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Design an Xterra to Travel through South America

17683 Views 78 Replies 39 Participants Last post by  mayoibushi, 
T
Hey everybody,

I'm looking to purchase my first X. I'm relatively new to offroading but I've read a lot of the online reviews of the Xterra, and have spent a couple weeks browsing this and the XOC forum. I also spent a few years in Alaska with a Jeep Cherokee, and that state is basically one big 'offroad', so I have a bit of experience, but the actually details of locking rear differentials and SAS are relatively new to me.

I was a little torn on the X vs. the FJ Cruiser, especially the TRD edition, which looks pretty sweet. Car and driver ranks the X over the FJ, and MotorTrend this year puts the FJ on top. I test drove the FJ though, and although there's a few things I like better about it, the visibility is so poor, there's just no way.

Aside from the regular use of X including for outdoor sports and some moderate offroading here, but true goal with the X is to drive though Central and South America.

I've been looking for a superblack 07 Xterra OR with a charcoal interior and side airbags. Other options (MT vs AT, etc are negotiable) These are not easy to find, as side airbags are not a popular option apparently. I read the thread on XOC http://tinyurl.com/topnf about somebody's airbags that went off while offroading but I used to be an EMT and now work in an ER and seen a lot of people get messed up from MVAs (Motor Vehicle Accidents) so I'm all for the airbags. Plus it sounds like you can just pull the fuse while offroading to prevent the airbags going off.

To the point, I've been talking to Nissan of Turnersville which I saw on this site, and Brian and those other guys are pretty cool. If they can actually find the X I'm looking for, then I'll be able to roll whatever aftermarket products I want into the financing (which is 3.9% right now for 07s, better than my mortgage). I was hoping that you guys could help me decide which accessories/modifications I should purchase now.

From what I've read on this site, so far I've come up with this for the 'basics':

NISSAN: iPod interface, Ski/Snowboard carrier with vertical mighty mounts, Wade in-channel vent visors, & Keyless entry keypad

SHROCKWORKS: Winch Bumper Bull Bar with Ramsey Patriot 9500 UT Winch and Synthetic Winch Rope, Rear Bumper & Spare Tire Carrier, & Rock Sliders

LIGHTS: Hella Black Magic

I'm still trying to decide on whether I should try to add a lift now. There's some other more exotic items I'm thinking about adding like a thermal night vision system (check out http://www.yellowh2.com/Mods.htm ) for some ideas. I would really appreciate any suggestions you guys might have on what kind of X you would design for traveling through Central/South America for a few months.

Edit: updated list to be kept here:

Model: Xterra 2007 Off-Road Package 5 speed-AT. Superblack ext, charcoal int.

Nissan Packages/Options & Add-ons
- Side and curtain air bag package
- Rockford Fosgate Audio
- Sirius Satellite Radio
- iPod interface
- In Cabin Microfilter
- Retractable Cargo Cover
- Sliding Cargo Area Organizer
- All Weather Floor Mats
- Auto-dimming Rearview Mirror with Compass
- Wireless Entry Keypad

Shrockworks (about to place an order)
- Winch Bumper Bull Bar. Black Powder Coat
- Rear Bumper & Spare Tire Carrier
- Rock Sliders, Rocker Protection Nerf Bars
- Skids: Engine/Oil Pan, Gas Tank, Transfer Case, and Transmission

Other add-ons/gear/mods
- Yakima Vertical Mounts & Snowboard Carrier
- Wade In Channel Vent Visors
- Ranglier Interior RIXN Large Ceiling Net
- Med Kit, Outdoor Gear, Repair Gear, etc (will post specifics later)
- Xantrex Xpower Powerpack

To Buy/Mod
- Hella Black Magic Lights (2 for bumper bar, 4 on top?)
- Rear Aux lights (2?)
- Whelen Traffic Advisor Arrow Stick TA837A
- Winch
- Hard Wired GPS
- Locking Handle for Top
- Barri Nuts details in syndicate's post

