Tatunka

Check out the link below, it outlines all the features that Nissan conect will have including Pandora. http://www.nissanusa.com/connect/features-app.html I was hoping to see some changes to the drive train, but I'll have to keep waiting on those. I hope the Nav is better, the current program is really basic and not user friendly IMO, I end up using my phone most of the time instead.

The 5.0 Cummins is nothing to laugh at with 275hp and 560lb/ft. as a commercial engine. The duramax in the express is only rated at 260hp/525lb/ft. and pulls 10,000lbs, so the 5.0 is right in line for a decent puller. And with pre production tweaks it wouldn't be weird to see the Titan/NV 5.0 come out around 315hp/580lb/ft. I am just hoping it comes sooner than later and sports a bigger fuel tank and maybe 4x4 from the factory (current model has warning lights in the dash for 4x4). I guess we'll see. Oh, BTW my current NV pulls 9000lbs just fine with 385lb/ft., so adding an extra 180-200lb/ft. would be alright in my book.

Like I said, the winch vs. a strap is just a cost/benefit thing that you have to decide for yourself. Personally I would like to have a winch, it's just not in the budget currently. But I must have a strap. There are other recover tools that are way cheaper that you could carry in the van just in case also. Some things could be a Hi-lift jack, chain, recovery strap, traction pads, or a come along. I have used all of those things to get me unstuck. It is up to you to decide how much you want to spend and what you want to spend it on. Oh, and about power loss on the drum of a winch: "Here's something else you want to be aware of: the pull load rating drops about 10 percent for each layer of cable that is wrapped around the drum. What this means is that when one layer of cable is on the drum (it is nearly completely extended), it reaches its maximum pull load capacity. If you have a 95 foot cable and your winch is rated at 9000 pounds, for instance, it will be able to handle about 6200 to 7300 pounds when it is extended 40 to 50 feet." So if you are going to buy a smaller winch, just remember to take that into consideration.

I think that 15,000 would be a little over kill for the type of vehicle extraction that you sound like you are going to encounter. The 15000 is for pulling trucks that are frame deep in mud and up and over rocks that you have hung up on. My type 6 engine (dually pickup) weighed a lot more than our vans do and it had a 15000 winch that we used a few times and it pulled us out fine, it worked but it pulled us out. Also remember that as you go out from the drum of the winch, the less power you will have. Meaning that the first row of cable will maybe only be able to pull 10500, even though it is rated at 15000. So keep that in mind when selecting a winch. I know self extraction is your goal, but a high quality recovery strap might just be the ticket. Winches are a lot of money for the use you will get out of them, especially with only 2wd. It's a cost benefit thing. Question for you: when you got stuck, did you disable the traction control? Nissan's Electronic Limited Slip has worked out great for me, but only if I disable the traction control.

I have been told to avoid the CC because of unpredictable trailer sway. I don't know, I still use it though.

Good to know, I know for a fact that this thing is nowhere close to being as compliant as my 2011 F150 or my Buddies burb.

It is attached to the bottom of the hitch

The tranny cooler is right in front of the radiator and is quite large compared to the cooler in my F150. When towing, even in 100+ heat, I have never had the temp gauge move much, and that is with a 8500lbs trailer.

Simple answer, No. The Nissan dealers that can service the NV have to have special equipment (lifts) and space (garage door clearence) to fit the NV. That being said you might want to check with them, they might still do the work. Problem is Nissan might not pay them for it, the NV is kind of an internal franchise.

My van is a daily driver, I don't mind it and actually like the high seating of the drivers seat. If you are looking for a compliant ride like a 1/2 ton truck/suburban/conversion van look elsewhere for a passenger vehicle as the passenger NV rides like a 1 ton truck. On the flip side its a 1 ton truck and you can use it like one.

I blew the fuse for the 12v outlet in the third row and had trouble finding it. I also noticed that the owners manual does not show the locations of the fuse boxes. So after screwing around for awhile I finally found it. The location is in front of the battery in a small fuse box with only one other fuse in it. Hopefully this saves someone else some frustration.

