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/

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.

Not only does the NV2500 Concept provide an original take on Commercial Vehicle (CV) design, it also provides a preview of Nissan’s entry into the CV market in North America. With Nissan CVs already sold in 73 percent of the world’s markets, including Japan, China, Mexico, Europe, South America, Australia and the Middle East among others, Nissan will enter the CV business in North America in 2010.

The line will incorporate three all-new products in three years, as well as products from the global stable. As a result, in the mid-term, Nissan will offer a multi-segment CV lineup up to class 5 gross vehicle weight ratings (GVWR).

The three new products are being developed by Nissan specifically for the North American market and will be built at Nissan’s manufacturing facility in Canton, Miss. Nissan is investing $118 million to expand Canton’s production to manufacture CVs.

“The Nissan NV2500 is a rolling idea lab – bringing a new perspective to the Commercial Vehicle segment,” said Bruce Campbell, vice president, Design for Nissan Design America, Inc., which developed the NV2500 Concept. “We see the NV2500 Concept as an ongoing exploration of ways to make these vehicles more than just a box on four wheels. Our goal is to enhance utility through creative design solutions, providing a platform for a wide variety of specific professional applications.”

In this configuration, the Nissan NV2500 Concept is designed for construction use. It bears the logo of Habitat for Humanity only to illustrate the partnership between Nissan and Habitat. Over the past three years, Nissan has donated $3 million in cash, vehicles and house sponsorships, along with thousands of hours of work volunteered by Nissan employees.

The NV2500 Concept’s “wall-less” mobile office/workspace design includes a computer workstation, fold-down conference table, numerous storage compartments, cargo/tool tie-down racks, nearly six feet of interior height and an awning-style side panel that opens to create a standing outside workshop table.

“Aside from construction site applications, the NV2500 Concept, with its unique configuration and array of features, could be used in infinite ways by infinite users. Whether a mobile Farmers’ Market booth, a hot-air balloon launch or chase vehicle or to support a beachside surfing school, the usage possibilities of Commercial Vehicles are endless,” he said.

A Solid Workhorse Foundation
The NV2500 is conceived first and foremost as a powerful, multi-purpose utility vehicle. Built on a modified Nissan Titan full-size pickup all-steel, fully boxed ladder frame, engine choices would be selected for competitive power and fuel efficiency. Other under-skin components include an automatic transmission and solid rear axle. The wheels are a special 20-inch billet aluminum design, while the Michelin tires include a special tread pattern designed for a good payload capacity and fuel efficiency.

Dimensionally, the NV2500 Concept has a 147.6-inch (12.3-foot)) wheelbase and measures a full 19.5 feet bumper-to-bumper. It stands 8 feet tall and is 6.6 feet wide. Inside, from the front of the passenger compartment to rear door, there is room to carry objects up to 10.5 feet long with the passenger seat moved out of the way.

The NV2500’s exterior design is highlighted by a wide grille, pronounced wheel arches, stepped roofline, well-defined fenders and unique window and roof treatments. Along with wraparound-style windshield/front door windows, the NV2500 Concept features lower door-glass cutouts and an oversized, fixed-glass roof panel that stretches from behind the B-pillars to the rear doors – adding a visual lightness to the design and illumination to the interior.

The NV2500 Concept’s roof panel includes integrated solar panel technology to power interior equipment, lights and accessories. Additional exterior features include large, retractable outside mirrors, motorized flip-down AMP Research side and rear door steps, LED headlights and taillights, and dual-purpose tow hooks located in the grille that also serve as steps for easier access to the engine compartment.

The most intriguing aspect of the exterior, however, is the multi-use doors. On the driver’s side, the Titan King Cab-style Wide Open Door offers unfettered access to the front of the vehicle, with integrated storage compartments for carrying items such as tool/safety vests, ear protection and first aid kit. In the rear of the NV2500 Concept are vertical 60/40 split cargo access “barn” doors with additional storage compartments and power rear step for walk-through capability and easy access.

The passenger side features a combination of a 90-degree opening vertical door directly behind the front passenger door and an awning-style clamshell panel that hinges upward and locks in place, creating a protected, standing workshop table on the outside and an open “picture window” view from the fold-down interior work desk. The passenger side door also has integrated workshop tool storage with fitted compartments for power saws, drills, screwdrivers and drafting equipment.

“The entire rear wall of the NV2500 Concept opens up so, for example, the construction supervisor can see and communicate with associates without leaving the desk,” said Campbell. “It also serves as an additional, flat workspace that is protected from the elements, providing unlimited flexibility for whatever task might arise.”

An Innovative 3-Zone Interior
Inside the commanding NV2500 exterior is a 3-Zone interior that combines simple, organic solutions with elements of advanced technology.

