New member needing input

[exE350]

Looking for a Nissan NV 3500 passenger van to replace our aging Ford E-350. Since these old solid vans are phasing out, better get one now. Would like to know if any of you have addressed the several shortcomings (at least for our intended use)of the current NV's: 1) Storage box between seats blocks easy inside access to rear (I know, remove the box, but then still need some storage space, and what's under the box that'll need to be covered?; 2) Even the 2012 Ford had power plug in the glove box where I could easily route a line from the head unit for an out-of-sight USB plug. 3) How is step-up access without a running board?

Also would appreciate some opinions on ride quality in the rear seat area (we'll be removing these and installing a platform for dog crates - they go wherever we go). The Ford is bone-jarring. While the Ford gave is 15-16 mpg on the road, down to 12-13 with the car hauler hitched up, what have you seen for the NV3500 V8 low top?

Thanks for your help folks.

[radin2son]

Not easy to find, but most of your concerns are addressed in previous posts. 

 

Smooth ride and plenty of power with mpg less to about the same as your ford. Step up should be about the same.  Front passenger seat is low, perhaps due to commercial design for folded seat back to function as a desk. We just crawl over the console as we like the storage. There are posts regarding removing it as you describe while others have replaced it with a fridge. 

 

Main issue may be rear ac. Check this section. Some diy fixes but no help from dealers.

 

Some random windshield breakage, slider door not (un)locking and poor paint quality on roof. 

 

A great van, truck as is frequently said. 

[exE350]

BTW, one other niggling question: Do the interior lights, after illuminating when a door is opened, turn off after some period of time? The old Ford does this and is handy when tailgating at a game or outdoor show.

Also thanks for the tip on rear A/C. The Ford has problems here too, but seems to have a stronger rear heat/AC installation when it functions. However, from what others have posted here, seems the problem is mostly a flow problem combined with intake clogging under the second row seat. The DIY filters and flow controls should help, along with closing off the second and maybe third row outlets. Does this make sense? We have dog crates installed in the last row position, and ditch the third and fourth row seats.

Thanks

[radin2son]

We have the door lights off when opening front doors. Since our camper van has been parked for a very long time, who knows if they will come on again. 

 

Sportsmobile installed a switch next to the glove box for a led light in the ceiling above the passenger seat; we use this when needed.

 

There are recent posts where the interior light doesn’t come on. 

 

Since our NV is a converted cargo van, we have no ac in the back. It can get uncomfortable/stuffy but our dogs have tolerated this. We aim the front vents up and back to share the discomfort. Actually, the front ac works great.