Nissan nv200 mini-van conversion platform?
I know that we have a few people on here who are interested in the idea of a conversion on a mini-van. I happened onto a link to this new small cargo van from Nissan. While it is actually shorter an...
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Size and capacity, this one fits between short and long wheelbase versions of the new Transit Connect, and about 20% less space and payload than the minivan based Ram C/V. If it can handle a pop top, it has conversion potential for a VW-style camper van, a RV class still common in Europe but not so popular here. Capacity is not enough for the weight of everything going into most B motorhomes, which is also why the larger Nissan van, and even E-150, get used only to make campers like RT's Active and PW's Traverse.
There are smaller companies doing these conversions on customer order, but building for dealer stock this is a tricky market. I think there are buyers for these, if the layout fits particular traveling and camping needs, but prices scare bargain seeking buyers away more so than the much higher prices of luxury B's discouraging that market.
This camper type of conversion often works better as a DIY project. People will build just what they think they want, and tend to under evaluate their labor in the project.
There are high tops for most current vans and minivan, if the manufacturer allows the top to be cut. Primary market for the tops is builders of wheelchair vans, although the move toward ramps rather than lifts has reduced the need for the tops. Pop-up tent tops are harder to find. Sportmobile has them for some platforms.
Nissan dealers in my area are showing NV200 in their inventory, MSRP at $20K - 21K, about ten grand less than the NV2500. I think GVWRs are about 4400, positioning this to compete with Connect as replacement for minivans in lightweight delivery.
Turns out GVWR is about 4800 U.S. versions. It was under 2 metric tons in Europe. Our version is also somewhat heavier empty.
There are smaller companies doing these conversions on customer order, but building for dealer stock this is a tricky market. I think there are buyers for these, if the layout fits particular traveling and camping needs, but prices scare bargain seeking buyers away more so than the much higher prices of luxury B's discouraging that market.
This camper type of conversion often works better as a DIY project. People will build just what they think they want, and tend to under evaluate their labor in the project.
There are high tops for most current vans and minivan, if the manufacturer allows the top to be cut. Primary market for the tops is builders of wheelchair vans, although the move toward ramps rather than lifts has reduced the need for the tops. Pop-up tent tops are harder to find. Sportmobile has them for some platforms.
Nissan dealers in my area are showing NV200 in their inventory, MSRP at $20K - 21K, about ten grand less than the NV2500. I think GVWRs are about 4400, positioning this to compete with Connect as replacement for minivans in lightweight delivery.
Turns out GVWR is about 4800 U.S. versions. It was under 2 metric tons in Europe. Our version is also somewhat heavier empty.