Considering/Wish List
- Adventure Trailer
- Thermal Night Vision
- Tires/Lift
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Old Navy
:pirate: "Ahoy, Matey! :newb: (n00b) Welcome as our 0580th Member! Yer on a site dedicated t' Nissan's, "05+ Next Generation Xterra." Step aboard, take in what you can, but promise t' share what you learn!"
:3some:
So let t' mods begin: http://thenewx.org/forum/showthread.php?t=1676 :thumbup:
http://thenewx.org/forum/showthread.php?t=50 :hello2:
http://thenewx.org/forum/showthread.php?t=110 :read:

:rulez:
But, like everythin' in life thar be rules t' follow:
http://thenewx.org/forum/showthread.php?t=7735
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Lonesome Crow
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syndicate
Re: Design an Xterra to travel through South America

At the bottom of my reply I added links that you should find helpful in preparing for your overland trip.

Firstly, you should seriously consider the OR model Xterra because it comes with a locking rear differential. As of now, there are no aftermarket locking differentials available for 05-07 Xterras. You could get by without it but since you haven't bought your Xterra yet, I'd make sure you get it. Don't worry about a SAS for your application. I would try to get the 16" rather than 17" wheels too.

As far as finding an X with the specifications you listed, ask about custom building one. The dealer should be able to sit down with you and create an order, which will be built by the factory and shipped in.

As far as building an expedition vehicle, here's a list of ideas:
(Anything Bold can be bought from a Nissan dealer)

-Shrock Bumper with winch (synthetic rope).
-Shrock Rock Sliders.
-Shrock Rear Bumper with tire carrier and Hi-Lift jack mount.
-Mud Terrain Tires (I'd prefer 255/85/16).
-2 20L Metal Jerry-Cans, or the plastic ones only made by Scepter.
-2 20L plastic Jerry-Cans by Scepter.
-Yakima Load Warrior Roof Rack w/ Hi-Lift Mouting Bracket.
-All-Weather Rubber Xterra Floor Mats.
-Set of vehicle-specific tools.
-Recovery gear.
-1.5-3" Suspension Lift with quality materials.
-Tow Hitch for a trailer, if you don't get the Shrock rear bumper.
-Adventure Trailer (http://www.adventuretrailers.com/).
-Min. 2 front Aux Lights.
-1 Backup light.
-2 under-vehicle aux. lights.
-2nd battery (Optima deep cyle).
-So many other essentials... the list could go on.

http://www.expeditionexchange.com/
http://www.expeditionswest.com/
http://www.expeditionportal.com/
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JIMBO
:clown:--I am died in wool X--

--get a LAND ROVER--


--South travel --there's no question--

--years of exposure shows requirements--not X-

--Sorry kids --

-- :geek: :geek: --JIIMBO
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L
what exactly are you planning on doing with the X? you say moderate off-roading, but as for your trip, all you say is 'through central and south america'...that covers a whole lot :)


i'm not sure a rover is all that great an idea, but its possible that an older toyota model might suit better, just for availability of parts and all around reliability...but it really depends on what you are planning on doing exactly.
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syndicate
JIMBO said:
:clown:--I am died in wool X--

--get a LAND ROVER--


--South travel --there's no question--

--years of exposure shows requirements--not X-

--Sorry kids --

-- :geek: :geek: --JIIMBO
Click to expand...
--I have no idea what any of those sentences mean.--

-- :geek: :geek: --Syn
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BoonDox
We never understand what Jimbo says.
Could be possible that he's always drunk
when he posts... :blackeye:
________
ROOR BONG PICTURES
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BGXterra
if you are planing on just driving through CA and SA roads are pretty good unless you are planning on going off the beaten path. the X should be able to handle most terrain. I would be concern about water crossings thought
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M
Welcome! :wave:
As for the trip to CA and SA I can't help, but good luck!
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syndicate
I responded assuming he would be doing an off-road expedition, but now that I think about it, South America has roads just like we do. Lol.
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T
details

I neglected to add that I am trying to get an OR X, I edited my post to reflect that. Thanks for the ideas Syndicate - that trailer looks pretty sweet. I'm definitely planning to head off road while in CA/SA for some general outdoor sport type stuff (rapelling, mountaineering, climbing, hiking, etc). I've driven through a bit of Mexico and Costa Rica in a vehicle, and offroad capability is definitely needed.

