5 things we HATE about our Nissan NV2500 

I have 2012 NV 2500 with the V8 .it’s worked pretty good for me . and I thought , I was happy with what I had until I saw it in Mexico an 2019 NV3500 V8 4x4 standard. That thing was awesome.

I converted my van. It is a low roof 1500, because I wanted stealth. Hard to believe your's has no power. I kept most of my wood, which was polyurethaned on both sides because of possible future moisture, at 1/8" to keep everything light. When I step on the gas, it goes. Just always think of weight as u build. Besides, not being able to go faster is a blessing. U get to see more as u go! What could be more fantastic! The water build up issue is ridiculous. I too had to drill some drain holes in my 2017. My van is so freakin' sturdy and reliable that I can barely stand it. Finally, complaining about the different wheel well box sizes? Good mushrooms ....

Why do people worry about gas mileage when you own a huge van what do you expect.Then you add all the wood cabinets, captains chairs refrigerator etc. dont expect alot of miles out of a gallon of gas, just saying, Enjoy!

Starts at :58

Thanks for the info! Having just gotten one, I would have appreciated having you share in your introduction that you are only sharing certain specifics, but have no major regrets overall! I'm glad that I watched long enough to hear you say that at the end! Your recommendations are all very helpful, thanks!

One more negative about van: It's rides quite rough! High pressure required in truck tires. Having said that, I feel like the van is an engineering marvel. Well made. Has too many fan speeds for heating and air (HA)! No trouble or repairs at all at 100,000 plus. Also, see notes below.

Umm so didn't you know some of these things prior to buying it? Like the interior height and that it is not all wheel drive? Just sayin.

My new 2012 was bought new and I’m amazed at the quality of the build. I have filled this van front to rear, side to side with super heavy gear and when I put my foot into it for acceleration, it JAMS!

Stop the build! Don't put another penny into a project you're going to hate ;)

@vegansvango2300 thank you for this video! I'm considering getting an NV as well and wondering - do you have concerns for finding replacement parts since this is a discontinued van?

Alternate title. 5 things I hate about the vehicle I purchased to do something it was not built for.

Haven't read through the comments but I had a Nissan Rogue and there was a grid and it all caught all sorts of stuff jamming up the rain water funnel and causing clogs. Noticed with my next Nissan (Rogue Sport) that it's a solid liner and I like it much better! Reason why I got the second is because one dealer wanted to charge me thousands to rip it apart and drain (under warranty).

Also vegan, also converting a V6 2500 HR. My drain hole was in tact from the factory (2018), still have to clear it once in a while, bugs and twigs (at least it does not drip onto the electronics like a Ford). There is a dealer in Utah that could have sold you a V8 4X4, Titian parts. If you really want it $12 grand should cover the cost to upgrade. .. then new rims / tires.. Have you checked to see if your cabin filter is installed (behind glovebox) ? I hear they come empty. BTW - I put 1 inch of EPS board and 2 layers of reflectix behind the headboard, it was a bit much and I ended up installing plusnuts to replace the plastic factory clips with a big washer and SS round head cap screws. Also replaced that fiberboard panel (passenger door) with 1/4 in birch and upgraded to SS screws and washers. Not sure I would trust thinsulate around the locking mech, you would not be the first to find they can no longer open the door. The FB owners group can be a good resource. -S

When you're feeling like everything is all wrong try to remember all the good things. The NV is the best bang for the buck. Remember how much smaller your personal property tax will be each year compared to those 50k+ vans. :)

First off all your complaints seem like things you could have considered before you bought it, second I live in Colorado.. in the mountains and by the time you build it out the extra weight and a set of bf Goodrich ko2’s your NV will be a beast. The only time I’ve had issues with power in the mountains has been when I decide to tow my 17 ft rv it’s about 4000 lbs and I only felt like a snail on I70 west out of Denver toward Vail but I was not alone. Oh on the tires I also went a little bigger.. 265 if I remember correctly… it will drive so much better! Smooth and stable! Hope you have moved on from these five things and love your van!

