Alfart

Hi Roger. Before buying our Alphard last February, I was a caravaner and know only too well that at some sites you needed a spaghetti length mains cable, water pipe that stretched for miles to a tap and several yards, (remember them), of waste pipe to a so called Super Pitch drain. It will be nice just to contend with the EHU distance and enjoy the 10/12 litre container trips to the service point! 😀 I am looking at a rear conversion, I agree that it makes the most sense. Adding an EHU is a priority, and the rear conversion makes the “bed space” more acceptable. As for Banjo, the greyhound, I guess like at home, he will sleep wherever he wants! 😂 Thank you for your input, helps me focus as I contemplate the design for the conversion. Even in its virgin state, we’re really loving the Alphard.

Hi Roger, We are not looking to go for “proper” wild camping, I’m at an age where I like just a few home comforts! I was thinking single induction hob and low wattage microwave, neither built-in, but carried under one of the side seat lockers of a yet to be designed rear conversion. A fitted compressor fridge and small sink with fold down glass lid to increase work space. EHU and split charging facility for the power station, (which is then available for home use as we regularly lose electricity in the now more regular storms). We will not be sleeping in the Alphard for more than 2 or 3 nights at a time, generally when on a stop-over on longer journeys to a more substantial accommodation, or on a day trip to more remote areas. The EHU will come into it’s own on more organised campsites. Does this make sense? We have a large pooch too! 39kg of rescued greyhound, so I really will have to be organised like yourself. 😀

Hi Alex, Thank you, the reviews do seem good.

Hi all, Has anyone used an: AFERIY Portable Power Station 2400W, 2048Wh Power Station LiFePO4? I am looking for a portable power supply that can be used in an emergency at home, but mainly for power in the Alfie. I need to be able to run a compressor cool box, single induction hob and small microwave, (not more than 2 items at a time). Just investigating the possibilities for a planned rear conversion. If anyone has any feedback about this unit, or recommendations about one more suitable, I would be grateful. Also a response to my previous post about “Gas or Electric, which is the best option,” would also be helpful. TIA.

Planning to have an elevating roof fitted to my 2013 series 20 Alfie! Can’t decide: Drivelodge or T29. Anyone with suggestions/ comments about experiences of having these fitted and any quality comparison would be much appreciated.

Hi James, it seems I was right to have concerns about this issue. I will check under the spoiler, as I have used a high pressure rinse from an automated DIY forecourt machine, and TBH didn’t check afterwards. Sorry to hear about the stone chip, too easy to get on our atrocious roads. What is “clay bared” not something I’ve heard of before. Thanks for your reply.

John, thank you for such a comprehensive response, I was going to try Autoglym Ceramic, but will definitely look out for the options you suggest.

Ouch! Yours is a 2014 and it suffered this? Thank you for your reply. I will be extra vigilant cleaning mine in future.

Thank you John, Your response has put my mind at rest. Thankfully nothing to touch-up paint wise at the moment, (long may it continue), but I will look into the right products to keep it pristine, especially the sunlight/uv protection. What do you recommend.

Hi, I have read several posts about the Alphard 20 series, (mine’s a 2013 petrol), having paint problems with code 070 pearlescent white paint coming off, warnings not to use car pressure washing machines, and masking tape removing poorly adhering paint. How bad is this, there was mention of a large recall of these vehicles by Toyota in Japan, but my VX report didn’t list this recall. Does this mean that they sorted this out by 2013, or do I have a potential problem? I have gained so much information from this great community forum since my Alphard purchase last February. Any firm suggestions about maintaining the finish without damaging the paint, or if I’m worrying unnecessarily, would be greatly appreciated. TIA

Planning to convert my 2013 Alphard series 20 to a day van. Going for a rear conversion with swivel middle seats. Finding it difficult to decide to go all electric, induction hob, mains hook-up, inverter etc., or go the gas route. Any experience’s or opinions would be really helpful. TIA.

Thanks Neville, I was considering changing it every 6 months, as suggested by others on the forum. I think will go for the 5w-30. Are filters readily available?

It will soon be time to do the first engine oil change on my 2013 series 20 Alphard. 2.4L (non-hybrid). I understand that 5w 30 oil is the best, but should I go fully or semi synthetic? Any advice on brand would also be helpful, (Mobil 1 or Toyota Castle for example). Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Thanks James, I sent them some pictures as they requested, and they confirmed that they can adapt them to swivel. I am on the Scottish Border, so a long way from the Isle of Wight. Once we have made the final decisions about converting, I feel a holiday to the island coming on! Thanks again. Alan

Thanks James, I’ll get in touch with them. I have manual seats, (no electrics).

Can anyone tell me if it is possible to adapt the middle row seats to revolve on my 2013 ANH20 Alphard? I know some of the older models had these fitted, but wondered if it could be done as a retrofit on mine, and if there were any safety or legal issues that would make this a no-no!

We got our 2013 series 20 in February from Dave and Carl at Vine Place. Very helpful and a pleasant experience all round. Still loving it, ( not a hybrid). I recommended a friend to visit them and they actually sourced a vehicle to meet his spec! It’s arriving in July apparently.

Yes, I’d be interested to know this too.

Hi Sandy, Adrian Flux adrianflux.co.uk New Customer Quotations: 0800 369 8590 Call between 9am and 3pm on weekdays, from 9am to 12pm on Saturdays, or between 10am and 2pm on Sundays.

Amazing the variations in insurance quotes. I know it’s all down to personal circumstances/situations, but you really have to do your research! Well done Alasdair I can understand why you have no complaints. Nice looking interior BTW.

Looking at Easy Camp Crowford camper tailgate tent, fits T6 VW and MB W447. Have messaged the company selling this if it would fit my Alfie. Anyone used one?

Thanks Roger, That sounds like the thing, I’ll take a look at their website. cheers, Alan

Hi, now that the yellow ball in the sky has decided to appear occasionally, I have been thinking about some sort of panels that would fit around the open tailgate on my Alphie. I don’t want a drive away awning, as currently we just use it as a day van but it would be nice to sit outside under some protection from sun or rain at the back of the van when having a picnic. Anyone got any thoughts or suggestions? Alan

Neville, thanks for the correction! Can’t blame the spellcheck, just lack of communication between grey cells and fingers! 😂😂😂

Cheers Neville, thanks, consensus seems to be Tanya, I’ll try them first.