radin2son

Keeping it Nissan NV specific, only so much safety can be built into our NVs. Same for NV abuse allowances for towing and tires. In Tucson, perhaps all of AZ, we have a summer “monsoon” stupid motorist law. Get stuck in a running wash and need to be saved, you pay. Maybe, this needs to be more broadly applied.

Above NV SMB listed as SOLD. Wonder if the new owner will show up here?

When looking for info on Whitewater Draw and Kofa National Wildlife Refuge, I came across this site. www.wheelingit.us It provides state by state info (not on the mobile site) on boondooking, federal, state, county etc campgrounds and private campgrounds and RV resorts. Their information seems to be accurate based on places we know. Kofa is next on the list if the weather holds. Soon it will be too hot, as in Yuma heat...

WHITEWATER DRAW WILDLIFE AREA and DRAGOON MOUNTAINS We put off this trip many times since this fall, when the Sandhill Cranes (30,000) start arriving to over-winter in the Willcox Playa south to McNeal Playa in Cochise County, AZ. Whitewater Draw campground is a 5 to 6 “big” rig, fenced in corral with 2 picnic tables and a 2 seater pit toilet for campers and the many day users. Very clean, managed by AZ Game and Fish, no fee. The night we stayed there were 5 big rigs, 6 campervans/truck campers and 1 tent camper. Even if you are not a birder or photographer, this is an impressive sight. The cranes feed in the surrounding farm fields during the day and return mid afternoon to sunset. They leave again at first light. Many other birds as well... No NV camper conversions. There were 2 4x4 MB conversions and a Transit conversion in the making. The tenter from BC, Canada was interested in our NV so I told him about the used one for sale. His comment was he couldn’t bring it into Canada due to regulations. We got to listen to various furnaces cycling on and off. Sandhill cranes are very vocal all night as well. 50* temperature swing; very cold. We next camped on the west side of the Dragoons and crossed over from Tombstone to Pearce via Middlemarch Rd. Roughly 40 miles of very dusty dirt roads. (Check engine light will come on, code P0448.) We camped off Coronado Forest Servive Road 687. Dispersed camping and free. Narrow road and your NV will tangle with the mesquite trees. No need for 4x4 but clearance can be an issue. We opted not to take a washed out portion to get to a better camp site. Most are accessible. As you get farther in on FS 687, the rigs get smaller. This primarily is a beautiful area to hang out or hunt. Climbers love the rock and there is some hiking. New to us was taking a Thetford 260. The collapsible toilet with bags ($$) was not a good option. We plan to do more dispersed camping rather than national parks or monuments. Way too crowded. Why the 260? Low height, as we only had 13” to work with. Just fits and I can slide it back under the lower bed. 2.5 gallon water tank for flushing, so it is heavy as well as low to the ground. Seek your own privacy... No odor if you empty it before driving off. We are using vinegar rather than chemicals so it can be dumped in a hole we dig. Middlemarch Rd is a former cavalry supply route between Fort Bowie in the Chiricahua Mountains and the San Pedro Valley. Now it primarily is used by ranchers. Only oncoming traffic were cattle. Anything else would have been a problem. 2/12 Grass fires on 2/10 caused the evacuation of the area where we were camping. On 2/8 just south of Tombstone, there were 2 just ignited grass fires on the left side of the road. The heat was intense as we drove by. ADOT was calling in the second unaware there was another. All 3 were most likely human caused.

I saw the photos and thought an individual posted them. It would be great to have them join as a vendor and promote their Nissan specific products.

So predictable... Welcome. CR Laurence makes a great product. Go to conversions and look for laharview’s posts and photos. We have used ours for 5 years with no problems. Unless you have plans for the driver side wall, putting one there adds the cross ventilation you will need. They come with screens; the fit is not great on ours, but the bugs stay out. While you are at it, Skeeterbeater makes screens for the front and rear doors. We made our own side door screen, but I believe they make these as well. These are worth the expense. Other window brands have been used. Look at all the build posts. Lots of good ideas.

Periodically, l look at Sportsmobile’s pre owned sites to see if any Nissan NVs show up. I thought this 2012 hightop sold for $41k, but it is back at $39,995. This is a great price, given it probably was $70k after the upgrades. The owner is in Salt Lake City. Google pre owned Sportsmobile, Texas if interested. I believe I posted photos on the previous page.

