AS Kingham & Roof Rails

Having sold my Swift Bolero, I'm looking to replace it with an AS panel van conversion and my favourite model at the moment is the Kingham.

I have looked at a new one today at Marquis Durham and it ticks all of the boxes for me, including having longitudinal roof rails (front to rear) which I'm hoping will allow me to carry a sea kayak on 'J' bars.

Is anyone currently using a Kingham, that can offer pre-ownership advice, pros or cons ?

Not model specific, but is anyone using the roof rail system on their AS conversion. Are there cross rails fitted to the side rails as standard, or are they readily available, is the roof suitable to walk or kneel on, to pull a kayak up, are there rear door mounted ladders available.

I didn't have time to speak with a salesman today, but I'm going back over the weekend for a chat and would like to be armed with a bit of knowledge from actual owners.

I know it's a bit cheeky piling in with lots of questions on my first proper post, but any advice will be appreciated.... Thank you.

Hi Wargenwolf, I have just ordered a new Warwick XL, these have the same roof rails as the Kingham. I asked the salesman what weight they would support and I was told they are cosmetic only but could have weight bearing rails fitted while the vehicle is being built at the factory.

Thanks for that helpful info Twiggy, I didn't know they are cosmetic.... What's the point of cosmetic value if you can barely see them due to the height.

I'll speak to sales at the weekend, but if it has to be a factory fit, that precludes the models they already have on site and also used models.

Update - I spent a bit more time in the Kingham yesterday and love the layout. I had a salesman go over the van with me and I'm pretty much much decided that it's where I want to be.
After reading on here about the waterfill being a bit of a pain, he explained that after much feedback, the 2015 models have the direct fill as standard.

The only sticking point at the moment is the roof rail system, which sales are going to enquire with AS next week to check load ratings and suitability for carrying a sea kayak.

Failing that, there is a specialist company in Scotland (Karitek) who offer a side loading carrier which then raises on to the roof. I would need to get a Kingham to them to see if their system would work !

I don't think the roof rails are cosmetic. I think they are used to conceal the wiring loom to enable the wires to get to both sides of the roof ceiling to ceiling. I might be wrong though?

Kemerton wrote:I don't think the roof rails are cosmetic. I think they are used to conceal the wiring loom to enable the wires to get to both sides of the roof ceiling to ceiling. I might be wrong though?

Cheers, I sent an email direct to AS earlier seeking clarification and also asking if they can provide a schematic of the roof, showing rooflight positions and measurements to see if Karitek can fit one of their systems without me taking a van to them.

Wargenwolf wrote:Update - I spent a bit more time in the Kingham yesterday and love the layout. I had a salesman go over the van with me and I'm pretty much much decided that it's where I want to be.
After reading on here about the waterfill being a bit of a pain, he explained that after much feedback, the 2015 models have the direct fill as standard.

My Kingham has both Whale fill system & a direct fill I don't know if it's a standard fit now. I did read somewhere you can order the direct fill during the order process for £30.

I also got with the van a hosepipe with the Whale fitting so you can direct fill through the whale system as well as the drop in submersible pump.

So as far as water filling is concerned i think the Kingham has it covered

Tim

I got a very speedy reply back from Auto Sleeper earlier and they confirm as Twiggy stated previously, that the standard roof rails are not load bearing.

Load bearing Fiamma rails can be fitted, at approximately £500 and only if ordered on initial build, however that also incorporates a Fiamma canopy.

Looks like I'm waiting to see what changes/upgrades become available on 2016 models.

mitrepooc wrote:

Wargenwolf wrote:Update - I spent a bit more time in the Kingham yesterday and love the layout. I had a salesman go over the van with me and I'm pretty much much decided that it's where I want to be.
After reading on here about the waterfill being a bit of a pain, he explained that after much feedback, the 2015 models have the direct fill as standard.

My Kingham has both Whale fill system & a direct fill I don't know if it's a standard fit now.

So as far as water filling is concerned i think the Kingham has it covered

Tim

Thanks Tim, 

That is the info the salesman gave me, standard fill via a cap and Whale system both fitted as standard on 2015 models.

Hi Wargenwolf

The rails you are asking about are cosmetic and as Auto Sleepers say they can fit the Fiamma ones to take load. We have fitted a Karitek system to a Peugeot conversion which fitted ok but does add height, good system though.

Mark

Hi Mark, 

Did you have to go down the Fiamma route with the Karitek system fitted to the Fiamma rails, or did Karitek mount their system directly to your van.

Also, did you opt for their side loader and if so, how do you find it to use.

Thanks.