MickA

Hi all - thanks for feedback, I am insured with Safeguard and dont see anything about hab checks in policy but to be clear and am looking to get an annual hab check just trying to find somewhere local to do it (Nottingham) rather than the convertor doing it (Newcastle)

Cheers - in response to everyone - I have  no alterations to outside only pop-top. I have gas hob and gas heating, electric fridge, microwave via hook up and usual lights and sockets. I have 2 different Co2 detectors hardwired as part of conversion but you have to switch them on - which I do if sleeping in van. Thanks everyone I think I will look for something local and get it done before the spring. MOT and Service at normal place.

For a fully converted Alphard - looking for some advice. This is my fist year of ownership, where I purchased from can do it but it is 250miles away. I was planning MOT and service with my local garage - I see hab checks are done at Motorhome companies nearby but a lot of what they check would be out of scope for a Alphard Camper conversion?

Update - local garage has checked it out and I need new rear pads and disks and break fluid £340

2 hours ago, BigNev said:

You're spot on with it being subjective, as with many things!

And my brain has just come up with another point, on the brake tester its not trying to haul up the vehicle.

However, I don't know if that's got that much relevance, as I'd guess those figures that used to be on a big chart of the mot station wall, were calculated for the weight of the vehicle they applied to.

Clive Hatch makes a very good point about the brake booster / servo, or whatever the correct name is today, being defective. Maybe even just check for any splits in the hose - now this is just guesswork based on the petrol cars I've had - it's a Hybrid, so the hose presumably won't go to the manifold, it'll possibly go to a pump somewhere so it works when the engine's off. 

I'll keep my fingers crossed for you!

My van is petrol not hybrid if that make any difference

Thanks for the comments I will get it checked out - but like I say it all depends on your reference point and it can all be subjective - it is a bit different to having a something fall off or break 😆

Next question suspension - due to the state of the roads has anyone upgrade their suspension not interested in raising or lowering just to improve the ride - was wondering as if you are doing brakes then suspension at same time would make sense?

3 hours ago, Torq2u said:

Braided brake pipes? Which are on insurer's modifications list

Have you switched - showing on line for around £200 cant imagine fitting is cheap
https://auto.helperformance.com/hel-braided-brake-lines-for-toyota-alphard-vellfire-all-models-2008-2019

4 hours ago, Rojie said:

 

If the MOT is recent that should good enough.

 

You could take your van to an MOT garage and have them test them without performing an MOT.

 

Have you checked the brake fluid level reservoir. ?

 

Perhaps your brakes need new fluid and a bleed.

 

If your brakes are 'bad' I think it is your van and not the Toyota design.

 

Oh, and reduce your roundabout approach speed.

My issue is what is bad and what is to be expected my only reference point is cars 
Brake fluid is right level and looks ok colour wise

I am aware of roundabout speed my point is just that I need to slow down  a lot earlier than in my car 

Going from a SUV car to a camper it has taken time to get used t the brakes  (how bad they are)  now I appreciate the weight has a big impact but how do I know if my brakes are as good as they should be - bought van converted with MOT. I really notice it when having to stop at roundabouts with the time it takes to stop when slowing down. 

Can you 'test' your brakes and has anyone upgraded theirs (can you)?- I think I would seriously consider this as it would be cheaper and safer than running into the back of someone 😉 

Only had van for a short time and noticed today when on a hill in traffic and in D the van woud not hold without applying some gas. I then tried in again on nothing more than a slope and again it rolled back. Is this normal. Am I imagining things that it didn't used to do this?

Converted camper Alphard 2.4 2006 model with no passengers or cargo.

Thanks to forum I have just realised I have been driving around in 3rd gear (D3) not 4th (D)- so hope to see an improvement - and no I don't feel dumb 😉

Had first real trip over weekend - filled up with 60litres (petrol light was on a for a bit) so no way I can get 70 litres as per handbook

got around 280 miles mostly on A roads and Motorway so how does that calculate in mph - 60 litres travelling 280 miles in distance?

Anyone got any figures on impact of having aircon running?