Este's X

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Esteban

Rank IV
Launch Member

Advocate III

1,354
Chattanooga, TN 37406
Member #

1873

This is my third Build since my off-road and camping adventures began about a decade ago.
I chose to build my X in 5 stages: Protection, Electrical, Comfort, Storage, Suspension & Tires.
Note: Currently on stage 4 of 5.


2011 Nissan Xterra Pro-4x

Why an X? Affordable, Nimble, Factory Locker, SUV.

Protection
Hefty Fab radiator and engine skids
White Knuckle rock sliders
Factory transfer case and gas tank skids
Front and rear differential breather extensions
WeatherTech floor mats
Limb Risers (although usually left off)

Electrical
& Navs

National Luna Dual Battery System
100W inverter (2 sockets and 1 usb)
Renogy 100W Monocrystalline Solar Suitcase with Voyager solar charger
Garmin Glo GPS (bluetooth up to 4 devices)
Ipad (for Nav) and Ram Mount
CB Radio
Baofeng Handheld
Factory flood light bypass
Factory fog light bypass
Rock lights
Cargo lights
Ran wires under dash for: Phone, Ipad, windshield mounted GoPro and Gamin Glo
Door chime delete
On-board air
Dual usb and voltmeter (in dash)
Power windows all the time

Comfort
Dometic CFX 35W Fridge
DIY awning
Rear hatch interior opening
Privacy curtains
Magnetic window mosquito screens
Off Road Gorilla hood risers

Storage
Aluminum roof rack with Quick Clamps for Shovel
Rear window Molle pouch shelf

Suspension & Tires
Copper Discover ATP 265/75R16
Timbren Active-Offroad Bumpstops
Remove rear sway bar

Current Project
DIY kitchen drawer system with modular fridge compartment and sleeping bay.
Note: This project is why i've decided to create a build thread.

foggy day.jpg
 
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Esteban

Rank IV
Launch Member

Advocate III

1,354
Chattanooga, TN 37406
Member #

1873

Storage/Sleep System Build
Goal: Is to create a drawer for my stove and kitchen supplies, with a modular rack for fridge and solar suitcase. As well as a modular sleeping bay for when I solo travel with my dog.

Why Modular? I want to retain the ability to have a rear seat and do not need the fridge at all times.

The X has a built in track system which will become the mounting points for the drawer and base.

20180415_152119.jpg
I chose to cut the base into the wheel well areas to able to have a solid mounting place for the house battery box. (see second image)

I chose a large aft beam to be able to help distribute my weight during sleep and to help keep the cargo in the rear area. Although plans had to be modified due to height restrictions and the aft was cut in half (height wise, it still travels the width of the X) to make way for a more comfortable sleep with more head room.
20180416_191916.jpg
The sleep system is mocked for this photo and still is under development in my mind. The passenger seat will have to be moved forward and the @$$ part of the rear seat removed for an additional piece to extend the length of my 6'1" frame.

After noticing a bow in the plywood it was time to add reinforcement.
 

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Esteban

Rank IV
Launch Member

Advocate III

1,354
Chattanooga, TN 37406
Member #

1873

Completed - for now.

The sleeping platform can be removed in under two minutes. Or while it's in allow for a passenger in the backseat. The head section of the platform removes easily and allows for the front passenger to recline all the bay back.

20180425_150332.jpg 20180425_150434.jpg 20180425_150530.jpg
 
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Esteban

Rank IV
Launch Member

Advocate III

1,354
Chattanooga, TN 37406
Member #

1873

Never considered it to be used for the stove. Thought of it more as a prep / eat / general purpose table. (Need a photo: but the table can be used with the drawer closed) My thought was since the stove needs to be stored somewhere, might as well not move it. 20180426_112949.jpg
 
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Esteban

Rank IV
Launch Member

Advocate III

1,354
Chattanooga, TN 37406
Member #

1873

Thanks guys. First major use occurred at SMOR 2018. All is working really well, outside of the beefy foam sleeping pad that takes up a lot of space.
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