[mastodonj]

I'm interested in NV200s for camping in the Rocky Mountain West of the USA. While I don't expect to have 4WD capability, most trips require rough dirt or gravel roads.
Given that the van seems to target urban delivery niche, I'm concerned about the vertical clearance from the road to the chassis.

Any thoughts out there ?
thanks in advance

 

[TJsNV200]

Sure, my thought is "ain't right". Period. It was indeed intended for urban environments, and the clearances are lousy even if you DID put slightly larger wheels on it. Not to mention the limited power.

I'd look elsewhere for a camper, unless you intend to camp only in Wal-Mart or Sam's Club parking lots!

 

[ChevyNV200]

I agree with TJ.

There is NOTHING heavy duty about the NV200 micro-van.
The front suspension and drivetrain is based on the Nissan Versa and are completely light weight compact car components.

Plus the terrible tiny tires and very low ride height.

I ran over some small pieces of wood on the freeway that caused significant front suspension damage to my van.
Plus the plastic front lower bumper, air dam and under cover are completely trashed from daily city driving let alone any rural roads.

 

[monts]

I use mine for camping/biking/kayaking (in PA) and have taken it down some fairly rough gravel roads and it rides fine, i've had no ground clearance issues. These roads were not exactly 'offroad' type situations but are definitely roads less traveled! I really like this van for outdoor recreational use! Great on gas and can fit a ton of gear inside

 

[ChevyNV200]

Another point to consider if you are driving your NV200 on even mild gravel roads is the really mickey mouse OEM 185/60R15 tires.

If you ever dismount 1 of the JK Tire Americargo tires you will quickly realize how small and light there are. The sidewalls are extremely thin and will not hold up to a gravel road.
Plus the un-siped tread pattern and very mild tread pattern provide no traction. I can't imagine how poor they would be on a muddy road.

BTW, these narrow tires should easily cut thru water and rain but they are actually terrible on wet roads. This is because the tires have no siping. These narrow tires are worse in the rain than the much wider 255/40R17's on my Mustang.

The narrow OEM tires also provide no rim protection. As can be seen the rim lips are exposed due to the narrow tires. There have been several reports of bent rims due to the narrow tires.


So, if you really driving are your NV200 on gravel/rough roads, the 1st thing to do would be to upgrade the tires.
Which tires to install is an entire other subject. I will be upgrading my NV200 tires this fall for winter and will report my findings...

 

[monts]

I should have mentioned that i ditched the stock wheels and tires immediately, i replaced them with continental all season tires

 

[ChevyNV200]

I should have mentioned that i ditched the stock wheels and tires immediately, i replaced them with continental all season tires

Please post up details and specs of the wheels and tires you installed. Others would be interested also...

 

[monts]

Will do

 

[ChevyNV200]

Will do

Perhaps a little more detail ! :wink:

 

[monts]

Hey! Sorry for the delay, but I'm a man of my word!

New thread:
http://nv200forum.com/5-nissan-nv200-general-discussion/2866-new-tires-specs-pics.html#post11114