Nissan went all in on the pandemic RVing craze, starting the year off by debuting one camper van concept after another, after a camper van-style mobile office. It seemed like it was only interested in showing concept vans, but as it turns out, Nissan had already launched a production multipurpose work/play camper van in Japan, not long before debuting its first 2021 concept. Developed in cooperation with its tuning subsidiary Autech, Nissan's NV350 Caravan Multibed is a convertible rear-lounge sleeper van perfect for use as a nomadic bedroom, family vacation shuttle, adventure chaser or mobile office.
The Multibed is very similar to the last of Nissan's early-2021 camper concept triumvirate, the OGUshow NV350 Caravan ES Mobility Concept, albeit simpler, less flashy and with a more concise name. It's built on the same boxy NV350 Caravan base van, in this case a long-body standard-roof model.
The main difference between the Multibed and OGUshow concept is that the Multibed has dual folding benches instead of the more flexible bench/three-panel design of the concept van. That eliminates some of the different configurations the concept allowed but enables quick transformation between rear dining lounge, double bed and clear cargo area.
In order to accommodate onboard dining, the left and right benches leave space in the middle for legroom and access to the floor mount that holds in place the table/workstation. To create the 69 x 59-in (176 x 151-cm) longitudinal bed, campers simply install the center cushion panels atop the lips of the left and right bench frames. Nissan reckons the bed can sleep as many as three people, but it will certainly be more comfortable for two.
During the day, when cargo space is needed, the left and right benches fold against the walls, their frame legs folding neatly against the bases. This clears the load area for carrying luggage, sports gear or other cargo. For anything longer than a quick sleep-and-go stopover, that space can help store camping gear like a cooler, portable stove and dishes, since the Multibed is a sleeper van lacking any built-in kitchen equipment. Available tie-down tracks and D-rings are available to help secure cargo.
The NV350 Caravan has five seats total. It can carry a family of five for the ride, but at least two of those five will need a separate tent in order to comfortably stay the night.
The list of available Multibed accessories tie it directly to the OGUshow Mobility Concept. At first we thought Autech just made similar accessories, but it actually advertises a selection of OGUshow accessories that includes interior headliner fishing rod and surfboard racks, a tailgate awning/tent, and a tailgate towel/swimwear drying rack.
Nissan introduced the Multibed with a few other new domestic NV350 Caravan model variants last September. The camper van starts at ¥3.4 million, or ¥4.32 million for the 4WD version ... very attractive pricing when converted over to US$31,000 and $39,400.
Source: Nissan Japan