I do wonder about a Nissan in that area though, as toyota is definitely more popular. But the new four runners are pretty lame, and the FJ has that crappy visibility. Land Rovers as I understand it in the US now only make the yuppie Range Rovers/Discovery line, which is not really what I want to cruise around in down there. They still make the defender in the UK, but they stopped selling it in the US after 1997 (the year we made airbags a requirement), and they still have NO airbags.

The other thing cool about the X is the seats that fold flat so it's possible to sleep in it.

I think Brazil uses a lot of ethanol for fuel though, anybody have experience with other kinds of fuel in the X?

Syndicate's ideas are definitely what I'm looking for, so any other suggestions would be really appreciated. If anybody has a new vehicle suggestion other than a Nissan, I'm still open.

Is the X not so good at water crossings?
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syndicate
There's many reasons why other makes are more popular with off-roaders. One of the biggest being marketing and Nissan has only recently sought a nitch in that market. The X is very well designed and very capeable off-road, especially the OR model. There's also a ton of reasons it makes for a great expedition vehicle.

A few resons:
1. Nissans are reliable and dependable vehicles.
2. A comfortable independent front coilover suspension with a solid rear axle.
3. Moderate payload.
4. Selectable four-wheel-drive with a two-speed transfer case.
5. Significant inside storage.
6. It has the agility to maneuver through tight trails if necessary.
7. Fully boxed frame that shares the platform with the popular Titan and Frontier.
8. Optional locking rear differential.

There's positives and negatives for any vehicle. For some of the other ones you listed, like the Defender, it's very expensive and breaks down a lot. The Rovers will also nickle and dime you to death unless you strip them down to running essentials and learn their mechanics inside and out.

As of now, there's no option to run anything other than gasoline, but I've heard that they're going to be making a diesel model.

As far as water crossing, there's different ideas on what's too deep and what's safe. The reality is though, all new vehicles have increasingly complicated electronic components and entering any depth water is taking a risk. You just have to use good judgement, and/or know how to fix things that will likely fail. If you find something that's too deep for your comfort, pick another route.

Honestly, if I were going to build you an expedition rig, I'd start with the basics and work up from there. Just like with backpacking, there's minimalists in the world of overlanding too. You could get by with just a stock vehicle if you absolutely had to. When you start purchasing expedition gear for your rig, whatever you end up getting, make a list, starting with what you'd absolutely require, and ending with the biggest luxury item.
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hattrik21
Re: Design an Xterra to travel through South America

syndicate said:
At the bottom of my reply I added links that you should find helpful in preparing for your overland trip.

Firstly, you should seriously consider the OR model Xterra because it comes with a locking rear differential. As of now, there are no aftermarket locking differentials available for 05-07 Xterras. You could get by without it but since you haven't bought your Xterra yet, I'd make sure you get it. Don't worry about a SAS for your application. I would try to get the 16" rather than 17" wheels too.

As far as finding an X with the specifications you listed, ask about custom building one. The dealer should be able to sit down with you and create an order, which will be built by the factory and shipped in.

