Tabula Rasa pt1--Nissan NV200 Camper Build
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- Опубліковано 12 вер 2024
- Part 1 of my Nissan NV200 camper van series. This video shows why I think the NV200 will make a good candidate for a camper conversion. I'll also talk about some of the specifications and features of the NV200 cargo van.
In the video I mention the "dealer installed reverse seat option". There actually isn't such an option, but you can do it yourself for free in about an hour. It's far easier than a swivel and you can read more about it here:
odysseycamper.c...
The Nissan NV200 Cargo Van (here in SV trim level) is one of the smallest minivans you can buy. However, it's still long enough from front to back to sleep my 6'4" body, with room to spare. It's also 58" wide between the walls, which is almost as big as a Queen sized bed! The floor is flat which should make it easier to build that bed with storage underneath.
Right now my NV200 is a big metal box, but I hope to have the camper conversion started very soon. Like the Odyssey's I will go at it a bit at a time, while using the van for other duties and traveling. If you are thinking about a new minivan for camper conversion, I'd give the NV200 a serious look. Right now it comes as shown, with a 100,000-mile warranty, for $25,000 and you can get a base model for about $23,000. That's almost 10,000 less than a base Honda Odyssey (though the Odyssey IS nicer ;-)
#nv200camper #vanlife #minivancamper
I purchased one on Friday. It is not ugly. It is very cool looking.
Opinions vary. Actually, it’s grown on me since I made the video :-) I’ll have more videos coming, but if you are interested, I’ve posted some of the build stuff on my Instagram account (OdysseyCamper). Thanks for watching!
Oh, and congrats on your purchase!
I bought a 2015 NV 200 SV (a lease return) 2 years ago and like the styling of it! The performance is workable for power and braking, but the real attraction is it's mileage and usable space. It's the same size as my previous van, a Villager but taller for easier moving around in with more potential for a simple build to travel and camp (without carpet, trim, and all that). It's been to the very tippy-top of Rocky Mountain Park CO (12,500 elevation) and will soon be going all over the country. I'd buy it again without any doubt!
K T I haven’t had mine above 5200 feet yet :-) I definitely agree that it’s nice to not have to work around the carpet and trim of a minivan; it’s a better platform for those that want to design from scratch. Safe Travels! Hope to see you out there!
+K T Hello guys I'm trying mo make a survey about nissan CVT transmissions so I wanna know the locations(countries/states/territories/cities, etc) of every nissan CVT lovers and Nissan CVT haters as well. Thank you so much guys and hope you all join the survey. (How many kilometers you put now/or how many kilometers when start to notice any issues?)
Thanks so much for this video. Great information to help people making decisions. I’ve been thinking about this little van, or the Ford Transit connect as a camper. I go back and forth debating on a van, a mini-van or this or FTC. The FTC has good headroom. But I think Minivans have more floor space. I like this a lot, the boxiness and connection points would really help facilitate a build- especially for someone with limited tools, skills, resources- that would be me! Plus as a 70 year old woman it feels like I would need a little less physical strength and flexibility to maneuver around. It’s all pipe dreams at the moment as most of my very limited resources have been going to my sweet doggies ears for the last year plus- but I can still dream and make plans. Thanks again. This is so helpful. I’m looking forward to seeing what you do with it. I’m particularly interested to see how you make it temporary- mainly because I think that would be a lot easier to do. I saw a video recently of someone putting his tongue and groove ceiling up with magnets! Or was it his wall panels? I watch so many of things I can’t remember!
ohmercy a standard minivan or the transit are both good choices. If I can make one observation about traveling this way it’s that if you get dressed in the van, you’ll be doing it on your knees unless you are somewhat short. It’s not that it’s impossible, but man, it gets harder every year :-) Just remember that the van is only the means of transport. Don’t let too much planning stop you from getting out there! Enjoy the journey and thanks for watching!
I recently bought an NV200 for work that I use as a camper. I built a bed platform that converts from single to double bed and has storage bins underneath. I used IKEA products for a quick, cheap, and decent looking build. Initially I was regretting my purchase and wanting something with more power and a tow rating but the NV200 has grown on me. Turning radius is amazing, fuel eco not bad. I took it on a 2500mi tour of the West and aside from being over run by big trucks on fast two lane highways, the NV200 did me good, except in image. Wish I had ventilation and side windows in the rear. Added an SUV side tent which I consider essential.
