Winter & Cold Weather: Delica Maintenance + Practices

A Delica is the perfect machine to take full advantage of the winter months! However, getting all you can from your van through the cold winter months takes some key maintenance steps, and there are best practices, upgrades, and startup procedures if you want your Delica to perform at its best if you live in colder areas. Once these vehicles are on they’re ideal for the winter because the engines run cooler and have great all-road performance! A good place to start is to always check your fluids as your first step.

 We broke your winter guide to Delicas into a few overarching categories: Pre-emptive general maintenance, basic practices, startup procedure, upgrades for the winter, and common issues you could encounter

PREEMPTIVE MAINTENANCE

To start off, make sure you’re switching your oil to 15w40 synthetic – this is the same grade you should have in all conditions – rather than conventional oil. You can get this done at most shops. If you’re in extreme conditions – below 0 degrees Fahrenheit – you’ll want to switch to 10w40 synthetic oil. In the winter time, switching to 10w40 will make it easier to start the van. If you switch to synthetic oil, make sure to stick with it regardless of the month or season.

Another general additive everyone should add, but especially in cold conditions, is cetane-booster (e.g. Diesel 911) to every tank throughout the winter by pouring the specified amount directly into your tank before filling it completely. This is an anti-gel fuel additive that increases your fuel efficiency.

It’s also important to check your fuel system to make sure it starts well in the cold. Here are a few major steps you can follow (image I)

With your vehicle off, check the fuel filter primer housing to make sure the plunger is firm. If the plunger is soft, there’s a leak in the fuel system that needs to be resolved before cold starts become easy. This leak could be caused by:

1. a loose clamp

2. cracked fuel line

3. an incorrectly installed fuel filter/water separator drain

4. primer housing itself could be faulty

5. injection pump connections or seals could be faulty

IMAGE I

Look for visible leaks or drips of fuel – if you find either, track down the source and assess the solution from there

Leaks in and around fuel injectors should be fixed, they can also lead to poor startups

It’s also essential to check the glow plug as it’s responsible for heating the fuel in the engine to start

Check the glowplug functionality with a multimeter

1. Establish if your glowplug requires 6 or 12 volts. Vehicles pre-mid 1993 typically have 6V plugs, while vehicles late 1993 & newer typically have 12V plugs

2. Check for functionality at the glowplug rail

3. Have a friend sit in the driver’s seat with the keys in the ‘off’ position as you stand next to the passenger side of the vehicle inside the engine bay with your multimeter

4. With the key switched to ‘on’, listen for the solenoid to click on (it’s a pretty discernable “thunk” or click)

5. Once the vehicle is on, check the voltage at the rail for the correct amount on your multimeter, based on the plug you have

6. If the solenoid does not click, check the functionality of your solenoids (above the air filter, behind the driver’s seat

   • If the solenoids turn on and off within 3 seconds, this could indicate that the ECM (electronic control module) could be faulty, at which point you’d need to install a manual glowplug with the correct solenoid

7. Check the resistance of the individual glowplugs from the upper-most point of the glowplug to the casing that threads into the cylinder head – the resistance should be 1ohm +- 0.2ohms on the multimeter (see image II)

IMAGE II

The ideal time for the solenoid to turn on in the startup process is 10 seconds in the winter!

Lastly, make sure to check all the electrical connections in the engine bay for corrosion. Clean any corrosion off thoroughly.

BASIC PRACTICES

First of all, if you have access to a garage, prioritize parking your van in the garage. If not, all good! Just make sure to let your van warmup prior to driving.

Make sure never to use starting fluid in your diesel intake. This can create larger issues, for example it can crack your cylinder head, by igniting too early. For your diesel engine, its best to let it warm up correctly – avoid starting fluid completely.

4-wheel drive is awesome in the winter, whether you’re navigating icy roads or setting tracks in snow. But you don’t want to get too extreme! With an L300, the max suggested highway speed is 80km/h (just under 50mph). To shift an L300 into 4WD, you want to fully stop, go into neutral, then shift to 4WD. Never shift into 4-wheel drive while an L300 is moving.

