Everyone's needs are different. This build may not work for you but it is what I currently think I want. It's all subject to possible modification and change as I build this. This is a "work in progress" posting so there is still a lot to do. It is kinda like a house, where there is always something to do or finish, redo, and things that will never get finished.
I came from having multiple Ford Econoline vans, trucks, motorhome and campers since 1968. The last one was a Ford e350 4x4 fiberglass high top camper. I could go anywhere and be self contained off grid. Prior to the covid years, I frequently traveled month long camping treks along the coastlines in Baja Mexico. Things are different now and my needs have changed. At 72 years old and a botched knee replacement, my surfing expeditions have become much shorter and the camping is now oriented more towards shorter vacations and safer campgrounds with the grand kid. I'm in So. California near the coastline and have never been much of a "snow person" and I really do not want anything to do with that stuff. I get an allergic reaction while near it. Chills, runny nose, shakes, little bumps all over my skin... Textbook allergy symptoms.
My Nissan NV build will be not intended for full time living, vanlife, or cold weather camping. Almost all of my cooking is done outside on a 8 ft folding table using a Coleman propane stove grill combo or a portable butane single Burner stove.
My van:
2018 Nissan NV3500 cargo 5.6 V8 130,000 miles on the odometer. It's previous life was a AC & refrigeration service vehicle. No signs of any abuse. Excellent service history, no accidents except for the bent front bumper, tiny amount of rust on a couple the roof rack mounts. It runs strong and considerably quieter and smoother than the E350 Quigley did.
What has been done is:
Replace dented front bumper and Raptor coated
Ripped out the existing shelves, Divider, console, rubber floor mat and roof mounted ladder carrier
Added sliding windows to the slide door and left side along with the 2 rear windows
Insulated and panel walls, doors and ceiling and install the flooring
Built a convertible dinette bed
BougeRv 1500wh 12 volt Power station with built-in 2200W inverter
BougeRv 53 qt. Refrige freezer
Tiny 1985 vintage Sharp Munchkin 600W Microwave
Cassette toilet stored in a pull out box/stool/table
DTV Passenger seat swivel
Added second grab handle to side door pillar
Lagun swivel table mount and Table
Next On the list:
Add full extension pull out drawers under the dinette seats
Make a removable cushion for the stool box
Make insulated window covers
Dimmable LED lights in the ceiling
Maxxfan install
LED light outside above the sliding door
Lots More interior trim and detail to do
Way down the list:
LineX or Raptor the roof to prevent any future rust. There are to many nooks and crannies that can retain dirt, ocean salts and water.
Slight lift for better ground clearance
Build a roof rack
Maybe an awning mounted to the rack
Tire upgrade
Custom step/running boards
Outside water Spray port to rinse off bodies, feet, dog slobber
No plans to install:
custom rims or huge tires
Heater
These pictures are where I am today on this build. I will add to this string as the project progresses.
