Spike TV NV Build

[KMG]

Ian Johnson from Xtreme 4x4 is going to be building a Nissan NV into "the ultimate off road van".
Should be on this Sunday.

[Bamps]

And it's in Arizona. It will sport a Titan XD drive train with the Cummings TD!!!

 

http://www.powernationtv.com/post/our-first-ever-4x4-cargo-van-build

Edited August 27, 2016 by Bamps

[radin2son]

Bamps, Have you seen Outside Van's NV build, Kodiak? Expedition Portal has more info as well.

 

It makes sense that Payson is in the mix as the Nissan's test center is in the Phoenix area. I can see why race support crews will go with NVs. It really is the only new truck available for this.

 

In Motor/truck Trend's truck of the year they used a high top NV.

 

KMG, I have a very basic question. Why use a 3500 to convert to 4x4? Aside from 1(?) more leaf spring, what is the difference between V8 2500 and 3500?

[KMG]

I don't know the answer radin2son.  Maybe a Quigley choice or requirement?  I also don't know the difference between stock 2500 and 3500 NVs.  Any one else know?

[Bamps]

I have seen the Kodiak and have been to their site. My pocket book told me there's too many things wrong with those vehicles though. ($$$$)

They can only be dreamed of.

[radin2son]

We briefly considered a Sprinter conversion and looked at OV. Unlike SMB, the vans on their site were custom one offs. Way too expensive and flashy.

 

I've tried to compare specs on the Nissan site and very little is different. If I remember correctly, the drive train, gearing, tires and wheels are the same. No mention is suspension differences.

[KMG]

Radin2son, you had to peak my curiosity.

                                            3500               2500

Tire Size                               245/75/17      245/70/17

HD Battery                           Std.                Opt.

Heated tow mirrors              Std.                Opt.

Ft. Tow Hooks                      Std.                Opt.

7 Pin Brake Prewire             Std.                 Opt.

Class 5 Hitch                       Std.                 Opt.

Payload                                3,626              2,834  Has to be the extra leaf spring because the tow ratings are the same.

Height                                  +1"  Leaf spring and tire size?

Edited August 27, 2016 by KMG

[radin2son]

I wonder... if 245/75 vs 245/70 tires add some lift, this would be a cheap way to get a little more ground clearance.

 

Thanks for taking the time to check this out. 

[KMG]

Tire rack shows  a 1" diameter difference for the two sizes.  Divided by two only means 1/2" additional height gained.

[radin2son]

and that 1/2" would decrease with every mile driven...

[KMG]

Assuming both tire sizes wear equally, the increase in diameter between the two sizes remains 1" but your ground clearance reduces with tire wear.  

[radin2son]

Anyone else notice the NV Cargo X promo at the bottom of the 2017 Nissan Commercial site. This is from the show mentioned in the first post by KMG.

 

Just shows us how tough our basic NVs are.