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I've got to go along with Chris on this. Part of picking and choosing your battles. I was determined not to have a roof mounted AC unit - AC being a necessity for anyone living in the South. I researched and schemed for weeks before I gave in, just got it over with, and went with what has been proven to work by thousands of installations - a rooftop AC unit. Have I ever regretted it? No - because it does not use ANY interior space. And as you already know, every cubic inch of space on these vans is vital. But it's a lot of fun making your build unique. So,if you make it work, be sure to let us know.

Gene- Thanks for jumping in here and giving everyone an update on this manual shift situation - talk about straight from the horses' mouth :-)

There is a very good Ctek video on YouTube, search for - D250S and SmartPass installation and operation 091209 It is very similar to the slide show that KMG referenced. There is no sound - all reading on this one - be prepared to pause it often since it moves quickly.

No problem! I have another question - about the Ctek charger you are using. I think it has a built in cooling fan - if so, does it make much noise?

KMG- "100Ah AGM Battery $100 ea." Really?

KMG- Thanks for the detailed post on your setup. I found the Ctek slide show online and it really helped fill in the blanks about this system - especially the ones explaining the Smartpass module. There are a few YouTube videos that are good but that slideshow really explains how the Dual and Smartpass work together. I can't thank you enough for bringing this to our attention. It is the solution I have been searching for. The rub rails for your solar system rack is an excellent idea - please post a pic when you get it done.

I think I was the one that raised the question about discarding the TPMS sensors. Being old as dirt, I'm perfectly content to do without them. However, I've done enough reading since posing the question to now know that they are mandated. Just like seat belts - I'll gradually get used to the idea.

Paul - When you say you installed Rattletrap in the ceiling area above the cab, I'm thinking you have the information I have been looking for. I've wanted to do the same thing but am intimidated by the process of removing the headliner without damaging it. Any pointers you could throw my way as well as hazards to avoid would be greatly appreciated.

So far, I've never had a problem with the shift paddle. And the button has never failed to return to overdrive. It is the occasional failure of the button to activate manual shift mode that is my concern. Seems random and sporadic - without a pattern. But with enough input and occurrences maybe something will emerge. Dope slap me for not knowing my vehicle - I did not realize that transmission display was there - or more precisely, didn't know what it was for. I agree with Rad - never noticed any significant movement on those read outs - but I'll now be hawk eyeing the one for the transmission. I'm guessing the local tech doesn't know that readout is there either because he made the comment that we could prove or disprove the tech teams theory by installing a transmission temp gauge. As soon as it stops raining, I'll check the condition of the transmission fluid. If it has been overheating, it should be dark. Many thanks to everyone for the comments and suggestions - keep them coming - we'll figure this out eventually.

KMG- I'm thinking this whole thing is more of a safety CONCERN. Maybe, as others report in with their experiences, we will be able to spot a pattern. ASD Dad - You have a transmission temp gauge?

ASD Dad- Things for the input. Kind of scary when it happens - suddenly no control over a driving situation and more often than not no chance to reset it (stop and restart) until much later . To update, I drove it home after seven hours at the dealership today. The local tech still thinks the problem is electrical (the signal from the button on the manual shift assembly not making it to the meter) while the Nissan tech team is leaning toward the possibility that the transmission is overheating and refusing the command. The tech team is reaching out to Nissan Japan who will contact the Hitachi team that wrote the program that controls the transmission. Sounds like it will be several days before an answer comes back. In the meantime, we wait ....

A note to Lee Blake - Anxiously awaiting the launch of your website / www.gedigan.org . The YouTube video Lee's Van Tour/Living In A Van was excellent - but not enough. We have questions. Please consider structuring your website to accept comments/questions. Thank you!

Woe is me - I have the Sword of Damocles hanging over my head. The problem with manual shift mode returned. As I drive it now to test it, it is failing to respond somewhere near 5% of the time. I don't want one of those times to be when I'm descending a steep grade with no shoulder. I've had to wait a week for the tech guru to return from vacation but will be waiting for him early Monday morning. If anyone has EVER had the button fail to respond and not allow you to drop out of overdrive and access your lower gears, I would appreciate hearing about it. Thanks!

Haven't done that - can't get past wondering if the seat will feel like it is sitting on the floor (like a chair with no legs) when it is facing the rear. Know what I mean? Will it be comfortable? Will you be trying to look over your kneecaps?

