Nissan NV350 Removable Camper

Overview

While traveling in a tiny camper I had built a few years earlier designed for one person, with the possibility of sleeping two, my partner and I decided an upgrade was needed. We decided to look for a Nissan NV350 or Toyota Hiace with the following prerequisites.


Prerequisites + Reasoning

Not currently a camper - To save work and compromises, we wanted to start from a fresh.

Passengers airbag - Not many import vans come with this as standard, safety first.

Three seats in the front with fold down centre seat - The option to take a friend or two is priceless.

Twin sliding doors - Strictly for ease of access, storage, plus it’s somewhat easier to make a bed when you’re not on it

Windows in the sliding doors - some good ventilation without having to cut holes in the roof (see principle 3).

Boot able to open from the inside - Being able to create an instant awning (the boot) to step out under in wet or sunny conditions is handy.

Under 150,000km - Longevity and reliability, without being too pricey.

Post 2013 - Later model vehicles have more refined safety features.

Low roof - Less wind resistance, though at times I think “man a high roof would be great!”, the ability to drive into underground carparks & drives with low hung trees is pretty cool.

Below $30,000 - Because who has the money to go out and buy a VW California.

Petrol - Lower maintenance costs, quieter, cheaper.

2WD - Places we plan to go do justify the need and cost of 4WD.

Auto - Easy stress free driving, plenty more autos on the market than manuals.

Tow-bar - Sometimes we need to tow a thing, can’t do that without a tow-bar.


Finding a Van

After months of casually trolling Trade Me and Facebook Market Place while traveling the South Island in our current van, we found a van that fit all our prerequisites, a fresh import 2019 six seater with 78,000km on the clock for $29,000 + ORC. It ticked all but the tow bar box.


The Build

Since we had spent some time in our tiny camper we had figured out how we actually use the small space, had some time to think about what things were important to us and could start thinking about the next build.


New Build Principles

1. Keep it reasonably simple and functional with a clean look.
2. Centre of gravity kept as low as practical.
3. Impact on the structure of the van kept to an absolute minimum.
4. Light weight but sturdy.
5. Meet the CSC requirements for two.


Features to include

Opening between front seats and rear (able to jump through on those rainy days).
Ability to have step in access through the boot.
Ability to bolt rear seat back in and still have a kitchen.
Permanent bed (not needed to be folded up to make table).
Fridge accessible from inside and outside.
Fridge easy to remove and clean out.
One step action to get into the fridge.
Sink should be large enough for your biggest saucepan.
Electric water pump.
Sink accessible from inside and out.
Water containers easily accessible.
If possible, No hinged or sliding cupboards.
Plenty of coat hooks.
Ability to move large objects without too much hassle (ie my toolbox or a large appliance).
Space for our bouldering mat.
Rubbish and gas cooker easily accessible.
Ability to cook inside or out (no fixed cooker).
No LPG Bottles.
Plenty of bench space.
You should be able to see the thing you want/need without rummaging.
The whole thing should be removable by one person within 30 minuets.
Should stack in the shed when not in use with minimal footprint.