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Any help greatly appreciated, Nissan parts people only seem to understand only what is printed in their parts books (maybe for job security?) . Leather Nissan OEM seat covers only, IF they are a direct cross-over fit: not faux leather, leather-like, looks like leather, ... If they had the same base seat SKU part number, that would work; but I don't have access to nested BOM's from Nissan :-( And if Nissan makes perforated leather seats (gray color), cool: that's what I would prefer! But OEM Nissan (real) leather seat covers that would be a direct fit would certainly work :-) Thanks!

I am looking for Mcgard wheel locks. The lug size may be 9/16-18, but I have not confirmed it yet (?) ........................................................................... Never mind, it's a 14MMX1.5 NUT MAG SHANK (close to the Nissan Parts man tape-rule measures above.)

USAA is cool on 2016 NV3500 SL High Roof's for a consumer loan :-) Just let them know from the get go, as well as your dealer. 5.6% for 5 years, 25% down (I was just glad to get a leftover 2016 v8 - I got around 16.7 mpg on my interstate travel home driving 60+/- 10mph on cruise control mostly.) USAA even gave me a big discount on my motorcycle loan with Progressive, since USAA only has 5 States that they carry motorcycle insurance in. I'll have to check Navy Federal out too since so many knowledgeable people are using them: for my motorcycle perhaps?? |:-o

*** Personal attack deleted ***

Where are your 'butt-dyno' results documented at? Lip service and toilet paper do not count. Pressure, volume, and temperature have direct thermodynamic relationships: PERIOD. Louder exhaust sounds and consciously easing off the throttle help spammers sell a lot of things on the web. There are few if any improvements you can make to increase performance of an OEM EFI motor except for perhaps exhaust shields to eliminate engine temperature variations (and proper maintenance.) I don't know what you are selling, but I'm not interested in your lip service.

I'm not going to tell happy experts anything, but I would just like to make a couple of observations since I am an engineer. 1. engineered air volumes increased by removing large items inside the air box retards air flow-through, and 2. the snorkel inside the air box maintains a more constant temperature which equates to better performance: reducing engine intake temperature variations (i.e. - from startups to running expressway speeds on hot or cold days either one.) Personally, I think it's a well engineered design. Every truck's configuration, owner's driving style, and location's weather are different though, so being a happy camper comes first. Drive Safe!

Winner, winner, chicken dinner! That looks perfect. I like your logic of placing the stool shed far away too (as well as your fan/cover choice.) At first, I thought the added light may be better centralized in the length of the van, but the logistics of the stool room makes sense (a smelly subject :-) As well it may be a perfect use of space beside my motorcycle (w/ storage cabinets beside it), opening up the front floor space for living. Normally, you only get one cut in the roof, so this is a hard decision for everyone. Thanks for your timely pics! Your van looks sharp!

This was exactly my concern. I test rode a 2016 v8 2500 tall earlier this year, and it rode like Crown Vic (like a dream imo.) And then last week, I test rode a 2017 3500 and it sounded like the trans was slipping w/ 50 miles on the clock. I can get a Ram Promaster if I want to replace transmissions yearly. Transmissions are complicated anyway, and with a new 7 sp model too makes it a chief concern. The Haitian sales lady just said, "Nooooo, it's brand new!", as she laughed half heartedly looking across the street and away from me (!) I have been getting no response from dealers once they see I am doing a detailed value analysis on the 2017 NV3500. I would be driving one right now if it were not for the loose/sloppy band-slap 2017 V8 transmission sounds (or if it, at least, rode as good as the 2016 NV2500 V8.) The transmission was the main unproven factor imo anyway, so it's time to start talking to Nissan Commercial "master mechanics" at this point if that is possible. Now that could be as simple as higher hp 2017 engines seem to sputter in low rpm's: versus the higher torque power range of the 2016 (or before 2017.) It could also be some towing adapter mechanism that got put on a lot of 2017's new transmissions before they found it was a concern. It is probably nothing, but I'd like to figure out what is wrong exactly: a new mechanical sound that helps mpg, or a too early for release engineering change. A local used Truecars.com had 3 - 2017 NV's for sale used with 1 - 2017 tall/v8 NV for sale. They had zero used 2016's of any type! In hindsight, ... doah!.

https://youtu.be/RIecj7UWaMs Here is an articulating jib, which almost has straight line fluid motion; and it can be bought from an US addressed company too. It also looks like it's over budget priced, but it is an extra degree of freedom in mobility too, which is an essential asset. It looks like the best thing going at the moment, and the fat lady is starting to chirp... so it looks like a safe purchase to make: that will not only increase my cubic capacity of the van, but will also relieve me of catching a 450 lb. motorcycle every now and then. Motorcycle front wheel chocks (like the Condor in the above post pic, but stationary to the floor and cheaper) can almost support a motorcycle alone, but an efficient room-wise strap over the front wheel may be almost all that is needed for stability, except for a couple of additional straps that do not take up essential floor space :-) It's starting to look like a plan now. This equipment in the video looks like a very high quality, precision made assembly.