With an L400, you can go top speed in 4WD – 125km/h (75mph). You can shift into 4-wheel high going up to 25km/h in an L400, but we suggest not to: it’s easy to accidentally push the lever into center-lock diff mode, and that’s NOT good to do at speed. We suggest you still pull over to switch.

VEHICLE START-UP

Starting up your rig in the winter is pretty straight-forward in the winter once you have the van ready to go, but it’s good to know the general process.

When you’re turning the key into ‘on’ position, allow the glowplugs to fire to 10 seconds prior to cranking the key all the way on (this allows the starter to actually turn on. Note that the L300 could require multiple 10 second startup intervals before the engine actually turns on. This is normal. Pumping the throttle won’t do anything for the startup process, but having the throttle open ½ inch with a foothold is good for pre-1993 L300s and vehicles that are out of tune.

If you’re cranking the throttle, do so for no longer than 7 seconds upon startup so you don’t overheat the starter.

Once on and running, let the vehicle warm up for 10 minutes. If you have a temperature gauge, warm up until the coolant is at least 110 degrees Fahrenheit. If you don’t have a gauge, once the coolant temp on the stock dash is above the white line, you can drive it.

For automatic vehicles, if the vehicle is not above 160 degrees Fahrenheit it will not shift into 4th gear, so if you plan on jumping on the highway immediately, let it warm up for 15 minutes. An aftermarket gauge is recommended.

Upon correct startup, exhaust should be consistent and dark, as pictured in image III

IMAGE III

If the coolant temperature gauge doesn’t work, don’t drive your van!

UPGRADES 

Block heater line/coolant heater: with this device, you can plug in overnight, and it keeps coolant at 100 degrees Fahrenheit so the van starts as if it’s summertime. This is ideal. As a pro tip, you can plug into a gas station’s coolant heater overnight if you’re traveling and want to camp out in the van.

Digital temperature gauge: this helps discern when your vehicle is ready to drive and make sure you’re at proper operating temps.

Momentary Glowplug switch: this enables you to turn your glowplugs on with your finger

Eberspacher Water Heater: this is a mobile diesel coolant heater; it’s best for things like a trip through Canada in the winter months. They are specific per size, whether you’re running gas or diesel, and more when you purchase

 COMMON ISSUES

If you are having issues in the cold of winter, there’s some common things that could be occurring we’ve curated

• Faulty glow plugs

• Iced over fuel filter, or gelled up fuel filter from the cold

• Leaking injection pump

• Faulty injectors

• Non-insulated fuel lines can be a major issue with cold (can be easily avoided with cetane booster)

• Faulty primer housing

• Faulty glowplug ECM

• Low compression

It’s important to care for & prime you van for the winter months, and taking advantage of the performance and possibilities your Delica has to offer! If you have any questions, reach out to us directly through our site or if you want us to complete winter maintenance for your vehicle, fill out our maintenance form

Look out for our video on winter maintenance on your Youtube page coming next week! Happy trails

Delica L400 Space Gear SWB LWB Model Comparisons and Tradeoffs

(Specs, interior spacing, performance, and offroading)

Picturesque example of a Short Wheel Base (SWB) L400 Space Gear. Boulder mountain range pictured behind.

Introduction

Since Nomadic Van’s inception, we have long been interested in the technical specs of the different Delica models we sell, and their effects on performance in particular. The 4X4 L400 Space Gear is the newer of the two Delica models we specialize in, and unlike the one-size-fits-all 4X4 L300 Star Wagon model, it offers a long wheelbase option for more space. In short, this option increases the length by a foot and a half, which comes with intricate advantages and drawbacks that need some explaining. We want to extrapolate upon these differences to help people find their perfect fit in their vehicle search. 

Like its predecessor, the L300 Star Wagon, the L400 Space Gear is an overlanding and offroading pig that, if properly tuned (as done in our Nomadic Maintenance routine), offers the perfect combo of reliability, luxury, and off-road capability. One interesting question that has long been asked by the Delica community, and largely unanswered is: “What are the differences between the long wheelbase and short wheelbase L400’s,” and, at that, “how does it affect its usage?” It’s an important question and one that boils down to an equation of performance and additional space. As one of these variables increases, the other falls.

