PM me if you like and we'll work something out.

If you do scrap them, strip them first and keep the covers somewhere safe. The drivers seat had a split in ours and we manged to get it reupholstered by providing some of the original material from a set of scrap seats that luckily I had access to.

On 5/1/2023 at 1:41 PM, Gavins said:

Looking to get new awning, Vangio Galli III air awning or equivalent. I talked to a salesman today who said it might not be suitable due to the tunnel width, 240cm. Anyone got any experience using this awning or equivalent awnings

We have bought an Outdoor Revolution Cayman Air Low. We have just returned from using it for the first time. All fitted to the van as expected. We researched quite a few before buying this. Provided that get one with the correct height, i.e. low version, I would expect the tunnel dimensions of all of them to be more or less the same, so it should really come down to personal preference. Good luck with your search.

17 hours ago, Al F said:

Hello - I'm new here and actually don't yet have an Alphard. But I want to get one and I am hoping for some advice on who I can trust re buying and maintaining a Campervan Conversion. I'm not a mechanic or a petrol head.   I don't want to be ripped off! 

 

What do I know?

• To ask for import certificate to see what grade it was on import (4B etc) and photos if possible  -  If BIMTA / Import cert not available buy one from VX ( I have set up account)
• To make sure lightweight ply has been used for conversion (not MDF)  - if buying used then ask which company did the conversion
• I need a side conversion (not rear) - with RnR bed
• I want 240v hook up
• It's just for me to tour UK / Europe - off grid where possible - want Pop Top with Solar Panel, Fridge (accessible when bed down), Cooker / Microwave, Potti
• As new a model as poss - post 2006 so ULEZ compliant??
• Low mileage - c 40 to 50k seems reasonable  - or should I not worry about this?
• I'd like a modern Head Unit for Sat Nav / DAB etc

 

What I need help with...

• Which dealers are trustworthy in the SOUTH WEST (Somerset/ Devon/ Dorset etc) - I've heard some horrid tales! 
• Which conversions are really good - not necessarily the most expensive!
• A trustworthy mechanic for servicing within 50 miles of Taunton, Somerset
• if Hybrids are worth considering (just sold a Mitsubishi PHEV) - or is LPG option better?
• Which models have cam belts?  When should they be changed?
• Do I have to worry about Cat Converters? (e.g. like Nissan Elgrand?)
• What type of Head Unit should I get (I'm an Apple user)

 

Any other wisdom and advice is warmly welcomed.

 

Thank you

Al F

 

 

Hello Alan

We are very pleased with our Funky Ram conversion. They are based in Avonmouth. I think they sell most of their conversions through JMT at Weston. We found both companies to be be very good to deal with. Lots of help, not much nonsense. Both have easy to find web sites. Funky Ram are also very knowledgeable about the mechanical aspects of the Alphard. They have a full maintenance workshop devoted to Japanese imports. We've had our Alphard for about 15 months. The only thing I might do differently is to ask about a scratch resistant work top for the kitchen area.

Very pleased to say another successful installation of cruise control. If you follow this post you will see that I tried to go down the route of getting the left hand switches with the cruise control wires included. Unfortunately the one I got seemed to be off a vehicle with radar active cruise control and the wires to the stalk were different (see picture earlier in this post). Well, I tried it and it worked after a fashion. There were no warning lights on the dash display and resume would not work. So went back to the original method found on this forum where you have to alter the wiring. This proved very easy and the cruise control is now working as it should. One small thing is that there are still no CC lights on the dash, but I'm pretty sure that this is because the speedo head was changed to a new one reading in miles when the vehicle was imported and this light wasn't connected. If you contemplate this job and wish to use the left hand switches on the steering wheel make sure it has the correct leads. Actually, you don't need the switches at all, just the lead that connects to it, if you could get it separately. Anybody want a CC stalk and steering wheel switches for a model with active cruise control.

1 hour ago, Chris.ac said:

Have you removed the plug on the stalk to check how many physical pins there are. 

 

Also, you sure both stslks are the same. 

The are two types, one is basic cruise control, the other is active cruise control (it will use senser at front of car, with camera to keep a safe distance between cars, it can actuate the brakes) 

Both stalks appear to be identical with 3 pins. Both white plugs fit in either. It is in the leads where the differences are. The left side buttons that I bought have the 3 wires going into the white plug that goes into the stalk that came with it. The separate stalk I bought has a lead with 2 wires in it. It seems quite likely from what you say that I have bought a set of buttons and stalk that came from a vehicle fitted with the active cruise control. I can fit it and see if it works, otherwise it should not be difficult to modify the lead going into the large black plug to copy the wiring in Jap Nuts video. Thanks for your help.

