Here comes The Beast...
As promised, here is my long review of our new Nissan NV 3500 Passenger. So, how on earth did we decide on this? Well, Doc Jock and I, begining responsible and all, went and got her knocked up for a 4th time (little Gus arrived at the end of October). Oops. My first thought after doing this was "Suburban, here we come." And I thought long and hard about it. But a few negatives kept popping into mind. The two foremost being: getting 4 kids in and out will be a major PITA and GOOD GRIEF HAVE YOU SEEN THE PRICE THAT IS NOT MUCH LESS THAN OUR FIRST HOUSE!!!!
The first person to turn me onto the NV was our own A&MArabie, who has one for his own huge family. So after some research, a test drive, and much thought, the SilverBeast joined the family on October 3rd. Since then, I've put > 4k on it, mainly in city driving.
THE REVIEW
-First off, this thing is a beast. It is HUGE. I mean really, really huge. Parking is a consideration, especially with garages. It fills the lane on the highways. The only vehicles taller are semis and the big sprinter types.
-The size, plus the 5.6L V8, means that it is also thirsty. I'm averaging about 12.5 in mixed city driving. The headgear (more on that later) knocked it down around 0.5 mpg. But considering number of people I'm hauling, it evens out.
-This thing was designed to be a commercial hauler for churches, daycares, and such. And the "creature comforts" show it. I fixed a number with my mods, but basic stuff like garage door openers and vanity mirrors and oil life aren't present. Not a deal breaker for me at all, but odd. The factory stereo was crap and no entertainment ability (fixed that). Considering who is buying these things (big families not commercial), I seeing this getting addressed when they are redone in 18/19.
-The seat flexibility is as advertised...if you are man enough to do it. It comes with 3 rows (plus 2 front seats), which will handle 12 full sized adults. They advertise 11ty billion different seating configurations, which is pretty much fact. We have ours set at "max legroom", where you pull out the back row and the bump the other two back a little. It is nice. But be aware, the seats are insanely heavy. And big. I can handle them by myself barely, and I'm 6'6". I don't see a normal sized guy being able to, no matter how strong they are. And the wife helping...ha!
-Interior space rocks. I can easily get all 4 kids in and out with no issues and have 2 more adults in the back part with our current setup. And tons of hauling space. It is awesome. No seat jumping, no having grandma climbing in the back (like in the wife's minivan). Easy and convenient. Toughest thing is the step up, but I'm there to lend a hand if need be.
MODIFICATIONS!
-Full length top rack from Aluminess Products. Will come in very handy for joint vacations and hauling kayaks around. And it looks boss.
-Sound proofing in the ceiling to dampen wind noise from the rack.
-50" light bar on front and 2 flood lights on back.
-LED light under the sliding door.
-LED turn signal indicators in the rearview mirrors.
-New Pioneer stereo.
-2 amps, which will allow better volume control in the back.
-Subwoofer (under front passenger seat).
-Took 6 speakers up to 8, with better quality.
-One 13" video player with a second 12" monitor which is a slave to the primary.
-Homelink garage door opener.
-Alarm.
-Numerous stickers, because why the hell not?
Fresh off the hauler
Base setup
Max-legroom with carseats
With headgear
Kayak rollers and lights
Video setup
What overnight looks like with 4 kids
As promised, here is my long review of our new Nissan NV 3500 Passenger. So, how on earth did we decide on this? Well, Doc Jock and I, begining responsible and all, went and got her knocked up for a 4th time (little Gus arrived at the end of October). Oops. My first thought after doing this was "Suburban, here we come." And I thought long and hard about it. But a few negatives kept popping into mind. The two foremost being: getting 4 kids in and out will be a major PITA and GOOD GRIEF HAVE YOU SEEN THE PRICE THAT IS NOT MUCH LESS THAN OUR FIRST HOUSE!!!!
The first person to turn me onto the NV was our own A&MArabie, who has one for his own huge family. So after some research, a test drive, and much thought, the SilverBeast joined the family on October 3rd. Since then, I've put > 4k on it, mainly in city driving.
THE REVIEW
-First off, this thing is a beast. It is HUGE. I mean really, really huge. Parking is a consideration, especially with garages. It fills the lane on the highways. The only vehicles taller are semis and the big sprinter types.
-The size, plus the 5.6L V8, means that it is also thirsty. I'm averaging about 12.5 in mixed city driving. The headgear (more on that later) knocked it down around 0.5 mpg. But considering number of people I'm hauling, it evens out.
-This thing was designed to be a commercial hauler for churches, daycares, and such. And the "creature comforts" show it. I fixed a number with my mods, but basic stuff like garage door openers and vanity mirrors and oil life aren't present. Not a deal breaker for me at all, but odd. The factory stereo was crap and no entertainment ability (fixed that). Considering who is buying these things (big families not commercial), I seeing this getting addressed when they are redone in 18/19.
-The seat flexibility is as advertised...if you are man enough to do it. It comes with 3 rows (plus 2 front seats), which will handle 12 full sized adults. They advertise 11ty billion different seating configurations, which is pretty much fact. We have ours set at "max legroom", where you pull out the back row and the bump the other two back a little. It is nice. But be aware, the seats are insanely heavy. And big. I can handle them by myself barely, and I'm 6'6". I don't see a normal sized guy being able to, no matter how strong they are. And the wife helping...ha!
-Interior space rocks. I can easily get all 4 kids in and out with no issues and have 2 more adults in the back part with our current setup. And tons of hauling space. It is awesome. No seat jumping, no having grandma climbing in the back (like in the wife's minivan). Easy and convenient. Toughest thing is the step up, but I'm there to lend a hand if need be.
MODIFICATIONS!
-Full length top rack from Aluminess Products. Will come in very handy for joint vacations and hauling kayaks around. And it looks boss.
-Sound proofing in the ceiling to dampen wind noise from the rack.
-50" light bar on front and 2 flood lights on back.
-LED light under the sliding door.
-LED turn signal indicators in the rearview mirrors.
-New Pioneer stereo.
-2 amps, which will allow better volume control in the back.
-Subwoofer (under front passenger seat).
-Took 6 speakers up to 8, with better quality.
-One 13" video player with a second 12" monitor which is a slave to the primary.
-Homelink garage door opener.
-Alarm.
-Numerous stickers, because why the hell not?
Fresh off the hauler
Base setup
Max-legroom with carseats
With headgear
Kayak rollers and lights
Video setup
What overnight looks like with 4 kids
