Overlanding is growing from a niche market to the mainstream thanks to years of support from aftermarket manufacturers and the trendy idea of off-the-grid vacations. Nissan is tapping into the segment with this one-off custom Titan XD pickup designed to showcase the upgradability of the Titan XD with more than 60 aftermarket parts and accessories. The truck debuted at the 2017 Overland Expo West outside Flagstaff, Arizona where thousands gathered for the latest in overlanding gear.

Named Project Basecamp, this tricked-out Titan XD has been heavily modified to improve its off-road performance while carrying hundreds of pounds of equipment necessary for sustaining life miles away from civilization. The Cummins-powered Titan XD’s most prominent modifications include steel bumpers, fender flares, six-spoke wheels wrapped in 35-inch all-terrain Nitto tires, and the large cargo rack in the bed complete with a foldout tent. Fred Diaz, VP of Nissan America Trucks, said, “Overlanding is an exciting form of outdoor adventuring, taking participants into sometimes extreme terrain and climate conditions. 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."

Continue reading for more information on Project Basecamp.

2017 Nissan Titan XD PRO-4X Project Basecamp

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2017 Nissan Titan XD PRO-4X Project Basecamp
  • Engine/Motor: inline-1
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Exterior

Project Basecamp is based on a standard 2017 Nissan Titan XD PRO-4X. The Crew Cab, Cummins-powered truck was plucked off the line at Nissan’s Canton, Mississippi assembly plant before undergoing its transformation. Nissan engineers added several functional components to help the full-size pickup perform better in rugged conditions. Up front, a custom steel bumper with a stinger bar protects the truck from off-road impacts, while a hidden recovery winch provides a helping hand when the going gets tough. The standard Titan grille is replaced with an aftermarket unit with a built-in LED light bar. A custom hood with an air scoop sits over the 5.0-liter V-8 turbodiesel.

Around the sides, pocketed fender flares cover the upgraded, 35x12.50 Nitto Ridge Grappler tires mounted on faux beadlock, 17-inch wheels. Though they’re not pictured, the truck is said to have full-length rock sliders for protection against trail damage. The truck’s wrap job is also clear from this angle. The Project Basecamp name overlays a topographical map with urban camo and a compass. Out back, a matching steel bumper protects the truck’s rear, along with adding built-in steps.

Of course, the biggest changes are the Leitner Designs Overland bed cage and Rhino Rack Pioneer system that houses Project Basecamp’s main cache of gear. A Foxwing Awning combines with a Mt. Rainier Stargazer tent from CVT Tents for foldout living quarters. A Black Forest portable Fridge Freezer, Daystar fuel packs, and an ARB shovel and emergency kit round out the expansive list of gadgets.

Also not pictured is Project Basecamp’s Patriot Camper X2 Off Road Adventure Trailer. Nissan says the trailer is outfitted with even more Overlanding gear. The trailer is designed to work off-road and includes an air suspension, beefy tires, and has impressive approach and departure angles.

Interior

Standard Nissan Titan XD PRO-4X interior picutred

Nissan didn’t make any notable changes to the Titan XD’s interior, so it remains in factory-fresh condition. As typical with the PRO-4X trim package, the Titan XD comes with black leather seats with white contrast stitching and the PRO-4X logo embroidered into the side bolsters. The large center console with leather-wrapped armrest provides tons of space for odds and ends. The center stack houses the 7.0-inch NissanConnect infotainment system, dual-zone climate controls, trailer brake controller, push-button start, and electronic 4WD knob. The driver gets a small TFT display for vehicle information, along with the standard array of analog gauges.

The Nissan Titan XD Crew Cab offers plenty of room for four full-grown adults or five in a pinch. The rear bench seat folds away to make room for larger cargo items and a lockable storage compartment offers a home for smaller items, including the fifth-wheel hitch ball and safety chain loops that come as standard equipment with most trim levels on the Titan XD.

Drivetrain

Nissan didn’t change anything on the Titan XD’s drivetrain – not that it needed to. The Project Basecamp truck came with the optional 5.0-liter V-8 turbodiesel from Cummins. The engine makes 310 horsepower and 555 pound-feet of torque and comes mated to a six-speed automatic transmission from Aisin. Interestingly enough, this is the same gearbox Ram uses in its 3500 HD pickup. The Titan XD also borrows its AMM-manufactured axles from the Ram 2500 Power Wagon.

Project Basecamp’s drivetrain might be stock, but Nissan engineers modified its suspension system. The truck rides on a three-inch suspension lift and a four-corner air ride system. The air suspension allows for adjustment in ride height, as well as compensating for various loads in the cargo bed and tongue weight on the Patriot Camper X1 trailer. An air compressor was added as part of the suspension system, too.

Conclusion

The 2017 Nissan Titan XD PRO-4X Project Basecamp was designed to showcase the Titan XD’s ability for easy upgrading, specifically to the growing Overlanding crowd. Nissan seems to have succeeded in its mission, as it included more than 60 aftermarket parts and accessories from a laundry list of aftermarket manufacturers. The truck grabbed plenty of attention at the Overland Expo West, held May 12 through 14, 2017. Nissan plans to travel the country with Project Basecamp, visiting several other expos, outdoor adventure shows, and off-roading events throughout the year.