Today we will set out to answer this big question, which is centered around the varying differences in the following specs: variation in chassis and rear cabin length, seat spacing, fuel economy, and power. Today we’ll go over these specs for the SWB and LWB models, and what they all mean for usability, offroading, and adventuring. Hopefully, this will guide you in considering the tradeoffs of the L400 chassis length options, and perhaps why you should want one of these versatile machines in the first place.  

Context

The L400’s we’re measuring are model years 1994-1998 with the Exceed trim packages, across both Gas and Diesel options. These are the L400 years available for import into the US, and are becoming a force to be reckoned with in the overland community because of their fuel economy, horsepower (HP), coil suspension, and the long wheelbase version offered.) (To see our L400’s in stock and more, check out our vehicle listings!)

Even though every well-kept Delica is up to the task, there are principle differences between the long wheelbase (LWB) and short wheelbase (SWB) that affect its performance and comfortability with many tradeoffs. 

Vehicle Length Difference & Where it Manifests

Firstly, we’ll dive into the biggie: the difference in length between LWB and SWB models and which part of the vehicle manifests in. As measured by our techs here at Nomadic, the overall length differential between the two L400 options is 17 " (almost 1.5 feet), which may not seem like much, but with overall lengths of 182 " (approx 15.2 feet) and 199 " (approx 16.7 feet) respectively, it’s a 10% margin that really shows in person. (see attached photo). As for where this distance is distributed, it’s not in the drivers corridor, but rather a roughly 8.5” difference in wheelbase lengths (distance between hubs) and a roughly 8.5” difference from the rear axle to bumper. So the LWB option has its extra 17" from the back of the driver's seat onwards, (total measurements: 7’ 4” and 8' 9” respectively) which is key for extra leg room, storage space, and, for your van modifiers out there: Buildout space. This extra foot and a half is a godsend for anyone wanting to live in their van or load up more gear for longer trips. For you weekend warriors, this extra space isn’t necessarily needed and you may want the extra power and maneuverability of the SWB, but as we’ll go into later, it really comes down to personal preference. 

Width & Height

The height and width measurements are the same for both models, with interior max width in the rear cabin being 4’11” and interior max height coming in at 4' 3” according to Nomadic tech measurements. This means you can comfortably sleep two adults in the back in both models and two on top if you go with a roof top tent setup. Also, if you’re brave enough, the fully reclining front seats can sleep two (I courageously tested this out last night for the sake of this post, and got a full night’s sleep!) As for first hand experience with the height, I’m 6’ tall and was able to stand in a crouched position and maneuver in the back to get to the seats and move things around. This brings us naturally into our next topic, and that’s seating space differences.

Seating

The seats are the same in all L400’s, cushy and comfortable, and will fold out into a bed (cool right?!). The overall extra difference in distance in rear leg room across both rows is 10", and the trunk room difference is 7". So even though the seats can be moved freely in both models, you'll get more of a leg stretch with the LWB.

For all those wondering, you can fit a “full” sized mattress in both options on top of the seats when the second row seats are folded down and the third row seat is in its normal position. In the LWB, you’ll have a small gap between the mattress and the third row seat. You’ll still maintain room for gear in the back hatch space if you do this. Also, remember there’s always storage on the roof rack in both models if you’re strap-savvy.

Above: SWB seats laid down, LWB seats laid down, SWB interior, LWB interior, ext. side by side.

Performance & Offroading

The L400 LWB weighs about 400 lbs more than the SWB. Most of that weight lives down low in the chassis and body material. When you’re driving, as you can ask Nomadic mechanics, the SWB is more peppy and can get you over rocks and bumps that would otherwise rock the chassis on a LWB if you’re on a gnarly trail. You’ll feel the weight of the LWB under full acceleration on the pavement and on steep inclines on or off-road. The difference is marginal but noticeable. This 400lb weight difference between the LWB 2.8L Turbo Diesel and the SWB results in a 7% difference in the power to weight ratio (SWB of course benefitting from this). This 7% difference will be present even after our performance tune is applied; however, adding power helps overall top speed and crawling performance. Details of what our performance tune consists of can be found on our 4M40 Performance page on our website. Low range 4WD is a key feature for offroad use to allow more power to the ground at a lower pace. Each version of the van will be able to power up inclines in excess of 28 degrees, respectively. 

