Each year, the Overland Expo Foundation partners with a manufacturer to build one of their Ultimate Overland projects. Last year was an amazing GMC 2500 AEV with an OEV camper, and this year they focused on a midsize build with Nissan and Tune Campers. Nissan has been doing big things in the space, including launching their Armada PRO-4X with a rear locker and announcing the return of the XTerra (which will have available 35″ tires). This continues to expand their offerings for overlanders, built on decades of Nissan Patrol, Hardbody, and Frontier heritage.
Anthony Sicola was the champion of this year’s build, working with Nissan and Tune Campers to assemble an accessible and capable project. The Frontier is capable out of the box, but AllDogs has an impressive suspension offering, combining Titan components and FOX shocks to add several inches of track width along with increased load capacity and articulation. The factory mono-leaf suspension has limitations (particularly on step-out in corrugation and under load variability), so the rear springs were swapped for custom units to handle the weight of the camper.
I spent a few days with the truck, including driving it on local trails, and was particularly impressed with the suspension. It handles the weight of the camper without issue, with great limit handling and stability on the twisty mountain roads. The Tune camper is also a big surprise, with excellent attention to detail and finish, along with a comfortable sleeping mattress and quiet tent material (and zippers). Anthony’s experience as an overlander is evident throughout the build, with good organization, thoughtful touches, and real-world considerations. AllDogs put most of it together, including the custom electronics and heating-system enclosures. Without question, this project is ready to drive around the world – and it could be yours when they auction it off at the end of this Overland Expo season.
Build Specifications
Base Vehicle: 2026 Nissan Frontier PRO-4X
- Engine: 3.8L naturally aspirated V6
- Output: 310 horsepower / 281 lb-ft of torque
- Transmission: 9-speed automatic
- Drivetrain: 4×4 with electronic rear locker (factory)
- Chassis: Fully boxed frame
- Factory protection: Steel skid plates, short overhangs
- Payload capacity: 1,220 lbs
- Build philosophy: Stays within factory GVWR and payload
Suspension, Protection & Performance
- AllDogs Offroad Coop Extended Travel Suspension Lift (3rd Gen Frontier) with FOX shocks and Titan components
- Custom rear springs to handle camper load
- NISMO rock sliders (factory-integrated side protection)
- Borla S-Type Cat-Back Exhaust System
Wheels, Tires & Recovery
- Black Rhino Tembo wheels
- Nokian Tyres Outpost nAT all-terrain tires
- ComeUp Winch USA 9.5rsi heavy-duty winch
- Freedom Recovery Gear Stage 4 VTV complete recovery kit
- Rotopax 5-gallon Camp Jug (water/fuel) with traction boards
- Forrest Tool Company MAX Multipurpose Tool Kit
- ARB 4×4 Brushless Twin Motor onboard 12V air compressor
Lighting, Navigation & Communications
- Diode Dynamics Stage Series light bar, ditch lights, chase lights, and rock lights
- Midland MicroMobile GMRS radio, handheld unit, and bullbar antenna
- onX Offroad premium navigation and trail mapping
Storage, Organization & Mounting
- Pelican CRATE 45L and 90L hard storage
- Tackform Slim Track all-metal dash bracket and device mounts
- Nite Ize CamJam HookLock ratchet strap system
- TRAVOCA Rigel Dual Zone 60L eCooler
- Wilco Offroad Hitchgate tire swingout with Rotopax mounts
Power & Electrical
- Battle Born 100Ah 12V LiFePO4 deep cycle battery
- REDARC Scout panel management system with 2x 30W solar panels
- Custom AllDogs electronics enclosures
Camp, Comfort & Living Systems
- Tune Outdoor M1L lightweight pop-up canopy camper
- Taruca Rogue 270 XC awning and Ensuite shower enclosure
- Rixen’s integrated heating and hot water shower system (custom AllDogs enclosure)
- BREEO Y Series To-Go portable fire pit
- Pittman Outdoors sleep system
- Jetboil Genesis cooking system
Tune Outdoor M1L Camper Highlights
- Type: Full pop-up canopy camper (not a wedge)
- Starting weight: approx. 322-350 lbs (keeps the rig under payload)
- Design: Straight walls for maximum usable interior volume
- Sleeping: Cabover bed slides forward over the truck cab, leaving the bed open below
- Windows: Six canopy windows for panoramic views
- Comforts: Hydronic heating, hot water shower tied into the truck’s coolant lines, and a slide-out 12-volt refrigerator
About the Overland Expo Foundation: Giving Back to the Lands and Overlanders
The Overland Expo Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit that channels the generosity, and reach of the overland community into lasting impact. Its mission is straightforward but vital: protect access to public lands, restore and steward the places we explore, and support the people and organizations advancing responsible overland travel. All donations may be tax-deductible in the United States.
Guiding that work is Executive Director Rachael Elseman, an adventurer at heart who has traveled by touring bike and 4WD throughout the world (Including living remotely in Mexico). Under her leadership, the Foundation has restored trails, removed tens of thousands of pounds of trash, and funded healing, peer-led overland programs for military veterans.
The Foundation supports respected partner organizations including Tread Lightly!, the National Forest Foundation, Friends of Ironwood Forest, Mind Over Land, Project Heal the Land, and Natural Restorations. It also backs individual travelers through the Change Your World Travel Grant, which awards funding (up to $5,000) to vehicle and motorcycle travelers who weave a meaningful stewardship or community-giving element into extended journeys, turning their adventures into a force for good. Every dollar helps protect the trails, landscapes, and freedoms that make overlanding possible.
How to Donate
You can make donations directly to the foundation. You can also support the mission by becoming a member, entering Ultimate Overland Build raffles, or stopping by the Foundation tent at any Overland Expo event. This year’s Frontier build itself will be auctioned at the end of the Overland Expo season, with proceeds benefiting the Foundation. Every contribution fuels conservation, education, and community impact. overlandexpofoundation.org
