Tiny House Inspired Nissan NV200 Camper Van Build

Yes I turned my Nisasan NV200 into a small camper van complete with kitchen, composting toilet, bed and a computer work station.

[@power4things]

Another brilliant NV200 camper van you-build. The top rack reinforces the "work-truck" stealth and hides the giveaway solar panels and vent/skylight. I'm sorry Nissan stopped making the NV200, they are nice.

[@longdogt6724]

Nice! You did a good job.

[@69bock69]

Magnets on cooler box is very nice touch 👌

[@carlostucho]

Magnetically clever 😂😂😂Excellent Idea to apply on to everything! 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻 Big hug from Argentina!

[@lamaha564]

Some great ideas. I’m at building the bed/ seating stage on my NV200. Your roof set up I’m def going to use.

[@jamesb726]

A perfect stealth van, nicely done with the woodworking and rug enhancements. Not fancy, but very functional and with many great ideas installed. Really like the fact that he has all the bases covered, and he truly could live out of his NV200 Compact Cargo Van. Just bought a new 2021 myself, for boondock camping, and Chris offers up some great ideas. It's going to be just me in it, and I am seriously thinking about turning the passenger seat around. Great idea.

[@barbaraott407]

Wasn't expecting that much kitchen, well done sir 👏

[@CarlCampbell]

Kudos for using an eco-friendly and hand pump faucet. The office setup is really clever too!

[@irishjoker3353]

You've convinced me doing a nv200 camper build great job on your one btw

[@aarondingus7682]

Great build. Well planned. Clean. Minimal. I like it.

[@timschutte6924]

This is cool. I'm gonna be getting one of these too. It's nice to see the different things people do. I like the use of magnets. Those power inverters are a little costly. I'm gonna get at least 2 or maybe 400 watts of solar and a Jackery batter generator. I'm also gonna back that up with the new Honda 2200. When it comes to generators, nobody beats Honda. Costly up front but will pay for itself in the long run. I'm getting a portable a/C. Because I have a German Shepherd, named Mindy. She's the daughter I never had. My companion and protection. Sweetest dog ever until the lights go out. She turns into KUJO at night for real.

[@lasharonbrown9454]

Love the roof rack!

[@sueg2658]

Nice build! I especially like the use of magnets in unconventional ways like in the cushions and cooler. Interesting indeed.

[@claudiacarter9728]

Everything you need! I've been traveling in a 2015 NV200 since 2018. I love the versatility, fun to drive and easy to sleep in. I've rearranged my "no build" build 3 times, adding and taking away as needed, but always comfortable.

[@Delilaah57]

Oh I wish I had a handyman in my life! I own a 2012 Transit Connect which I love. I've sort of done with it what I'm able to and can afford. But I would like something more substantial as my cot sucks and barely fits the length. Will buy some large totes and plywood for a bed base and see if that solves my sore back issues. Thanks for the video!

[@Swimdeep]

You had me at, “Tiny house.” 🌿

[@anneslow2751]

Amazing well done you!!!!

[@quinnkdjs]

Looking forward to the next video. I would like more info on the composting toilet and the alcohol stove. I am full time in a transit connect so a heater would be nice.

[@nj4x4fever2]

Looking forward to your other videos. Thanks for sharing.

[@cotter9751]

You've brought great experience to this van build, and it shows in the quality and thoughtfulness. I'll look forward to more content from you.

[@frankwhite9754]

Great roof rack, would like to see how you attached it.

[@Amigoof]

Dying to see a video on how to swivel the passenger seat 180 degrees. I’ve watched one and it didn’t look too terribly hard, but I want to see one done on a Nissan NV200.

[@04dram04]

This looks like he just installed it backwards. Not swivel

[@worstedwoolens]

From the reading I've done, if you have a European NV200, you can pick up a VW Transporter T4 swivel base and it fits with a few modifications. Unfortunately it seems the North American NV200 doesn't have the same base so your easiest bet is to just mount the seat backwards like this or get a fab shop to make/modify something custom for you.

[@alexanderweaver7066]

Ingenious build! I love the simplicity of it.

[@cpoul]

I like the box in the microwave.

[@garyabc]

Very cool. The size and design make a lot of sense. Thanks for sharing the video.