I'm sure you are mainly concerned with issues with the factory paint job. But I want to jump in early and state the obvious so we have it out of the way. If you drill or cut the painted metal on your NV, prime the raw edges immediately. Don't say I'll do it later or dismiss a small drilled hole as no big deal. Keep that can of primer handy and use it without fail.

Paul- Welcome to the group and thank you for the post. It sounds like you are well on your way. Don't hesitate to provide details - some may skim or skip as they read but others will absorb it all. You might want to copy this post over to the conversions category and then just continue to add to the thread as you do more things to make the vehicle meet your needs. Your concern for the safety of your family is noted and admirable. The first step you took towards that safety was buying the NV. Now you have a vehicle with excellent stability and comfort, a huge engine out front to help absorb impact should anything happen, and the largest and best set of brakes in the category. And yes, most other drivers seem to be a little bit intimidated by it - which doesn't hurt. I'm looking forward to hearing about the fun you will have owning and modifying one of these unusual vehicles. Gotta question - just ask us - there's a great group here with a diverse set of skills.

I found a short but informative review of the CTEK D250S at www.themotorreport.com.au Search under reviews for CTEK D250S Dual DC - DC 12V 20 AMP 5-step Charger Review

When I started my NV/RV conversion I knew even less than the dismal amount I think I know today. Not much in the way of innovation on my part, I'm afraid. I used our 2003 Coachhouse as a guide - along with reading a lot of posts on the Sprinter forum. I installed a Progressive Dynamics PD 4000 (Mighty Mini - 45 amp) and a small 70 amp/hr AGM battery. I went small with the battery while I am learning - not wanting to destroy a greater investment up front. My goal is to be able to power two 12v fridge/freezers and the ceiling vent fan during the day whether going down the road or parked in some tourist trap parking lot. We use shore power at night. Only have one of the two fridges installed right now but will add the second one very soon. The Mighty Mini, despite being billed as a multi-stage charger, just doesn't seem to live up to that claim. So I am very interested in hearing more about KMGs setup. Not certain yet that I want a solar panel but haven't ruled it out.

The SEARCH function on this site is horrible. Not specific enough. For example, if I were to ask it for all of your posts - I am instead given a list of all topics which you contributed to - then I have to scroll thru them one by one until I find the post(s). Not even a retired person has that kind of time - and for sure not the patience.

Rad - I'm still fuzzy on this - do you have the stock alternator? Also, what are the details on your battery bank? I think KMG is onto something here. We just need him to detail how he is using this charger - stuff like DIY or factory build, details on his solar equipment, stock or up sized alternator, details on his battery bank, etc. And what he is powering up with his setup. And if he is not retired he should consider it in order to have more time for answering our questions.

Jerry- Thanks for the detailed reply - lots of good information. Everything is so interconnected anymore - looks like I'll just plan on keeping them active whenever the time comes to change tires. I had my first check tire light the other day after three years of ownership. Nothing wrong with the tire - sensor seemed to reset about 60 miles later when driving over a rough railroad crossing.

There are ways to do solar in an rv correctly. The first thing to do is discard practically everything you think you know about the subject and start reading handybobsolar.wordpress.com or just do a search for Handy Bob's Blog. This guy has enough information to make your head explode. I think I understand where you are coming from. It is extremely difficult to make even the best system work when you are on the move daily. Not so much of a problem for those that park for extended days in the same spot (unless you need the shade more). You can fully and correctly charge your house batteries with a dual alternator system. A good explanation is at sprinter-source.com. Here is the best I could do getting the path to the discussion: Sprinter-Forum > Sprinter-Based RVs & Conversions > Sprinter-Based RV Brands > Great West Vans > 2014 Great West Vans Legend SE > Page 10 > The discussion starts at post #100. Nation's Starter and Alternator makes the same kit for the NV and it is equally pricey. Roughly $1500 plus a mechanic unless you also have those skills. I haven't justified the price yet. Would love to hear from anyone that has done this or the equivalent. Until I learn more about the pros and cons, this dual alternator system looks like a better choice than solar for anyone with a smaller battery bank and daily driving.

About the tpms sensors - has anyone just had them removed (at tire change or otherwise)? Wondering if doing so will cause a problem with some control unit searching for what isn't there and constantly displaying a check tire error.

Radin2son - Thanks for the input. That should help me out as I try to get mine covered.

Im in the process of getting State Farm to cover my DIY conversion but they are dragging their feet. I'll let you know if I get anything out of them.