Go to conversions and scroll down to Indel B and you will find helpful posts. There may be others...

Good point. No clearance. If they did fit and the height difference was enough, you would have a retro 70s look, small rims, large tires.

Why not go with a 16” rim; Ford has used these forever on their vans. Their new Transits have 16” rims with Continental tires. Easy enough to find Transits on a lot to measure the wheel/tire combination with E rating.

Double post...

Yes, they do crash test and safety rate trucks; both NHTSA and IIHS. They rate minivans but not large vans apparently. The new Titan is 1 of 3 that rated well according to IIHS. Honda and Ford are the other pickups. Off topic, the 2019 CHEVY has opted for a steel frame and uses aluminum only for doors and hood unlike Ford.

Great photo. Hope the code stayed away. With all the new cars and very expensive pickups on the road, you would think bad gas would be just a memory. Some of the original Titans had problems with the crank sensor getting fouled due to its location. Cleanup and replacement worked. Mc2guy I believe had posts about this. Our van has sat idle since October, primarily due to our old dog. Better weather here also contributed.

Somehow, you don’t expect to survive a crash like this, a semi broadsiding your vehicle.

Is there a service interval for the fuel filter? I didn’t see one in the service manual... It’s been awhile since you posted. If I recall, you have taken your NV there or near there before without any problems. We’ve used some off brands in rural areas without problems. You can always drive the top half of your tank to give your a better opportunity to find the brand you trust. We’ve also use regular trusting whatever octane the locals use.

From your posts, the parts exist, but are too expensive? Call Nissan Commercial customer advocates to voice your concern about the lack of covers, particularly given the hyperbole regarding all the seat possitions. Also let them know about your dealer experience. They may not do anything but keep calling them until they do.

Also check out weretherussos.com and their description of their class B ”ramvan.” It was built by a new RV HymerActiv (?) with the latest tech. Their videos are well done once you get past all the coffee he drinks. Interesting that their conclusion was they wish they didn’t have the wet bath etc. Given your plans, you won’t have room. Dirtbag diary and similar sites have good info as does Goal Zero.

Welcome. You picked a great van to convert. Scroll down to nihil_perditi Relevant Notes post for a large sky light. There are plenty of posts on roof fans.

You will need check the Nissan Commercial web site to see what safety features are listed and any agencies that track this. Do they even crash test trucks? To answer you question, yes there was a serious accident documented on this site. Finding it may hard. An NVP was traveling at interstate speed, side swiped a guard rail, driver’s side, causing it to flip onto its roof and slide down the interstate. No injuries. Most visible damage was to the front, driver’s side. The roof retained its integrity. Totaled but easy enough to be replaced with another NVP. Will you and your family be safe? This is a truck with lots of sheet metal, a super strong chassis and lots of air bags. Compare it to what you are driving now.

Welcome. Big difference between your NV and Westy. I would start every trip wondering what could go wrong with our Westy on the trip. Usually nothing major, but...You won’t have any worries with your NV. After 5+ years of use, the cloth seats have stood up well. No covers. Post photos of your build as it progresses.

If it is what you want, go for it. The advantage of buying it through a dealership is that Nissan has to deal with all warranty issues. Plus it is close to home...

The SMB NV that sold was a high top. Low mileage and went for $41,000. Great deal. I still don’t get the idea behind the custom standard top without a PH. It even has a dedicated internal shower and portable toilet.

In 2012, SMB West built 30 and sold them through 8-10 Nissan commercial dealerships. We bought ours in 2012 and picked it up at SMB West in Fresno before it was delivered to the dealership. SMB in Austin built a few as well. Terrible business model. There have been a few custom builds as well. It may simply be that loyalty of Ford and MB owners keeps SMB in business. Don't see the Ram van doing this. So far, only one used one has appeared. A custom NV standard top with no penthouse has been for sale for awhile. $56,000.

I still like this site, much more than the VW Tiguan owners’ forum. The is such a thing as too many posts. I wish there was more campervan participation, not just builds but travel. Sportsmobile has a forum that is 4x4 Ford and Sprinter oriented. Even though we have a Sportsmobile NV, it was not well received by the moderators and many members to put it mildly. The last time I posted was at 50,000 miles and will post again at 100,000 miles. There are plenty of campervan/van life blogs, primarily VWs. We’ve done that...