Silver finished example of a SWB L400 Space Gear in the Idaho backcountry

The real difference in performance is noticed when approaching sharp roll-overs or large rocks, or rounding sharp turns with a bloated turn radius (LWB). Speaking of high-centering on an obstacle, it’s easier to get the center of the undercarriage hung up with the LWB. Given the difference in length hub to hub, ground clearance, the maneuverability of the SWB is going to be more nimble, quick to turn and make corrections.  Once again, this comes at the cost of not having as much space often necessary for comfortable longer term travel. It’s a tradeoff, but it really comes down to individual preference, and the Delica will get you to cool places unaccessible to other camper vans. 

Summary

Overall, Depending on your lifestyle, and intended usage of the vehicle, we'd be happy to direct you towards a model we think would best fit you, but believe you’ll know what’s best for you after reading this guide! Each Delica has its place, and we thank you for geeking out with us! We think you’ll be happy with your decision, because at Nomadic Van, each Delica, short or long, has been properly gone through, tuned, and prepped for your unique adventure! 

——

Early 90’s L300 Star Wagon, also sold on our Van Sales Page

P. S. For a different look, similar fuel economy, and a unique driving experience, check out the classic L300 Delica models also available on our Listings Page. Their interior is roughly the same in size to the short wheelbase L400s (175” vs 182”), except with a narrower distance between hubs that give them greater ground clearance (86.5” vs 111”.)

Starla the L300: A Nomadic Van Story

Hey Nomadic Fam! In this week’s blogpost, we’re stoked to present our first-ever “Nomadic Van Customer Story!” The following is a feature of an L300 owner Doug Gafner and his Nomadic Van “Starla”. We love staying in touch with Nomadic Van owners, and after getting a brief update about his recent trip to The Badlands, we wanted Doug on here to start us off with what he and Starla (Formerly Sneaky Pete) have been up to! Doug is a talented visual artist (IG @douggafner3) and, as you’ll see, a great storyteller too! So grab your popcorn and kombucha, ‘cause we’re going back to Sun Valley 2021, where this fateful Nomadic Van Story begins…

A storm gathers in Sheridan Lake, SD (photo taken on a recent van life trip)

I saw Sneaky Pete on the website after browsing for a while and decided to give the fellas at Nomadic a call to check it out. A few days later, I am driving out of Sun Valley on my way back to Rapid City, SD. The fellas at Nomadic were very accommodating, they gave me everything I needed to know about owning and maintaining an L300. The journey back to Sodak was about 800 miles of conditioning with the Delica, trekking through Jackson Pass, Teton National Park, and the long stretches of Wyoming plains (up to 24 mpg!) By the time I arrived home, I was confident driving on the right side and comfortable with the "acceleration".

About a year later, I began designing and outfitting, Sneaky Pete, starting with the name; now "Starla" from the movie Napoleon Dynamite, for a part-time van build for extended trips in the wilderness. The build was put on hold after I ruptured my achilles tendon in a moshpit at a punk show, (yes there is punk in Rapid City, SD). Thankfully the guys at Nomadic were able to install a block heater for me so it was nice and warm through the winter. After surgery and 10 months of PT, I finally finished the build.

Starla on a Trip to The Badlands, SD

It was awesome to find out that most modern outdoor equipment like the roof rack bars and awning can be equipped to the Delica with no problems. The rails are very similar to modern designs. I also found a ladder that is fabricated by "Xlpormor Offroad" out of NC. Their ladders are specifically made to fit L300s or L400s. They also make rear swinging carriers for both.

I created a 3D model of the Delica in Autodesk Maya using measurements and dimensions of the van, then designed my interior build from there. The design was simple, it can sleep two, has a desk inside and kitchen in the back.

