nihil_perditi

Finally working on electrical - hope to have solar panels (560W) mounted soon. Here is a photo of 200 Ah Li-ion battery connected to charge controller/ BMS:

Some other updates (__of __): Hardest part of seat swivel install was waiting for it to arrive. If I recall correctly, I waited around 6 months for product to be in stock. Not many are made due to relatively lower demand compared to a similar swivel for a sprinter. Very happy with quality and extra space it provides.

Some other updates (__of __): Pictured here is the "kitchen" module. I learned how to work with 80/20 and build basic cabinetry while building this module. So if you look really carefully you can see some of my mistakes. It is built around the national luna fridge which sits on a tembo tusk fridge slide - pictured it is in the out position. I designed the drawer section around fitting a two burner alcohol stove in the upper right drawer. I used southco flush hatches that lock shut and would easily use them again. I wanted the counter to be free of a permanently installed range because I wanted to make that horizontal surface multi purpose. Is the fridge too big for such a build? Will the slide prove inconvenient or difficult to use once the sink module is installed? We shall see.

Some other updates (__of __): Still trying to figure out dimensions of sink module - here is a photo of a box I built to approximate sizing. Probably won't get to look at this in earnest for at least the next three months. I don't want to take up too much floor space but at the same time I don't want a sink so small that it is more of a novelty than a utilitarian addition.

Some other updates (__of __): Bed dimensions are atypical - almost as wide as a king but very short - length was limited as I built this around the requirements for the fridge module which was installed first. I don't mind the short length - which I believe is right around 6'2" (for reference, I am right under 6'2") Sleeping at somewhat of an angle and/or with feet off at times works well for me. I could have made a portion of it longer but for now I am content with size. And yes it was someone's birthday when I took the photo (not mine).

Some other updates (__of __): Here is a photo to get a sense of the bench/bed construction. Currently planning to have electrical components inside driver side bench and water/plumbing will be housed on passenger side.

Some other updates (__of __): I am really enjoying working with 80/20! That is a "starrett" tap wrench - expensive but a beauty.

Bench to bed conversion - not pictured are the foam pieces I have cut out for the bed. Hope you can see the movie. Almost ready to design the roof rack for the solar panels! IMG_4767.MOV

Haven't posted an update in a while and that's partially because I haven't had much time to work on the conversion! First time to work with 80/20 extruded aluminum and I can say that I really enjoy building with it. Still tinkering with lots of things so not much more can be shared but an image of what part of the interior looks like (at least for now). Hopefully I can post again with a meaningful update before the end of 2016!!

Looks great! Do you mind sharing details regarding what junction box (if that is what it is called) you utilized on the roof? I am still not too sure the best way to run my wires to my van's interior. Thanks,

Wollip - that sounds like some serious heat - stay cool out there!

I believe the video showing this build was on this forum somewhere - but I recently came across an article regarding this conversion and thought I would share - enjoy! Article: https://adventure-journal.com/2015/10/living-the-road-dream-in-a-25-foot-stealth-office/ Video: Also - Wollip I know you have talked a little bit about your fridge and your conversion but I was trying to find photos the other day of your build but came up empty handed. Did I miss a thread? Always love seeing what everyone else is doing with their vans. Thanks!

This is great! Thanks for sharing Chris

radin2son - good to know, I will reach out to sportsmobile and see if they can opine on my pilot hatch. KMG - I will monitor that seam closely - thanks for sharing.

Hi wollip, thanks for your concern. I knew that cutting through one of the ribs would compromise some of the structural integrity, to what extent I was not sure. Currently I am not noticing any extreme lack of rigidity in that area and while it is not as strong as the original steel the aluminum frame does provide some structure. I will need to do some more research and consider your suggestion regarding reinforcements. Thanks!

radin2son you raise a good point - a fan might not be needed - opening is approx 2x3 feet - Size 78 pilot hatch http://www.lewmar.com/node/11225 I will have to take some trips as R&D without a fan and see if I think air movement without a fan is enough - like you said the CR Laurence window with the vent seems to be shaping up to be a nice combo. Regarding how I plan to utilize the NV - right now I am envisioning it as a "fair weather" camping vehicle of sorts - currently not planning to be camping in it in very hot or cold areas, but as I make progress on the build and I start to use it more that goal might change. I made some reflectix window covers for the rear windows with magnets that I am pretty happy with, I need to upload a photo to share. Agree that they can be cumbersome to store when not in use

