2017 Nissan NV200SV Compact Cargo Van

Many people were surprised when I traded in my Toyota Tacoma 4X4 pickup for a van and a cargo van at that. The pickup was very useful but I wanted something I could camp in when I retired. I was planning ahead for 2020 even though I still had three years to go.

Right after I bought the van I insulated the floor with interlocking gym mats and covered it with carpet. I was able to get a good quality remnant at a very inexpensive price. I already had a cot which worked well for a bed. Add to that a little set of drawers and put pictures on the walls with magnetic frames. Voila, I had a nice little camper.

So that I don’t have to leave the van at night I added a portable toilet, like the type used in boats. I also have a solar shower with a shower tent. I carry a 4 gallon water container and a cooler for food. For cooking I use my motorcycle camping cooking gear.

I had remote engine starter installed so if it gets too cold at night when I’m camping I can start the van and it will turn off after 10 minutes. It’s also wonderful for warming up the van before going to it when it is freezing out. A remote starter was such a luxury when I was still working and went out a 4:30 am to go to work in the winter.

The reason for the van camper was for camping when it is too cold for riding and I was in my van instead. With that I knew I was going to need to have the walls and ceiling insulated. A good friend helped me with that. Actually he did the work while I watched and learned. The walls are no longer decorated with pictures but the insulation is more important. He also installed trailer hitch for me.

Having a cot worked, it was comfortable, but when I wanted to haul a bike or something a little bigger I need to take the cot out or fold it up and lean it against the wall. I wanted something that would fold up like a murphy bed. The same good friend that did the insulation built me my dream bed for my van. It works great. When it’s folded up I can load a bike in the van and still have plenty of room for other things.

The front wheel drive gets around well in the snow and ice plus it’s easier to drive than my Toyota pickup. The pickup wasn’t hard to drive, the van is just easier. The turning radius is shorter and I like that a lot.

I’m very comfortable camping in my little van and have plans for more upgrades. I will finish the walls so they look better and make covers for the windows. A ceiling vent and some sort of heat source will be added. I’ll tell you all about it as I make my even better.