As far as building an expedition vehicle, here's a list of ideas:
(Anything Bold can be bought from a Nissan dealer)

-Shrock Bumper with winch (synthetic rope).
-Shrock Rock Sliders.
-Shrock Rear Bumper with tire carrier and Hi-Lift jack mount.
-Mud Terrain Tires (I'd prefer 255/85/16).
-2 20L Metal Jerry-Cans, or the plastic ones only made by Scepter.
-2 20L plastic Jerry-Cans by Scepter.
-Yakima Load Warrior Roof Rack w/ Hi-Lift Mouting Bracket.
-All-Weather Rubber Xterra Floor Mats.
-Set of vehicle-specific tools.
-Recovery gear.
-1.5-3" Suspension Lift with quality materials.
-Tow Hitch for a trailer, if you don't get the Shrock rear bumper.
-Adventure Trailer (http://www.adventuretrailers.com/).
-Min. 2 front Aux Lights.
-1 Backup light.
-2 under-vehicle aux. lights.
-2nd battery (Optima deep cyle).
-So many other essentials... the list could go on.

http://www.expeditionexchange.com/
http://www.expeditionswest.com/
http://www.expeditionportal.com/
Click to expand...
You forgot a full set of Shrock Skids. A very important mod IMO.
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mtdewmike
syndicate said:
JIMBO said:
:clown:--I am died in wool X--

--get a LAND ROVER--


--South travel --there's no question--

--years of exposure shows requirements--not X-

--Sorry kids --

-- :geek: :geek: --JIIMBO
Click to expand...
--I have no idea what any of those sentences mean.--

-- :geek: :geek: --Syn
Click to expand...
Oh, good - I thought I was the only one who didn't understand!

Ahoy! Welcome aboard! :pirate:
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JIMBO
:clown: Hey college grads--

--If you look at the last 15 cross country (africa/brazil/Bolivia/expeditions)--you see--

--NEATO land rovers were the vehicle--

--Wake-up kindergarten--

--Now , if you're unhappy with my desertations -just say the WORD and I'll gladly leave----

--evidently my additions to this forum mean nothing--OK

--you don't need any help--

-- :geek: :geek: --JIMBO

Edited for more appropriate language. We are all big boys no need to swear.
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Lonesome Crow
Hey college grads--

--If you look at the last 15 cross country (africa/brazil/Bolivia/expeditions)--you see--

--xxx land rovers were the vehicle--

--Wake-up kindergarten--

--Now , if you're unhappy with my desertations -just say the WORD and I'll xxxx leave----

--evidently my additions to this forum mean nothing--OK

--you don't need any help--
Click to expand...
OOPS! Sorry, I thought I clicked on Thenewx.org, not xterraownersclub.com. I try my link again! Maybe I'll get a different result.
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R
I thought I was the only one he got pissy at..I feel slightly better now
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T
bought my X

So I finally found the specs I was looking for in a car out in Oklahoma of all places (I'm on the east coast). So by this weekend I should be the proud owner of a Xterra 2007 OR AT Superblack with Charcoal Interior and Side Airbags. I'm gonna throw in a few accessories from yournissanparts.com - including an ipod hookup, satellite radio, wireless keypad entry, vent visors, and all weather floor mats (thanks for that recommendation syndicate).

I'll order up the Shrockworks stuff afterwards. The OR model comes with some skid plates -- which other ones would you guys recommend?

Jimbo I agree that Land Rovers have been the standard for international expeditions, but I would like to use a relatively new car, and the only new Land Rover I can find that seems really fit for that kind of expedition is the Defender, which I looked at trying to buy out of the UK, but than I found out there are no airbags on it. So I guess I'll see how it goes with the X. Plans for departure is Jan 1, 2008, so I've got plenty of time to plan ahead.

Thanks for everybody's help, maybe we can keep this thread active or start an Expedition X thread.
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RiNkY
I'd by an old Yota and install armor and bullet proof glass if I was heading south of the border. With run flat tires, self healing gas tank and a healthy supply of weapons & ammo.

Does that sound paranoid? :)

Hell - driving down the street I live in here in AZ is like driving through Mexico anyway.

If you were looking to upgrade the tires you should be able to dealer finance a new set at the dealership, expect to pay way more than getting them elsewhere tho.
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