An appropriate beginning when discussing Patrick Ward’s aptly named rig, Stormtrooper. Being a big fan of Star Wars, Patrick named his vehicle for the resilient, adaptable, and loyal soldiers from the film. This stormtrooper’s armor is much tougher than that of those soliders in the movies however.

Stormtrooper is an expedition-ready Nissan Frontier XE Crew Cab 4x4, 5 years in the making. Patrick started in 2000 with a nearly identical Nissan Frontier of the 2WD persuasion and a desire to give it a more custom look. He found of a group of like-minded Nissan owners happy to suggest ways he could spend his money and proceeded with a lift, bigger tires, custom bumpers, and sliders. These modifications gave him the plan for his next purchase, a 4x4 Frontier. Swapping over many of the mods from his 2WD Frontier, Patrick again lifted his rig and built it to the very capable Stormtrooper you see today. His original plan was complete in 2004, but every time he visits an internet forum such as Expeditions West he seems to find a new one for the list.

Stormtrooper sits 5” over stock on a combination of Calamini components and a Performance Accessories bodylift. Riding on 33” BFG M/T’s, this rig is protected by an ARB front bumper, custom sliders, and a custom rear bumper. Recovery is made easier with a Warn M8000 winch. Other custom work includes a bed rack support and an ammo-can housed Viair compressor. Stormtrooper carries a Hi-Lift jack, CB radio, and many other items that put the finishing touch on expedition travel. The newest mod for Stormtrooper is a Softopper for the bed and Patrick loves it! Patrick and his wife Cyndi are most proud of one of their recent mods, a baby seat!

Patrick’s Nissan Frontier isn’t just a driveway queen though; these mods were performed with a plan, and for a specific purpose… to get off the pavement. Patrick spends all week in a windowless classroom and by the time the weekend rolls around he is itchin’ to enjoy the great outdoors. He bought his 4x4 Frontier on a Tuesday and took it on the trails that following weekend.

The Stormtrooper needed a break-in session, and it was given in the form of a deep swim. The truck gulped water, the engine died, and there was water entering the cab… Patrick doesn’t mess around when breaking in a new rig. He made the nearly fatal mistake of trying to start the engine while still submerged but fortunately no harm was done. Stormtrooper was pulled out, the airbox was dried, and they turned the key to find a rough running engine… after about 15 minutes the Nissan was running great!

Patrick usually takes his rig offroad at privately run OHV parks or at city OHV parks. Unfortunately two of his frequent locals have recently closed. On his “to do” list is Katemcy, the Moab of Texas. Additionally, he hopes to explore a 3300 acre park being organized by Texas Motorized Trails Coalition as soon as it opens. Patrick has built up his rig with an eye toward expedition use, what he calls overland adventures. Patrick says, “An overlander in my eyes is the responsible one. Pack it in; pack it out, more if possible. Don’t go out and tear up Mother Nature. Enjoy it and leave as little a mark behind so others may enjoy it. But at the same time have fun and make it a family good time!”