[@gov683]

Been curious about those alcohol stoves

[@universal7564]

awesome. nicely done.

[@Allaboutbaby24]

Hi Chris. Thanks so much for making this video. I'm saving for vanlife (small, stealth) and your video convinced me it's the perfect vehicle. It's great to see how well everything fits and how well it is thought out. I would love to see dwtailed videos on each of the systems you built & measurements! Also hi to Ajax!

[@zm694]

I have a 2019 too. I would really love to turn the passenger seat around. Be 😎 to see a video on how you did that.

[@taradead]

A friend did it in his nv200 and he said all he did was unscrew the 4 bolts and turned it around. No need to unhook any of the wires or do anything else.

[@sashaj6868]

Woah thanks! I will be converting my NV200 2014 and this passenger chair idea is genius! Have been trying to figure out a feasible desk solution and this is BRILLIANT. I hope it works for the 2014 as well!

[@posteroonie]

There's a lot of good stuff here!

[@stephaniesimmons-ashorobi3314]

Your build is so nice

[@singteachtravel]

LOVE the build and all the creative ideas! I just purchased a Nissan NV200 and was wondering if you could point me in the direction of a builder who is budget friendly and who specializes in small builds? I'm looking for a partial or simple build. Also, wondering if you have any tips for van life with dogs? Btw...I love your tiny house builds too....you certainly live up to you name!

[@mdw131]

Nice work Chris! You're always up to something! The magnets are a cool idea.

[@MrWiley3]

Very nice build, get ideas for my future build/ no build I plan.

[@livefreevinnie]

That’s pretty cool. I’ve seen a van like that before, but it had a pop top.

[@MsLB-lm9mu]

I totally want this camper van. Great work.

[@sharonbraselton3135]

Buy new NV 200 next year libger rabge

[@86bushy]

Love the roof rack.. nice touch!

[@545g]

Awesome build. You still have TONS of room. This is the van i want to buy. The magnets on the cooler is a good idea. I am going to use that.

[@rhondalyn100]

Very nice...practical and good looking!

[@mjdailamy4550]

I love that roof rack 🤘🤘

[@armandoramos1949]

Great build on the rig. I'd like to have something like this as a weekend getaway van. Thanks for sharing.

[@williamwattles6871]

Very nice. I have a 2019 with a relatively minimal build. Reversing the passenger seat would be huge. Also more about the microwave.

[@winniebt600]

This is so nice. Yes more detailed info on each thing and how you did it would be great! Really like this.

[@tanamoba]

It is cool. Our family is also riding an nv200 camper with our dog. It's a nice car.

[@MsLB-lm9mu]

Thats a coincidence❤

[@MsLB-lm9mu]

You have a lovely dog!

[@TinyHouseGuy]

Ajax said "I know" lol :)

[@zareththealchemist8982]

Great use of a small space . Very ergonomic and efficient bro. You must be part Gypsy. 👍

[@RiDankulous]

If I would do a van build it would be similar to yours. Thanks for the video. I like that it's an NV200. I think that's a good option since gas mileage is good as well as price. I would use a composting toilet same as you, and have a bed similar to what you did there. I'd probably go without wood, and would go for plastic stacking containers for weight, price. I'd consider putting in a good amount of insulation, and a diesel heater probably. I think I'd try to find a way to get a very comfortable chair into a van because I'd spend a lot of time in the van on the computer. I have used a recumbent bike in the past while seated using a laptop, which was on a board across the legs, high enough so I could exercise.

[@loveofthousands8710]

I love it! Where can I get mine? Lol. Nice build!

[@gavcnr]

Could you please do a video on how you did the front over head compartment too.

[@Racatacataca]

Very nice build!

[@Mychannel-wx9qm]

Great build!

[@christinebanny3389]

Nice work you did

[@minhhop3208]

very good design ! Very detail and essential for a Van life! If you have some one record for you when you are moving around to demonstrate, it would be much better! It was too shaking , making us dizzy following you around! Would you paint the wood surfaces , so they will look better and ladt longer! Thanks for sharing! Super work!

[@percialmeida3722]

I have 15 Chevy City Express, it’s the same type van and I would love to see a video on how you did that? Please… also I would love to see how you did the roof rack 👍?

