benjamin163

That's brilliant, thank you for clarifying. Makes a lot of sense. I've actually put the deposit down and it's a gen 2. So excited!

Thank you for this useful information. I can't tell whether you think Gen 1 or Gen 2 is better. Do you have an opinion on that or does it depend on circumstances? Your thoughts are gratefully received.

Great Info Michael. Forgive me I'm not familiar with the tech, with your hybrid, if the hybrid malfunctions can you still drive the car on the normal engine? Does it all work fine except it won't kick into hybrid more or is it more complicated than that?

All sound advice and I'm definitely in the midst of that research right now! I really appreciate you taking the time here and am heeding your words.

Very useful thank you for sharing. Do you feel the mileage you do and the petrol you save makes up for the extra money you fork out? Do you see nay other benefits to the hybrid other than more MPG? Does it make any difference to performance? (sorry if that's a dumb question, I'm no engineer!) I don't think I'm going to be doing a huge number of miles in the course of a year but I'm wondering if there are any other real benefits to a hybrid over all petrol.

Hello there, I am looking at buying a Toyota Vellfire 2.4. 2012 model, 65-70k miles on the clock. The difference in price between a hybrid and a non hybrid is about £5K. Regardless of whether I'd make that back on petrol saved alone, I wonder if anyone has any strong opinions as to whether upgrading to a hybrid is a good idea. I'm thinking specifically about any reliability issues with the hybrid and also about sell on value. I don't know if a hybrid makes the van more desirable or less to future sellers. I would value any thoughts on the above. Thank you

Roger, I don't quite understand this sentence, could you expand a little? I'm thinking you're saying that all my appliances used at once shouldn't take up more than 50% of the battery's power. Is that correct?

Such a useful response roger, it's fully appreciated. Yes I think the idea of the van is that it can live off grid happily for a week with all sorts plugged in. However there is also an EHU so all bases are covered. Frankly we will probably never test the leisure battery to that extent but I guess it's just nice knowing isn't it! Thank you again and I shall certainly be asking for more of your expert advice over the coming months and hopefully years.

Thanks so much for the reply Roger. May I take the opportunity to furnish you with top line details of the conversion? Your top line view is massively appreciated. The van will be a 2012 Toyota Alphard Vellfire hybrid 2.4l with 60-65K miles on the clock. The conversion looks super smart with a heavy focus on its off grid capability which seems like up to a week of full usage without plugging in. including... Elevated roof. Varitrak bed system. Heated bed. Patented omni-slide induction hob that allows cooking inside or out. (really cool feature) 230Ah 12v lithium leisure battery which is capable of a week of off grid activity. 150W standard solar panel + optional upgrade 2000W Victron energy inverter charger Swivel front seat Tow hitch Solid wood kitchen surface Leatherette upholstery front and back (I'm supplying the material) We've sat one and fiddled around and we like the fit a lot. Everything solid, well made. It feels like the nicest conversion we've sat in and smartly set up. We like the fact it's fully electric. The car battery charges the leisure battery. Plenty of plug points for household stuff etc. Everything comes with a two year warranty. The conversion and the engine. We like it. But we don't have too much of an idea if the price is competitive simply because we haven't seen a set up like it. Any thoughts most gratefully received.

Hello, We’ve loved reading this forum and hearing all your stories. Now finally we think we’re ready to jump on board and become the proud owner of our very first camper van, a Toyota Alphard Hellfire Hybrid, 2012, 2.4l, 55k-60k on the clock. It looks very cool - I guess those looks are why most people are here on this site. We’re buying from a company called Campervan co. Their conversions look good and the conversion suits our needs perfectly. Lots of off grid capability. Price is around £41K depending on extras. We’ve looked into insurance, parking, tax and we think everything is do-able. So we’re ready to go. We just wondered if anyone had any last pieces of advice or watch outs before we push the button. Especially any telltale signs we should look out for in a 10 year old+ Alphard with 55 to 60K on the clock. Or anything in the conversion that is either a 'must have' or an 'avoid at all costs'. Any thoughts and advice from people who have been there and done it is most gratefully received. Thank you