Soon to be new NVC 3500HD SV Quigley owner from Missouri

[KMG]

Hello,  My name is Kevin and I'm from Springfield, MO.  I'm purchasing a new 2014 NVC 3500HD SV High Roof from John Howard Nissan in Morgantown, WV.  I'll fly there and drive it back to Missouri.  I'd like to receive feed back from Quigley owners concerning their satisfaction with the 4x4 system.  My plans are to add vented side and sliding door windows, a fridge and microwave directly behind the drivers seat followed by a wall mounted folding dinette / bed with an upper wall mounted single bunk, narrow cabinetry and countertop on the passenger side, three 100 amp hour batteries, roof mounted solar panels, and a small generator.  I'm sure my plan will expand.  Input about the type of folding furniture you see used in toy hauler trailers would be great.  Also, I'm having a different brand tire installed prior to purchase and I'm considering changing from the factory 245/75/17 to 265/70/17.  According to Goodyear the tires are the same diameter with a .9 inch width increase.  Any foreseen issues? All suggestions, criticisms, and advice will always be appreciated.  Thanks. 

[ASD Dad]

Welcome!  That sounds like it will be one nice camping rig!  Be sure to post up photos when you get it and as it goes through its makeover.  

 

Cant help much on the questions.  I am considering changing out my wheels and tires but havent looked very far into it yet.

[Chris_CommercialManager]

If you have the time make a build thread so we can follow along!!

 

and welcome!

[KMG]

Picked the van up Friday and drove 13.5 hours home.  Great vehicle!  Looking forward to building the interior.  I'll post when progress is made.

[radin2son]

There are a lot of custom builds in progress on this forum, so I thought I would bring this up again. This may vary state to state, but make sure your home build or aftermarket custom build is covered by your auto insurance policy. In AZ, my insurance policy only covered $10k of the build because my agent thought I bought the van, then had it converted. He also had no idea what a NV was. Since we bought the converted van through Nissan it qualified as a SMB/Class B motor home and could be insured at full value on a separate RV policy. This meant our NV SMB was covered for $65k not $40k.

 

Is your NV already converted to 4x4? If so, could you post a photo of what the set up looks like in the interior? Just curious.

 

It has been a long time since I had a 4x4. In the 70s we had a '62 Land Rover (Series 2, 4 door with double roof, built between 1958-61) that I wanted to drive on the Pan American Highway. Notice I said I wanted to. Oddly, someone told me it was the wrong vehicle. "I needed a Nissan." We've done the North American section in our NV, but I'm not sure political events will let us at least attempt to get to Panama. Just one of those boyhood dreams...

Edited June 15, 2015 by radin2son

[KMG]

Hello, This weekend I traveled 350 miles round trip to pick up a 1,000 lbs. workout gym and the van performed great.  I weight didn't change the van's performance or handling.  Fuel mileage stayed the same (15.9MPG ).  Two ways to view the mileage, The van didn't decrease it's mileage due to the weight or I'm getting the mileage of a loaded van even when empty.  I'm going with the more positive spin of the mileage didn't worsen.  

I've ordered 4 HEHR brand awning windows with screens (I didn't order the upper window in the sliding door).  I also ordered a folding dinette/bed from RB Components.  I'll post images when they are installed.  Thanks, Kevin 

[radin2son]

We have CR Laurence widows on the passenger side; only the slider has the awning window. They didn't put an awning window on the rear due to door clearance, but it needs one. The driver's side has the awning window opposite the slider. Both let a lot of air in when needed and keep the rain out. The only criticism we have is the sharp edges in the middle and rear of the awning windows when open. Some have complained about lack is spare parts. Compared to the 4HEHR, the fit seems to be flush with no sharp edges. Will you have additional windows.

 

I wasn't able to pull up much on RB Components, but liked how I could add a $90k converted Sprinter to my cart. I hope it included the Sprinter.

 

If you need screens for the driver/passenger doors, Skeeterbeater work well. Skreenz (?) also makes window and door screens but when we needed screens 2 years ago, he didn't know what an NV was. He was going to charge $150 to make a template plus the $80+ for the screens. We went with Skeeterbeater and made our own side door screen. We need one for the rear but have yet to figure out how to attach it.

