Longboardguy Posted October 11, 2024 Everyone's needs are different. This build may not work for you but it is what I currently think I want. It's all subject to possible modification and change as I build this. This is a "work in progress" posting so there is still a lot to do. It is kinda like a house, where there is always something to do or finish, redo, and things that will never get finished. I came from having multiple Ford Econoline vans, trucks, motorhome and campers since 1968. The last one was a Ford e350 4x4 fiberglass high top camper. I could go anywhere and be self contained off grid. Prior to the covid years, I frequently traveled month long camping treks along the coastlines in Baja Mexico. Things are different now and my needs have changed. At 72 years old and a botched knee replacement, my surfing expeditions have become much shorter and the camping is now oriented more towards shorter vacations and safer campgrounds with the grand kid. I'm in So. California near the coastline and have never been much of a "snow person" and I really do not want anything to do with that stuff. I get an allergic reaction while near it. Chills, runny nose, shakes, little bumps all over my skin... Textbook allergy symptoms. My Nissan NV build will be not intended for full time living, vanlife, or cold weather camping. Almost all of my cooking is done outside on a 8 ft folding table using a Coleman propane stove grill combo or a portable butane single Burner stove. My van: 2018 Nissan NV3500 cargo 5.6 V8 130,000 miles on the odometer. It's previous life was a AC & refrigeration service vehicle. No signs of any abuse. Excellent service history, no accidents except for the bent front bumper, tiny amount of rust on a couple the roof rack mounts. It runs strong and considerably quieter and smoother than the E350 Quigley did. What has been done is: Replace dented front bumper and Raptor coated Ripped out the existing shelves, Divider, console, rubber floor mat and roof mounted ladder carrier Added sliding windows to the slide door and left side along with the 2 rear windows Insulated and panel walls, doors and ceiling and install the flooring Built a convertible dinette bed BougeRv 1500wh 12 volt Power station with built-in 2200W inverter BougeRv 53 qt. Refrige freezer Tiny 1985 vintage Sharp Munchkin 600W Microwave Cassette toilet stored in a pull out box/stool/table DTV Passenger seat swivel Added second grab handle to side door pillar Lagun swivel table mount and Table Next On the list: Add full extension pull out drawers under the dinette seats Make a removable cushion for the stool box Make insulated window covers Dimmable LED lights in the ceiling Maxxfan install LED light outside above the sliding door Lots More interior trim and detail to do Way down the list: LineX or Raptor the roof to prevent any future rust. There are to many nooks and crannies that can retain dirt, ocean salts and water. Slight lift for better ground clearance Build a roof rack Maybe an awning mounted to the rack Tire upgrade Custom step/running boards Outside water Spray port to rinse off bodies, feet, dog slobber No plans to install: custom rims or huge tires Heater These pictures are where I am today on this build. I will add to this string as the project progresses. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
radin2son Posted October 11, 2024 Great work. Perfect for you and grandkid. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Renzo Posted Saturday at 09:21 PM @Longboardguy Nice/Simple buitl-thanks for sharing I have a similar build in mind(mine is High roof) What did you use for wall paneling? Insulation behind? Do you sleep "North-South" or East-West? Im about 5'9" but I havent tried East/West to see if I can comfortably fit. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Longboardguy Posted Sunday at 09:45 PM The walls and ceiling are thin, 3/16 ? or 1/4 ? inch sanded plywood, (not door skins), from the Home Depot. Super easy to work with and lightweight. The panels were cut and fitting, and then installed, so the screw holes become predrilled for a quick reinstall. Then I removed the panels and covered them with the 6'x 12' ? rolls of gray carpet from the Depot. Be sure to check the dye lot number on the rolls of carpet to be sure they are the same.. I used 3m spray adhesive. Use the good stuff 90 high strength. I used foil backed rigid foam panels used in the flat areas glue in with caulking gun tubed marine adhesive, and R15 Kraft faced fiberglass in all the cavities, irregular shaped areas, and nooks and crannies. All the seams and holes were taped up before reinstalling the covered wall panels. I would prefer to sleep north and south but my sofas are only 56 inches long. The width, east/west, is about 65 inches. I usually end up diagonally. I am 5'-11" tall on a good day. If I was camping more frequently, I would have made a longer bed. I am not happy with the plank flooring that was used. Where he sun hits it, it heats it up and expands and then contracts. The side seams will open up a tiny bit to let sand in and also buckles up to create a ridge. It will be replaced soon with a solid sheet vinyl flooring. I hope this helps answer your questions. If you need more info or some pics, just ask. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