[@sharonbraselton3135]

This eltric 124 mioe range teksa cels 143 Mike eange

[@tguthrie1121]

Love love Love!

[@percialmeida3722]

Really nice project 👏👏👊👍

[@romonasafree3151]

Thanks for the tour. How tall are the wheel wells? How wide is the van (side to side above the wheel wells)? How wide between wheel wells? What the measurement from the back door to the back of front seats? How about floor to ceiling? Thanks for taking the time to answer my questions.

[@TinyHouseGuy]

If I remember the wheel wells are about 8 inches tall. You can fit a 4ft wide piece of plywood between them. The doors to the seats was about 6ft I think. They publish a builders guide for the NV200 here: www.nissan-techinfo.com/bbg.aspx click on the NV200 cargo van....then save the PDF because it was super useful!

[@mssharon6493]

So nice, well done

[@StevenCondou]

Great job. Really nice!

[@marygoround2381]

Nice build

[@nv200camper4]

Nice job :)

[@phernando6757]

That was a great deal! I found a 2017 SV for $20,500. 30.00 miles

[@sharonbraselton3135]

Buy new NV 200 124 mioevrange tkes xells 143 miole rsnge

[@YellowScubadiver]

Wow! Small but has everything! You must be an engineer/architect or similar. Only sad thing is the choice of van but you win some u lose some

[@TinyHouseGuy]

It was the NV200 or the ford transit connect and the transit does not have a flat floor....it also does not have a 100,000 mile warranty. I wanted a van that drove like a car those were my choices.

[@hopeheavenonplanetearth1417]

Great job! I also love my NV200! I built mine to be able to remove the kitchen and toilet into a couple of pop up tents. It is amazing how much I fit in there! But, it is tight when I sleep inside. I know I have a lot of weight and was wondering if you put different tires on it?

[@TinyHouseGuy]

I put different tires on it to better handle rough roads. The load rating is less than the stock tires but i'm not a contractor hauling lots of tools so I'm nowhere near the limit. I kept the old tires, rims, and hubcaps so switching back is no big deal.

[@matthewglover1649]

It looks really good, what size tyres are they?

[@hopeheavenonplanetearth1417]

@@matthewglover1649 I have Nissan stock tires. I don’t want to buy new ones until I have a recommendation from someone driving a NV200 with rougher terrain tires… it’s also about the great gas mileage I get, now.

[@jokerrhe]

u said u custom built the LIFEPO4 battery? impressive

[@stevescramo592]

Any suspension lift and/ or all terrain tires to make it through rougher roads?

[@seekingjoynow1722]

Great build. But get a fridge. Coolers are too much work getting ice.

[@red-eyedmagister1595]

wonderful! very interested in the inverter. so i guess it converts DC battery power to AC?

[@joseville]

Thanks for the video! Can you explain what tools are needed to reverse the passenger seat and where the bolts are located? Also did you have to unplug the battery before disconnecting the passengers seat's air bag wire(s)? Thanks!

[@TinyHouseGuy]

Under the seat there are 4 bolts that hold it down. I think there are snap on plastic caps on the bolts. I did not unplug the airbag wire to rotate it....if you do....I would unplug the battery for sure. I leaned the seat forward, removed the jack mount and unsnapped the wire clips. With the wires unclipped there is enough length to rotate the seat without unplugging it.

[@joseville]

@@TinyHouseGuy Thanks!

[@getawaywithpam]

Nice

[@Swimdeep]

Pelletized horse bedding instead of sawdust for the compost toilet. Works much better and is more environmentally-friendly. 🌿

[@preachit7446]

Nice!

[@frankly8845]

Needs a lounge chair on the roof!

[@supposedly1-2]

everything was great except the bed. if you like its good but i think you'd be better served by a permanent flat bed that you use as a couch like a day bed in a house. that's just my thoughts though.

[@TinyHouseGuy]

The bed is a module that is easily removed. In the stowed position its like an easy chair. When opened as you saw in the video its a place to sleep. When you take the bed and composting toilet out you get back all the cargo capacity if you want to deliver packages or something. When the bed is out the remaining space is large enough for an air mattress. I wanted it to be a flexible space. I might build an alternate bed module that is more slide out style.