On 7/25/2022 at 8:48 PM, Nictheboxer said:

Hi Steve,

 

Sorry for the delay in replying - I didn't get notification of replies after the first reply for some reason.

 

I had a quick look at your video. I think if you have a 20 model this would work as you can simply plug the stalk into an available socket that was there all the time. With a 10 model (which I suspect is what you own), this slot does not exist, it is combined into a black socket that was shared with the volume buttons, on the left hand side of the steering wheel, you'll need to either strip wire to join them as in JAPNUT's very helpful video, or you would be using my method learned from this forum pointing to a japanese webpage, which is to buy a left hand side buttons (75B037 / M6509, I bought from a Lithuanian ebayer) that comes with a socket that you can plug in without stripping wire. Hope this helps!

Thankyou to everyone who has contributed to the various discussions on fitting cruise control to an Alphard. On the strength of those I have bought the necessary bits to do the job. I bought the stalk (8463234011 or 8463234017), but I then bought a stalk and steering wheel switches (75B037) so as not to have to cut into any wires. The thing is the wiring on the two stalks is different. The one I bought off ebay has a lead that has the red and black wire as shown in the YouTube video that is on this forum. The stalk that came included as a package with the steering wheel switches has a lead with 3 wires. There is an additional black and white wire and the red wire is in a different position. That is confusing me. Please see picture. Any help appreciated.

There is a catch on the bottom hinge that activates if you open the sliding door when the window is open, I think it is a safety feature. Have a look next time it happens, if it is activated it works in both electric and manual mode.

On 1/22/2023 at 7:54 PM, kazarp said:

Any idea where is the best place to get keys cut for my toyota alphard please, it only came with 1 🤷‍♀️xx

You could try Simon Pilling, Auto keys Ltd, www.autokeysltd.com. Operates in the South West. Not cheap, ours cost £200, but in my view he really knows his stuff.

On 2/22/2023 at 1:13 AM, aquanuke said:

Thanks for your comments, out of interest those that have the pop top do you sleep in it and how much weight can you put up there

Hello Chris

We don't sleep in our pop top. We have a very comfortable rock and roll bed. Personally I think sleeping in the pop top is for young agile people. As for weight, on our conversion there is a large almost full width area, about half a metre deep at the front, where the roof of the original vehicle is still in place; that holds a lot. Also on our conversion the 'upstairs' is made of four or five 30 mm thick blocks. We leave one of these in place which makes for another storage area as big as the front. When we roll up for the night, the pop top goes up first thing and all our stuff is moved up to these two areas. It only takes a minute as it is all in boxes.

Hello Chris

We would not be without our pop top. It gives ample headroom in the whole standing area when the bed is away. It makes cooking, changing clothes and just moving around so much more convenient. We also use some of the space for storage when we are camped up. When the pop top is stowed away our van is 1970 mm high at its highest point.

hope this helps.

Also got ours from Odyssey carpets. Very pleased. Recommended

Hello 

There is a whole section on this forum about insurance with many contacts with different  insurance brokers going back quite a while. Look for the insurance tab at the top. That is where I found our insurer, Lifesure, but many other owners have found satisfactory deals with other insurance companies.

Good Luck

Hello All

I've just renewed the insurance for our 2008 2.4 Alphard camper van with Lifesure. New premium is £323.19. This includes a full motor home package, legal expenses and NCD protection and one named driver as well as myself. Last year it was £365.48. I renewed it practically painlessly on line.

I got some other quotes. Caravan and Motorhome Club was £438.26! ClubCare, the insurance for the Camping and Caravan Club, was £337.27. Tried LV direct on line, but they would not insure the vehicle.

58 minutes ago, AdamjG said:

Be nice if this would fit!

 

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005002474362363.html

Hello Adam

You've done some good research. There are numerous choices, which one is right. I guess I'm going to have to bite the bullet and strip it down some time.

14 hours ago, AdamjG said:

 

Hello Matt,

 

Old post, but did you find a solution? 

I have the same issue. Can hear the motor working for a small time.

 

Thanks Adam 

Hello. I have this problem as well but with the passenger side. The fact that you can hear the motor working indicates that the fault is in the motor mechanism. I found a video on YouTube that showed a broken plastic cog in the mechanism. My local Alphard experts, Funky Ram, at Avonmouth, said they could get a mirror from Toyota with the right mechanism and cannibalise it. This would cost just under £200, but with fitting this would be near £400. I don't think you can just source the relevant cog. I wish I knew which mirror would have the right bits in.

I wonder if anyone else has successfully cured this problem?

Myron