Custom 3D rendering of Starla

See more at: https://dgafner3.artstation.com/projects/BmyK2r

Custom 3D rendering of Starla

See more at: https://dgafner3.artstation.com/projects/BmyK2r

Builtout L300….

Builtout L300…

A few months later, now Spring of 2023, I will be traveling this Summer and Fall living out of the van with plans to camp in the Black Hills of SD, Rocky Mountains of CO, visiting friends and family in the Midwest, and eventually heading west to learn how to surf when the winter comes.

I am really happy I got my Delica through the guys at Nomadic. They know everything there is to know about Delicas, and are ultra passionate about what they do!

See you out there!

Cheers!

- Doug

Thanks, Doug! It’s awesome to hear about all the stellar things you and Starla have been up to, quite a journey. Be sure to keep staying in touch!

As many have figured out, Nomadic Vans have a way of taking their occupants to enchanting places almost instantly after driving off the lot, and Doug’s story is no exception! With owners from all walks of life, this is a commonality between all of our vehicles, as they’re fundamentally road trip ready and up to high mechanical standard from the start. This makes for some seriously cool personal journeys, and we look forward to showcasing more tales of those who share a common passion for the vehicle they drive. So if you own a Nomadic Van, or have a Delica that’s passed through our shop before, feel to email us and we’ll add your story to this blog series!

-Nomadic Van

Doug and Starla at the Nomadic shop after purchase!

Behind the Scenes: RVR Madness Shoot

setting the scene

On a bluebird day in Sun Valley Idaho, Ron and I undertook the start of RVR madness spring by finding a snowy, drift-able parking lot and letting the 4x4 hatchbacks do the rest. It was late March, and as snow was still pounding the entire west it was time to promote one of the RADDEST Mitsubishi models we’ve had come through our shop: The mid 90’s RVR Sports Gear X3 (RVR stands for Recreational Vehicle Runner). The RVR is related to the acclaimed JDM Mitsubishi Evo sports car, yet still goes alongside its cousin the Delica as a sleepable 4X4 recreation vehicle. (If you haven’t seen the videos that came from this shoot, be sure to check them out on our YouTube! ) (Also keep an eye out for our upcoming behind-the-scenes BLOOPER video!)

Rondo and I caught like wild animals in a dash cam, late March in Sun Valley, Idaho

Since the valley was constantly socked in with low clouds and heavy snow, The RVR Madness video shoot occurred on one of the only sunny days during the last two weeks of March. We really had to time this one, both to ensure there was proper lighting and a nice blanket of snow laid for drifting!

Conveniently it was after some nice snowfall the night before, so we were able to get some epic shots of these speed demons in the sunlight but on a great drifting surface. The extra pack really helps the tires slide, and with the turbo spooling, we got a particularly epic run with Falco, the green 1994 RVR with a limited slip differential. (both RVR models listed have independent suspension)

RVR Sports Gear “Falco” ripping through the spring snow

The shot

After the necessary flashy filming, we got in tight with DSLR, phone cams, and a chest-mounted mic to debut the features of the RVRs with Rondo as our host. Spiked up on caffeine from an earlier visit to Maude’s coffee in Ketchum Idaho, Rondo’s passion particularly spiked as he reminisced to me about how he learned to drive stick in the American version of the RVR. It had come full circle for him: he was now selling an upgraded version of the car that brought him so many memories in his younger years. Excitingly too, Ron was donning a classic maroon jumpsuit he later went snowboarding in, redefining the definition of “business casual” before my very eyes.

A Beautiful (hilarious) Moment…

As we went into the later parts of the day, our sunburned noses and frozen ears, we showcased a memorable feature and moment: fully reclinable back seats that fit both Ron and me upon testing it out! We were now even more impressed by the exceptional use of space now that two rugged, strapping, brutish men were somehow comfortably chilling in the fully folded back seats of a HATCHBACK, and would have dozed off if they weren’t careful. (these seats can also be fully removed, and a camping cot can be retrofitted! ) This comes at no sacrifice to top speed or weight, as the seat configurations all take place within a vehicle with 220hp and enough acceleration for any offroad trail or dirt road. The versatility of the RVR would be great for anyone who wants to overland without losing the sleek “get up and go” feel of a hatchback, and it was great to break down all the features, often unseen at first glance.

