kiwi build thread. ARB, OME Dakar...drawers + fridge underway.
- Thread starter KiwiKurt
- Start date
It will be closely based on the system alpha. We used that as the template and made a few changes for the size vehicle we are working with and a couple of preference changes for practicallity and lighter weight. For all intents and purposes, it will functionally be a system alpha for the xTerra. I plan on using the smaller drawer as a misc/admin drawer, and the locking drawer to secure more expensive items/tools. It secures higher investment items with another level of security, and puts a contained place for all of those "odds and ends" that seem to have no good home. That, and having the work space makes a good station to pull out a map and brief, make a lunch, or etc.
Home-brew setups like what Stoic has work pretty well also, and he really likes his. If you are on a tight budget, its the way to go. I chose to go this route because I wanted something with a little higher fit and finish, pull out/locking/latching drawers, and a few more storage options.
The other consideration we worked with was modularity. With this system, I can remove the fridge, leave the drawers intact, use the locking feature of the drawer for security and still pull the privacy shade over the cargo area. That is day-in-day-out practical.
I don't have enough positive things to say about working with David, either. He has been extremely receptive to adapting things to make it a system that works for this truck and what people will want out of it.
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Andrew McAllister
New member
Another Xterra owner looking forward to seeing what you come up with.
jerdog53
Explorer
Oh now your just bragging....:coffeedrink:
proper4wd
Expedition Leader
Nice. I am on the fence about the ARB bumper. I really like the "old style" Calmini bumper that kind of mimicked the ARB barwork, but with a better bumper design IMO. Will be looking forward to your impressions of it.
(I have a pair of OME HD front coils/struts and a PRG 3-leaf mini pack sitting in my garage, and a set of 255/85 KM2's on their way via UPS, as well)
(I have a pair of OME HD front coils/struts and a PRG 3-leaf mini pack sitting in my garage, and a set of 255/85 KM2's on their way via UPS, as well)
aaah....consider this a quasi 'build thread' instead
added some sliders, and will probably get the maxterra rear bumpers with tire carrier and removable jerry can carrier....
there are a lot of bumpers on the market, and some with good features....imo, though, ARB is king. Its the most common bumper on vehicles by far for a reason.
For me, to have something I know is airbag certified, great fit and finish, with a great brand reputation behind it is worth it. especially since most of the other bumpers on the market arent that much cheaper anyway. plus, ARB is the only bumper ive seen for the xterra that doesnt crumple your front fenders as the truck flexes....imi expect resale value to be better with an ARB also.
$.02
proper4wd
Expedition Leader
I agree with you completely about the ARB product line and also about the resale value after the fact. Truthfully, my only hangup with the design is the low-mounted "hidden" winch design. Here in the northeast the whole lower half of the bumper can pretty easily get buried in the mud and a "high winch" design like the Calmini has a real advantage. It's all compromises though, and in the end I would not be surprised if there is an ARB adorning the front of mine.
Will be following your build with interest. I tried hanging out on the Xterra forums but I didn't "fit in" so it's good to have some Xterra knowledge here.
Will be following your build with interest. I tried hanging out on the Xterra forums but I didn't "fit in" so it's good to have some Xterra knowledge here.
richard310
pew pew
Quite a list of upcoming mods. Looking forward to seeing the progress