I have the V6 as well. I have driven the NV V8...indeed quite a difference in power and smoothness but I am fine with it. Better MPG yes, ..not by a whole lot...but I take what I can get. Thanks for that drilling tip to let the water escape...never noticed !

I drive one of these as a fleet truck as a service tech. I have part and tool racks installed on the sides in the back and the brackets rip out after a while because the metal is so thin that it flexes on hard turns

My high top NV2500 is 6'4" to the rail you claim you hit your head on and you are 6'2"... I'm 6'6" and have never hit my head. Your complaining about the power after choosing a v-6 over the 375hp V-8.. dude? The factory tires do suck at off road but you can get bigger diameter all terrain tires and make it much better. A 265/17 fits with room to spare. Although since you bought the v-6 it will seem even more underpowered. I'm pretty sure the reason they don't offer the high top in 4x4 is roll over safety. I'm so sorry you had to drill a hole, you must be exhausted. Hahahah My two complaints are; 1. If you put the safety partition between the seats and the cargo you lose a few precious inches of leg room. I intend to remove mine and fabricate a recess so my seat will go all the way back. 2. The tires suck and you have to have a scanner hooked into the OBD II connector to reset the tire pressure sensors after you rotate the tires. I'd buy another one for sure and think they are far better than any other high top van.

Main thing I hate is others trying to cut me off thinking I'm slow until they see headlights in there mirror. Usually the same type of small car 🚗 🙄. Good luck with the build

Thanks for the video. Looking forward to 5 good things.

love my NV2500 V8..... Which side ladder did you purchase?

I have the taller version, and it doesn't fit in a lot of places. Maybe something in-between height wise would of been great.

Love your van build! Any problems handling on the road in windy conditions? I'm thinking of buying a 2500 and have read some threads online about the hi roof having skittish road handling in wind?

My 2014 6 cylinder NV2500 is peppy for a 6, but only gets 11 MPG in mixed driving. I may have gotten near 14 MPG on interstate only. Moderate load. We are considering making it a RV or... selling and buying a longer RAM. It has more horsepower than other vans with similar size. Not sure if there are 2 different 6 cylinder options? The rear area is Really small for an RV. Would have to make couch area convertible into a bed. Small shower is mandatory. We'll see! Love the Nissan NV except for poor gas mileage and... weird shaped gear shift!!! Love your videos!

Great insight for potential buyers. Thanks for sharing!

I was literally about to buy one for 17,000 130,000mi for my first conversion thank you for this video that would of been aweful

The nv2500 has a small hole for the rain water but it does get clogged all the time.

Sir whats your miles per gallon on the v6

Is there a finished van tour?

1st thing you hate: hang in there! when we get old - our body will shrink 😂😂😂😂

You couldn't get the High top? And if you want more power you can change the Air filter for a high performance Air filter for more power by 3-5 horses, that might not seem much but it makes a difference

good to know thanks.

Just found another thing to hate about the Nissan NV2500. I just took on the usually not so difficult task of replacing the spark plugs. On the left side of the engine, the 3 spark plugs are really difficult to access without removing the intake manifold (which is a pretty big job). I managed to get the coils out and then found oil on the bad spark plug, likely meaning a bad valve cover gasket. So now I want to replace the valve cover gasket, but again.. that pesky intake manifold is in the way. Long story short, spark plugs can be a huge hastle with this van and expensive to get serviced.

Are you absolutely positive your new drain holes funnel water out as you said, and not expose water to other sensitive parts of the vehicle? I plan to drill some holes like you did but need reassurance some way.

Had my 2012 Nissan NV 2500 high top since I started my business in 2015. I love!! it best vehicle I ever owned it’s ugly but it’s dependable

Just wait till your door s start giving you a heck. You're going to really love that

You are looking for “hair on the eggs dude”

Wow , I just wish I didn't have to remember to push the tow mode button every time I get gas . Come on Nissan, I will take it out of tow mode when I'm ready.

