andy_george

I’m with ya Chris. I don’t believe any vehicles, namely pickups these days, with 3 front seats have airbag coverage for the center passenger. It’s a risk in the worst case scenario. But I’d take the center front of the NV over the passenger side of a compact car *any* day of the week.

I agree to every point made, Me2. That’s why the majority of us are here, lol. Congrats and welcome!

Your Suburban was older, but I’m pleasantly surprised to hear you think the NV pulled better than the 6.0. Nice! Our camper loaded was around 8,000 pounds and it pulled fine everywhere, even Michigan to Florida twice. Unfortunately that camper is sold and I’ve replaced it with a 12,000 gvwr cargo trailer based toy hauler, so I’ll be using our Super Duty to pull that around.

Always love the writeups and pics.

You’ve nailed all the reasons the NV is for you. It’s not overly styled to be beautiful, but it’s built better to do its job than anything else. Period. I came from a GMC Savana in 2014 and hardly considered the NV because I also didn’t like it’s looks. But the pros *completely* outweigh the cons for me. I’d go with the 3500 also. It’ll tow a trailer anytime, anywhere as well or better than any 1/2 ton truck. The unibody euro vans may be rated to pull your small trailer, but the NV is a truck with a van body capable of towing everyday and still last 200,000 miles. I have complete confidence it’s the right vehicle for your description. Keep us posted!

Yes, just it in where that little indent is and gently pop it out.

I replaced all the dome light bulbs in the rear to red LEDs. I wish they were a little brighter for them, but it allows the kids to have the lights on at night while I drive and not bug my eyeballs. That’s one of the changes I’ve made....

I just got another set of Goodyear Endurance trailer tires earlier this month for a cargo trailer of ours. Unless a person wants to try a light truck tire on a trailer, the Endurance is the only tire I’d recommend for trailers right now. Period.

I’m happy with the site. Over the past few years I find myself here a few times a week at least. I wish I had some helpful advice, but I’m generally happy with how it’s been. Good work!

I don’t know the answer to your question, but you have a damn nice garage floor!

Awesome, welcome and congrats! I’m sure your family will appreciate all the extra space and cargo room a full size van offers over a minivan. Not to mention the better line of sight because the seats are so much higher. Can’t wait for the video. Enjoy your trip!

I agree with Bamps. I believe you’d be happy with the V6, but if you find a V8 at a good price I’d go that way. I’m perfectly happy with the V8, but we haul big loads and tow occasionally. I’m sure the V6 would be adequate for ya.

Nice looking setup! Happy camping!

Sounds good. Thank you!

Simon, was there any reason given why that specific Transit van couldn’t be built? It sounds like a logical package, so I wonder what the issue was? -Andy

Ford announced today that the 2020 Transit will come with new gas and diesel motors, along with available 4-wheel drive, a ten speed transmission for the gas motors, and a “crew” model with seating for 5 and open space behind. I know they sell a lot more Transits than Nissan does NV’s, so it’s easier to justify the changes, but I applaud them for very, very good ideas for vans. But until it can tow like the NV, I’ll stay put.

We came from a 2004 Savana conversion van. 5 years into owning the NV3500, I have zero regrets, and I am willing to bet you’ll feel the same. Have fun shopping!

I’d assume that would work fine, especially on a 1500.

Thanks for the update. Glad you got it figured out. About 10 years ago I had a Mitsubishi Minicab van, a Japanese Kei vehicle I used for bouncing around our rural Michigan roads. I used it everyday, usually multiple times, and somehow a mouse still managed to build a nest in the squirrel cage fan for the hvac blower. If only we had a way to keep rodents busy with things that didn’t cause us headaches, lol !

I have no doubt that your wife could kick my butt after driving that lol! Super nice work!!

Sounds like a good plan! Glad you found us! Congrats!

Very well said, ASDad. The NV is for people who don’t mind compromises. But it’s hard for any automaker these days when consumers can air their complaints on forums. But for the most part you can’t have your cake and eat it too....

And after I made that last post, I went to autotrader and looked at used Titans. I see the 2017 with the Cummins and 8’ box (that I could throw a topper onto) with low miles can be found for ~$26k. That’s an amazing value imo. Interesting.....

I know the likelihood of the NV getting the diesel is pretty small given the marginal sales of the van and the new Titan. I’m sure it’s not worth it to Nissan. But I’ve said it before and I’ll reiterate, since I’ll be looking for a new business vehicle with the next 18 months, the NV with the Cummins and a tow rating around 12,000lbs. would be the *perfect* vehicle for us. Come on Nissan!

Congrats! With Michigan’s weather lately, I’d give anything to be shopping in Tampa!