“The NV2500 Concept challenges the traditional thinking regarding show vehicles, not only in size but in its approach to technology,” said Campbell. “Though it features a number of high-tech features such as a RearView Monitor, navigation system and wireless PC, wherever possible we also used ‘lower-tech’ solutions such as the manually adjusting multi-position passenger/workstation seat and the double-sided workbench that manually converts from an inside table to an outside work surface.”

The NV2500 Concept’s front Driver/Passenger Zone is anchored by a wide instrument panel with a customizable navigation/audio/climate display. The instrument panel also has an accessory power outlet and a built-in retractable power cord. Overhead is a full ceiling storage console with visor shelves, center shelves and a cooling fan that can be powered by the roof-mounted solar cells. Located behind the driver’s seat is a customizable, lighted storage closet designed to hold hardhats, flashlights and work boots – complete with a mudroom-style grated floor for drainage.

Additional storage is provided in the center console’s locking compartment and the instrument panel’s floating shelf. The wide, front-passenger seat can swing rearward on a sliding arm, manually moving and locking into position in front of the workstation console located behind the driver’s seat or pivoting toward the work table. The workstation includes an oversized computer monitor and computer with laser-projected “easy clean” keyboard.

“The passenger seat functions as both a traditional forward-facing seat and a comfortable, swiveling desk chair,” said Campbell. “All elements of the interior are designed to be multi-functional and highly durable, able to stand up to the rigors of heavy use at a job site or other real world locations.”

As fitting of a true work truck, the centerpiece of the NV2500 Concept is the third zone, the Conference Center/Cargo Bay Zone. Dressed in its construction office configuration, this zone includes a fold-down inside/outside workshop table.

With the awning-style side panel in the open position, the table can also flip 180 degree to become a standing-height work surface. Lights on the awning illuminate the table.

Mounted in the ceiling above the side panel is a built-in laser blueprint printer. The wall also includes 110/220W power outlets and areas for the built-in shop vacuum’s air hoses. The opposite wall is dominated by sustainable wood slats for tying down or securing cargo. The engineered sustainable wood flooring includes a custom version of the Titan’s popular Utili-track cargo tie-down/sliding cleat system. The Utili-track channels run from rear door to front bulkhead on the passenger side of the vehicle. There also are multi-position integrated tie-down hooks and functional task lighting throughout the cargo area.

“The key to the NV2500 Concept’s interior is ingenuity as much as innovation,” Campbell said. “Every element needs to serve high-utility needs for multi-tasking users.”

About Nissan Commercial Vehicles (CV)
Nissan North America, Inc. is entering the CV business through a significant investment in North America as part of a global commitment to the CV segment. Three all-new Nissan CVs are being developed by Nissan specifically for the North American market and will be built in the Nissan manufacturing plant in Canton, Miss., as part of a multi-segment product range of vehicles up to a class 5 gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR).

Nissan will forge partnerships with Cummins Inc. for the engines and ZF Friedrichshafen AG for the transmissions. The first Nissan commercial vehicle is scheduled to be launched in the first half of 2010.

Additional information on Nissan’s global commercial vehicle business can be found at www.nissanlcv.com.

About Nissan
In North America, Nissan’s operations include automotive styling, engineering, consumer and corporate financing, sales and marketing, distribution and manufacturing. Nissan is dedicated to improving the environment under the Nissan Green Program 2010, whose key priorities are reducing CO2 emissions, cutting other emissions and increasing recycling. More information on Nissan in North America and the complete line of Nissan and Infiniti vehicles can be found online at www.NissanUSA.com and www.InfinitiUSA.com.

Click hear to watch a short video on the NV 2500

The Doug Thorley Headers for the 3.3L V6 Xterras and Frontiers are almost here. The prototype is done but a production date is not set yet. Rugged Rocks needs at least 15 combined pre-orders for production to start. From the day that the 15th pre-order is placed, it will be 5 - 6 weeks until delivery. To help make this a reality Rugged Rocks we’ll be giving $45.00 off and free shipping within the Lower 48 states to those that pre-order before March 14th. In the unfortunate event that we don’t meet the 15 pre-order minimum, everyones pre-orders will be refunded. However, They have had an overwhelming number of responses regarding these headers and these pre-orders shouldn’t be a problem. But, the faster the faster they get the 15 pre-orders, the faster everyone gets their headers.

Here are a few more details on the headers: Long tube headers for the 2000 - 2004 non-supercharged Nissan 3.3L V6. Replaces factory exhaust manifolds. Has o2 bungs in place and includes a new EGR tube. Ceramic coated inside and out. Also includes all gaskets and hardware for a full bolt on installation. Full bolt on upgrade eliminates the pre-cats. Not CA smog legal.