While people are saying the NV is horrible. Reminded them 5 years 100,000 miles warranty 😉 I have the same one. 👍🏿

I own a 2019 NV2500 V6. I used the van for mobile detailing and haul a 125 gal water tank along with 12,000 watt generator, 25 gal air compressor along with (3) wall cabinets and other misc equipment. My point I’m getting the V6 seems to put out plenty of power. As for the whole not all wheel drive I can agree I ended up installing some all-terrain‘s and it help a lot. Good video!

Why did you even buy it????

Ty on the info

Thank you for sharing.

Isn’t the 2500 automatically a V8 ? In this case yours will be the 1500 v6 and not the 2500 , am I correct ?

Do the NVs have the CVTs that I heard everyone dreading about?

It's means to be a van for work not to convert

Hi, what's the mpg for the V6 vs V8 (city and highway)? Thanks in advance. :)

Guys I’m deciding on a 2018 Nissan NV/SV 8000 miles.. It’s a lot of money!

Why didn't you just call the video, I bought the wrong van? I've had a 3500 HD sv for 5 years and 70,000 miles. My favorite vehicle in the yard.

One annoying feature is the fact that the 400 watt inverter in the rear shuts off when you take it out of park. Are they afraid we will be using power tools in the back while driving??

I have one the 2012 v6 with only 375000 mile on it and I only have to replace one sensor and usual stuff, and I have it converted to camper with sleeping area over my head and the back part for my toys , nothing personal but you building it for very long time, what’s the problem did you lose the bug to do it or you just lazy, I did my under 2 months to the finish point with external shower and whatever I need to live for one week in one area before I need to go for supplies, diesel heater and side duck installed ac until power by 2300 generator, no solar power the two batteries charges at the same time when generator is on.

I bought a 2014 new. I don't like that the vehicle is 20 feet long but only 9 feet of space in the back. Also, if you plug an adapter into the 12v hole, it sticks out and hits my knee. why not move it over a little??? At 6'3" I hit the ceiling also. The inverter turning off when you go to park is annoying. I can live with the 13.9 mpg. Also, I live in the flat lands of So. Cal. so power is not an issue for my 6 cylinder. And it sure is UGLY. What I LIKE about it is. It's reliable. came with a 7 year 100K mile warranty. Never had to use it. I've only bought tires and batteries in 8 years. Pre-drilled holes for building shelving is nice. Very deep center council to hide stuff in. Inverter is nice to have. BIG mirrors and the overhead storage is nice too. Did I mention it's UGLY. 😄

I’m 5foot 2 so when you are ready to sell let me know 😅 I would be fine without the v8 awd would be awesome. Maybe it’s about time Subaru stepped up to the game

You look really comfortable sitting on that shitter. But I'm sometimes a Vegan too, and I think I can out crap you any day. If that sounds like a challenge.........

Right on..........M. M. E. Blair 1 month ago Umm so didn't you know some of these things prior to buying it? Like the interior height and that it is not all wheel drive? Just sayin.

So the 3 main issues with the vehicle were power, interior space and lack of 4wd, sounds like you picked a vehicle that didnt suit your needs lol, rule #1 of picking a vehicle, plan out your needs and wants and look for aomething that fits your criteria.

???its a cargo van for work...not a play toy

We have the NV 2500 as well. V6. We drove from Des Moines, Iowa to Moab, UT through Colorado, and back. No issues. Using the manual shift mode is a must in the mountains. Also, we successfully traversed Gemini Bridges Rd with our NV. We did put on larger, grippier tires before our trip, but no lift, and no 4WD. Did fine. So long as you aren't taking it down any SUPER muddy or off-roading trails that are obviously too rough, you're good. Driving in the snow? Chains are the way to go.

My NV 2500 needs sound deadening. When it rains it is so loud that you can't hear the radio. Also the back doors and side door have no dent protection panels. Rather then getting a one ton (3500) I had extras springs installed on the back at less cost then buying a one ton. The 5.6 V8 has lots of power. The brakes are very good and heavy duty. Gas mileage sucks. All in all it's the best van I have ever owned and didn't come at the premium cost of Sprinter.

damn, i have to disagree about lack of power. i load mine up with pallets of concrete all the time for work. and it picks up great still. i also have the V6

The 5.6v8 is a gas hog bro! Enjoy that slow cheap ride up hills🤑

Wow, I drive down dirt roads all the time..no problem so far..

reflectix isn't insulation

Hi going to do the five things you love about your NV? I'm thinking of getting one.

