My first van Ι bought was used and a Nissan NV200.
I had done a lot of research and was between many models, but I finally chose this one, as it was quite larger than models like Doblo/Berlingo etc., but also smaller than the VW T4, Opel Vivaro etc., so it could park easily in Athens. Generally, the NV200 is one of the best platforms, since the interior is shaped like a box, it has enough length to sleep without moving the seats, and it is also relatively economical compared to larger vans.
Over the next few months, since I was out at sea for work, meticulous planning took place so that everything I had determined I needed would fit.
The specifications of Nissan NV200 are as per below:
📐 External Dimensions
- Total length 4,40 m
- Total width (without mirrors) 1,70 m
- Total height 1,86 m
🛋️ Interior Dimensions (Cargo Space)
- Cargo space length: 2,04 m
- Maximum cargo space width: 1,50 m
- Width between the wheel arches: 1,22 m
- Cargo space height: 1,36 m
- Useful volume: 4,2 m³
All i wanted to fit inside:
- Bed / Couch
- Fridge
- Sink and outdoor shower
- Chemical toilet
- Table
- Passenger swivel seat
- Storage
- Heating
- Battery off grid system
So, I started by purchasing the largest appliances, such as the refrigerator and the toilet, in order to design around them. Initially, the seats, mounts, seat belts, and carpets were removed, and I installed a floor made of 18mm plywood as base
The plywood was screwed directly onto the floor, using the factory mounts and screws.
After that, a PVC floor roll was installed.
Next, the three vertical supports for the rear platform were installed, which would form the main part of the sofa-bed. Finally, the top part was put in place.
A technical note here: the ideal seat height is about 34 cm, plus the cushion which is estimated at 7-10 cm. This allows an adult to sit comfortably, while also ensuring that you can sit without your head hitting the ceiling of the NV200.
Initially, the bed dividers had been placed differently, but then I changed them because of the heavy-duty runners used for the bed extension.
Then, I made cardboard mockups to determine the exact dimensions and positioning for the storage unit and kitchen-dining furniture.
Once I had settled on the final design, I ordered the melamine to be cut to the dimensions I wanted.
I chose melamine due to its finished look and ease of cleaning, as painted plywood wears out and constantly needs repainting. Thus, the bed base was made of weight-bearing plywood, while the everyday furniture was made of melamine – a choice that proved to be particularly durable after years.
So, I assembled the two pieces of furniture and placed them inside the interior.
For the bed extension, heavy-duty drawer runners (120 kg) from Vevor were used. The wood pieces were painted and the foam mattress I had bought from IKEA was placed. The mattress was intended for an IKEA sofa-bed, and I purchased waterproof fabric and went to a tailor's shop to have the covers made.
For the table, I used folding brackets.
For the swivel seat, I initially made a DIY construction using a boat swivel base. However, because it didn't prove to be durable enough, I imported a genuine FASP base from Scotland, specially designed and compatible with the Nissan NV200.
For power, I finally decided to buy a BLUETTI EB70 portable power station, which proved to be a workhorse. The wiring was simple: using a cigarette lighter plug, I connected the panel to the fuse box, and the lights, water pump, diesel heater, USB ports, etc. were connected there. Later, a permanent lithium battery was also installed, as I wanted to have two alternative power sources for greater safety.
For the water pump, I installed a SEAFLO pressure-controlled pump and a 20-liter water tank (jerrycan). Initially, I had bought a 40-50 liter tank, but it proved to be too large. I didn't need that much water, and at the same time, it would be impossible to carry if I wanted to fill it up from a spring. A 25cm diameter sink and a drinking water faucet were installed on the furniture piece. Also, a boat shower was connected at the back, where I could take a shower by hanging a curtain.
In the space where the huge tank was placed before, the 20-liter jerrycan and the chemical toilet fit, which I had access to from both sides. At any time, it could be used within 5 seconds. As for the jerrycan, the change proved to be right as on the first trip to villages in Tzoumerka, I had to take it out and walk about 300 meters inside the village to fill it up.
The diesel heater was purchased from Vevor at 2 kW and was installed under the seat. This choice was made after many attempts to keep myself warm, but it finally proved to be the only effective solution. It should be noted that the Vevor heater, even though it is of Chinese origin, kept me warm at -20°C to -25°C in the Norwegian North during Christmas!
A small note here: the fuel pump was installed outside the vehicle so that the noise wouldn't be bothersome, and it held up fine at -20°C to -25°C.
The final form of the van
The bed with dimensions 1.75m X 1.10m. The limitation to 1.75m is because it is very important when you want to get up to have room to step, take off your shoes, etc.
The rear part with the slide-out drawer and plenty of storage spaces. In the top cabinet storage for clothes etc., in the large drawer tools and van items, and under the bed in the front part kitchenware and food inside IKEA boxes, and at the back chairs and camping gear.
In the end, as I had completed my journey and my travels, the little van was sold and found its new owner, who in turn developed it even further.
Watch a more detailed video about the van on my channel at YouTube: