I haven't been able to figure out why the Nissan Frontier pick-up hasn't achieved the same level of popularity as it's brother-from-another-mother, the Toyota Tacoma. Not only is the vehicle cheaper, and in my opinion better looking, it's just as durable as well. That's why I was foaming at the mouth when Brent and Karen Sloan's 2005 Nissan Frontier pulled into AT Overland a week or so ago to have a flippac installed on their truck. This might just be the best Nissan Frontier overland vehicle I've seen so far.
Within minutes of talking to Brent and Karen it was obvious that overlanding really is a passion to the couple from California, they've spent the last few years modifying and constantly changing their Frontier to meet their goals. Each different 'version' of their vehicle has had something unique, with version 2 having a roof top tent, safari rack, and solar modules—they're now on version 3 with their new flippac, something they hope is the last big change to the vehicle to meet their needs.
Suspension:
The Frontier currently runs a combination of Radflo Coilovers, and PRG upper control arms, combined with a custom rear leaf-spring pack built by sacramento spring.
Armor:
Armor on the front of the vehicle is taken care of by a Shrockworks bumper that has been rhino-lined for a little bit of extra durability, mainly to protect it from the ever-present pinstriping that happens in the desert. PIAA auxilary lights and a Ramsey winch were also fitted to the bumper. Heavy-duty sliders were custom built, along with the rear bumper, by Phillips Steel. In addition to being able to hold two jerry cans for extra fuel, it additionally carries a spare tire, tools, and two 50-caliber ammo boxes for storage. Brent also elected to have the sliders and rear bumper rhino lined.
Flippac:
The great thing about a flippac is the ability to sleep four adults comfortably, considering that the unit was literally installed by the team at AT Overland an hour before this photoshoot, the truck is still in a bit of a transition stage to 'version 3.' Plans include a full kitchen with hot water, and perhaps a stand up shower in the back of the truck bed.
Interior:
Brent decided to completely remove the rear seats from the vehicle to gain additional storage, he's been working on a final solution, but it currently includes two additional 75 amp-hour AGM batteries, as well as an Engel 45 fridge. Power is distributed through a marine-grade BlueSea fuse block to various AC/DC adapters, allowing anything that you'd use at home to be brought with you on the trail.
Wheels/Tires:
BF Goodrich Mud-Terrain KM2 tires in a 255/80/17 size have been fitted to the truck, they're mounted on black alloy wheels purchased from Discount Tire.
PIAA auxilary lights have also been fitted to the Shrockworks front bumper
The Ramsey winch runs synthetic line.
A well worn Overland Journal sticker.
The bottom of the quarter-panels were cut off to provide a better approach angle, as well as to allow room for the rear bumper.
Stored in the 50-caliber ammo boxes are various pieces of recovery gear and repair tools.
Plenty of fuel is carried on board via two 5 gallon (20L) jerry cans.
Quick Fist mounts are used to retain the spare tire tools.
255/80/17 BF Goodrich Tires wrapped around alloy wheels.
Various charging adapters and power converters are under the rear storage platform.
A spot beacon and radios are carried in the vehicle at all times.
This small stainless steel tab is what the flippac is mounted to when unfolded.
Two 75 amp-hour AGM batteries provide power for the vehicle when in camp.
The Engel 45 fridge is mounted behind the driver.
A flippac is even easier to set up than a roof top tent, a simple pull of a lever and camp is ready for the night!
A special thanks to Brent and Karen Sloan!
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