Nissan recently took the wraps off a specially modified 2017 Titan XD Pro-4X 4×4 called “Project Basecamp.” Designed as a dream project vehicle for overlanding enthusiasts, the Project Basecamp was on display last weekend at the 2017 Overland Expo WEST in Flagstaff, Arizona, one of the premier overlanding events in the country. As part of the pre-Expo festivities, the Project Basecamp participated in a day-long trip to the bottom of the Grand Canyon via Diamond Creek Road with a group of Nissan XD Titan Pro-4X trucks, including another Titan star, the Hellwig-Lance Rule Breaker Overland Rig.
“Overlanding is an exciting form of outdoor adventuring, taking participants into sometimes extreme terrain and climate conditions,” said Fred Diaz, division vice president and general manager, North America Trucks and Light Commercial Vehicles, Nissan North America, Inc. “We’re using the Project Basecamp to showcase the Titan XD Pro-4X model’s potential as the perfect platform for truck owners thinking of taking their adventures to the next level.”
Project Basecamp started as a stock Titan XD Pro-4X Crew Cab—straight from the Canton, Mississippi factory floor. “With its heavy-duty commercial truck ladder frame, torque-monster Cummins 5.0L V8 Turbo Diesel engine, innovative bed features and full-feature five-passenger interior, the Titan XD Pro-4X would be more than enough for typical off-road adventuring. However, overlanding is anything but typical,” said Diaz. The truck offers a towing capacity of 12,640 pounds and maximum payload capacity of 2,080 pounds, impressive numbers for such a well-equipped truck.
The Titan XD Pro-4X Project Basecamp showcases more than 60 aftermarket parts and accessories from some of the leading manufacturers in the overlanding field, creating an essentially self-contained, self-sustaining “basecamp” for exploring the backcountry.
The transformation to Project Basecamp started with some new “hiking boots” in the form of maximum off-road-traction 35×12.50×17-inch tires mounted on 17-inch beadlock aluminum-alloy wheels. An Icon Vehicle Dynamics 3-inch lift kit provides extra tire clearance at each corner, and the suspension was given an extra level of bulletproofing with a set of Hellwig air springs, a Hellwig air-leveling compressor, and more.
While the Titan XD Pro-4X presents a powerful presence in factory form, Project Basecamp received a beefier look to complement the new, more aggressive vehicle stance. The list of exterior modifications includes custom front and rear bumpers, aggressive fender flares and cab-length rock sliders, custom hood, light bar and chase lights with fog and spot lights. A Warn winch with remote mount and quick-connect cables was tucked under the custom front bumper. A custom vinyl wrap completed the initial stage.
Next came the overlander survival essentials—a bed cage, a rack system with an awning, a Mt. Rainier Stargazer tent and vestibule, and a Black Forest portable fridge freezer, along with water canisters and fuel packs, shovels, an emergency kit from ARB, and more.
Capping off Project Basecamp is a custom Patriot Camper X2 Off Road Adventure Trailer with matching vinyl wrap. The trailer has been configured to include anything a camper could desire. When fully loaded, the X1 is capable of carrying more than two-thirds its own weight, which is expertly distributed for increased off-road stability. The X1’s extreme departure angle, overall length and low, wide track allows for smooth towing, and adjustable air suspension keeps this Titan well clear of rocks and debris.
The Nissan Titan XD Pro-4X Project Basecamp will be making additional appearances this spring and summer at outdoor adventure shows and exhibitions.
Not many campers, hard or soft will not exceed a 2080 pound weight limit.
Yeah, you’re pretty much limited to a small pop-up like the FWC Fleet model, the Alaskan 6.5, or the new Earthcruiser GZL-300.