Seeking Knowledge On Nissan NVs Or Any Higher Topped Vans

[youngncaged]

Hello i am a very young man 23, finding that the societal humdrum is nothing more than a nonsensical money transfer, allowing you very little time for enjoyment. I worked on farms growing up 7-17 then instantly started working in bars at 18-23 when i moved from SD to MN did that for the last 5 years in a fast paced casino. It beat me down, consistently seeing the worst side of humanity, people holding tremendous value in all the wrong aspects of life in my opinion. I quit my job 4 months ago at the casino went on a long road trip just now getting back loved my experience i did it all in my 1999 gmc sierra 2500. it was rough considering i am 6ft5 but i mainly just slept in it i was out biking or hiking or on my canoe also got some hotel rooms along the way. I am back in with my parents i bought out the lease i had currently working in a factory saving everything i make to build a up a van to live in. looking for your professional opinions on what i should buy would ideally want something that will last me awhile, i am looking to live out of a van for the rest of my days so if you folks would point me in the right direction so i don't waste resources such as time and money i would be grateful and pay it forward in what ever ways i can. even if its just telling me things to research my mind tends to be insatiable when i find things that interest it.

 

[frater secessus]

Here is a comparison of cargo vans (including eurovans) on the rvwiki. 

I haven't done much with Sprinter yet.

 

[vtmactech]

The above link is good info.

I just got a Ford Transit High Roof on Saturday. Too soon to give an endorsement but it was the only choice due to interior height. I'm 6'2" and with any amount of floor and roof insulation/finishing the others would be too short. My final decision came down between the Ford High Roof and the Chevy/GMC with added hightop. Any manufacturer should serve you if you can live with interior height. He wary of diesels after 2007, far too many repair costs due to EPA mandated equipment.

My first call when I started looking was to my insurance agent. Ford Transit 350 HR 9500 GVRW noncommercial was $78/mo full coverage $100 deductible.

My "plan" is to go full time Sept 2019, that will give me time and income to build out while remaining debt free and I'll be fully funded/vested in my retirement. I'll be 48 at that point and looking forward to traveling a bit.

 

[youngncaged]

Thanks for the insight it is very useful, i appreciate it.

 

[WalkaboutTed]

Hubby and I both have Nissan NVs. Mine is a 2016 3500 hightop, his is a 2017 2500. We're both very pleased with them. The greatest negative, which we knew going in, is that the mileage is abysmal. I get around 11-12mpg towing a 5500# trailer at about 62mph. He just got back from a 5000 mile road trip and got 17-18mpg. But we both have roofs loaded with solar panels and roof vents and are carrying hundreds of pounds of batteries and gear.

It is comforting to have such reliable vehicles. The 5 year, 100,000 mile bumper to bumper warranties just add to that. Good luck in your search and have fun with whatever you choose.
Ted

 

[RetiredNomad]

I will 2nd what WalkaboutTed wrote about the Nissan NV. I have a 2016 NV 2500 high roof 6cyl. avg 15mpg but at 6' 1" I can stand, even after building it out. Have been across the country many times, great vehicle and it's my full time home. Good luck with your choice, the Promaster gets better gas mileage but doesn't have the ground clearance of a Titan based truck frame.

 

[youngncaged]

i appreciate both inside views and personal owner experiences very much, i truly do value your input you all seem like very happy, nice and fun people. i normally find myself on the outskirts of society its usually full of malice and discontentment thanks for the change of pace very refreshing, safe travels.

 

[frater secessus]

Try to get to a RTR sometime. Thousands of happy, friendly folks (and dogs).

 

[tx2sturgis]

is that the mileage is abysmal. I get around 11-12mpg towing a 5500# trailer at about 62mph. 

Abysmal?

Actually that's not bad at all when pulling a trailer. 

Especially with all that room inside, a high roof, and the weight you're pulling and carrying.

 

[highdesertranger]

Welcome youngncaged to the CRVL forums! To help you learn the ins and outs of these forums, this "Tips & Tricks" post lists some helpful information to get you started. We look forward to hearing more from you. highdesertranger

 

[M2Travels]

I do not have a high top NV, but just purchased a used Nissan NV 3500 passenger van to tow my Lance TT with and could not be happier with my choice. I took the seats out and have plenty room to carry stuff but I don't live in itI love the leg room and the comfortable seats. It handles well in the wind and tows the trailer without any issues at all. It is night and day from my towing experience with my Chevy Tahoe. I wish I had a hightop and may trade to a hightop in a year or so but again, am very pleased with the NV. If this van was built with in a little longer version, it would be a no brainer. I just could not get comfortable with all the other options. Love the Transit but when I talked to several fleet dealers, 3 out of 4 told me they were going back to Chevy Express Vans due to the problems with the Transits.