Congrats, you are an inspiration. If you are in California, be sure to have an expert rv/van service to do the installation and put that invoice with your title (just in case.) I'll be interested in what you decide on. Adjustable seats is a strong point of the NV pickup truck front end, (that you can stretch your legs out instead of sitting on a pickle barrel like most vans.) 4 spinning seats with a central removable table would be something I'd like to work in. - ?

What's wrong? You should have the latest and greatest. Is it a worthwhile option? Alarm system is number one priority, and Nissan should have better than most since it's Japanese,but it's design stopped after it's model year market introduction day probably. Crooks and 3rd party alarm designers never quit; and i want a competitive alarm. The Viper seems to be used a lot (or I hear their alarm cycles in the ghetto constantly, but they could just be pissing off their neighbors!), I heard recently the auto-door opener and startup could be mapped by a nearby pc: to rip your car off! The Viper does not look expensive w/o auto-start and unlock options as well (esp. if it would be safer w/o those alarm features!). I guess an automatic 15 round Glock pistol with red-eye sites would not hurt though :-o But I am confident, the best is not an oem alarm: no matter how good it is comparatively with other trucks (even other Jap trucks too.) For only several hundred dollars more, 3rd party cameras and alarms would definitely be worth the premium imo. Best Buys near LA does not even have anyone in the mobile alarm or solar power products dept. Other employees sitting around not doing anything else, just keep referring you to an area no one from Best Buys is at :-(

And presto, from Youtube, http://www.rollinbike.com/eng/product.html There are still questions of tying down, shipping, etc... but it has secured ramps, and ties the bike down to the secured ramp to maintain balance: where I would be relying on gravity and approx. 36" wide front wheels. Their's looks custom engineered which is ok, except for the cost which I haven't seen yet (I can guarantee it's over $1,000 usd :-) Anyway, pretty cool toys he has. Other than cost, he looks like he has more tie downs not shown which is time added to load and unload. I think my greedy/cheap heuristic wins out so far: but he has less vertical room access required (vs. extra straps to keep bike upright with less strap leverage - time is money.) His is also a strict fixed path and mine would be variable upon different loading requirements effecting the pathway. I'm on the right track: effective and cheap (and poor :-(

Wouldn't a third party camera, like Pioneer or Panasonic, be better? Changing oem electronics may be more expensive in return for a partial solution. If the oem camera does anything well, I'd use it for that exclusively and get another night/larger/high definition camera in addition. When parked, the 3 other directions would also be nice for security as well. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V7A-uwEib5Q

When you said wave, I though of 3 people on a bench front seat, sequentially bouncing up and down like a stadium wave. Now THAT would be cool, if anyone ever noticed. Motorcyclists are always doing high and low sign waves, but I never have time to take my eyes off the road to notice since I can be run over in a heartbeat. Safety First!

It looks like the Quality One team is working overtime! And this is the next best truck maker?? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4w-HOiQo5OA

I think the OP was talking about hauling a motorcycle inside the NV, which is made even harder in a low roof like he has. That's a big reason for my greedy heuristic of always having accessible transportation carrying a bike in a van, THAT CANNOT BE VANDALIZED! A motorcycle outside hanging on the rear bumper is great for random part time use, but ... it is not the best design for full time vehicle use no matter how financially appealing and pragmatic it is. I've seen a lot of jib-hoist cranes (that requires more reorientation to secure the motorcycle than they show), but no actual users otherwise ($300 non powered to $4,500 for a partial material handling solution). Spitxcraft?? I tracked down someone in the Netherlands who had a slick looking expandable roof I-beam lift, but they did not return e-mails (and I was sold on it but it really was too good to be true - it must be severely under-duty sized and needed much larger support beams). https://www.liftingequipmentstore.com/product/mad-easyload-van-and-lorry-crane-500kg (about $4500 plus shipping? -ouch) It really is a nifty solution. I may deal with Netherlands vender's, but not with UK middlemen jacking up the exchange rate 50% (BRExit on that!) http://mad-tooling.com/en/easyload/products/_easyload/examples/ And then there is the 2-pickup truck size loader that lifts it up with a tray 20' in the air for $3K plus (give me a break!) I think the liability of a large vehicle material handling device can be disastrous when things go wrong, with that much mass being re-oriented. What I originally envisioned on the cheap will be what I'll do most likely, with a: A. ramp I can store on it's side; http://www.discountramps.com/black-widow-motorcycle-ramp/p/BW-40-AMR/ (about $350 - $450) B. locking front wheel chock that secures when the wheel runs over it, and what will make this a system will be tow-able Chassis on two wide front wheels (at least 36" wide) and two narrower rear wheels: so once attached, it should be virtually hands free until it locks or butts into the docking station.) http://condor-lift.com/cycle-loader (about $450) C. cheap electric pulley/winch cable; and https://www.amazon.com/Electric-Cable-Hoist-Pulley-440lb/dp/B007KP3PH (less than $200 OR less than $1,000 for complete loading assembly) D. Exact docking station to accept the cycle loader will be physical barriers, some type of lock, and with maybe steel loops to hold vehicle fixture if is ever turned in a non-vertical direction (to be determined.) There are thousands of bikers and tall van owners out there. Most must just quit riding when they get older, and I may go to a 3 wheel (front leaning 2-wheels) design before it is all said and done. So here is a feasible and almost effortless way to load and unload the motorcycle in a van. All the pie in the sky handling alternatives that go nowhere, since 2010, must just be unrealizable for one reason or another (gravity, unrealized and required material handling reorientation positions - not even mentioned, ...); and someone big enough to help you load one manually is not always convenient (to play hide and seek!) while loading up. Ymmv.

