Kerryn

This was how I felt about them originally and I dismissed them completely along with elgrands and bongos. Our situation is we go away 8-10 times a year and want to up this. We do a mix of camping and holiday lets in the country but wanted to do more one night stays and touring. We both work part time so can get away whenever the kids aren't at school including weekends. So our requirements were: Fit in a carpark space as this is my main car. Sleeps 4 as we have two young kids. Originally we were looking at VWs, then we released vivaros and transits were better value. However we didn't like the layout of any of these and all our stuff just wouldn't fit as they don't have any large storage space, also the seats weren't safe enough for the kids apart from some very expensive conversions. Then we came back to the alphards and realised they offered a better package for us. They drive better than a van, have better insulation, have better engines and, crucially for us, have a layout that is really great for us with the rear kitchen. As soon as we saw one we knew it was for us. The value is all relative and I guess it depends on what's it's worth to you. That amount of money was no real concern to us as we could have easily spend that on a new car anyway as mine needed replacing either way. I guess the value will be dictated by how much we use it and what it allows us to do. At one point we were considering a much larger camper but wait until we have a house with a driveway that would easily fit 4 plus cars. However the kids will grow up fast and we want to start doing the campervan thing with them as soon as we can. Anyway, I suppose the point I'm trying to make is on one level I agree that they are objectively very expensive. However when you considered what the package offers and compare that to the competition I think they are a bargain and would have gladly paid a lot more if that had have been required.

Thanks pipsyp! We are very happy with it. We had our first day out in it with the kids today and it was very successful. The rear kitchen layout is fantastic and give so much space. I'm also really pleased with it as a car. I fits nicely in car park spaces and very easy to manoeuvre. I'm also very pleased I held out for a 3.0, it's so smooth and surprisingly quick. Overall it's a really nice package and would recommend it to anyone considering one. I will start a thread on it in the camping section so you can can find further updates there.

Ok thanks, I will take it please. I will send a private message.

Is this still available please?

To conclude the the thread I collected it yesterday and am very happy so far. I will make another thread to cover my experiences with it and inevitably ask lots of questions. Thanks for the help all!

Thanks guys, you've sold it to me! I just need to check it will take CDs as there were two versions coming up. I will also do the carvx thing, mainly because I would love to know where it's comes from within Japan.

Thanks dezufo. It just seems like a lot of cash, could I not get one put in elsewhere for less? What about the ones that come up on this search? https://www.google.com/search?q=alphard+head+unit&oq=alphard+head+unit&gs_lcrp=EgZjaHJvbWUyCQgAEEUYORiABDIGCAEQRRg8MgYIAhBFGDwyCAgDEAAYFhgeMggIBBAAGBYYHjIICAUQABgWGB4yCAgGEAAYFhgeMggIBxAAGBYYHjIICAgQABgWGB4yCAgJEAAYFhge0gEINjMxNmowajSoAgCwAgA&client=ms-android-motorola-rvo3&sourceid=chrome-mobile&ie=UTF-8 Yes I've already got the auction sheet.

Another question I have is about the head unit. Here is a picture of the current one: They are offering to change for this: https://www.google.com/search?q=AVH-A240DAB&oq=AVH-A240DAB&gs_lcrp=EgZjaHJvbWUyCQgAEEUYORiABDIHCAEQABiABDIHCAIQABiABDIGCAMQABgeMggIBBAAGAoYHjIICAUQABgFGB7SAQg1ODkwajBqMagCALACAA&client=ms-android-motorola-rvo3&sourceid=chrome-mobile&ie=UTF-8 We both have old, 2006/2007 cars so don't know modern head units at all. What the difference between the two be and would if be worth £500 ish to change?

Thanks for the advice both but I have committed to an already converted one. Here is the link: http://newacrecars.com/vehicle/reserved-kerryn-toyota-alphard-camper-conversion-3-0-mz-high-spec-10-2005-5-seats-high-grade-52000-miles-number-w11-925/

Ok, so windscreen cover just at night then. Or maybe an interior option? I'm not quite decided. I will do some reading on awnings, will probably go second hand to keep costs down. Levelling ramps are cheap so might just get them anyway. Thanks for clarifying about how the hook up works, I think I understand now. I will ask them about charging options for the battery. Good tip about the grey water bottles, I may but a replacement ready to go. I will look into ridge monkey.

No problem pipsyp, a bit late though as we have committed to the converted with a 50% deposit! Definitely the right option for us though.

Ok, I didn't pick that up from Rojie post. So if hooked up the plugs work as mains? So a kettle/toaster/hair dryer will work as normal? Oh I see, so the fridge doesn't charge from hook up, only the leisure battery? And the leisure battery won't charge up either? I might enquire about ours to see how that works. Ok, thanks for clarifying on the water. I think what I will try to do is empty it really regularly. Surely though if the two tanks are the same size it's not possible for the grey one to overfill? I think we mainly use it for fill up drinks and washing hands so not much would go into the tank and if emptied regularly it shouldn't smell. Another question for those with camper conversions, what are your top purchases? Currently I am thinking of getting: A windscreen cover A drive away awning (use tool magnets to attach as suggested on here?) Soft bag suitcase set, one colour per person Levelling ramps Our plan is to use it as a day van over the winter and slowly add bits that we need. Any tips are very welcome though! I've tried to find a blog (do they even exist anymore?!) or website where someone documents their alphard travels but haven't had any luck.

