Destination Frontier by Nissan shows how to make the overlanding experience affordable
Nissan took the opportunity of the annual Overland Expo West in Flagstaff, AZ this last week to show – as they said – “Hobbies don’t have to cost a fortune” – as they unveiled their Destination Frontier project truck.
Overlanding is an exciting form of outdoor adventuring taking participants into sometimes-extreme terrain and climate conditions and is often thought to be only for ultra- expensive modified trucks and SUVs.
Not so, says Nissan as, all in, a Destination Frontier Crew Cab ‘one-off’ truck like the one shown can be created for about $40,000.
“This special Destination Frontier is designed to do two things: first, demonstrate Frontier’s durability, quality and reliability, even when traveling to remote destinations. And second, to help democratize the overlanding experience by showing a more affordable approach to the sport,” said Tiago Castro, director, Light Commercial Vehicles, Nissan North America, Inc.
Nissan chose a 2019 Frontier Crew Cab SV 4×4 Midnight Edition, in order to create the Destination Frontier project vehicle. Its modifications primarily concentrated on enhanced ground clearance and providing overall body and drivetrain protection from off-trail obstacles.
Elements of the mods included a Nisstec 3-inch lift kit and Nitto Trail Grappler off-road tires mounted on American Racing AX201 wheels to provide the terrain clearance enhancement. A Hefty Fabworks front bumper, skid plates and rock sliders were added for additional protection of the engine, transmission and body.
For handling those certain situations where getting out of a bind needs some help, the Destination Frontier was also equipped with a front-mounted WARN Industries ZEON 10-S winch, WARN Winch Roller Fairlead and WARN Epic Winch Hook for helping negotiate extra tough situations.
Nissan points out that overlanding adventuring often goes beyond simple day or weekend outings. To that end, the Destination Frontier was further equipped with a Leitner Designs bed rack, topped with a CVT Mt. Shasta rooftop tent. Also added were a Dometic fridge/freezer and slider, Rhino Rack Pioneer Tray and Baja Designs LP6 Pro lights along with WeatherTech floor mats to keep the crew cab carpets free of dirt and mud.
A Frontier Crew Cab SV 4×4 offers exceptional acceleration, towing capacity and all-around off-roading ability. Its powerful 4.0-liter DOHC V6 produces 261 horsepower and 281 lb.- ft. of torque is mated to a proven durable 5-speed automatic transmission. The 4×4 drive train features Hill Start Assist, Hill Descent Control and locking differential and is tow rated up to 6,720 lbs. when properly equipped.
“As a multiple-time quality award recipient, Frontier has a tremendous reputation for quality and durability – making it a terrific platform for overland adventures where the nearest service station or road could be miles away,” added Castro. “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.”
What if you do not know a good outfitter to build one for you? Maybe you are just an overnighter or weekender in the outback, but want a new Frontier modified to handle more extreme terrains of overlanding.
Good news, Nissan has a dealer direct option for you through their partnership with Rocky Ridge Trucks.
Rocky Ridge Trucks
Though the Destination Frontier is ‘project creation’ only and not available for retail sale, Nissan does offer upfitted off-road / overlanding trucks for direct purchase. Partnering with Rocky Ridge Trucks, special turnkey packages have been created for Nissan trucks that can be purchased complete through your local dealership.
Rocky Ridge Trucks is a top truck and SUV upfitter with over 30 years of experience. Using Nissan approved parts, Rocky Ridge Trucks offers a series of upfits for Nissan Titan, Titan XD, Frontier and even the Armada SUV. Rocky Ridge matches the Nissan warranties (including the modifications) for these vehicles plus they can be financed through Nissan’s financial group.
Rocky Ridge keeps an inventory of Nissan Titans, Frontiers and Armadas at their factory to minimize delivery time for a truck ordered with a Rocky Ridge upfit. Depending on the model and degree of upfit, the time from order to delivery is ‘about’ 4 to 8 weeks.
Frontier Z3 by Rocky Ridge
For Frontier, Rocky Road offers what they call the Z3 Package plus a range of accessory items.
To create a Frontier Z3, Rocky Ridge takes a Nissan Frontier from their stock and adds the following:
- 5-inch Rocky Ridge Suspension lift kit
- 33-inch Mickey Thompson ATZ P3 tires mounted on 20-inch black milled wheels
- Premium black side steps for ease of entry at the added vehicle height
- Race Red Rocky Ridge Caliper Covers
- Rocky Ridge Fog Light kit
- Rocky Ridge Floor Mats
- Rocky Ridge Badging
Learn more about Rocky Ridge / Nissan upfits here: https://rockyridgetrucks.com/lifted-trucks/lifted-nissan-trucks/.
To find a dealer offering the Rocky Ridge package program, visit the Rocky Ridge Trucks website: https://rockyridgetrucks.com/.
Pricing depends on the Frontier model you select and the available accessories you add to the package.
About Overland Expo
Overland Expo (https://www.overlandexpo.com/) is the world’s most unique event series for do-it-yourself adventure travel enthusiasts. Held twice yearly (West in the Spring and East in the Fall), the event features over 300 vendors of adventure travel equipment, camping gear, bikes, vehicles, and services. The program offers hundreds of session-hours of classes for 4-wheel-drive and adventure motorcycling, inspirational programs, the Overland Film Festival, roundtable discussions, and demonstrations.
Explore the Nissan Frontier line here: https://www.nissanusa.com/vehicles/trucks/frontier.html.
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