The equipment we used for the entire shoot was simple: Two Smartphones, A Nikon DSLR, A blue tooth portable microphone, and a GoPro Hero complete with a suction mount. It’s incredible what can be done with this equipment setup when you have proper lighting, a beautiful backdrop, and an awesome subject.

If you haven’t yet, be sure to check out our YouTube and Instagram videos that came from this robust shoot! And, expect more videos to come as the snow begins to thaw! (The RVRs seen in this shoot are currently on sale at 10% off on our Van Sales Page)

Delica L400 Space Gear SWB LWB Model Comparisons and Tradeoffs

(Specs, interior spacing, performance, and offroading)

Picturesque example of a Short Wheel Base (SWB) L400 Space Gear. Boulder mountain range pictured behind.

Introduction

Since Nomadic Van’s inception, we have long been interested in the technical specs of the different Delica models we sell, and their effects on performance in particular. The 4X4 L400 Space Gear is the newer of the two Delica models we specialize in, and unlike the one-size-fits-all 4X4 L300 Star Wagon model, it offers a long wheelbase option for more space. In short, this option increases the length by a foot and a half, which comes with intricate advantages and drawbacks that need some explaining. We want to extrapolate upon these differences to help people find their perfect fit in their vehicle search. 

Like its predecessor, the L300 Star Wagon, the L400 Space Gear is an overlanding and offroading pig that, if properly tuned (as done in our Nomadic Maintenance routine), offers the perfect combo of reliability, luxury, and off-road capability. One interesting question that has long been asked by the Delica community, and largely unanswered is: “What are the differences between the long wheelbase and short wheelbase L400’s,” and, at that, “how does it affect its usage?” It’s an important question and one that boils down to an equation of performance and additional space. As one of these variables increases, the other falls.

Today we will set out to answer this big question, which is centered around the varying differences in the following specs: variation in chassis and rear cabin length, seat spacing, fuel economy, and power. Today we’ll go over these specs for the SWB and LWB models, and what they all mean for usability, offroading, and adventuring. Hopefully, this will guide you in considering the tradeoffs of the L400 chassis length options, and perhaps why you should want one of these versatile machines in the first place.  

Context

The L400’s we’re measuring are model years 1994-1998 with the Exceed trim packages, across both Gas and Diesel options. These are the L400 years available for import into the US, and are becoming a force to be reckoned with in the overland community because of their fuel economy, horsepower (HP), coil suspension, and the long wheelbase version offered.) (To see our L400’s in stock and more, check out our vehicle listings!)

Even though every well-kept Delica is up to the task, there are principle differences between the long wheelbase (LWB) and short wheelbase (SWB) that affect its performance and comfortability with many tradeoffs. 

Vehicle Length Difference & Where it Manifests

Firstly, we’ll dive into the biggie: the difference in length between LWB and SWB models and which part of the vehicle manifests in. As measured by our techs here at Nomadic, the overall length differential between the two L400 options is 17 " (almost 1.5 feet), which may not seem like much, but with overall lengths of 182 " (approx 15.2 feet) and 199 " (approx 16.7 feet) respectively, it’s a 10% margin that really shows in person. (see attached photo). As for where this distance is distributed, it’s not in the drivers corridor, but rather a roughly 8.5” difference in wheelbase lengths (distance between hubs) and a roughly 8.5” difference from the rear axle to bumper. So the LWB option has its extra 17" from the back of the driver's seat onwards, (total measurements: 7’ 4” and 8' 9” respectively) which is key for extra leg room, storage space, and, for your van modifiers out there: Buildout space. This extra foot and a half is a godsend for anyone wanting to live in their van or load up more gear for longer trips. For you weekend warriors, this extra space isn’t necessarily needed and you may want the extra power and maneuverability of the SWB, but as we’ll go into later, it really comes down to personal preference. 