To place your pre-order click here http://ruggedrocksoffroad.com/advanced_search_result.php?search_in_description=1&keywords=doug+thorley+headers+nissan+3.3

If you have any questions contact Steven from Rugged Rocks here http://ruggedrocksoffroad.com/contact_us.php

ARB

ARB is the newest player in the game for the second generation Nissan Xterra front bumper.

PROS: Well, it is an ARB afterall.  The Autralian brand has proven itself time and again with all products.  Unlike some of the other bumpers it does not interfere with the airbag sensors in the front.

CONS:  Some trimming of the stock plastic grill is required.  While not a major feat it does mean there’s no turning back.  And need to trade in your truck?  You’ll need to find a replacement stock grill if you’re going to remove the ARB before sale.

PRICE: $859.95, http://ruggedrocksoffroad.com/arb-front-winch-bumper-nissan-xterra-05-p-5583.html

Shrockworks

PROS:  Shrockworks was one of the first to offer a front bumper for the Xterra.  It has proven itself in quality and for many is the only choice when shopping for a new bumper.

CONS:  Notoriously long wait times.  Quotes are usually in the 6-10 week range and actual delivery has been known to exceed 6 months.

PRICE:  Starting at $898.00 including black poweder coat.  http://www.shrockworks.com/Nissan-Xterra-Winch-Bumper-Bull-Bar-pr-16153.html

Calmini

PROS:  Calmini was also one of the first in the game to offer this product for the second generation Xterra.  I like to reward the companies that have seen our trucks as a viable competitor in the off road community.

CONS:  Only offered in Calmini grey.  It matches well with the Nissan grey bumpers and side steps if you still have them, but if you want the standard black you’re SOL.

PRICE: $739.95, http://www.purenissan.com/winch_bumper4.htm

Kennesaw Mtn.

PROS:  The two best things I’ve seen to come across from Ken Mtn. are both the price and the ease of configuration of the product.  Ken Mtn. is fulfilling a nitch for those guys out there that want a proven bumper with their features.  Don’t want the hoops, no problem.  Want different size hoops, no problem.  Add a hitch mount, ok.

CONS:  Maybe there’s too much of a good thing?  The choices can drive an undecisive man crazy.

PRICE:  Starting at $560, http://www.kenmtnac.com/Xterra05.html

All of these companies have a proven product.  Now, just what to order….

Stay tuned.

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

Nissan provided details last week confirming a recall brake pedal pins and fuel guage innaccuracies in the following press release.

NISSAN ISSUES VOLUNTARY RECALLS ON SELECTED VEHICLES TO CHECK BRAKE PINS AND CORRECT FUEL GAUGE INACCURACIES

Nissan North America (NNA) today announced recalls to inspect and, if necessary, repair brake pedal pins and fuel-gauge components on certain trucks and minivans. No accidents or injuries have been reported with these issues.

“At Nissan, we’re committed to the safety and satisfaction of our customers. We regret any inconveniences that our customers may experience as we take these precautions,” said Kevin Martin, vice president of Total Customer Satisfaction for NNA.

These recall campaigns involve a total of 539,864 vehicles, a majority of which are in the United States.

REASON FOR THE RECALLS
There have been three reported instances of brake pedal pins partially disengaging, causing a loss of normal braking ability, and Nissan has determined that a manufacturing error on the part of the supplier is at the root of this issue. All vehicles currently on sale are free of this problem.

Unrelated to the brake-pin issue, vehicles at higher mileage levels may have fuel gauges which incorrectly indicate the amount of fuel in the tank. This may result in the vehicle running out of fuel while the gauge reads greater than empty. All vehicles currently on sale are free of this problem.

VEHICLES INVOLVED
Models and numbers of vehicles with potentially affected brake pedal pins are:

• 2008 through 2010 model year Nissan Titan, Armada, Quest and Infiniti QX56
• 178,916 in the U.S., 25,869 outside the U.S. (see box for locations)

Models and numbers of vehicles with potential fuel gauges inaccuracies are:

• 2005 through 2008 model year Nissan Titan, Armada and Infiniti QX56
• Nissan Frontier, Pathfinder and Xterra produced between January and March 2006 and between October 2007 and January 2008
• 418,865 in the U.S., 53,253 outside the U.S. (see box for locations)

WHAT OWNERS OF POTENTIALLY AFFECTED VEHICLES SHOULD DO
Beginning in March, owners of potentially affected vehicles in the brake pedal pin recall are being notified to bring their vehicles to a Nissan or Infiniti dealership for a quick, simple, visual inspection and, if necessary, repair.

