andy1100xx

4 hours ago, Rojie said:

 

I confess. I am somewhat surprised.

 

A very quick research agrees with what Bridgestone told you.

 

You live and learn.

 

As I prefer more tread depth at the front than the rear, the interesting question becomes "How 'soon' can the new rear tyres be transferred to the front ?"

As my dear father used to say. "The only thing between you and a tree are your front tyres".

From what I can gather the recommendation is that the tyres with the best tread should always be on the back.

2 hours ago, Rojie said:

 

Me too. especially on a Front WD

That’s certainly what I thought but after checking a few manufacturer’s websites and contacting Bridgestone (who’s tyres I’ve gone with) direct they all say new tyres should always go on the rear, regardless of whether FWD or not, apparently it’s to do with how the car tracks in the event of a skid (and aquaplaning in particular). 

1 hour ago, Rojie said:

 

If you wish to remove it quickly, you won't be able to fit it 'properly' under the middle seats !

 

I think, potentially, a simple lay it on top approach will be a trip hazard on entry.

It is not difficult to tease the matting under the plastic parts with a plastic pry tool.

 

HOWEVER.

If you do not remove the seats and refit them after fitting the mat, you will have 'unfinished' (gaping) joins which will be even larger trip hazards; and allow dirt and grime in.

You should, imho, create a way of fitting the mat underneath the middle seats. My solution works; but there may be better methods you can discover.

 

Where my seats slide there is a very narrow opening Which is necessary otherwise you cannot slide the seats

If you don't remove the seats to fit it the mat 'properly' I believe you will soon regret it.

 

My matting also passes under the rear kitchen cupboard doors, through the cupboard and extends through to the rear cupboard doors to the rear door.

Thereby providing protection to the cupboard floor as well. I also used excess matting as shelf liners.

The matting begins under the front middle console and runs continually to the rear door, effectively.7

 

Regarding quick removal. I could remove mine in less that 10 minutes BUT it would not be in a condition to refit.

 

The other approach is to have the hospital type flooring fitted, durable, waterproof etc., that many conversions have.

Although I have not seen that approach with the middle seats still fitted, but they could be.

 

No hot pans please ! I have a twin induction hob, but the pans still need to cool.

 

Hope this helps.

 

As the matting isn't expensive; at least it can be replaced at reasonable cost if it does get torn.

 

IF I remember, I'll take more photos when the camping configuration is removed for winter; November time.

Then you will, if you can wait that long, see what it all looks like with an unobstructed view !

 

Good Luck

 

 

Thanks Roger, that's really useful info, I think I'll get some and play around.

Cheers

Andy 

3 hours ago, Rojie said:

Hi Andy,

 

I have taken a couple of photos.

Please bear in mind that my van is fully loaded with storage for towels and bedding.

Ready to roll. So most of the matting is obscured by the middle seats and dog hammock.

Please also bear in mind that this matting is deliberately laid over the luxurious carpet, underlay and sound deadening matting.

The matting is durable, but sacrificial in the sense of protecting the carpets from my wet, sharp clawed, sandy, muddy and sometimes smelly pooch; when he isn't confined to the hammock area.

 

In addition to the matting I picture, I do have front and middle footwell mats, not shown in the photos.

The middle mats are not used.

 

I will send the photos by PM (if they are not too large).

 

 

Thanks for the pictures Roger, that's the same matting product I've been looking at - looks great! I notice you've actually fitted it under the sills, I was thinking maybe just laying the rubber matting on top of the existing carpets similar to car mats (cut to fit of course) so it could be removed quickly as needed- do you think this would work or would it ride up?

Cheers

Andy

1 hour ago, Rojie said:

 

The JPNZ Owners manual, for your model, recommends tyre rotation every 5km.

 

The fronts pass the their same side rears. The rears are crossfitted to the opposite side fronts.

 

The problem with this is twofold.

 

If you have directional tyres, and many are these days, you cannot swap from side to side.

Ignoring this, all your tyres wear at a similar rate and will all require replacing at the same time.

 

What do I do ?

Fronts to same side rear to maintain correct rotation.

 

New tyres on front to ensure maximum front end grip. 

Batter steering, less prone to aquaplaning and better braking, rather than breaking !

 

 

Thanks Roger, the info from the manual is really interesting although seems bit over the top.

I'm a bit surprised that front a rear wear at the same time, I would have thought given it's front wheel drive and the weight of the engine would have meant they'd wear quicker. Regardless, I think your logic about moving the existing front to rear and putting the new ones on the front is the way to go, thanks.

Andy

Hi all

I need to get 2 rear tyres for my (new to me) ‘03 V6 and it got me wondering what sort of mileage are people achieving from their tyres and how do they wear front vs rear? I’m guessing the front would wear out quicker than the rear? If this is the case I might get the current front tyres moved to the rear to balance things out.

cheers
Andy

On 9/8/2022 at 8:24 PM, Rojie said:

 

Hi Andy,

 

I can't find my purchase; I buy a lot of products on line.

 

I bought 1.5m wide,  beige button or penny pattern, rubber matting.

£40 as a guess for 2m long

 

I'll try some more to find it but I may have bought it directly; not via ebay or Amazon !

Hi Roger, I’ve found a few suppliers of the mat rubber, just wondering if you could post a couple of pictures of the ones you’ve made so I can get an idea of how they look in place. 
cheers

Andy

3 hours ago, Rojie said:

 

Hi Andy,

 

Odyssey carpets do carpets for Alphies; not sure about conversions as many are slightly different dimensions.

 

I bought a roll of industrial rubber sheeting with the button pattern in beige which matches my leather seats.

Looks great

 

Took the two middle seats out, which is quite easy, to facilitate fitting.

 

Good Luck, let us all know how you get on.

Thanks Roger, i'll contact Odyssey carpets. The rubber sheet is a great idea - do you mind sharing where you got yours from and how much it cost?

cheers

Andy

Hi All

with winter approaching I'm thinking about getting some rubber mats (or something equally robust) for my 2003 with a rear camper conversion. Does anyone know of a supplier for these please?

TIA Andy 

Hi All

I need to get some covers for the middle seats in our '03 that protects them from our muddy dog but still allows both sets of seats to rotate independently, the only ones I can find so far seem to be generic ones that cover all 3 seats. Can anyone recommend anything?

Cheers

Andy

FWIW, I've Just insured our 2003 rear camper conversion for my wife and I with Adrian Flux (AXA) for £240 with 3 years no claims, 6000 miles p.a. limit and including a couple of previous small accidents/claims. This was around £50 less than anyone else quoted and also provided a higher level of cover so pretty happy with that.

Hi all

Hopefully we will be picking up our rear conversion 2003 Alphard this week, looking forward to enjoying some impromptu overnight trips away

I will no doubt have lots of questions!

Cheers Andy