Width & Height

The height and width measurements are the same for both models, with interior max width in the rear cabin being 4’11” and interior max height coming in at 4' 3” according to Nomadic tech measurements. This means you can comfortably sleep two adults in the back in both models and two on top if you go with a roof top tent setup. Also, if you’re brave enough, the fully reclining front seats can sleep two (I courageously tested this out last night for the sake of this post, and got a full night’s sleep!) As for first hand experience with the height, I’m 6’ tall and was able to stand in a crouched position and maneuver in the back to get to the seats and move things around. This brings us naturally into our next topic, and that’s seating space differences.

Seating

The seats are the same in all L400’s, cushy and comfortable, and will fold out into a bed (cool right?!). The overall extra difference in distance in rear leg room across both rows is 10", and the trunk room difference is 7". So even though the seats can be moved freely in both models, you'll get more of a leg stretch with the LWB.

For all those wondering, you can fit a “full” sized mattress in both options on top of the seats when the second row seats are folded down and the third row seat is in its normal position. In the LWB, you’ll have a small gap between the mattress and the third row seat. You’ll still maintain room for gear in the back hatch space if you do this. Also, remember there’s always storage on the roof rack in both models if you’re strap-savvy.

Above: SWB seats laid down, LWB seats laid down, SWB interior, LWB interior, ext. side by side.

Performance & Offroading

The L400 LWB weighs about 400 lbs more than the SWB. Most of that weight lives down low in the chassis and body material. When you’re driving, as you can ask Nomadic mechanics, the SWB is more peppy and can get you over rocks and bumps that would otherwise rock the chassis on a LWB if you’re on a gnarly trail. You’ll feel the weight of the LWB under full acceleration on the pavement and on steep inclines on or off-road. The difference is marginal but noticeable. This 400lb weight difference between the LWB 2.8L Turbo Diesel and the SWB results in a 7% difference in the power to weight ratio (SWB of course benefitting from this). This 7% difference will be present even after our performance tune is applied; however, adding power helps overall top speed and crawling performance. Details of what our performance tune consists of can be found on our 4M40 Performance page on our website. Low range 4WD is a key feature for offroad use to allow more power to the ground at a lower pace. Each version of the van will be able to power up inclines in excess of 28 degrees, respectively. 

Silver finished example of a SWB L400 Space Gear in the Idaho backcountry

The real difference in performance is noticed when approaching sharp roll-overs or large rocks, or rounding sharp turns with a bloated turn radius (LWB). Speaking of high-centering on an obstacle, it’s easier to get the center of the undercarriage hung up with the LWB. Given the difference in length hub to hub, ground clearance, the maneuverability of the SWB is going to be more nimble, quick to turn and make corrections.  Once again, this comes at the cost of not having as much space often necessary for comfortable longer term travel. It’s a tradeoff, but it really comes down to individual preference, and the Delica will get you to cool places unaccessible to other camper vans. 

Summary

Overall, Depending on your lifestyle, and intended usage of the vehicle, we'd be happy to direct you towards a model we think would best fit you, but believe you’ll know what’s best for you after reading this guide! Each Delica has its place, and we thank you for geeking out with us! We think you’ll be happy with your decision, because at Nomadic Van, each Delica, short or long, has been properly gone through, tuned, and prepped for your unique adventure! 

——

Early 90’s L300 Star Wagon, also sold on our Van Sales Page

P. S. For a different look, similar fuel economy, and a unique driving experience, check out the classic L300 Delica models also available on our Listings Page. Their interior is roughly the same in size to the short wheelbase L400s (175” vs 182”), except with a narrower distance between hubs that give them greater ground clearance (86.5” vs 111”.)

Shop Spotlight: Parts Van Disassembly and Dismemberment!

At the shop this week the whole Nomadic crew went to work on taking apart our Delica parts van! And when we say taking apart, we’re not just talking about pulling out the engine transmission, windows, interior panels, wheels etc. We literally cut up the ENTIRE frame and body into small pieces… 

You may be wondering why we would ever do this extra step, but the real reason is definitely not to just brutalize unnnamed parts vans for fun! -wink- -wink

Would you believe us if we said we we did it purely for disposal purposes, and by cutting the van into carry-able pieces we could fit it in the metal recycling dumpster out front?Well, either way, after all useful parts were pulled we went full Mr. Potatohead on the van! (photo below) As you can see, In line with true Japanese automotive tradition, we try to make good use of minimal space. Whether it be the versatile seat setups of the Delicas we sell, or the unfortunate van we just mutilated, we are all about creative and precise usage of space!    