 

Your mpg sounds about right for a non-4x4. I assume it is 2x4, not awd, when not engaged. Someone will correct this notion of mine that big trucks get loaded mileage whether or not they are loaded.

 

Has any one doing a "home" build checked to see what your insurance coverage will be?

Edited June 30, 2015 by radin2son

[KMG]

After I have the 4 HEHR windows installed I'll live with the van to see if I want to add the sliding door upper window.  My van came with the fixed rear door glass.  My mileage was in 2 wheel drive.  I'll check my 4 wheel drive mileage soon.  HEHR's rear half of the passenger side rear window is vented.  I'm eager to check the sliding door clearance.  Do both of your lower glass sections open or just one?  Try www.rbcomponents.com The dinette/bed is about $650 delivered.  Thanks, I'll look at the Skeeterbeater front window screens.  I have the Nissan side window vent visors, so I'm not sure if the screens will fit.  I increased my vehicles insured value to cover the additional investment of the aftermarket 4x4.  Do you have an upper bed in your pop up area?  Any advise on a side awning?  So far no issues with my 265/70/17 size tires.  Did your SMB come with 245/75/17s?  Brand of tire?  Sorry for all the questions but there aren't a lot of NV owners to ask advice.  Thanks, Kevin

Edited June 30, 2015 by KMG

[radin2son]

Ask as often as needed. Our van is mostly empty right now so if you need pictures (interior, plumbing, electrical etc,) let me know. Some earlier posts may answer questions as well. Jon Nelson is doing a 4x4 build, but he mainly posts on expeditionportal.com. You can PM him on the NV forum.

 

Both lower sections open out. If I understand you correctly, you have rear door and sliding door glass. Driver's side?

 

The upper window would give you a view when stading up. With the pop top, we have 5 screened windows counting the front canvas that covers the front screen. Great ventilation and view when standing up. Yes, we have a bed there.

 

If you can fit your finger under the vent visors and there is a quarter size of exposed metal, the magnets will work. Skreenz are like a pillow case, so they may fit over the visor. Don't know if he ever got around to making a template or if he resumed making side door screens. Call both... I think both are in NC.

 

Skeeterbeater sells screen material and magnets so you can make your own side screen. It is wide enough to fit the width of the side door and sold by the yard.

 

Still have oem tires.

 

Think I covered it...

Edited June 30, 2015 by radin2son

[KMG]

It's been awhile since I posted my progress.  I've added lower aluminum panels, a folding bed/dinette, vented windows.  Next on the list is an auxiliary power system consisting of two 330W 36V solar panels, controller, inverter/charger, and four batteries.  All input is appreciated.  Thanks

[KMG]

Sorry for the images being posted sideways.  Don't know how that happened.  They're correct in my computer.  Kevin 

[radin2son]

Never thought about using aluminum panels; nice look and sturdy. Not too many conversions (mostly $100k Sprinters) with glass all around, but with a high top there is room for storage above.

 

Opened your photos up on my iPad, flat on the table so I could see the photos. What type of sub-floor do you have?

 

You haven't said how you intend to use your NV, nor talked about prior experience. If you are and your Fuso choice tells me you are, ignore a lot of what I say. This may be in your plans, but you haven't mentioned water storage. Water can be scarce and in some areas not potable. Carrying water in various loose containers is a problem, plus they will freeze long before you do. One other area is resale; better to have a water tank installed even if you don't use it (not my advice, but from SMB). You mentioned a generator in your first post. Where are you going to carry it and fuel? That's why I like the concept of solar generators. Finally, what do you plan to run on it? Shore power?

 

On the decorator side, you will need some sort of curtains. I know Outside Vans sells some very pricey ones that look a whole lot better than what we have on the back windows and slider. Our side windows have pull down accordion shades. I'm not up on decorator terms.

 

rad

Edited August 12, 2015 by radin2son

[ASD Dad]

That's really nice looking. I think I like those windows over my factory glass! They slide open, right? I don't like that mine can't really open.

[KMG]

Thanks, My windows are hinged at the top and don't slide.  I wish they did slide.