I am cautiously optimistic that I will be able to make some worthwhile progress on my build this summer - and here is a photo previewing one of my next projects - installing a tembo tusk fridge slide for my national luna fridge. Since it will be a while before I have solar and my lithium ion battery bank set up, and given the weight of the fridge and the fact that I am utilizing it as a bedroom fridge in the mean time (it can run off 12V DC or 120 AC), a friend suggested I build out of cardboard a to model scale of the fridge on the slide to better visualize where to bolt it down.

I had wondered sometime what solution I would utilize for roof top ventilation not being too crazy with the fantastic fan / maxx air options out there. Wanting something with the lowest profile as possible - to allow for maximum solar panel install on the roof (should I wish) left me doing some research for a few months regarding the best solution. I even went so far as to build a small lego prototype and met with a machinist to look into having something custom made. After meeting with the machinist leaving with sticker shock for the estimate he provided and seeing a product designed for boats that my friend that sails recommended - I decided to go with the boat hatch figuring it should work on the van and hope for the best. This is a very large pilot hatch (largest that lewmar offers), aluminum frame with a very low profile. In my opinion - it is aesthetically pleasing but will also provide the utility I am looking for in terms of ventilation & light. It was a little nerve wracking cutting such a large hole in the roof (first time to attempt such a feat) but I think I have successfully pulled off the installation so I can confirm this can be installed in a van. Really opens up the space and if I had to go back and do it over again I would have installed the same exact design. Over time I will design a bug screen, reflectix cover and 12V fan to blow air out (or in) when needed. I will share those designs once I have figured them out. I am happy to share any details regarding install - feel free to ask. I can say that given the large size of the hatch and the left to right and fore and aft curvature of the roof, to get a secure install without too much distortion to the roof or frame I used stainless steel washers of various amounts for each screw. I think that was the best no frills solution to that problem but of course time will ultimately tell!

Anyone happen to know what this plate is for? I am trying to figure out if it might be housing something sensitive before I start drilling into floor of the cargo area in approx same area that plate resides. Thanks

The covercraft seat covers were $245 (before shipping and taxes) & the sun shade was $62 - I believe covercraft also sells a sleeve for the sunshade for about $5 which in hindsight I wish I would have bought just to help protect it when not in use - it does not come with any sort of elastic band or wrap built into the shade for storage.

Hello! Figure I might share what I am doing to my Nissan NV as many others have done with their conversions in the hopes that others might find this information useful. Regarding my van - I am trying - like many others - to make a compact shelter that is relatively mobile - hence its name ' "Mobile Basic Needs Shelter" or MBNS for short. 3.0 indicates this is my third major prototype (vehicle) and if you haven't guessed it already I'm a bit of a nerd! While I hope to address "basic needs" with the shelter - I will also be aiming for additional comforts and we will see how close I hit the mark with respect to both "wants" and "needs" :lol: For starters I can share info regarding some accessories I purchased I can recommend. Unable to find much info online, I purchased the Carhartt covercraft seat covers which I have had for a few months now. I am very happy with how they fit the seats and how they feel when I am sitting in them. I wanted seat covers that could be washable and found mixed reviews online regarding the coverking offerings. I also purchased the covercraft sun shade which I am happy with - fits the windshield well. Laharview inspired me to install a cr laurence t-vent window for the sliding door - I will post photos of that later. Thanks for looking

KMG - from what I understand - you would have to remove the center console.

I follow - I would like to see a photo of the finished product to get a sense of how comfortable it might be.

Has anyone installed a swivel seat adaptor for the passenger seat offered at http://www.swivelsrus.com/nissan.htm ?

I thought it might be beneficial to start a post to share ideas related to efforts to minimize rust as well as to document parts of the van that may be more susceptible to rust versus others. Personally I can say I am pretty naive when it comes to cars rusting and best practices to minimize related damage so unfortunately I can't start the thread with any insights but hope others will share and also document issues. Thanks,