*The unnamed van (mr potatohead) in recyclable pieces* Side note: Thank God the Toy Story 3 trash compactor scene didn’t end this way…!

All jokes aside, this parts van project was an important piece in the greater chess match of supplying Delicas to come with premium parts. Many cosmetic items such as the Crystallite Roof, door panels, and rear hatch would be practically impossible to replace without donor vehicles such as this. And yes, for those of you wondering, a few of these select items may be for sale, so feel free to inquire via our contact page. 

This project is also a reminder that the one-of-a-kind Delicas that come out of our shop are built upon a foundation of supply chain management and behind the scenes projects like these. Parts sourcing is an often overlooked but essential aspect of any JDM auto subculture, and although Mitsubishi’s have good domestic parts sourcing, it’s often still a laborious task to get the pieces necessary to turn a run of the mill imported Delica into a Nomadic Van. So, for those of you wondering what really happens behind the scenes in getting all our adventure loving vans to high levels of mechanical soundness, parts sourcing is fundamental. 

We keep many parts on hand in house, but on any given day you will see either Gardner or our parts guy Tyler browsing the web for Genuine Mitsubishi parts to get our Flagship vehicles thriving and ready for driving!

Ryan, Tyler (Wolfie), and Tim with the Delica Parts Van Convertible

We loved sharing this week's shop spotlight with you all, the guys had a blast and with this one!    

Nomadic Van

Nomadic Van's Founding Story

Established in 2019 in the beautiful mountain town of Sun Valley, Idaho, Nomadic Van was founded upon a passion for the outdoors and robust vehicles capable of getting to hard-to-reach locations. Nomadic’s creators, Rondo and Gardner, met over a post ski beer at the local watering hole, Grumpy’s. The two quickly connected over their love for the outdoors and their blood being rich in automotive history. Rondo came from a lineage of mechanics, with his grandfather being a master mechanic for CAT; while Gardner’s great grandfather invented the “Cord Front Wheel Drive Automobile” and his grandfather won the first world championships for Toyota Factory Racing Team. At the timing of meeting the two were more interested in skiing/snowboarding through their 20’s than a possible future in the automotive world...

Three years after their initial meeting in Grumpy’s not much had changed and the two found themselves skiing pow in Japan and buying Delicas on a “work trip”. Thus, Nomadic was off the ground and “timed" to perfection. They happened upon a post Covid world full of people ready to adventure, with a focus on reliability and functionality. The first three years were filled with many late nights, lots of R&D and the required persistence to get any entrepreneurial enterprise off the ground. Now four years into the Delica journey, Rondo and Gardner have acquired a team of mechanics, skiers, and over-landing enthusiasts, who continue to build the Nomadic life in everything they do.

Nomadic’s Founders Rondo & Gardner at a photo shoot in the early days!

To see more of what Nomadic has become beyond its humble beginnings, be sure to follow our social media pages and follow our newsletter below for updates!

We are stoked to share our founding story with you all in this week’s post! Stay tuned for more about our culture here at Nomadic Van in next week’s blog post!

Sincerely,

Nomadic Van

Welcome to the Nomadic Blog!

Be able to better connect with Nomadic through our new Blog! We will be posting about all things NomadicVan.Life, keeping you up to date with new stories and showcases from the Nomadic shop, along with highlights centered around the “Nomadic Van” and its corresponding lifestyle. Whether it’s reels from a photo shoot inside the van, a stargaze above it, a wrench turned from under it, or a ski trip outside of it, all can be showcased here!

We are super excited to start sharing more of what we do creatively, with blog contributions to come from different team members and every facet of the company/brand. To kick us off, expect the answer to an often asked question: ”How did Nomadic Start?” in our upcoming Nomadic Vans Founding Story post!