SOLVED! It turns out that the first ( a place I have been going to for many years) and second (random pick of the day) tire shops and the dealer all really suck at balancing tires apparently. So the two tire shops balance the tires about 12 times between the two, still vibrated. So I go to the dealer for some other repairs and have them balance the tires while they have the van, still vibrates. The dealer comes back and says that they suspect that the drive shafts are misaligned, I inform them that it didn't vibrate like this before the tires were installed, they didn't care and told me to contact the place that installed the 4x4. So I walked away and turned around and said "Hi, I need to have the front of my 4x4 NV checked out." They looked puzzled, so I had to inform them that they sold me the van with the 4x4 installed and it is under Nissan's warranty. Silence. Anyway they tore the front end apart and put it back together and then told me that the wheels are out of round. Crap, so I try hub rings to align the wheels back to center, doesn't help. Well one last try I call Discount Tire in Minnetonka and ask if they have the correct lug centric adapter, they said they did so I went and told the guys about my problem. They told me to give them an hour and I would be good as new, I said I'll believe it when I see it. The manager came out and asked who had balanced the tires before because the weights were all screwed up with weights counter balancing other weights. They gave me the keys, and off I went to the highway to test it out, absolutely SMOOTH! I couldn't believe it, after 6 months of playing games, the van is back to normal.

the local dealer just told me that they were just able to order thier first allotment of 2014 NVs last week.

I had mine looked at last week and this is excatly what the dealer did! So word must be getting around. Thanks for the insite Jimbo!

So my ongoing saga with my vibration problem... I went to the dealer to have my oil changed and the door lock problem fixed, and being annoyed with the tire shop, my tires balanced and rotated. The dealer said that they think it is a front drive shaft misalignment, but needed to talk to Quigley about the problem first so they gave it back to me. While driving the problem is 90% gone just a slight vibration starting at 45mph to about 75mph, so thats where I am at. My question to you guys with other tire/wheel combos is: did you guys have any problems? And to all, anybody experience a misaligned drive shaft? Thanks

Been pushing 18 inches of snow in some spots around here with no problems. But I have an unfair advantage, 4x4 and 34" BFG AT's. :rockon: I do wish they made a locker or at least a LSD for this rear end though.

I did forget to ask if the rear is a full float or semi-float, but that easy see with the naked eye.

I found some more information The rear axle is made by American Axle Manufacturing, they make axles for GM and Chrysler/Jeep also. Quigley and Advanced4x4 both use the AAM front axle also, 9.25 IFS same as GM. I was told by two different 4x4 shops that a locker for the rear of a NV does not exist as of yet. :cry: And yes the Quigley is a manual lever that switches the transfer case and sends a signal to an actuator that locks the front axle shafts. Gas mileage is about 11-13 city 14-16 hwy, not too bad considering I run around with about 5-700lbs of junk in the back and taller tires.

I always thought what you needed in sand was horsepower and flotation (wider) tires. I mostly deal in mud, snow/ice, and two track rutted roads, so far the NV has been great. I haven't missed low gear except for when I pull out the dock in the fall, high does the trick but tears up the grass more. One thing that I do think would matter in sand would be the absence of a full time locker in the rear. If you are thinking about a more off road capable NV I would look at Advanced4x4. They are in Utah and can modify the NV more then Quigley, Quigley is more set up for OEM style reliability vs. off road prowess. Oh, the last time I talked to Quigley the transfer case IS a two speed case (HI and LOW), but because of the speed sensor placement on the drive shaft when shifted into LOW the computer freaks out and shuts the engine down and throws a bunch of codes. At that time Quigley was working with Nissan to remedy the issue, but this was last May 2013. They told me when they find a work around they would send a note and the update would be available at the dealers. Maybe Advanced4x4 has a work around, it would be worth asking. Side Question: Does anyone know what the style the rear end is in the NV? It would be nice if it was something simple to be able to drop a LSD or locker in.

Springs might do the trick, especially if you don't haul stuff. I agree with using 1500 springs to replace your 3500 springs.