Useful tips, thanks. It's a single hob as the fridge will be a top loading one but that's fine for us I think, we will just have to plan round it. We haven't got a date yet but hopefully in the next couple of weeks. I will keep thread updated all the way through.

I now realise that kettles and toasters are not going to work! We use a small stove when camping so are happy to use the gas.

Interesting to hear pipsyp. I am aware that we may not use some of it however would rather have it still just in case. Is there not a slow kettle you can get that would work off the leisure battery or would it still draw too much power? The sink I guess is mainly just a convenient way of carry water for making drinks etc. If we were to wash it would hopefully be emptied straight out. Where does yours drain to, onto the floor? We have done a bit camping with camping stove and camping gas so aren't expecting anything spectacular! Just the ability to pasta and make toast etc.. then again could a toaster work off the battery?

They will get the certificate for me as part of the sale so that all sorted. The next hurdle (hopefully the last!) is that it has a cool box but we want a fridge. Unfortunately that means quite a lot of reworking of the cabinet, changing the electrics and the hob/sink. Hopefully it won't cost too much, it's perfect for us otherwise are keen to get it now. A couple of question for any camper owners, is there a kettle you can get that works well? How have you found using the hob/sink?

Thank you Rojie. I have spoken to them and it is either ulez or they can apply for certificate to make it definitely ulez, it costs around £300 apparently. They have confirmed, as you say, it is 5 speed. Fifth gear being called D rather D5 is confusing! It doesn't have LPG, you are correct it is to warn of the gas on board in case of an accident. The standard way of making the bed is to rotate the middle seats, drop them, and then that and the rear kitchen makes the bed. I don't know if you can do it without rotating them but the 8 seaters definitely always rotate. As you say, very useful when using the table. That is what attracted us to this layout and alphards in the first place! I grew up with espaces as my childhood car which have rotating seats. I don't know more cars don't offer it really! I have reserved it and will hopefully view it at the weekend. Fingers crossed it is a good one and that I can make a purchase!

Also do any of you know if it would be ULEZ? I have read conflicting information about this.

Thank you both. I tried to ring today but was too late, I will try to find time at work tomorrow. Rojie how do you know it's a 5 speed? On the dash it only say 1,2,3,4. I would rather it doesn't have LPG, it's a complication I don't want as I'm not too fussed about mpg. Why does it have an LPG sticker though for cannister gas? Don't all of the 8 seaters, ie 3 seats in the middle row, rotate as that's how the bed is made?

I've now had a quote back from Northstar and it quite quickly mounts up. With all the effort sourcing a base car and then getting it to them for several days I'm not sure it is the best option. I have found this which is 2h ish away and to my untrained eyes looks pretty good. http://newacrecars.com/vehicle/toyota-alphard-camper-conversion-3-0-mz-high-spec-10-2005-5-seats-high-grade-52000-miles-number-w11-925/ I will try to ring them tomorrow but my main questions will be: Ulez? Does the pop top have bed boards? The rear looks a little grimy under the v6 sign Is LPG, or is the sign just for the oven gas? Any thought that any of you have on it are very welcome.

Thanks Rojie, will do. Insurance wise I haven't yet but as I know I want one whatever the cost I was just going to sort it after. I will check first though just in case getting quotes proves difficult. I have now come full circle and am look at new acre cars. They have two in I would be interested in within budget. Has anyone on here had experience of them? I've seen their name come up a few times and there reviews read very well.

If I was to go down the route of buying one from importer how do I choose which to use? I'm near Cambridge and don't really want to travel much more than 2 hours. There are lots in London but many won't have experience of alphards. Are there any recommended ones? Pipsyp, you mentioned Stuart Spencer autos. They don't have anything suitable at the moment but do have alphards in stock. What made you choose them?

So much info, thank you! Yes the amount they vary from one to another seems to be huge and it doesn't seem to tally with the models all that much, I have found it very confusing. The power doors is definitely something I want but I thought they all had that so really useful to know that's something to look out for. As for the head unit I will hopefully get that changed if it hasn't been done already. There is a place near me that I believe can sort that. Poptops I am in conversation with northstar at the moment, I will see what they recommend. I definitely want lighting in it as it will be used as a bedroom. My next step now is to wait for a decent one to come up. If that does happen I will try contacting some importers. The above is really useful to check the car over to make sure it's what I want. Hopefully I will have one by spring so we can start using it!

Thanks pipsyp, some really useful thoughts there. I am fairly set on the 3.0 just as I've always wanted v6 of some sort so it ticks that box. It will be replacing a civic type r so similar running costs to that. I completely agree on the rear kitchen. We've been talking about campers seen may but just didn't like the layout most of them have. We have 2 small kids and do kayaking and bike riding lots and we couldn't imagine fitting all the stuff in for a short holiday. When we saw the rear kitchen layout we knew that was for us. We have been and sat in one so we know it will fit us well. Drivelodge I will look into, I haven't really got into details yet but will bear that in mind. You are absolutely right, getting a good vehicle is really important and I need to hold out. I may well give Stuart Spencer try as that's not too far from me. Thanks again!

Thanks for the input Rojie. 23k is to have one imported and then converted to our spec which is obviously going to be top money. The problem with getting one already converted is with wanting a rear kitchen and 3.0 there are very few we would be interested in. I have been in contact with Northstar. They haven't given an exact quote yet but it looks to be comfortably less than 9k which brings it all in at a price I would be happy with. I am also excited at the prospect of having it taylor converted. It will be my main car and we will hopefully use it lots for 8 plus years so I need to make sure I make the right decisions now!