CarlS1973

On mine, I was able to leverage an existing factory hole directly under the glovebox under the carpet on the front passenger side. So it didn't exactly go "through the firewall", but it routed beneath the passenger compartment into the engine bay. You might try that route to avoid drilling a hole.

Every thread I've seen on replacing the head units in the NVPs also seems to replace the factory backup camera. I feel confident in removing/replacing the head unit, but not in installing a new backup cam... are there any that are "plug and play" with the steering wheel controls/backup cam? Ideally something with CarPlay for navigation. Thanks!

Thanks, ASD Dad - I do have a front license plate holder on it, but the sensors worked with it for a long time with no issues until becoming a constant beep a month ago or so. I'll check and see if it changed positions or if I can push it back. I'm past the warranty on the nav head unit - but based on your experience, it sounds like replacement is probably the only option there. I'd rather replace with a more functional unit, but haven't been able to figure out how to do that and keep my factory backup camera. I'm confident that I could replace the unit itself, but not at all comfortable with the backup camera part of that. And as we all know, these would be next to impossible to drive/park/etc. without that backup camera.

I've searched through the forums and on the Facebook group, but haven't been able to find any good guidance on diagnosing problems with the sensors. I'd be very grateful for any help. At this point, our routine is to get in the van, start it up, and then disable the parking sensors. If we don't, then they will constantly beep. I've cleaned them really well, we haven't had any fender benders, and nothing looks amiss from the outside. Any ideas? Also, possibly related but probably not - the factory head unit is frozen about 2/3 of the time - can't change the volume, source, etc. Worst is when it is stuck on a loud volume until it unfreezes! Any ideas on this one? Feels like I've got gremlins in the electrical system somewhere, and figured I'd at least mention this in case it sparks an idea.

Thanks a lot. It seems like keeping the USB adapter will be fairly easy. Something like this will probably work: https://www.sonicelectronix.com/item_70150_Axxess-AX-NISUSB-2.html Anyone else have ideas on using the factory camera? That would be the game changer for me, as I'd feel confident enough to install myself if I could just use the existing camera, but installing a whole new camera is a little too intimidating.

I'm dying to switch to a CarPlay unit like this, but the rear-view camera has been the big thing holding me back. On this thread, Gman65 said that he was able to use the factory camera, which I'd also like to do (even though it stinks compared to virtually every other one I've used in other vehicles). A few questions: 1) Was there any kind of adapter required to use the factory camera? Any idea what connection type it is? 2) Any adapter required to maintain the factory USB/Aux-in? 3) Could I go with a less expensive Pioneer and still have it integrate so well? I don't need HD Radio, Nav, etc. as I really just want to use CarPlay for everything. Thanks so much for any help - I've got a road trip with a van full of kids, and our factory system doesn't work at all half the time at this point.

Do you have any kind of link to the steering wheel control adapter? I also have a 2013 with Tech Pkg and Crutchfield told me that it doesn't exist. If it is the same one as a 2013 Nissan Juke, that's awesome - they probably just don't know it. I'm hoping to put in a CarPlay unit that can handle the input from a rear-view camera. For the rear-view camera, I'd like to upgrade to a better one than factory (anyone know of one?) but I'm especially curious here about how you were able to use the same spot as the existing one. Did you have to use new wiring? Thanks a lot for sharing your story - I think a lot of folks are wanting to make this change, but the info is just very light at this point.

I'm having trouble finding any kind of online guides, YouTube videos, etc. describing basic maintenance on my NV 3500. For all of the other vehicles and toys I've owned in the last 10 years, it has been really easy to find all of that online, but since there aren't many NVs, there aren't many guides. Anyone out there do their own maintenance on these? Any guides worth buying? Any web sites that lay it all out? Thanks!

I'm not as crazy about the "look" on my blue NV vs. a black one where it would blend right in. But hearing how easy it was to install, and for the relatively low cost, I'm going to go for it. I appreciate the advice - thanks!

I'm considering buying the OEM side molding from a seller on eBay - just wondering if folks like the looks of it, how it holds up, and whether it has served any purpose. The big flat sides do seem like they are begging for a door/cart ding, so I'm leaning towards doing it unless someone suggests that I don't. :)

Thanks kodos! I actually bought one over the weekend (influenced by your review, so thanks!) and I think your assessment was spot on - you can definitely fit a few suitcases back there, so it isn't completely devoid of space. However, a big grocery trip would mean either taking those 2 seats out or getting creative with the use of floor space around the seats up front. We're going to try it with all seats in for a while and see how it goes.

I'd like to know the answer to this as well - just bought an NVP and keen on getting good guides for both routine maintenance and repairs.

I'm shocked at the resale values - I've been looking for over a month at every single NVP that comes up on eBay or through CarGurus.com. I started out hoping to find a 2013 NVP SL with about 30k miles for under $30k, and I rarely see one under $34-35k. There just isn't much savings to be had over buying a new one. I do wonder if the resale will change at all now that Ford Transit has come along as a viable alternative (I know it is inferior in many ways, but it is much more price competitive than the Sprinter and much more modern than prior Ford/Chevy options - and there are some good things to say about it - it does have the longer wheelbase options, better mpg, etc.).

Great blog post - really enjoyed it and laughed at the "Canyonero" reference. If only it had 4x4, I think it would be the perfect comparison! One thing that I haven't seen addressed much in reviews is the amount of cargo space behind the back seats... can you get a grocery trip in there without taking seats out? How about strollers, a couple of suitcases, etc.?

That's good to know on the availability at the beginning of the year... I'm used to cars that start launching their 2016 models in September-ish of the previous year. So if I decide to wait, it may well be January before I buy a 2016. It would be ideal to find out what, if anything, will be new on the 2016 models ASAP. It seems like people still aren't happy with the technology package on the 2015 - that's one thing I thought might change. And of course, there might be fixes to some issues like the beeping sensors and door locking that I've seen mentioned multiple times on this forum. I can dream about 4x4 too, right? :)