New Owner: My Modification To-Do/Wish List

[Zachary]

I'm still moving funds around and counting the days till I get out to see the vehicle in person and test-drive it, but the conversations with the current owner are looking promising, and I'm getting more excited about upgrading from our 2014 Ford Expedition EL to a single-owner, 2016 NV3500 SL with Quigley conversion and 2" lift. 

 

Use case: family mover (5 kids), travel-trailer tower (2017 Forest River Wildwood X-Lite 230BHXL - 7000-ish GVWR), and occasional "stuff mover" (building materials etc - not on a regular basis though). Home base is in St Louis, MO. We usually make an annual trip (with the trailer) out to the PNW, and our Expedition has been faithfully making the trip ever since we purchased it in 2018.  Hoping that the NVP will serve us just as well or better - and what I'm reading on these forums is very encouraging.  

 

I'm making this thread as a "note-to-self" to keep track of modifications/upgrades I'd like to make once I bring the van home. Please feel free to critique, suggest, or banter as you'd like. I'll update this OP as I check things off or add/update/remove items.

Immediate:

1. Garage opening modification , DIY  (okay, not really a mod, but something that'll need to be done ASAP with winter incoming)
2. Running boards - DIY  Installation at Pickup Outfitters was reasonable enough, and I could use the time other ways O-MEGA II: https://www.luvernetruck.com/part/584100-571164 DONE
3. Winter tires - previous owner had a set of extra rims for his AT tires, I'm planning on going with BFGoodrich's AT KO2s, also installed at Pickup Outfitters DONE
4. LED Headlights - DIY, going with the Torchbeams on @Local Apparent Friday's suggestion: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07SZMVNC7/ref=ewc_pr_img_4?smid=A1PZIO7FIUJK04&psc=1 DONE

 

Mid-term (prior to first trailer-hauling trip):

1. Trailer brake controller - DIY, Teknosha P3: https://www.etrailer.com/Trailer-Brake-Controller/Tekonsha/90195.html
2. Rear suspension - DIY, Timbren TNRNVHD: https://www.etrailer.com/Vehicle-Suspension/Nissan/NV+3500/2016/TNRNVHD.html?VehicleID=201619511.
3. Reverse seating - UPDATE: Not doing this after all
4. Window deflectors? - DIY, wondering if these in-channel versions will fit? https://www.carid.com/wellvisors/in-channel-smoke-front-window-deflectors-mpn-3-351ns002.html?singleid=4751198046&url=81692837
5. Bumper guard - DIY, considering: https://www.amazon.com/TAC-2016-2018-2012-2018-Exterior-Accessories/dp/B07CZVR95L/ref=d_pd_day0_sccl_2_2/139-1048267-7556652?pd_rd_w=kkhXl&content-id=amzn1.sym.8ca997d7-1ea0-4c8f-9e14-a6d756b83e30&pf_rd_p=8ca997d7-1ea0-4c8f-9e14-a6d756b83e30&pf_rd_r=BAH15FFHWT1F5E3BVW9G&pd_rd_wg=Kibsd&pd_rd_r=f7666031-c861-4255-aaf3-fab1a73bc406&pd_rd_i=B07CZVR95L&psc=1

 

Long-term/wish-list:

1. Roof-rack? Open to recommendations!
2. Do something about the pitiful fuel capacity - we occasionally do trips that take us far afield from service stations, and it would be reassuring to have some additional fuel storage (like external fuel cans on the back, if such things exist?).
3. CarPlay-compatible stereo (without messing up the RVC)

Edited November 19, 2022 by Zachary
Updating the list

[Local Apparent Friday]

So I had a P3 on another vehicle...important to note that that controller wants to be mounted level and plum, unless they've updated it.  This was an issue in the van that I had it in as there was no flat, level place to mount.

 

For rear susp I went with sumosprings, very similar to what you linked.  Easy to install.  No contact when van is not loaded.

 

For LEDs, I went with torchbeams on sale on amazon...ABSOLUTELY worth the upgrade for the $40 or so bucks

For roof rack, there are lots of options...some dude drives around the country installing them and everybody that has purchased really likes.  AmericanVan has a galvanized unit that is cheap. Avatar has one available if you have a kidney to sell.

 

For fuel capacity, here is a thread where a guy had custom tanks built and linked the shop where you can order. No idea what cost was.

Swapping stereos and keeping existing equipment is easy these days...crutchfield is a good one stop shop, albeit expensive.  

Good luck today!

 

- laf

Edited November 4, 2022 by Local Apparent Friday

[Zachary]

In addition to my mods list, I've got a couple of (hopefully minor) repairs to make/get done on the new van:

 

- The driver's side fog lamp assembly was shattered by a rock - hoping this is the correct replacement: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07QNR9ML1/ref=ewc_pr_img_1?smid=A1OSL9HFQPQXJX&psc=1

- There's a ding on the passenger side door and a couple very small chips on the front hood; planning on touching up with Nissan Arctic Blue: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01AVVFCRI/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

 

Question: The front grill was done up in black Plasti Dip, which is starting to peel in a couple places. I could peel it off the rest of the way and return to the OEM chrome look, but I'm wondering if it's possible to get a can of the stuff and "patch" up the missing portions? https://www.amazon.com/Plasti-Dip-Multi-Purpose-Coating-Aerosol/dp/B07QCPXXBV/ref=sr_1_4?crid=18IPWL681E4H6&keywords=black+plasti+dip&qid=1667684651&s=automotive&sprefix=black+plastic%2Cautomotive%2C167&sr=1-4

Lastly, the pre-purchase inspection turned up very minor (almost imperceptible) oil drip from the transfer case input seal, as well as some signs of wear on one of the front wheel bearings. Both would require Quigley parts to be shipped to a shop, so I'll need to find a good mechanic outfit that is willing to work with me/Quigley to get those dealt with. I was able to leverage the repairs to negotiate the final price a bit, which helped seal the deal, so hopefully the shop's estimate turns out accurate and it won't break the bank to get the new components installed. 

[Zachary]

Okay, I think I may have answered my Plasti Dip question: looks like it's possible to repair the peeling sections using a thinner blend and recoating. I've ordered the thinner and a couple cans of black Plasti. Hopefully the weather will cooperate and I can get those spots patched before winter sets in in earnest. 

 

Edited November 6, 2022 by Zachary

[radin2son]

At some point, SVs went from chrome to black. S trim also black. 

 

2016 has updated nav, for what it’s worth. If this is still the case, Nissan notifies owners around January that an updated card is available, but you will be better served with car play or whatever works best with your phone. 

 

Near as I can tell, there is no such thing as a Quigley forum. Quigley does have maintenance schedules posted on their site. When you order the parts, hope Quigley can help you find a good mechanic. 

 

Enjoy your van.