Hmmmm not the things I would of said. Also building. 2500. Do agree would of paid more for 4X4 or AWD. But my 4 others: 1. I hated building the floor around the sliding door. It’s curved seems like over vans are more square. Also the walls around the sliding door also very curvy. 2. The ceiling ribs. Really limits where you can place a roof fan. Other vans seem to have less ribs therefore more space between them. I somewhat regret my fan placement but if I could moved it an inch it would of saved me a roof mounting point. The ribs do not allow for that kind of adjustment as most are just barely big enough for the fan. 3. Wish it at a little more length in the back. little off the front. Nothing crazy but even extra 6-12 inches would of helped lot with our build 4. Missing Direct fuel tap. Looks pretty warm where your at but up in the northwest. We are def planning to put a propex heater in. However I would of just preferred the gas webasto to save simplicity from needing to store a propane tank and venting it.

6'2" is less than 3% of people. Make a hole and make a drain hose. Personal use is less than 5% this vehicle operates fine for the rest of the 95%. You bought the v-6. That's your bad. Stop crying you knew you were going to be loaded 100% of the time. 100x positive things maybe 1 or 2 bad. Make another video or try another make and model. Good luck. this is the best your going to get for the money.

I wish it had power sliding door

If you were planning on turning this into a living van wouldn't you at least take measurements? I have the NV200 for my handyman business. It's too damn small and the side view mirrors are absolute crap.

It’s a little Anemic😂

sounds like you didn't sufficiently vet your purchase

lucky you, my boss buying the short version cause he thinks the high top looks ugly, I’m 6’0. Guess I’ll be on my knees lol

Seems like you bought the wrong van for you, not enough power is a basic

You haven’t had to jack with the lug nuts yet?! 😩

Looks like you bought the Wrong Van. Ha Ha. I drive a NV200 for delivery plus i have owned many vans for over 30 years. The NV vans are great.

Maybe u should have done yur simple research b4 purchasing this vehicle 🤔

Four every thing you hate hope you post a vid about five things you like too

How’s that “5 things we love” video? :D

6 1/2 mins to till us 5 things jeez

That’s what she said… first thing you hated 🤣

Just engine swap for a tundra engine that's what I did

Felt depressed watching this

No doubt. I wish I bought the V8 too. The power is necessary.

Why did you buy something that you don't like?

thats why u paid $30k for it

I cant find a real blue collar review for these vans , just tree hugger reviews 🤨

You bought a van to convert without considering the interior height? That is the first thing I hate about this video. (Psst: there are 5 things.) Ridiculous.

You do know you are above average height of the people for where this vehicle is made right? 😒

this Van is not easy on the eye when I see them on the roads lol

Cool video. And I think you're articulate. But no music would have been better.

Skip the first minute

5 things we HATE about your Video: #1 - Background music from 2015 #2 - Shaky camera #3 - Transitions that are cut+paste from every other #vanlife RU-vidr out there #4 - Clickbait title #5 - Whining about building two wooden boxes 😂 😂 😂 😂 😂

The only legitimate complaint you had was the lack of power. But you would have know that when you test drove it. Everything else was just silly. What would your 6th complaint have been? The font used on the NV2500 badge. Or maybe the white paint was too white. 😆

I think these are some pretty silly things to dislike. I have a 2016 2500 hd and the only thing I hate about it is I wish it was a tiny bit longer and wider. Otherwise love my van

So why did you buy it?😂😂😂let me guess your wife made you do it😂😂

What a strange video for the current stage in your build.

Ok, Sell it then!!! I have one and luv it . And please dump your terrible intro music… sucks

Guess you never found those 5 things and just sold it cause it is trash.

This van is the single greatest work van ever built. The things you speak of are a joke.