[BarryinSeneca]

We loved the size and mileage of the NV200.. and the fact that you can fit a full-sized bed is wonderful. But we wanted a Stealth Camper; something my wife and I can sleep in after a night of dancing in the big city and not having a cop knock on the window.. or take week-long adventures with some campgrounds or hotels in between. We also wanted to sleep well. That meant no fold lines or seams in the bed.. a nice, flat, home-style mattress. And after an evening of partying.. we absolutely need a pottie.

But all that wouldn't fit in the 7' long bed of the NV200. Just a little more is all we wanted.. is 30" too much more to ask? I got a great deal on a new 2017 ($17k) and took it home with dreams of copying my old Dodge Maxi-Van from the 70's.

I had the back of it cut off only 3 days later... and only 192 miles on the van.

I extended the frame with 1/4" x 3" steel and have installed the side and ceiling panels made from 16 ga steel. I've got a little more inside support and framing to do before I begin the grinding, filling and painting process. Here is a photo of where I'm at and where I'm going.

Am I alone in in this adventure.. or is anyone going down this road???

 

[IowaNv200]

nope....not stealthy anymore with the "growth". I find the stock nv200 very stealthy as is, and I don't have a problem finding bathrooms and hot showers anywhere I go.

 

[BarryinSeneca]

I agree.. but I'm 60+ and after a night of traveling or dancing.. there are certain amenities we felt were necessary. That included a real-sized bed without gaps between the cushions, a pottie & shower (with hot water), and a refrigerator/freezer with a microwave... No way I could fit all that in the stock 6.5' bed. So.. I had to stretch it.

The lengthening project was easier than I expected and turned out much better than I'd hoped. Cost-wise, I guess I've only got about $2500 in it. People who have seen it had no idea that it was lengthened.. They are shocked when they see the still-exposed seams on the inside. I guess that you've gotta really know your vans to spot it. Weight-wise, I think I'm at about 500# of additional weight, including the lengthening, extra battery, converter/inverter, under-bed air conditioner, water tanks and such.

 

[Guest]

Wow, I can't believe your actually lengthened it! Nice work! If you can keep the good mileage and have a little extra space, I'd say this is a win.

Do you have any more photos of the construction?

 

[Frankbot]

Fantastic!... you said "Under the bed Air Conditioner"?

 

[ROVER-25X]

Amazing work there, just don't put too much weight on that extended section.


Wondering if a donor NV with front end damage could be used to do this so a second
axel could be fitted to help with the weight.