Alasdair

Thank you Starider I appreciate the help

It does look like the first photo with the van and the top box actually has the awning tunnel secured to the van in various locations like the wing mirror and front grille. It doesn't look attached to a rail at all in that photo.

I'll keep my eyes peeled and get back to you if i see anything relating to roof rails fixed on vans with C rails

Thanks Mabel, I'll have a trawl through Facebook and see what other information i can get from there as well.

So THAT's how the pop up hides it. That's great thank you for sharing. As I dont have my Alphie yet can you tell me what is the maximum length of C rail that will fit?

I have still to take delivery of our Alphard which isn't until the first week of April as I am due to return from working abroad at the end of March. I'm just trying to get bits and pieces together ready for fitting when we get the van. It is a pop top but I see that starider has replied to the post saying that the rail can be positioned so that it is not visible with the rood down. I'm looking forward to seeing the photos that they are going to post.

Which of the C rails from funkyleisure did you order as i am only seeing ones for VW T4,5 etc there and what length would fit the Alphard best. I am not due to pick up our Alphie until the first week of April and just want to get all the necessary bits and pieces now ready for fitting when we get the van

I am going to be fitting 2 x 120cm 'C' rail soon and have been looking at awnings. I have narrowed my choice down to 2 and both of them have a connection tunnel with of 260cm. Am I going to have to fit an extra 20cm piece of 'C' rail for the awning tunnel connection to fit properly?

I think there are so many regional variations with insurance quotes that it's very difficult to have any like for like quote comparison here. I live in a very rural location and have been driving for 34 years without any claims being needed.

I have just been quoted 197.51 from Adrian Flux for my 2006 2.4 Alphard

That seems an excessive amount for a 2005 Alphard. It must be a very high spec conversion. I've just bought a 2006 2.4 Alphard that is currently being converted from the standard 8 seats to a 7 seat day van with just the sink and hob. 58,000 miles and costing 15 grand.

Thanks Arthur....I've been looking at so many different options and still not knowing what is best. It's good to get opinions and options from people who have these systems fitted rather than trying to read descriptions on what's available.

What rail system have you opted for?

Is that Vango Faros Air using straps over the roof and pinned to the ground instead of a rail?

No worries Phil. After getting the dimensions i went online and ordered our private plates from a company called Plated For Car. All sizes catered for as well as flags and even personal text on the bottom line.

Thanks Arthur I'll check that one out

That looks brilliant thank you for your input it's much appreciated 😀

Not sure whether Vellfire and Alphard are the same size but found this for my Alphard

Picking up a 2006 Alphard and having the same issues about the plate size for our personalised plates too.

Any recommendations for a porta-loo. Compact design for ease of transportation

Looking at various awnings and wondering what people's experiences are with air or pole designs and what are some recommendations.

Has anyone fitted LED strip lights in their Alphard...the kind that can have colour control via a phone or tablet? We have bought a 2006 Alphard that is being converted over the coming weeks and wondering what standard power outlets the Alphard has. The options on the strip lights is either cigarette lighter fitting or USB. Has anyone fitted USB ports to their Alphard?

Thank you. We are very excited as it has taken us a long time to decide what it was we actually wanted. A test drive of an Alphard from Fantastic Campervans in Dairsie in Fife soon made our minds up. After the test drive was completed we discussed what models were available and chose one that was due in the foillowing week with low mileage to be converted from 8 to 7 seats and as a day van. Its going to be getting lots of use.

Like expectant parents we are awaiting the completion of conversion of our 2006 8 seat Alphard to a 7 seat Day Van with sink, hob and a detachable table. Already have a graphics company working on a design for our bonnet and looking forward to having weekends away as well as longer trips. Photos to follow once it's completed and we have it home.