Nate Booth clever ideas! I agree that the NV200 grows on you after awhile. I like how the CVT holds the gearing when descending steep inclines; I barely have to use the brakes. Now, I’m off to IKEA ;-)
@@OdysseyCamper Some things I learned about my use of IKEA stuff for my build. The BESTA frames fit perfectly and are modular. I started with 3 of the double ~15x47in frames and 2 of the little flat single ones to bake a U shaped configuration. all fastened together with brackets. The open part of the U takes a small LINNMON table top. I got the cheap tubular legs, removed the feet, used a pipe cutter to shorten them, reinstalled the feet and now the tabletop serves as a floor that converts to a filler for the double bed platform. I did a full CAD workup and the dimensions are perfect. I later changed the rear frame to two separate singles so as to convert from a U to an L shape for better access and for solo travel. I cant post images here but let me know where i can send them.
Nate Booth I’d love to see them! You can send them to OdysseyCamper@gmail.com
Nice! So it's not the prettiest small cargo van ever, but it's not terrible. It'll be fun to watch what you do with it, Darren. Take care and TFS!
Subbed to see what you do with it. I'm inspired by Nate's van build and I would add the pop top. By using the upper bunk in the popup I believe a simple bathroom could be added below. A requirement for this woman. Ha!
Rosalie Larson I understand the need; guys have it easy ;-) I will be doing more videos of the build in the coming months. Nate also gave me the idea for the NV200, I’ve been watching him since I got an Element for my son a couple years back-very nice production quality on his videos. He had to get his van done quickly because he is in it full time. I have the luxury of a little more time, so I am adding sound and thermal insulations first. Thanks for subbing!!
I INSTALLED A MAXAIR FAN IN MINE AND IT FIT PERFECTLY WITHOUT CUTTING INTO THAT RIB.
I LOVE MY NISSAN NV200.
Interesting. You are the first person I’ve come across that says it can be done. I looked closely at the Maxxair but I could not find anyone that did it without cutting and it did not seem possible from the install diagrams. Now you’ve got me thinking about ditching the small fan I bought and moving to the Maxxair. Thank you for adding this insight! I like my NV200 more and more, with each mile I put on it! I really like the way the CVT transmission holds your speed on steep downhill slopes.
If you haven't done so yet, you may want to see the NV200 camper done by youtuber, element van life. Nice to see you. Take care.
Nate's videos gave me the idea :-)
Nice tour!
Brooke Barber Thanks! Sleeping in there tonight at Disney’s Fort Wilderness! Always wanted to “camp” here as a kid and was passing through, so...
Very cool. I like nv 200
Thanks for watching!
@@OdysseyCamper and thanks for upload 😁
Thanks oddesey, this is a nice description of the van,
Element Van Life (Nate) has done and excellent conversion, including a pop top. But, of course, he owns the van.
Ray Sills Agreed. But he didn’t spend a lot of time on the details, because his channel is more oriented to traveling. I’m hoping to show what the mounting points and dimensions are so others can plan their own build. Plus, I have to retain the ability to carry machinery, so mine will never be as cozy as Nate’s :-)
Odyssey Camper How did you reverse the passenger seat?
TheRawBabe odysseycamper.com/nissan-nv-200-camper-build/the-first-nv200-camper-mod-reversing-the-passenger-seat/
I imagine that you will figure it out. You did well with the Odyssey.
Asia T LOL, thanks for the vote of confidence:-)
The reversed passenger seat really is a game-changer. IMO, the vehicle is just a tad small... unless you have the seat as you do. You mention that it is an "easy" switch back with a ratchet. Is this something you could easily do a multitude of times, or does it seem like doing such a thing loosen things (to make it not advisable to do so. I would primarily keep it backwards 90% of the time; just curious what you thought).
Mr. K Hey, K! I have flipped the seat seven times so far with no ill effects. The seat frame is definitely up to the challenge. As far as the NV200 being on the small side goes...you are 100% correct with respect to driver room. It does not have a telescoping steering wheel which means I have my knees up against the dash (I’m 6’4”) or I have the seat back vertical so I can move the seat back and still reach the steering wheel. Everything is a compromise. The Odyssey has a WAY better driving experience but not as many options for the build out.
@@OdysseyCamper Looking forward to more from you and your NV.
@8:08 reversed passenger seat option with fold flat is very smart! It would be great if in future models the back middle seats (not in this model) slide back and reclined to form a bed too. I test drove it and the only complaint I had is driver seat shoulder room.. it felt way too narrow and cramped. Wonder if we will ever see the e-NV200 electric?
NoSunBeach Thanks! Yeah, the electric would be cool. It seems to me that SOME cities must allow free parking for electrics and it would make a great local delivery truck. Maybe we should start a petition to Nissan...I looked into the seats on the Euro models to see if there was a fold flat option, but I have not found one. It sure would make a bed build simpler. Thanks for watching!
I own an nv200 that I camp in. The only alterations I've done was add a bed platform, some polyiso panels on doors (more to block noise than insulate), a privacy curtain, some storage bins, hooks ...and a cheap "persian" rug. Everything is easily removable. Interested to see how you do yours.
