Nissan Patrol 4x4 (Africa)

After seeing some fabulous flex and muscle Trols on the forum recently, I was wondering what most of you use, or aspire to use your Patrols for as there is always a trade-off.

Choose max 3 options.

I wouldn't mind building an above average 4x4 flex machine. If it is too capable, things might become too easy and thus boring. Keeping the front diff open and on 33's is currently enough. Thus, basically working on my skill more.

I also want a stable and comfortable gravel road tourer.

Patrol is currently used:
4x4 machine: 70%
Daily drive: 15%
Gravel road 15%

When we go off-road, we usually camp one night - so not really neccessary for off grid stuff.

I do have another vehicle that's well prepared for overlanding.

John what about a category in between 3 and 4.

Something above standard but kitted out enough not to be classified as an extreme 4x4.

33" or 35" tyres
Lift kit
Aftermarket bumbers

Not extravagant but enough to enhance the look and capability of your vehicle.

Lawrence, most of us have those mods on our overland trucks...

I'm not quite sure what I have built...

I probably still have the most flex of any regular forum member, but my car is actually UNDER standard height, so not that much clearance...
I have a new turbo diesel engine and lower transfer gearing, so loads of torque fairly low down, but no front locker...
I have massive tanks, dual battery and a drawer system, but no water...

Jack of all trades, and master of none?

One thing it's not is shiny and new-looking...

I was lucky enough to buy my GL fully kitted, fitted radio, lifted, Front bumper with winch, rock sliders, fridge, draw system, roof rack with awning & table, full recovery kit, 2 extra batteries, 2 spare wheels and even a water tank... the previous owner had it from new and used it as a holiday vehicle only - has only done 10K per year from 1998. I paid for it unseen or tested - Best 4x4 bargain Ive ever bought.

I think mine is fairly kitted for overlanding and a bit off grid use, but also a bit above standard for playing on a 4x4 track.

Overlanding/off gridd
Roof rack
Table under roof rack
Solar panel under roof rack
Rooftop tent
Ladder on back door
270 awning
55L water tank with pump
Built in compressor
2x Fridge/freezer on slides
2x batteries
C Tek 250S
HCDP 30A DC/DC
Drawer system
160L diesel tanks
Gull wings
Built in Kitchen
Built in Bar
Snorkel
Barn door table

4x4
Front aftermarket bullbar
Side bush bars
Rock Sliders
Whinch
PC Bash Plate
PCdiff cover
33" muddies
4" lift
Drop Boxes

Other stuff
Spot lights
VHF radio
UHF Radio
Dash cover
Seat covers
Madman
Boost guage
Reverse camera
76mm exhaust
Intercooler
Oil cooler
12L fridge between front seats
C Tek tricle charger
Cargo barrier

Still on the list
Front camera - wiring done
Front locker
Sojo air filter
Rear bumper with swing arm
Roof console

Bliksem

you're definately welcome to join me on my next trip to Tanzania, or whetherver for that matter! Now I have a benchmark to show my wife how inadequate my overlanding Trol is...

My plan is to build-up an Overlanding vehicle/comfortable bush camper to at the same time be an effective Off Road Search and Rescue vehicle....

Will I get there..?? Maybe, maybe not...

One thing is for sure, currently it is an open slate, an empty canvas that so far only have background spots of:

• 2" lift with Bilstein shocks and OME coils

• 33" (285/75/16) MT tyres

• Roof rack

Future plans include:

• 2nd battery to power extras including fridge, chargers, internal and external lights

• ORRU response lights

• Roof console in development to fit HAM and VHF radio, internal lights, sun glass storage

• Rear fridge/storage slides

• Replace current smash and grab with new lighter film at front row, darker at rear passenger and black-out at the rear loading area

• Seat covers

• Upgrade main lighting and fit spots on current standard bumper

• Protection underneath (Mr Connan to be visited)

• Recovery points upfront (Again Mr Connan)

• Rear bumper or towbar with recovery points

• Rock sliders (Already talking to Mr Connan)

• Double din radio with Airplay and upgraded speakers (Anthony to be consulted)

• Ostrich wing awning

And so we dream and add to the list.....