Also beginning in March, owners of potentially affected vehicles under the recalls for fuel gauge inaccuracies will be notified as to when they should bring their vehicles to their dealers for repair. Until their fuel gauge senders are repaired, customers with potentially affected vehicles are encouraged to maintain a fuel level of at least a half-tank.

Customers with questions are encouraged to contact Consumer Affairs at 1-800-NISSAN1 (1-800-647-7261) for Nissan vehicles, or 1-800-662-6200 for Infiniti vehicles. Customers may also contact their respective authorized Nissan or Infiniti dealers.

The application I use is the 2.25″ diameter mount to fit the stock 2nd Gen Xterra rack and added the modular horizontal tab to hold the antenna.  FourTreks offers numerous options for mounting everything from antennas to lights to fire extinguishers, to handles.   Check them out next time your in the market for a good quality item to fit your rack or cage.

What about cost?  The price of  a standard 80 cubic foot aluminum scuba cylinder is comparable  to a 20 pound Co2 bottle.  However, a scuba air fill is about half the price of a CO2 fill.  I pay $5 at Sports Chalet.  CO2 is typically $1 a pound.

As far as capacity,  an 80 cubic foot, 3000 psi scuba tank holds about the same volume of gas as a 10 pound bottle of CO2.  To be exact, 1 pound of liquid CO2 equates to 8.8 cubic feet of gas.  If you want more capacity, Scuba tanks go as high and 130 cubic feet but cost significantly more.

After the tank you’ll need a first stage regulator.  Good used ones typically sell for around $30.  And they are typically adjustable from 100 to 200 psi.  Then use a 3/8″ to 1/4 Npt adpater,  and you can hook up any standard air compressor hose and tire chuck.

3/8" male to 1/4" female NPT adapter

Alternatively, if you want to use your BC inflator hose, most dive shops carry a tire chuck that will plug right into it.

BC inflator tire chuck

In order to install the coil-overs more vertical we decided we were going to cut off the rear end of the frame where it’s curved, then rebuild it higher and more straight. this frame modification will allow the coil-over shock mount to be much cleaner and giving the coil-over shock more room to move. Along with cutting off the rear end of the frame, off comes the rear bumper. Being that the gas tank will be gone from under the Jeep, there is now room to remove some sheet metal and build a new rear bumper about 5″ higher than from the factory. Moving the Rear bumper up and stretching the wheel base will dramatically increase the departure angle of the jeep. With these plans in place, let the fun begin.

Chris had cut his rear fenders a few days prior, which made easy access for getting in there with the torch to start cutting. Before long, the rear bumper was on the ground. We then stepped further forward on the frame and cut off the curve that was originally above the where the axle was placed. There were a few body mounts and other thin sheets of metal that needed to be cleared out along with all the current axle brackets. This was all done with a combination of the torch and grinder. Once all the brackets were cut off, it was time to move on to the body work.

a

We left about 1/4″ of the sheet metal under the rear gate and cut an even strip all the way across. This new space will be where the new 2″ x 4″ steel rear bumper will reside along with tow points for D-ring shackles etc. The frame and rear axle were cleaned up, and were ready to start going back together, but with new parts far different than what was cut out.  After a quick test fit of the frame side brackets, the time was checked and read far after midnight, so we called it a night. Not bad for a late afternoons work.

One modification is required prior to installation of this cover keeping it from a quick bolt-on application.  A dry fit of the cover on the differential revealed a common problem for us Xterra owners.  Slight modifications to the ring on both the driver and passenger sides of the ring are required for fitment issues.  Simple grinding away of a portion of the interior of the ring solves the problem without any worry (see photo).

Clean the interior of the cover to ensure no small metal shavings remain upon installation, paint the exterior prior to installation, apply RTV sealant around the ring and bolt on the cover.  Fill with differential fluid through the 14mm fill point, screw the cap back on the cover and you’re ready to hit the trails knowing there’s little risk to peeling back this new cover if you get hung up on a rock.

Download King of the Hammers 2010

I Kept having problems with the Rusty’s track bar breaking at the Tie Rod end. In fear of it breaking driving down the road I ordered a Rock Krawler Heavy Duty Track Bar with a new bracket.

First I had to remove the old track bar and factory bracket.

Then I installed the new heavy duty bracket which reused all the factory mounting bolts.

After that I had to drill out the axle side mount to a 9/16 so the new bolt would fit through.All that was left was to center the axle and adjust to fit

Calico, CA – The 22^nd Expeditionary Group headed out to Calico this past weekend to welcome Oz and Jesse into the club. As usual, the event was organized through Rugged Rocks Off Road & Communications and advertised through several forums. We also welcomed John from North Carolina for his first outing with us and who had no reserve tackling the trails with his stock ’95 Pathfinder on muds.