Davidshourd's Frontier Build

[davidshourd]

Went camping last weekend and took my new softtopper out for the first time. makes quick summer trips really nice and easy. ended up south east of mt hood along the white river just off the barlow road wagon trail. then on the way out attempted to take the barlow road north to intersect hwy 35 east of mt hood. though I ran into snow around the 5500' mark just south of badger lake. amazing view of Mt hood. tried driving over the snow and made it another mile or so before it just got to sketchy with only one vehicle. anyway, couple of pictures. thinking here in another couple weeks taking another pass at the trail, a really fun trail with amazing views. anyone interested in an overnight run one of these upcoming weekends? we could be at white river in 2hrs from Portland, or if your coming from the east (Bend) probably about the same.

 

[Espo78]

Great looking truck you have there! I've been researching the softopper a lot and everything I read is very positive. I want to get one so my dog can ride safely in the back but I am curious about the temperature inside the bed. My truck is black like yours, actually identical its a 6sp KC. Now you live a lot further north than I do but I was wondering if it heats up considerably in the back when out in the sun?

 

[davidshourd]

temp in the canopy is not bad, but I am usualy leaving the back door rolled up for visibility. and if that is not enough you can roll up the sides. though there have been a couple "hot" ( you would laugh if I told you what hot is in Portland) days where I have had it all sealed up and it gets cooking in there.

 

[Robotele]

Please share nsight on your KMA bumper and removable winch?

David--grab a frosty beverage and read this tome when you have time to respond...

I looked at many bumper manufacturers starting with your recommendations and finally decided that Tactical Armor Group (KMA's successors) have the best units for my needs. I like the option to remove the winch completely when not needed and move it to the rear when out in the field if needed. Also the lack of a bull bar makes the rig look a little sleeker and probably removes some weight.

I think you had the bumper mounted before your build thread started, so I was wondering if you would share any mounting issues you had and any problems that might have cropped up since the bumper and winch have been in use? Any tire clearance issues?

Did you use their accompanying skid plate that covers the lower radiator? If yes, care to expand on any challenges with mounting or maintenance around that? Aluminum or steel?

Did the bumper and winch weight change the vehicle's handling? If yes, what did you do to compensate? I'm expecting to add a suspension upgrade (what and who undecided) but don't want to change the way the rig handles on the highway. Rougher ride is fine but steering at 80+ mph is key when I'm not running around with the camper. Any advice on changes you'd make with your suspension at this point or are you happy with it? I love the way this truck goes and handles over my old 4 cyl Tacoma and want to retain some "highway" aspects of the ride throughout this build.

Next, can you explain what the lights IN the bumper are used for and which OEM switch they are tied to? I read your comments on the top mounted lights but am wondering if I should get a set of in bumper lights when I order my bumper. My Nissan does not have lower lights.

Last and probably most importantly (for now), I'd like to hear about your winch and any changes you would make if you had to do it over again and cost was not a big concern. I'm debating of whether to go with a removable or get the bumper that has the winch concealed. I'm going to get a front receiver mounted either way but can't pin down the winch issue. Thanks in advance for any experience you share and thanks again for your previous advice.

I have the Ute flat bed mounted and am really happy with that. It makes my truck look much better and provides tons of space for hauling and access for mods. I'll post the pictures when I figure out how to shrink them under a meg. Cheers, Scott

 

[davidshourd]

Robotele, I will try and hit all your questions:

-KMA/TAG bumper: I had no issue with the fitment. bolted right up. though the paint is pretty crappy, but I have also beat it pretty well so not sure what paint would have held up to nose plants into gravel and sand! These bumpers are hell for stout though.
-no tire clearence issues.
-skid plates: I trashed the stock ones as soon as I get the new bumper, they are virtualy useless if you happen to bump anything more then a small bush. I made my own out of 3/16" plate steel. not sure if KMA/TAG offers a skid plate? I would imagine a Shrockworks or similar could be adapted easily to the bumper though.
-weight/handling: there was no immediate difference in handling from the bumper/winch. but around the same time I was trying a new lift set up. I think in general you can maintain factory ride with the bumper, your really going to notice a difference though when you start swapping to different coilovers up front and leafpacks or shackles in the rear. all and all I prefer the ride of my set up over stock, but then again it has been so long I may not be remembering what stock is like!
-the bumper lights: are tied into the factory fog light switch, stock on nismo and SE/LE? then the lights ontop of the bumper are wired up to a seperate switch I added.
-winch: I love the set up of being able to plug it in back or front and remove it during the week. this is my daily driver, so it is nice to not expose the winch to everyday weather. If I could do it again I would do it exactly the same. be sure to look for a winch set up with synthetic cable, the steel cable adds about 35-40#. doesnt sound like much, but when you are trying to carry your winch/cradle to the back of your truck in 3feet of snow every pound counts.

good luck on he build, now lets see some pictures of your truck!

