The announcement of the New Nissan NV2500 today brings with it the burning question of whether or not this vehicle could provide a platform for vehicle based expedition/overlanding.  It will take years likely for this to flush out but there is some definite potential.       

Immediately noticeable is the how the rear passenger side panel opens to reveal a working platform.  This could be used as a base to set up a camp kitchen.  Another nice feature is the storage and mounting system on the rear doors.  It brings to mind mole mounts many of us use on our rear doors to keep medical, survival, and other emergency gear.         

The wood flooring makes for easy clean up when coming back from the woods, desert, or fields and the interior paneling offers many options for customizeable interior storage modifications.

Of course there will have to be some significant changes to get the NV2500 onto those back trails.  A mild limit and even slightly larger tires will likely require removal of the trim around the fenders.  The rear bumper and side steps which pop out upon opening of the doors while a cool feature would have to go in favor of fixed steel bumpers and sliders for the trail.  A roof rack is an addition that would likely be needed by most of us.  Perhaps most importantly a four wheel drive option would need to be offered.   

It will be great to see what creative uses come from this new vehicle.  For additional information on the NV2500 you can check out the press release here http://crawlernews.com/2010/03/nissan-commercial-announces-new-nv2500/

Source: Nissan NV2500 As Potential Expedition Vehicle Platform March 10th, 2010 by Blackx | No Comments »

Nissan NV2500 Concept Serves as a “Rolling Idea Lab” for Company’s Entry into North American CV Market
– “On-site Construction Office” Configuration One of Many Possibilities for New Van –

The Nissan NV2500 Concept is, as its dimensions suggest, a multi-tasker of large order. One of the largest concept vehicles Nissan has ever produced, the NV2500 Concept, offers fresh design and fresh thinking – including a 3-Zone interior and flexible utility and storage solutions. Read more…

Source: Nissan Commercial Announces New NV2500 March 10th, 2010 by Blackx | 1 Comment »

Doug Thorley Headers is getting closer to reality for you 1st generation Xterra/Frontier owners.  One week into the pre-orders Rugged Rocks has received nearly half of the required orders.  Below is more information from Rugged Rocks.

The Doug Thorley Headers for the 3.3L V6 Xterras and Frontiers are almost here. Read more…

Source: Doug Thorley Headers - Xterra / Frontier 3.3L non-supercharged UPDATE! March 10th, 2010 by Blackx | No Comments »

I’ve been in the market for a while now for a new front bumper on my truck and I’ve been having a hard time deciding what to get.  The four main manufacturers for the Xterra include ARB, Shrockworks, Calmini and Kennesaw Mtn.  Here is a quick run through of them all. Read more…

Source: 2005+ Nissan Xterra Front Bumper Review March 9th, 2010 by Blackx | No Comments »

This weekend I decided to check out the Fred Hall Boat Show in Long Beach.  I had heard about the show for the last couple of years.  At first I dismissed it since I don’t really care about fishing, but my buddies kept saying it doesn’t matter, “It’s a man’s show”.  Ok, I thought I’d see what it’s all about.

As an avid camper and four wheeler I was pleasantly surprised and really thinking about it I shouldn’t have been.  Whether fishing. camping, hunting, or four wheeling we all have one thing in common.  We love the outdoors.  I decided to approach the show with a focus on items I would be interested in.  Immediately I spotted Turner’s Outdoors which had a huge section in the back of the exhibitor’s hall.  Yes, they had mostly fishing related items, but they also exhibited knives and guns.

After killing some time at Turner’s I scoped out the isles to see what else I’d be interested in for camping or four wheeling.  Turns out there were quite a few exhibitors that had items I enjoyed seeing.  There were items from Lance Campers, Lowrance GPS, Garmin. Engel refrigerators, and Yakima to name a few.

Next year if you’re interested in a good day of seeing new products for the outdoors don’t hesitate to check out  Fred Hall.  For more information you can visit the website at www.fredhall.com

Source: Fred Hall Boat Show - Not Just for Anglers March 8th, 2010 by Blackx | No Comments »