Alfart

3 hours ago, Rojie said:

 

I  have no experience with power stations.

 

Are you thinking a side conversion or a rear conversion ?

 

Side conversions tend to have narrow beds (if two are sleeping).

Our rear conversion offers a full width, full length bed, very comfortable until you have 23kg pooch sleeping with you. !

 

He was not happy in the mini-tent, and nor was I !

 

So, what is my best advice for you ?

Where is your greyhound going to sleep ?

A hammock across the front seats ?

 

That seems to be your real challenge !

 

You could get an Alphie with a tow bar (not easy) and that would offer many other possibilities.

 

My own view is an EHU is essential, not expensive but opens up all kinds of options; just make sure you have somewhere to 25 metres of cable.!

Some say less will do, but beware Cornish sites.

 

Good Luck

 

Happy Camparding.

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.

1 hour ago, Rojie said:

 

If planning wild camping your option is restricted to gas (with or without a power station).

How will you recharge the powerstation ?

If not then an EHU is worth the investment, imho.

 

Alphies are quite small, especially when you load them with all the conveniences of home !

So consider where all these appliances will fit, especially when mobile.

 

I have a gas twin hob, and sink. An EHU for a induction hob that is not built-in. A mains (low power) kettle, an electric fan heater, and a compressor cool-box (fantastic), and an electric air mattress !

 

I can assure you fitting these all in in both day and  night configurations is a challenge, to say the least.

Oh, and a large Sprollie dog.

 

All this is even more exciting in the rain !

Wet weather departures are not a lot of fun.

 

Depending on our plans we either run in night mode, with everything stored accordingly.

In night mode it is totally impractical to do much other than boil the kettle.

Cooking is performed under the open tailgate.

In day mode, cooking and eating are possible, but not lie-flat napping; 

 

We are restricted in activities, but mainly due to 23kg of highly active, and affectionate, pooch.

 

So, lots of deciding for you to do..

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. 😀

On 8/15/2025 at 1:09 PM, MonsterS said:

No, but I've heard good things with them. Worth a punt.

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.

1 hour ago, Jimmympv said:

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. 

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.

42 minutes ago, turnerjr said:

I bought some oem touch up paint which I’ve applied to the odd stone chip which I’ve picked up. The colour match isn’t great but it should stop any issues before they occur. 
I use soft 99 Fusso coat which is a 12 month protection wax. It’s amazing ( and Japanese 😁 ) and then I use autoglym polar seal once a month. I apply this with a small foam gun at a distance of about 3 metres so you just spray a mist over the car, then rinse and dry (not the windscreen ) 

For regular washes I use autosmart auto wash, 5 litres for about £30 and it lasts ages as you don’t need a lot. 

Some people love ceramic coats. I hate them and think they are over priced (and can be applied badly even by ‘professionals’)

That’s just my opinion, there’s lots of info, reviews etc out there

 

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.

3 hours ago, CamelX said:

I have encountered this. Very flaky and a car wash destroyed the roof paint, requiring a respray. Light hand-wash every now and then seems to be the best thing for it.

 

 

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

9 minutes ago, turnerjr said:

I have a 2012 in white and researched this myself. I think it affects the earlier models between 2008 and 2010 which I think are classed as pre facelift. 
To be honest I wouldn’t worry about it until something happens, then get it sorted asap ( repaint the damaged panel )

I would never use a pressure washer to clean my car, it forces water into areas that it wouldn’t normally go.

My best advice is to treat your cars paintwork the same way as you would your skin. Keep it clean and use something with good protection from sunlight / uv rays and you should be fine. 

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.

12 hours ago, BigNev said:

Hi Alan!

Fully synthetic. 

I use the brand from my local autofactors, that the manufacturer lists to meet the specification for my engine type, the 2GR-FE.

For the weight they say 5W-30, and I choose to use this as it's available in a 20 litre drum, because I change oil in all my vehicles far more often than routine!

According to the JPNZ manual, yours, the 2AZ- FE engine, says

"0W-20 is the optimum oil for this vehicle"

But - 5W-30, and 10W-30, are listed too.

As usual there is the little chart with ambient temperature and oil weights, but all of them are good down to at least -20°C and up to over 40°C.

However, for mine the JPNZ says 5W-20 and I use 5W-30, so..... your choice!

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. 

On 5/30/2025 at 4:57 PM, Jimmympv said:

I know that Northstar Conversions can do this as long as you don't have the electric middle row seats, they can only do it on the manual ones. Was quoted around £2k for the job. 

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

58 minutes ago, Jimmympv said:

I know that Northstar Conversions can do this as long as you don't have the electric middle row seats, they can only do it on the manual ones. Was quoted around £2k for the job. 

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.

3 hours ago, Sandy J said:

Hi,  do you have contact details please ? 

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.

14 hours ago, Alasdair said:

Just renewed our insurance for our 2005 Alphard with Adrian Flux again. As ours is a day van with 7 seats, sink, single hob cooker and a pop top roof, the premium for this year is £269....up £14 on last year so no complaints here.

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?

1 hour ago, Rojie said:

 Quite a while ago I came across a type of 'open sided tent' that was hung over the open tailgate; rather like a tall windbreak.

 

It may have been Vanco, and I think it was for one of the smaller Mercedes.

 

Easy to stow which, I expect, your panel idea would not be, whilst on the move.

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

1 hour ago, BigNev said:

It's Tayna, not Tanya, and yes they are good. 

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

6 hours ago, BigNev said:

Hi there!

Yep, either Tayna batteries in Bodelwyddan, North Wales, or Advanced Battery Supplies in Stockport. Both great places, I have used them both personally, and delivery is fast.

On both websites, with the battery size code from the one you have, (or if it doesn't have a sticker on it then the physical size and post arrangement). you'll be able to choose from a selection of them with varying amp hour ratings and cost.

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