We convert a lot of vans, but a 4×4 Nissan Van just left our shop that was worth mentioning. Strictly speaking, Nissan 4×4 Van conversions have two options. You convert it at stock height, or request the conversion with a 2″ lift. With either option, you end up with a vehicle that has increased traction both on and off road. But… you haven’t done much to change its appearance.
Adding four wheel drive is cool, but this van that just left took things to a whole different level. It had two additions that made it really stand out.
Accessorize to Stand Out
First, was the high level of personalization. Nissan 4×4 vans are cool, but when you outfit them with the right accessories, they become real head turners. With this van, the customer ended up with custom wheels and tires, a front bull bar with Hella light kit, low profile Aluminess roof rack, and our signature nerf bars and rear access ladder.
Roofracks and Bumpers
We’ve been installing accessories like bumpers and roof racks almost as long as we’ve been converting vans. So, we have almost 40 years to hunt down the best of the best. With very few exceptions, Aluminess produces almost all of the bumpers and roof racks we install today. If the name didn’t clue you in, Aluminess makes every accessory from sturdy, light-weight aluminum. Compared to standard steel bumpers and roof racks, the aluminum construction cuts the weight you are adding to you vehicle by hundreds of pounds without compromising durability. Plus, their products are arguable the coolest looking accessories on the market. This particular van was equipped with an Aluminess roof rack and front bull bar.
Aluminess offers some amazing products! However, every once in a while we like to step in with some of our own accessory sugar. This van left our shop with our recently released rear access ladder and nerf bars.
Rear Access Ladder and Nerf Bars
Anyone can install the ladder in under ten minutes and it requires no drilling. It installs on the back door, so you don’t have to worry about catching on trees and rocks while off-road. Plus, it’s low profile and sleek design mean it’s looks great mounted on any Nissan 4×4 Van.
The nerf bars attach directly to the frame and are designed to look good while offering protection to the body of the van while off road. The long wheel base and lower clearance on the Nissan NV vans makes this kind of protection off-road especially important. But, deflecting rocks isn’t the only benefit of the nerf bars. The nerf bars step runs the full length of the bar to provide access to the top of the van and assist passengers with exit and entry . The first time you are strapping something to the top of the van you’ll fully appreciate the combination of style and utility that went into designing these one of a kind nerf bars.
Lastly, the job would not have been complete without the addition of custom wheels and tires. The black and chrome wheels accentuate all of the dark lines on the body. The larger tires give the van a little more clearance and a more aggressive look that we feel is desperately lacking in factory Nissan NV vans. The final result is an off-road machine that stands 7’10” tall. Yep – it will still fit under your 8′ garage door. A 4×4 Van worthy of being called the ultimate SUV.
Not Just for the Filthy Rich
The personalization that went into this van will make it the envy of the neighborhood. These accessories weren’t the only remarkable part of this build, though. Generally, adding four wheel drive and accessories will still give you a final price less than a comparable factory 4×4 SUV. But, coming up with the cash for all of the 4×4 conversion and accessories can be a challenge. That’s where Auto Nation Nissan of Longmont Co. deserves a special shout out. The salesman, Willie Boyd, arranged special financing that included everything. The purchase of the van, the cost of the conversion, and all accessories were part of the deal. In the end, the customer financed the entire deal just like they would have any other new factory 4×4 on the market, but ended up with a vehicle that was truly one of a kind.
If you are interested in financing a Nissan 4×4 van build of your own, get in touch with Willie at Auto Nation Nissan today! With shift on the fly 4×4, a Hi and Low range transfer case, the largest cargo/passenger capacity of any 4×4 SUV on the market, and accessories that truly set the van apart from the crowd, this was one of our favorite builds this year. Watch for it next time you are in the Denver area – it won’t be hard to spot!