My new vehicle: 2005 Nissan Frontier

[Mlachica]

can-back w/rtt

Thanks for the kind words :victory:

pros
1. lightweight (I'm almost positive it weighs under 60lbs w/crossbars)
2. easy access (also a con)
3. looks rugged
4. strong
5. accepts other load bars (yakima/thule)

cons
1. not exactly waterproof (material is waterproof, but water gets in through corners)
2. lets dust in
3. easy access

Overall I'm very satisfied with the can-back/rtt setup. They go for about $1000, it's about a $350 difference between the powder coated steel and stainless versions. I have the PC version, and it could use some touch up paint in some spots. The PC one naturally isn't as strong as the stainless one, but I haven't had any problems with it. It has been more than strong enough.

When I put the tent on I lost about 1mpg.

When the sides are velcroed together, there are spots that will allow minimal water in and lots of dust. So after enduring the rain I will have small amounts of water in each corner. If it is raining really hard for a long period of time, water will eventually seep through the stitching and drips will fall inside. I could put seam sealer on it but now that the tent is up there it covers the entire surface area on top. The bed definitely gets dusty in there with all sides closed, however it's not as bad as no top. And I haven't done anything to reduce it, such as weather stripping on the tail gate and I remember hearing there are holes under the rail that allow dust in, which I haven't plugged.

As far as security...I'm not too worried now that I have the lockable swing gate. And once I build my deck/drawers then most items will be locked and unaccessable. I also have a lockable tool box to keep other valuables. Of course my fridge won't fit in the deck, and with the tailgate locked, can-back sides up, the fridge is too large to pull through the sides. The spare tire/hi lift also prevent access to large items in the bed.

Anything else you might want to know? fire away!

 

[The BN Guy]

You lost mileage? I found that mine actually increased a bit. But then I lost it when I added the rear bumper.

My bud that had a Canback loved it. It does look very sweet. The only thing from keeping me from getting one was 1. at the time their delivery time span was as long as the cretaceous period and 2. cost. Very good product though.

 

[devinsixtyseven]

The CanBack windows don't do so well when it's really cold. The rear window on mine actually shattered the other day, it was about 5* out...and you haven't a prayer of unrolling it when it's cold, absolutely not.

The snaps on the sides need TLC and a careful hand. A buddy tore one of the snaps out of the fabric trying to ham-hand it loose.

Other than that, I've had it on the truck for about four years now...it's great.

The clear plastic radio/phone/pass window on my Arcteryx jacket seems to be made of a different kind of clear plastic than the CanBack window. If I can figure out what it is and where to get it, I'll post up.

There is a load limit to the top of that rack, even with the stainless rails IIRC it's pretty low, like 150#.

Technically it may not be secure, but most security comes from obscurity or visible deterrents, like an angry dog.

-Sean

 

[articulate]

Frankenstein

Something wicked has awakened . . .

The Shrockworks winch bumper arrived and when we unloaded her from the pallet, I tell you it was the damnedest thing. She roared. I'm telling the truth - or as close to it as possible - because things that get laser cut from 1/4" (yes, that's quarter-inch!) thick steel, and then shaped, crafted, and made into something this beautiful . . . it's like a Frankenstein process, it must be.

<laughter="evil">"She's alive!"</laughter>

To keep this beast from eating small children and terrorizing the public, we're going to have to bolt it to the front of the truck I guess. Like I said, the parts are totally laser cut and since I'm going to get this thing powdercoated I had to knock down the corners of the cut edges:

I wasn't exactly prepared, if you notice how I'm dressed. At the last minute a friend told me he'd help if I brought it to his shop after work.

I'm off to Arizona Powdercoat this afternoon to drop it off. When we get it back, the Frontier will undergo a severe nose job that includes:
1. Shrockworks Winch Bumper
2. Lightforce 170 lights, thanks to Sierra Expeditions (project sponsor).

3. And a Warn M8000 winch.

Go ahead, make any comments you want about the OE chrome front end now. I'll mail it to you when I'm done.

 

[The BN Guy]

Cool choice in bumpers. Very well built. I'd love to see how you like the Lightforce units.

 

[articulate]

Cool choice in bumpers. Very well built. I'd love to see how you like the Lightforce units.

Exactly! At first I wasn't too sure about the design, but when the bumper arrived I could see all the detail and effort they put into R&D. And sheez . . . all that 1/4" thick steel makes this thing one heavy SOB. Anyway, you are totally right, very well built.

We'll have it back from the powdercoat place next week, and I've set aside next weekend for the "nose job." I'm looking forward to playing with these lights. You can rotate the housing to adjust the beam pattern. Pretty sweet, huh? The lens caps are swappable and a wide variety of colors are available. Even though I haven't used them I can already see that the LF 170s are a pretty good bang for the buck.

 

[The BN Guy]

If you don't mind my asking...about what price range did you pay for the lights? Did they come with any different lenses? I've seen in the A4WDM magazine guys running the blue lenses from time to time.

 

[Scott Brady]

Nice update Mark. The Lightforce units are the toughest lights I have seen.

 

[kcowyo]

Your wife's truck is cooler than your Jeep. :lurk:

Just thought you might want to know that.

 

[articulate]

ROFSheriffHL:
What are you saying about the Jeep?

The Frontier is far more comfy and a hell of a lot more "original" as a project. I think it's cooler than the Jeep, too.

I hope to have the bumper back to me this week so I can install all the new goods by next weekend. Shoot some photos, write up the third part of the Project article, and move on to a new phase. This is too much fun.
:REExeSquatsHL1:

 

[Desertdude]

Let me whisper this so no one else can hear... Be careful with the lightforce lights - I had a pair of the 240's on the front of the 80 ( they did hang out too far IMO) while distracted, for a nano second, the LC in front of me stopped. I tapped his can carrier and kerblamm... both lights disintegrated. User error for sure

What is next for the truck?

 

[articulate]

Let me whisper this so no one else can hear... Be careful with the lightforce lights - I had a pair of the 240's on the front of the 80 ( they did hang out too far IMO) while distracted, for a nano second, the LC in front of me stopped. I tapped his can carrier and kerblamm... both lights disintegrated. User error for sure

What is next for the truck?

Expensive mistake, bro. Dang. I've heard this called a BSD error: Between the Seat and Dasboard

What is next? That's a good question . . . How about this. What should be next? While I've got some little things in the garage and "comin' down the line," I'm open to suggestions. Perhaps a 1000 word review of the no-loss valve caps?

I'm fishing here
:REOutIceFishing:

If you don't mind my asking...about what price range did you pay for the lights? Did they come with any different lenses? I've seen in the A4WDM magazine guys running the blue lenses from time to time.

Just clear lenses. I haven't researched what the different colors are for, but the swappable caps are cool nonetheless. They do just pop off, so I'm wondering if I should find a way to safeguard the lenses. A pair of lights are running $240 for the pair (from Sierra Exp.), and usually closer to $280. I'm quite surprised at what lights cost

 

[Desertdude]

Perhaps a 1000 word review of the no-loss valve caps?
:

I'd read it...:sombrero:

 

[bigreen505]

I don't know, what annoys you/Brooke that you wish didn't?

What about photographic capability, like built in Fortress HD's or maybe a cool camera system like the BajaTaco? Additional on-board electronics or side lighting?

I've heard PahQue makes a cool dual purpose shower enclosure/stunt kite.
:xxrotflma

Ultimately, I think you are up for a re-design of your cargo storage situation when you realize you have to accommodate a car seat and all the assorted gear that goes along with one of its passengers.

 

[kcowyo]

What is next? That's a good question . . .

Uh, hello....? :snorkel: