John Cole Posted March 13, 2014 Hi Everyone .. My wife & I recently retired. We wondered if anyone has converted their Cargo High Tops into a Mini camper /motor home ? Ours came loaded ... towing package/ GPS & all the other fancy electronics. We just left the van at a local shop to have all the windows installed on both sides as well as the two rear door. After that we plan on having the inside customized to travel with two cats. We looked at the Roadtrek motor homes but did not need everything they put into them that made them so over priced, really $75K to over $100,000. Even if I have to put another $20,000 into this project to meet our needs we will still only have spent less than $60,00. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
wollip Posted March 13, 2014 Welcome to the group - you are going to love your NV. The windows are a big plus for navigation even with the NV having a great set of mirrors. I highly recommend a set of running boards for entrance/exit comfort. Your $20,000 estimate on having the interior finished out is accurate and should buy quality top to bottom. The result is a travel vehicle done your way without the complications and maintenance headaches of a factory RV. And, you can park your NV anywhere (except for parking decks :-) ). We are doing the same conversion with a 2500 but I am a glutten for punishment and am doing the work myself slowly but surely. Maybe we will cross paths someday. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
wollip Posted March 13, 2014 John ... One other rather obvious point is that even with current prices $40,000 in savings will buy a lot of gas. Enjoy! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
vanguy Posted March 14, 2014 Take a look at this thread for some nice ideas:http://nissannvforum.com/topic/303-home-built-nv-camper-conversion-video/ Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
John Cole Posted March 15, 2014 Thanks everyone for the support & advice. The first step(1) is done, we picked up the van today with all the six new windows installed( $3,000.) On Monday it goes back to the same shop to have the running boards on the drivers side , as well as the passenger & sliding door installed. They will also put rain guards above both the driver & passenger windows. I have also ordered the high top van panel conversion kit (PendaForm) from the same shop($1500 total for step 2) which I will partially put on myself after the sound deadening, insulation & more electrical wiring is put in. I am sorry to say after step 2 is completed, I will be looking for another(shop) others to continue with this project because the glass shop only installs glass along with a few other exterior add - ons. Also next week it will go back to the dealer for a special simonize hard coat sealer & while it's there they will put on the mud guards/side protective moldings which was included in the sale price. I will post pictures after this is all done if I can. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
wollip Posted March 15, 2014 John ... Sounds like you have hit the ground running. Don't know if you plan on a vent fan and/or AC unit but I had to have both living and mainly traveling in the South ( Arkansas - 800 miles minimum any direction from anything you want to do ). I decided to place the AC unit in the rear so I wouldn't hit my head on the interior distribution box every time I stepped inside from the slider. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
