Alasdair

We named our van "Rum" after the small scottish island. Rum has had some graphics added to the side and they were the inspiration for the name as it looks like the silhouette of the island. Today we had the bonnet wrapped by Clyde Wraps(Vehicle Graphics) and couldn't be happier. First camping trip is this coming weekend 😁

I was advised to be very careful about what is towed because alphards have not been rated for towing and don't have a code on the VIN that insurance companies ask about if there have been any claims due to a towing incident. I'd definitely appreciate any input on this as I've had a tow bar fitted for taking my motorbike trailer

I think the seats will be rear facing a majority of the time.....and love that the 2 seats at the rear fold flat then up against the sides to create a huge space for our dog cage.....a huge bonus we were kof aware of till we picked it up and had it demonstrated to us by the dealer.

The headrest seat facing backwards has the option of lap for rear and 3 point seatbelt forward facing....very adaptable

Thanks. Yes the head unit was swapped out from the original Japanese one that was there

Haha you have no idea how delighted I was to see it 🤣

We took ownership of our Day Van today and absolutely delighted with the conversation from 8 seats to 7 with a sink and single hob burner. It's exactly what we have been looking for and Fantastic Campervans of Dairsie in Fife, Scotland have done a great job for us. They undersealed the van, replaced the HU, fitted a pop top roof, an awning rail and a tow bar. Looking forward to a weekend away as soon as possible now.

Thats brilliant thanks Ed....much appreciated

Does anyone have any recommendations for pegs for a driveaway awning that will go into hardstanding or gravel pitches.

The actual company underwriting the insurance for us is called Highway Insurance and part of the LV group

Fantastic Campervans in Dairsie, Fife. They have been great and I will post photos of our van when we take ownership this coming Saturday (yes...the 1st April 😆)

Hi Roger, The plan is not very much to scale and the bed width should be ok for the 2 of us. The sink and hob unit is behind the passenger seat but it's a small unit with the sink and hob actually under the one cover. Ingress and egress is still possible past the unit as well. As I have rather long legs too I'm happier to have the unit on the other side as the Alphard we took for a test had the unit behind the driver and i felt the space was a bit lacking for the length of legs that I have 😁

Hi Larry - We are getting an 8 seater converted to a 7 seat day van so the seats fold flat to create the sleeping area. Due to pick the van up next Saturday and have a weekend away booked for the 15th-16th April. Just wanting to have something to go on top of the seats and already have the topper. Inflatable sounds like a good idea as it folds away smaller too so will give that serious thought.

Has anyone used an IKEA mattress topper in their van. I already have a fairly thick one that has been on a spare bed doing nothing and wondering if anyone has used any from IKEA.

You'll see the envelope symbol next to your profile name at the top right of the screen, beside notifications 👍

Thanks Roger, just waiting for documents to arrive in an email and will check 👍

Just taken out insurance for our 2.4 Alphard. Me and my wife to drive fully comp and its £197. I know that insurance can vary immensely depending on where you live but very happy with the quotes that came through on a comparison website and chose Adrian Flux.

Still not got clarification on whether ours will have this mirror or not...but I will find out in just over a week's time when I return from working offshore India. Thanks for the information and yeah it definitely sounds like it shouldn't work but obviously does 😄

I'm really pleased you've guided me down this route because I hadn't even considered this as part of the ownership of and Alphard......I've just been researching a better exhaust system for my motorbike....never for a min considered i would be doing similar for the van as well.

Thanks Pete, I've been in contact with a company called Powerflo in Edinburgh so less than an hour away from me which is great. Really appreciate the tip and will opt for getting rid of the extra cat as suggested.

Thanks Peter.....will do 👍

Where do you get these stainless boxes made?

The conversion company are fitting a rail and I've already bought the awning so will be testing that out on the first weekend away. The Alphards are absolutely ideal for festivals....enjoy !!

That's a great idea. Ours is being converted to a day van from the 8 seats to 7 and will have a combined sink/hob unit and detachable table. The head unit is being swapped out by the company doing the conversion and we will be taking delivery hopefully on the 1st April (no joke 😆) Photos will be posted when we have got it home safe and sound. There are some graphics being added once we have it....a bonnet wrap and side graphics so will post photos when that's been completed too. Our first weekend away camping has already been booked for the 14th-16th April

That really does look brilliant. What is the override switch for?