Why and how we chose the Platform for our Build
At first sight a Nissan Patrol might not be the most obvious platform to build something like an overlanding vehicle. I am talking about 4x4 campers with a piggy back on the tray or a pop-up roof, something you can easily get out of a Hilux, Troopcarrier, a Defender or a G-wagon (let alone the price you pay for the latter).
On second sight you'll get one of the most reliable and sturdy 4x4 platforms on the planet without any doubt. It's drivetrain robustness is second to none and if you ask experts the Y61 is one of the most capable four-wheelers around, due to its traditional setup and gearing. And if you get a Y61 after 2007 you are also looking at a very reliable Diesel engine.
We found our Patrol in 2017 at a reseller of vehicles leased by the army, respectively the military police. It was nine years old, had only 60,000 kms on the clock and was in almost perfect condition. It also had a few military specs on board, e. g. an upgraded GVM with an OME suspension as well as bigger brake disks and came with an overhauled and sealed underbody.
After putting some thought into it we decided the car would give us enough room for creativity to build a suitable and capable overlanding touring vehicle to live in and out of for over a year and drive some of the most treacherous and iconic tracks of the world.
Modifications are Fun!
Although the Patrol Y61 is pretty capable as a stock vehicle you still need to prepare it for the challenges and the terrain ahead (and also because modifications are fun!). Furthermore we needed to change it into a self-sufficient touring and camping setup. A lot of research, thought and one full year of work went into the rig as it is now. Almost everything was done and built by ourselves to save on cost and get to know the car even better. Please find people who helped us on certain parts down below on this page.
Base Model
- 2008 Nissan GR Patrol Y61
- 3.0 l Turbo Intercooler Inline 4 Diesel CRD with 160 hp
- 5-speed manual with non-permanent 4wd, factory E-Locker on rear axle, automatic hubs
- Factory switchable rear sway bar
Basic Modifications
- Bravo Style Safari Snorkel
- OME coils and shock absorbers with 2''-lift and GVM upgrade to 3.2 tons
- Set of Cooper Discoverer S/T maxx 285/75 R16 (33''), 60 mm spacers per axle
- ARB Deluxe front bull bar, Re-modified Escape4x4 rear bar with spare wheel carrier and recovery points
In the future we would like to update this page, going more into details of different parts of the setup as well as letting you know about what has worked and what has not. We'd also like to give you product links and reviews after we have tested everything thoroughly.
Fuel, Air and Engine
A long-range fuel setup is a must-have modification while overlanding. We chose to fit an Outback Accessories long-range fuel tank with 145l capacity. To cater for varying fuel qualities along the way we also put a Fuel Manager pre-filter into the fuel line. To preserve the engine during the next million of kilometers and prevent clogging up the air intake an oil catch can by High Performance Diesel was installed as well. A ScanGauge II in the cockpit checks the vitals and stats of the car.
Auxiliary Electrics
The power we use for lights, fridge, stereo, charging equipment, etc. is provided by a Banner Running Bull EFB 95 Ah auxiliary battery that sits in the engine bay. It's kept topped up by the Projecta IDC-25 DC/DC solar battery charger together with a Yingli 100 W solar panel. A Victron Energy BMV-712 Smart Battery Monitor gives us a correct state-of-charge and amperage at all times. For neat and tidy cabling and fusing we used a Blue Systems ST Blade Fuse Box.
Water Supply
We use zero plastic bottles as we purify our water from any clear water source by means of a Seagull IV/Aqua-polish filter system. The source can be external or our Frontrunner 50l water tank right behind the back seat via a Jabsco Par Max 3.5 water pump. The pump can be used for both filling the tank and tapping. Water in the tank is treated with Katadyn Certisil products. For showering or washing the car we use a hose with a multi jet on a separate outlet upstream of the filters.
Camping Setup
The most important mod of the car: We sleep in a AluCab Expedition 3 roof top tent. It goes perfectly well with the AluCab 270° shadow awn on its side to shelter from sun and rain. We also carry AluCab sidewalls for that extra bit of privacy or protection during longer camping stays. Oztent King Kokoda chairs and a Bo-Camp bamboo camping table make the campsite feel like a comfortable lounge. On sand and dirt we spread the C-Gear RV mat if we feel like it.
Exterior and Interior Lighting
For night driving we rely on a pair of Fyrlyt Luxsis 5000 spot and spread driving lights. As track and work/camp lights we use four LTPRTZ 50W LEDs on a custom-made rack to the front and three Lightforce ROK20 Ultra Flood LEDs to the sides and back. All are attached to the roof top tent construction. For cozy camp nights we use multicolor LED strips from the hardware store inside the car and under the awning as well as two Nitecore LA30 and LR10 camp lights.
Entertainment, Communication, GPS
To keep us entertained on our long driving stretches we fitted a Kenwood KDC-X7200 radio together with Hertz Mille PRO coaxial speakers that are run by an old, but trusty JBL amp. We use the small Albrecht AE 6110 CB-radio for communication in convoys. A RAM Mount accommodates the iPad Mini for navigation purposes which is accompanied by a Garmin Montana 680t GPS. On the iPad we use various navigation apps, on the GPS we use Open Source maps.
Interior Setup and Storage
We fitted a fully DIY setup into the back of the wagon, consisting of two HD drawers (one of them two-tiered to accommodate the stove), the fridge compart-ment and a cabinet extension to the front with two lid compartments. Furthermore we use two Frontrunner Wolf Pack boxes with Camp Cover pouches as well as a customized Dr. Thiel cargo net as a roof net. Additionally we use the Camp Cover Door Storage and Safari bag and the Escape Gear Dash Cover.
Cooling and Cooking
At the heart of our storage in the back of the wagon sits a Dometic CFX-40 fridge on a Dometic fridge slide made to fit. If not on the camp fire we prepare our meals on the trusty Coleman 424 Dual Fuel Stove installed in the guts of our drawer system. Its design hasn't changed for decades and it works with unleaded fuel even in high altitudes. When cooking we hang up the Frontrunner Camp Kitchen Utensil Set at the side of the car under the awning. The set stores all our cutlery.
Recovery Equipment
We need to be totally self-sufficient when it comes to recovery out of hairy situations being offroad. That is why we run a WARN Tabor 8 winch. In addition we carry a Truper shovel and Maxtrax boards. We try to not get stuck by letting tyre pressure down through an ARB E-Z Deflator where needed. A T-Max compressor, a Horntool winching kit with tree trunk protector, a snatch block as well as soft and steel shackles and an Ironman snatch strap complement the recovery gear.
A very special "Thank you" goes to the following people and businesses:
- Benjamin Krenzer at Buschmechanik in Bischofsheim
- George and Margaret at Medicar in Bibra Lake
- Matthias and Robin Krüger at Daktec in Rathenow
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