Jimmympv

You would be looking for a "low" awning which is a height around 180cm-210cm so that one checks that box. We used this one over the summer and it was great. https://www.vango.co.uk/galli-cc-ii-air-low

I'd love to get to a big meet up. Had my Alphard for a year this month, it's great when I get people knocking on my window when I'm sat in it asking all sorts of questions about it. I'd love to see what others have done if anything to theirs, especially if they have been converted as that's something I didn't intend on doing but have since started to get the itch to do it but really want to see some in person.

The rocker switch could well have been for switching the indicator lights on as DRLs. I have this on my Alphard, my switch is on the steering column but it's no longer active as the wiring was used for the rear fog light, so now the switch does nothing. The passenger light is a seat belt warning, it will flash if someones in the passenger without a belt and you start driving. There may also be a tone that sounds at the same time. The tone can be turned off via OBD though. I'm not 100% certain but I'm pretty confident that the button above the rocker switch with the P in an arrow is related to the auto park feature called Intelligent Park Assist (IPA) I'm assuming that you don't have 360 cameras installed as it wasn't common to have IPA and 360 cameras on the same car. If you look at the button next to the ODO button that's also related. If you had 360 cameras that button would have a camera icon and will display the cameras on the radio display. You can also tell from the sonar sensors on the outside of the car, if you have sensors on the side of the bumper then you have IPA

Funny I was just looking for a battery myself. I've had a couple of close calls the last few weeks where it's taken a couple tries to crank. It's still got the Panasonic battery in it from Japan with the LifeWINK attached which indicates the battery health which was flashing red at me yesterday so I think it's time. The battery was fitted in 2021 thanks to previous installer writing the date on it. Gonna have to measure mine too as I'm getting conflicting info online. For example I'm reading that the Bosch S4 026 fits but when I've used part checkers on some sites it comes back as not compatible but on Tayna it comes up as a suitable option. Apparently Toyota recommend at least 550 CCA for the 3.5l so I'm just going to go with the highest CCA rating I can get my hands on with the cold season on its way. My shortlist is currently the VARTA Blue Dynamic E23, Bosch S4 026 or the Yuasa Silver YBX5068.

If you have Facebook you can find him there. I don't have it so can't provide a direct link but he's still going and active in Alphard groups when my wife was on there a couple weeks ago. Last time I looked into it I think the modules needed were available on Ali Express but it's way beyond me actually fitting the thing.

Switch should look like this. You can also auto tilt the mirrors when you select reverse if you keep the left/right rocker switch on the door to one side or the other.

There is at least one company that can convert the middle row seats to swivel on the 20 series, they can only do it on the non electric seats and they quoted me about £2000 for the job.

For used parts you could also try https://autoparts.beforward.jp/ Shipping costs can vary wildly though, but I've found stuff there I couldn't find anywhere else. It's also worth calling around breakers yards, lot's of leg work but can find stuff that isn't listed online.

I've been looking in to this recently, I believe the 3.5 V6 uses the U660E transmission and that Toyota classed it as a "sealed" system not meant to be opened as part of a regular service, just drain and fill every 40,000-50,000 miles, 3.5-4l of Toyota WS to replace what comes out (7-8l if completely replacing) and then check fluid levels at 40c Wouldn't hurt to replace the lot but I probably wouldn't be doing it every service.

I've got a 2012 Alphard from Sep onward. I made the mistake of jet washing under the rear spoiler as I couldn't get up there with a cloth and noticed some flakes come off, that was the last time I did that. I used some touch up paint since it's not visible unless you climb up on the roof. The more concerning issue I've come across is a nice stone chip size patch just about the windscreen. Other than that it's been ok being clay bared etc.

Was just browsing TCS Anything Goes YT channel and saw he posted a new video a couple weeks ago,

The wife and I are thinking similar. A full side kitchen conversion isn’t really what we are after either. we kind of want to keep it as close to original as possible or at least being able to revert back to 7 seats without too much hassle. We’ve actually slept in the back of it for a night just with the rear seats up and middle row pushed all the forward and it wasn’t too bad aside from the annoying rear seat brackets getting in the way on the floor. We want a leisure battery but finding a place for it to go is a pain, I’m tempted to block off the rear drivers side like they do in the side conversions just so I can add a bit of extra storage and have somewhere to hide the battery and plug sockets. That or just get a Jackery or similar to save the trouble. looking forward to see how you get on.

Great work so far, looking forward to future updates, what's your end goal?

Just renewed with Hastings for £577. Last year was £590, any drop in price without me having to do the renewal dance is fine by me. Quick check of comparison sites were bringing back £600+

What bar did you get for it?