 

[Robotele]

Thanks! First step, flatbed, complete...sans permanent lights.

Thanks David,

Again, reply and field insight greatly appreciated. I'm going with TAG front and rear bumpers for sure. Winch will come later and be cradled. I'm thinking RPG front suspension with Old Man Emu rear trying to stay at or just under 3". I really don't want to lose any mpg or high speed handling. Nissan (Continental in Anchorage) is willing to work with me on mod approval, alignment, and maintaining warranty. One of the managers is a bit if a gear head and seemed pretty excited about my build. He can't wait to see a flat bed on a new Frontier, but the pictures below are the first released. I've had the truck for a few months and still under 600 miles--it's going to be a slow rode but hopefully a thorough one with minimal regrets.

I highly recommend flat bed conversions to any one interested. It really removes a lot of worries around body damage and opens up a lot of storage options. I'm working on components for a 36" wide 6.5' long drawer under the bed...I need to start a build thread...

Note about 2011 Frontier: Installing Firestone air bags requires re-mounting some fuel system components, but I'll wait until a suspension is picked. Any thing you would do different on your suspension? If you can steer me towards any great (indepth) discussions on suspensions feel free. I still have not started a build thread but will in a month or so hopefully.

Ciao, Scott

 

[davidshourd]

been all over the northwest the past few weekends, here is a couple shots from the travels. John Day River. Yellow Jacket Creek (near mt adams). Wind turbine near nothing (south of Dalles by 50mi). Mt Jefferson, OR. Current project I am working on, Mt Baker, WA.

 

[The BN Guy]

Good looking rig!


but i'm also interested in the house. what's the story with it?

 

[davidshourd]

I am a site engineer for a general contractor who just completed this house for a special client. The company I work for rarely does houses, usualy large commercial/high tech/education etc. the house is built typical to commericial construction, steel, concrete, large glazing, and so on. just finished the house about 3 weeks ago.

 

[Espo78]

Love that house! Very clean modern lines.

I also love that rear tire carrier. I've never seen one like that before. Do you have any more pictures of it, I'd like to see what it looks like when closed.

 

[davidshourd]

house: the house is super modern, crisp, sharp edges. interior is walnut, white corian and white auto finish casework. not a rounded edge/detail in he entire house. lots of glass too. wish I could share more pictures. Same architects as the "jaqua" building @ university of Oregon, google it. that was the last project I was on.
Tire gate: I made the bumper and the tire gate. the strange design on the tire gate is so I can use it while my pop up camper is mounted in the bed. the tire can swap over to the outside of the tiregate and the tiregate sort of stradles the camper as the camper sticks out of the bed by about 6". since these pictures I added a stop to keep it from overswinging into the side of the truck. I had it powder coated when I was getting some railings powder coated so that is the reason for the grey in lieu of black. I think I will eventualy just rattle can it black.

 

[Espo78]

That is really slick, thank for sharing. Another plus is that no one will steal your spare.

 

[davidshourd]

I added a steel cable lock too that goes through the tire and the highlift. as my daily driver I am often down town and would hate to come out to find them gone. I guess someone could unbolt the whole tire carrier though! ha.

 

[Thinair]

Some suspension insight needed

Hey David, first off I'll say it's nice to see the build you did to accommodate the FWC properly. This is the stage I'm in. I have a crew 06 Nismo with a Finch, so basically the same overhang in the back as your rig. My question is specific to the suspension and tires. I just went out for a month road trip with the camper and found out the suspension was quite lacking as were my new (sadly) Hankook P rated 265/75/16's. I've done as much research and questioning over the phone as possible with the normal sources for springs and shocks and have come up with the idea of OME Dakar HD spring pack (mine are presumably shot with 85k on them + another 5k with the camper with supersprings added), and Radflo coil-overs 2". Add a new set of Bilsteins to the rear and I was going to give it a go with the camper. If airbags were needed after that, so bit it. Questioning what your thoughts would be given your experience with the FWC + gear etc. My best guess is that with two people, gear, fluids, food, and camper I'm pushing 1150 to 1200lbs. The OME springs supposedly add another 850 which sounds like it would almost perfectly cover the camper and gear. Would I benefit from the 2.5's and UCA's? Would 285's be the way to go or stay with the 265's so long as I go with a 6/8/or 10 ply tire. No plans for winches, bumpers, etc. I've had a softopper for a few years now, like it, but the rear window keeps cracking in the Montana cold winters. Brian
Use is exploring light to moderate FWD roads with the camper on. Probably take the camper off in the winter.

 

[davidshourd]

sad days, but I am putting my FWC up for sale. I have a post up in the gear exchange on expo and over at wanderthewest.com. if anyone is interested go and check it out. great camper, just going change the set up to something lighter and takes up less space when not in use. cheers, here is to new adventures with another set up!