Several weeks ago we posted a feature listing our picks for the top five overland options for 2015. Absent from the list, and causing a considerable amount of pushback, was the Nissan Xterra. As the author of that piece I concede that omitting that vehicle may have been an oversight. Over the last few years our staff at Overland International has owned a couple of Xterras and they have performed admirably. This gave us an opportunity to revisit this proven platform, and in particular one owned by our colleague Austin.
A 2003 Nissan Xterra, it might be one of the most comprehensive overland builds we’ve seen applied to this platform. Austin is a professional videographer and needed a vehicle to serve as his home base while shooting on remote locations. To that end, the James Baroud rooftop tent provides living space while a carefully chosen assortment of components and accessories have bolstered the truck’s off-road performance and durability. With guidance and work performed by the overland mavens at AT Overland in Prescott, this Xterra is head and shoulders above any other we’ve seen.
Modifications:
Custom Water Tank
Water Tank Skid Plate
Water pump
Shower mixer
Air System
Extreme air Magnum air compressor
Custom skid plate
Dual Battery System:
National Luna
Custom second battery mount & plates
Shrockworks front & rear bumpers & swing away
Winch in front bumper
Bajadesign light in front bumper (ffot activated)
Shrockworks sliders & skid plates
LED reverse lights
Propane bracket & cylinder
Gobi Rack & ladder install
JB roof top tent moun
Fiamma 2.2M awning (custom mount)
Fridge & Slide
AT Combo slide
AT JK stove
Nation Luna Fridge
NL LED light rear glass
Suspension
Rancho 2.5” lift
Ranch 9000 shocks.