[@joshiunterwegs]

Awesome work! Very nice van :)

[@jongmedellin4890]

amazing ,. how would you dispose the liquid wasted and solid waste?

[@CoreyJamesVO]

Nice work! Two questions. 1) Did you have to mod the bolt holes at all when you turned the passenger seat around? 2) What tires do you have on the van? Thanks Chris!

[@TinyHouseGuy]

The light link is: amzn.to/3dKwaMB the tires are Michelin Agilis Crossclimate in 205/65/15 which makes them about 7% larger. I ordered a new set of steel rims so I could keep the old tires if i needed them.

[@TinyHouseGuy]

The seat bolt holes had to be opened up a bit with a step drill. It does fit in either direction once you open them up.

[@SD_Alias]

Nice Van! And cool build! What do you think is important to check if i want to buy a used NV200? Are there parts prone to rust? Ore some other parts that are typical vulnerable in that kind of van?

[@TinyHouseGuy]

The only weak part I am aware of is the CVT (Nissan thing in general). Since it is a commercial van some of them can be a little beat up. The one I bought was used by an electrical contractor so it was in great shape. You can imagine that one used by a tile contractor might be used up a bit more.

[@kennethmccreary1462]

Now at the end of 2023, two- year old Nissan NV200s (2020 and 2021s) with 50K mileage are selling for $25K ... crazy prices. Who know a two year old car with 50K miles can sell for more the than the new MSRP two years later!!!

[@klausbrinck2137]

Put 2 rail-formed-legs (short in height, but long in depth) on your inside-the-microwave-container, so that the wooden container doesn´t interfere with the microwave-turn-platte, when taken out, or put back in.

[@dianaharvey6066]

How did you securely bolt the passenger seat in reverse? I've only seen that in euro models. I took my passenger seat out for more room and love your idea. Thank you!

[@TinyHouseGuy]

You do need to open the mounting holes up with a step drill and of course flip the seat 180 degrees. With the holes opened up it bolts right back up. There is also the issue of the air bag. With the seat down I'm told that it won't deploy. My normal driving mode was seat down because it gives you a really nice "table". Obviously, you would not use this seat while driving and you need to evaluate the risks of this modification yourself.

[@dianaharvey6066]

@@TinyHouseGuy Thank you...i think I'll continue to use what I have (big cooler) to sit on and a pillow facing the dash to lean on.😃

[@atres_]

what size wheels you got on here

[@ridgehilljillie9429]

That was nice. I've one of those vans converted. What area would be good and cool to spend the summer in your state?

[@federicoromani1205]

Good job!!!I m looking for swivel seat, but it's difficult find it. Could you tell me, where do you bought??? thk a lot ...greetings from italy

[@TinyHouseGuy]

It's not actually a swivel seat. I expanded the seat mounting holes with a step drill. Then I removed the jack holder and gave the airbag wires a bit of slack. I am able to unscrew the 4 bolts and rotate the seat 180 degrees then bolt it back down. With the seat back folded down the side airbag will not deploy...if you forget and get into a crash the airbag will hit you. I never drive with the seat facing backwards just to be safe.

[@federicoromani1205]

@@TinyHouseGuy thank you for the answer. I m not able to do this work. I ask you if you know some site where Is possible buy the swivel Seat. thx and have a nice day

[@ratbreath6226]

Thanks Chris, Did you build your own stove? - if so have you done a video on it? Kind regards. Andrew - aka rat breath (cat's name - don't ask)

[@maryjobetson1913]

Could you lose links To where you got some stuff especially your cabinet

[@stevenj100]

does the passenger seat swivel permentally backwards

[@TinyHouseGuy]

It does not swivel. Its fairly easy to flip it around if needed. There are 4 bolts that hold it down.

[@cherie6756]

What breed is your dog? I have a dog that looks just like it but never knew what breed it is.

[@tguthrie1121]

Will you help me build out mine?

[@larrycabd]

Hi Chris , I have. 2017 model and would like to convert the passenger seat into swivel, where did you get the kit and I guess we have to remove the middle console, I would like to get a tutorial

[@TinyHouseGuy]

Its not a swivel kit the console interferes with that. You just unbolt the seat and spin it 180 degrees. You do need to open up the bolt holes a bit but once you do you can switch it forward or back in just a few minutes. I mostly leave it backwards because its just me.

