NV high-top for van dwelling

[SoCalKaren]

Hi,

 

I've been wanting to get a cargo van for a while now and equip it for living in it full time while stealth urban camping to avoid rent seekers, to get myself out in the world (I have a tendency to be a shut in now - hoping this would break my shell a bit) and just have freedom and adventure that most people don't have being tied down.

 

The current batch of US vans have hideous leg room for my 6'1" frame. The sprinters are too expensive and the diesels scare me a bit. The NV fit the bill with its high top, reliable brand etc..

 

I had my eye on a white 2012 NV 250 HD high-top with 9.5k miles on it. I forget the size of the engine. But a dealer near me gave me a deal for around $19999 + my 2007 Toyota Matrix with 27k miles. I turned the deal down because to be honest I haven't a clue about the price of these things, and I didn't want buyers remorse. Yesterday I texted the sales guy that I would buy it if he installed rear windows and tax title and fees were included. He'll get back to me.

 

But now I'm starting to get concerned about gas mileage and I'm wondering is the 1/2 ton v6 would be a better choice.

 

I don't plan on adding fresh, gray or black tanks - instead I'll just fill up water by the 5 gallon and dump the same. I'd be installing a urine separating compost toilet. I'd eventually put solar panels on top with a decent bank of golf cart batteries to run a small refrigerator, lights, small microwave, several fans for general ventilation to vent the toilet, and id probably also install a twin duct 10000btu portable a/c with stealth venting, and all the infotainment systems.

 

I don't plan on installing a shower - plan on 24 hour fitness for that.

 

What are your thoughts on the size engine that would be best? I don't plan on doing a bunch of mountain driving, but you never know. I don't plan on towing anything, but you never know.

 

I would like to spend as little on gas as possible, but most seasoned van dwellers seem to like 3/4-1 ton vans claiming that the engines will last longer by not getting tired so fast.

 

Anyways, I thank you for any thoughts you might have in this area! Especially the price of this van.

[patsmith]

I would go with the v6 . I have the 2500 high top with the v6 and it has plenty of power and a little better mpg than the v8

[dbly1850]

Well I converted my NV2500 V6 into a nice Van dwelling. I added two marine batteries to power the dual fans mounted on the back door and a trucker style refrigerator that sits where the passenger seat was.

I have been living full time out of it for over a year and that includes the great lakes winter. I have a fullsize cot and plenty of room. I add curtains to allow total stealth. I think this is the cheapest way to live at the moment. I just make a car note. No electric,gas,water,sewer, city taxes, garbage pickup fees, mowing the lawn. I guess the list could go on. But you get the idea. check out the link below for the yahoo group.