I know what you mean about the noise. I spent this weekend working on the sound insulation so that video is coming. Thanks for watching!
@@OdysseyCamper With insulation, how is the noise now? I don't want to feel like I'm sitting in a tin can, would like it to feel a bit more cozy. As for the reversal of the seat--terrific! First I've seen (in America).
@@mr.k8379 the sound is MUCH improved with some added insulation. I first applied butyl rubber sound "deadener" followed by a closed cell foam (rolled, not spray). As time allows I will post those videos. The biggest improvement was the sound deadener on the rear side panels, and wheel wells. Start there, followed by the sliding doors. The improvement was HUGE. Thanks for watching!
Wife and I are looking at these. Are there BETTER Brakes available?!
Hi Bruce, That I can’t answer. However, I’ve since driven the van 20,000 miles and have learned how to drive it better. If you are old enough to remember drum brakes, you’ll also recall that you have to apply a little more pressure than what we’ve gotten used to with all disc brakes. Doing that, the stopping with the van is more than adequate. The big issue with drum brakes is the fade on repeated stops and hills. The first isn’t a problem unless you autocross and the second never comes up because of the CVT transmission. Driving down the biggest mountains in the US, all I’ve needed to do is lift my foot off the gas and the transmission holds the van at speed. Works with the cruise control on too. This has been the most pleasant surprise about the van. It’s as if they made it just to de end steep inclines! So...I’ll dial back what I initially said in the video and say that as long as you apply a little more pressure, the brakes are fine.
Looking forward to seeing the build videos. What did you do with your odyssey?
Falcon Trek I’m keeping the Odyssey, I’m just taking a detour to see what I can do here.
Nice review. Interesting van! 😊 --Mark
Hello bro sorry if i missed it... You seem pretty tall i am 6.7 do you think i will fit into this car ?
I’m 6’4” and it’s no problem. If you build your bed like I did, then you might have to bend your legs 5 degrees. Otherwise, you should be good!
@@OdysseyCamper thank you for reply. I meant more like leg room and generaly room when you are driving
How did you feal about the clearance with this van?
I put larger diameter tires on it and the ground clearance was very good. The short wheelbase really helped with the off-road stuff too. There is a post on my website about the tires I used. odysseycamper.com/odysseycamper/tires-for-the-nv200-everything-you-wanted-to-know-about-tire-sizing-but-were-afraid-to-ask/
Would there be anyway to take the passenger seat apart so we could see the swivel and how it looks? Thanks
Wish to see the build video(s). Any chance?
István Helfrich I’m hoping to get the next one out soon. Sorry, things got busy for me. I’ve got the video but need to edit it.
Nice van. What year model year is it? Thanks.
I took my 2015 Odyssey to a local conversion shop today to get solar or generator or anything. I was told that the car had the curtain? airbags & where across the ceiling in it and no holes could be drilled. I have counted on this for a couple months. :((
There is actually a way to run the wires without drilling a hole in the roof. Have a look at this post, my 2013 is the same as your 2015: odysseycamper.com/odysseycamper/minivan-rv-roof-mounted-solar-panel/
Just curious, if this is a company vehicle why would they give you permission to alter it? You did say that anything done would have to be reversible, but you also mentioned changing the tires and cutting into the roof. Please explain. Thanks
NoProGoPronto with a lease, the payment is based upon the residual value of the vehicle at the end of the lease, so some alterations would hurt the value. Others however, might be expected in a work truck. For example, a partition, shelving, and roof vents are fairly common. The company doesn’t mind changes that are reversible but I’d want to check with the leasing company before cutting metal. The solution for the wheels involves a second set, so the originals can be put on later. Thanks for watching!
Odyssey Camper ~ Gotcha! Thanks
Thank you for this new blank canvas. I like our mini vans for the creature comforts but a square box is a dream! I’ll be following.
Daniel Nicholson I still love my Odyssey, but the box is hard to beat for building in. Thanks for watching!
Is it possible to replace the wheels with larger wheels?
Yes, in fact, I already have. I got some 16" rims from a Nissan Altima which came with 205/65s mounted. There is a photo of the van that way on my Instagram here: instagram.com/p/B14vEy2BHwd/ That size fits and gives you some more ground clearance and the ride is nicer. If you are planning a lot of off-road, I'd go with those. However, I cover a lot of highway so I put 205/55 tires on. They look less toy-like with the 16" rims and the handling is much better than either the stock tires or with the 205/65s. Thanks for watching!
Amazon for the tires.............
Lol, not this time. Late night meeting in Detroit.
Super je me permet de vous envoyer une de mes vidéo @kboI
cool, je viens de m'abonner à votre chaîne.
@@OdysseyCamper Merci