[@lesvoyagesdelouis6574]

Joli !!

[@kenneth119]

kit add oil

[@jimsteele7108]

Did Deek interview you on the big tiny house?

[@TinyHouseGuy]

ya theres a video floating around someplace :)

[@jimsteele7108]

@@TinyHouseGuy , best tiny house on youtube, btw.

[@TinyHouseGuy]

@@jimsteele7108 Appreciate the kind words. Its the best desicion I ever made...ton of work but worth it.

[@jimsteele7108]

@@TinyHouseGuy I'd like to encourage you to find that video and put it on your channel. I just found it for you. kzbin.info/www/bejne/fnjYfmtmYtaUp80

[@TinyHouseGuy]

@@jimsteele7108 You know maybe I will make a new tour of the place..."252sf tiny house 8th anniversary"...lot has changed since Deek's video.

[@ruthfrey4571]

What company produces the toilet? Kind regards

[@TinyHouseGuy]

its home made from one of those toilet lids you snap on a 5 gallon bucket.

[@ruthfrey4571]

Thanks for the reply. As it is odourless, what chemicals do you use? Kind regards

[@TinyHouseGuy]

@@ruthfrey4571 There are no chemicals needed. You just add sawdust or peat moss. If you google composting toilet you can find more information. There is a company Natures Head that makes composting toilets they have lots of good info: natureshead.net/

[@aquaticamigo6439]

Can u built mine like that ?

[@sharonbraselton3135]

Buy new NV 200

[@aquaticamigo6439]

@@sharonbraselton3135 can you hook me up

[@rene29200]

😎👍😻

[@tartanrambo]

I sad thought just crossed my mind. Why is your van built for one? Ajax is awesome, make no mistake. But a van for one is just sad! My wife and I have a Citroen Berlingo micro-camper that we can use in all weather's and all year round owing to Scottish weather. We prefer wild camping, so have a nice double bed that you can still get to the toilet at night if necessary. I like your kitchen idea though. Also, the roof height of the NV200. I have one suggestion though. We ditched the fixed solar panels for portable folding ones. In micro-campers the real estate for storage is critical. I sometimes carry a kayak and a roof box for chairs, a table and a 2 m x 2 m gazebo, a ground-sheet and other outdoor bits and pieces. Other than my head brushing the roof when sitting in the day configuration,, we have plenty of space to cook, eat, use the toilet, watch TV, and work. We have a 110AH leisure battery that charges when travelling and can be topped up with solar when stopped. We have Internet, a 12v compressor fridge freezer, electric blanket, sink + tap, TV, vertical cupboards on the LH and RH side of the van. One of which has a drop-down table with a cocktail cabinet and eating kit e.g cutlery, condiments and snacks. We use the table for plates, glasses, a small butane stove when cooking, playing board games and for a laptop when working. If the weather is good and the insects are absent, we cook outside because we like to barbeque. We have a portable alcohol stove as a backup. I hope I have given you some tips on what is possible with a micro-camper with the right design and forethought your van can be a home away from home. A final thought! Without my kayak and roof box our van is literally invisible. We can stealth camp in the middle of a city and nobody is any the wiser. BIG vans, like BIG houses are relics of the past. But, I'll wager you knew that already. Best of luck with you build. Greetings from Scotland.

[@taradead]

I'm 6 ft tall, so that bed wouldn't work for me, but love everything else.

[@sharonbraselton3135]

Wrong

[@mendozaconsultation]

20k for a 2019 model with that much miles on it....? I've seen them the cargo model New for 23k and up.

[@TinyHouseGuy]

MA has sales tax which adds nearly $1000 to the price :( new 2021 NV200's sell for 24.5K give or take a few bucks in June of 2021. I bought this in early 2020 with just under 20K miles for an out-the-door price of 20K. My research at the time showed it was not the best price and it was not the worst price. It was from a dealer I worked with in the past. I would say do shop around I recently saw a pretty clean one for $7K with 117K miles...cheaper ones do exist.

[@kevinwilson510]

Where's the dog sleep