ExPo Articles: I want your opinion

[articulate]

I need your opinions, dear readers of ExPo. You are aware that there is an entire section of this website dedicated to articles (well-crafted ones, I might add) on:
Vehicle projects (http://www.expeditionportal.com/equipment/vehicles/index.php)
Equipment/gear (http://www.expeditionportal.com/equipment/equipment_reviews/index.php)
Environmental Conservation (http://www.expeditionportal.com/conservation.php)
Photography (http://www.expeditionportal.com/photography/)
Trip reports (http://www.expeditionportal.com/reports/) and
Other Expedition Stuff (http://www.expeditionportal.com/resources/)

If you didn’t know that, you do now – each one is linked above.

I’m head-deep in the work of a multi-part article series on my Nissan Frontier, and we’re calling it the Expedition Portal Project Build (http://www.expeditionportal.com/equipment/vehicles/feature_vehicle/2005_Nissan_Frontier.php). So far, all you can read is an overview and the first part (http://www.expeditionportal.com/equipment/vehicles/feature_vehicle/2005_Nissan_Frontier_P1.php) in the series. And I’m re-evaluating my approach.

So….I’m considering adding in some "review-n-rating” on the products and systems; such as a rating and synopsis on quality, ease of installation, value, and expedition application.

Since the project is a Nissan Frontier, how do these categories interest you? I don’t want to bore you. If you drive a 4Runner, there's a remote chance that you care about how many bolts are on top of the front coil buckets of a Frontier. But if I’m giving you info about the quality and value of, say, the dual battery management system, a Yakima rack, an air compressor, etc., you’d likely take an interest in it. Right? Of course, showing you how we’ve installed and used these items are key. Part of the point of having an "unconventional" expedition vehicle project build is to exemplify the diversity of the kinds of vehicles we can use and trick out.

Your opinion: are quality, ease of installation, value, and expedition application enough categories? Can you think of other areas to rate? Was this too long-winded?

Thanks,
Mark

[Jonathan Hanson]

Well, I assume you'll be doing a follow-up on how well the item in question actually performs in the field.

The other categories sound perfect to me.

[Scott Brady]

Looks great Papa-Mark :)

I cant wait to see the next installment and get it posted to the site :smiley_drive:

[articulate]

That's a great idea Jonathan. Excellent. Obvious to you, but some of us need a little jumpstart once in a while. So far everything I've put down on paper has been about components that have been installed for quite sometime. I can simply include that aspect, though.

And this latest part is what prompted my question here. Let me finish 'er up and send it over, Scott.

:costumed-smiley-007

[BajaTaco]

Mark, I think your review categories are great. I would just add that I do think there is value and interest in the aspects that are specific to Nissan. People who have Nissans definitely want to read that. And people like me who are interested in gaining knowledge on as many vehicles as possible are interested too.

[elcoyote]

A noteworthy fact about Nissan: The Xterra rated highest in the latest Consumer Report mid size 4wd class evaluation...well above the Fj Cruiser and the Jeep JK

[LexusAllTerrain]

A noteworthy fact about Nissan: The Xterra rated highest in the latest Consumer Report mid size 4wd class evaluation...well above the Fj Cruiser and the Jeep JK

I agree the Xterra is a very good vehicle, however the FjCruiser has the edge flexing!:ylsmoke:

Oh! Mark great write-up and look forward to the next installment on the great http://www.expeditionportal.com/equipment/vehicles/feature_vehicle/2005_Nissan_Frontier.php

[flyingwil]

I would rather see it over written, then I can skip what I want. The more over written it is the more people will use it as a resource. (If that is what you were asking.)

I also think that the logo on the forum should be linked to the main site which is easily over seen and has great info!

[HongerVenture]

Mark,

I think additional info is never a bad thing. I really like your categories for products and systems. In addition, when reviewing your rig I think you should use the "capacity, capability, durability and reliability" categories similar to the other vehicles reviewed in the Vehicles section. Scott does a superb job of outlining these categories in this post. (http://expeditionportal.com/forum/showpost.php?p=44417&postcount=1)



I also think that the logo on the forum should be linked to the main site which is easily over seen and has great info!

Yeah... Ditto!

[Desertdude]

what huh? there are articles? ah.... really? Since when? hmmm...

what no self (expo) advertising banner ad?:peepwall:

[ChuckB]

I would rather see it over written, then I can skip what I want. The more over written it is the more people will use it as a resource.



I agree! I personally like to get my hands on anything I can, just to learn what people are doing. That usually spawns tons of ideas in my head.

[articulate]

Thanks guys. Chris, Wil, Joel, and all. I've read your input and, frankly, it surprised me. I'm glad you

While Scott has set a fine precedent with the capability, durability and reliability ratings, I almost hate to blatantly copy what he's done - but is damn good and worth copying. Plus, they say imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.

However, I'm just trying to find a different way to do the review. I think what I need to review is the match up of a given product with the truck - how well does this thing work with the Frontier? How did it install? How well did it hold up to off highway use? What changes need to be considered? Was it worthwhile? Etc.

Anyway, you boys helped a lot. Sit tight.......
:088:


I agree! I personally like to get my hands on anything I can, just to learn what people are doing. That usually spawns tons of ideas in my head.
That's a great point, and I salute you for it.

[articulate]

Well, based on the input here. . .
The next part in the series is up:
Nissan Frontier Project Build Part 2 (http://www.expeditionportal.com/equipment/vehicles/feature_vehicle/part2/part2.html)

So I tried to included a good amount of detail about how the Eezi-Awn mounts, how I rigged up the water system, and a synopsis of the rear bumper. :)

Thanks for your input, boys.

[devinsixtyseven]

nice build!

personally i dont see anything wrong with using scott's four-category system...it makes sense, and i get the feeling (almost?) everyone here is familiar with it.

when possible, could you give details on weight, material, general thoughts on construction, why you placed something where/how you did...things like that will really help. it just so happens that the new frontier, new tacoma, old tundra, dakota, and probably a couple other trucks are almost the exact same size, gvw, payload, wheelbase, cab config, etc...so while your comments on a particular mfr's lift kit will be of aid only to another frontier owner (and are good to include for that reason), your comments and thoughts on design, installation, configuration of your mods will help a lot of other owners of similar vehicles.

cant wait to see the rest. seeing the dimensions of the eezi-awn kinda has me thinking...

-sean