Not with the body shop technology in the last 20 or 30 years, They can fix anything, but if an airbag goes off (that can break your glasses and/or neck), then it is totalled!

Through several statistical averaging methods, I have come up with an easy and 'doable' 16 mpg for the new 2017 (cargo) v8 with much better consistencly than the v6 mpg's in towing (at reduced speeds.) It is no major research breakthrough, but it helps keep a new vehicle budget in-line. With a powerful drive-train you just have to tweak 3 variables to optimize fuel costs: velocity, acceleration, and safety. A beautiful white tall (for optimum wind-drag) 2017 NV SV3500 with most of the paint-protective cheap options is quite a deal, ready and set for a RV conversion. Weight, balance, and drag coefficient shall rule the here-after. :headspin:

That's a bummer for sure: 18 to 24 y.o. multi-tasker girl drivers. One thing I learned on a motorcycle is get loud dual PIAA horns for $60 a pair and use them, esp. in LA (but don't forget the custom wiring harness with thicker wires from relay to horns :-) Dizzy drivers delight in multi-tasking above all others safety and welfare. I hope you got a 2017 NV 3500 and traded it in to Nissan, lol. It may be your best deal possible at this point. And next time, don't forget thte dual PIAA horns (600 and 700 Htz)! BEEP BEEP!!

It sounds like a good reason to see if you want the options first, and then rust proof it in one way or another: esp. for you Canadian guys.! Sticker rust proofing is a cheap alternative that is unacceptable IF you do not know the Cheap work-around has a time limit of sticker glue adhesion. Although it's better than half-baked or incomplete engineering, it's a warning sign to be on the lookout for similar short-cuts to make oem vehicles budget. By itself, it's no big deal, but the Japanese are very crafty in deception; as were the Germans and diesel exhaust pollution cleanliness standards.

Good to hear! I'm impressed as well :-) It's time for a new 2017 V-8 thread section now!

Thomas, Driving I-10 in lower TX w/o gas stations, I got 12 mpg more by just slowing down to 55 mph (in a 1994 Dodge Dakota 6 cyl. w/over 300k miles(!) and that is just one factor in driving patterns you can change for better mileage. And the DC of the high top is significantly lower than the low top, which equates to better wind flow efficiency (or gas mileage - about 2 mpg!) Van weight is the biggest mileage detraction, with DC ( wind Drag Coefficient) being the second most important mileage factor.) It's all about weight and wind drag coefficient. Just ask all the big rig's on the road with similar roof scoops as the high top NV for gas mileage efficiency. Desert Ted is a wonderful pioneer. I have learned a great deal from her/him/them.

Wouldn't a hd rear monitor (used instead of a rear view windshield mirror) be easier to use than a grainy low resolution camera with stick (predicted course) lines in it? For about the same money difference (?), would anyone rather have high-definition color night-vision camera instead, that could dual purpose for rear view windshield mirror while driving? Is there any compelling reason, from expert user experience, to have the Nissan back up camera other than it came with the options on your year/model truck and is better than no camera at all? However, I do realize it may be better than any other oem rear view camera; but after-market electronic technology advances at a rate exponentially compared to oem vehicle one to five year model rates (even from Japan.) Thanks!

Nice build going. Keep up the good work!

When I put this curved rubber/steel stealth edging around my motorcycle windshield (to scoop the air over my helmet to reduce helmet-visor rattle noise), I thought it would slow me down (efficiency in speed = economy efficiency). It did not one bit. The stabilization factor (like spoilers) makes a big difference in vehicle wind drag efficiency. It's hard I'm sure to tell if a 7K lb vehicle is more stable, so I won't ask. ** How are you getting your gas mileage measures? Thanks!