Nissan Project Truck an Attainable Overlander
Nissan recently showcased two special project vehicle builds featuring a long list of aftermarket upgrades during Overland Expo West in Flagstaff, Arizona.
One of the projects, a Nissan Titan called the Ultimate Parks TITAN, is a purpose-built park support vehicle that will be donated to the Grand Canyon Conservancy through the carmaker’s partnership with the National Park Foundation.
The other project, a Nissan Frontier named Destination Frontier, was created to demonstrate a high-quality overlanding truck built on a budget, according to Nissan.
Last week we took a closer look at the Titan; today it’s the Frontier’s turn.
Destination Frontier
While overlanding is often thought to be only for ultra-expensive modified trucks and SUVs, the Destination Frontier one-off truck can be recreated for around $40,000, according to Nissan.
Starting with a 2019 Frontier Crew Cab SV 4×4 Midnight Edition, the modifications concentrate on enhanced ground clearance and overall body and drivetrain protection from off-trail obstacles.
“We believe Destination Frontier will spark the imagination of customers who would like to get into overlanding, but don’t want to spend a fortune in the process,” said Tiago Castro, director of light commercial vehicles for Nissan North America Inc.
First, a Nisstec 3-inch lift kit and Nitto Trail Grappler off-road tires mounted on American Racing AX201 wheels were installed, providing the overlanding-necessitated extra height and rough-terrain traction.
A Hefty Fabworks front bumper, skid plates and rock sliders protect the engine, transmission and body. Also added up-front was a Warn Industries ZEON 10-S winch, a Warn winch roller fairlead and a Warn Epic winch hook for helping negotiate extra-tough situations.
Since overlanding adventures are known to extend beyond simple day trips, a Leitner Designs bed rack, topped with a CVT Mt. Shasta rooftop tent, was added along with items such as a Dometic fridge/freezer and slider, a Rhino Rack Pioneer Tray and a Baja Designs LP6 Pro lights.
Helping keep the dirt and mud where it belongs-off the carpet-are WeatherTech floor mats.
