So you wanna modify your Nissan X-trail? - Mods

[@beezwaks]

Love my 04 T30. It's my daily driver. Family wagon and road trip holiday camper, and also gets up the mountain on icy roads 30 days a year during ski season. Simple 215/70/16 all season tyres (I'm rarely in mud). Just got some side runners froma wreckers so o dont have stand all over my seats when accessing the roof racks.

[@GoandLove]

I’m buying my T31 X-Trail tomorrow!!! So excited! And just subbed :)

[@ruggedlife]

Nice. Congrats 👍

[@zmooh]

just got my top trim t30, if this thing is this amazing, i would imagine the 31 is above and beyond which is crazy to me

[@adampoll4977]

So much satisfying to watch someone drive a modestly modded compromise SUV WELL compared to the cowboys who throw their no-expense-spared rock-crawlers around carelessly. Good to see an understanding of how the traction control works off-road - so many back off the throttle the moment a wheel starts to slip rather than letting it spin a bit and the ABS has time to kick in and send power to the other wheel.

[@AmateurCaptain]

I really like this generation of the xtrail. Really want to get one as a project car.

[@Mike-kt5sn]

I have one with CVT, an absolutely atrocious car, would have been good with a 5 speed auto or manual.

[@frodosfrostbite]

Just bought one today!

[@craigsanderson4330]

I just bought an 06 X Trail in mint condition, love it, going to be working my way through these mods, thank you for the info.

[@ILoveGodSoMuch17333]

hows it going?

[@kevinfrancisco1730]

I agree with you there. The most important upgrade in 4Wdriving is skills. Good advice 🙂

[@peterh8253]

Yep. I have almost no experience with any 4x4 or AWD, but have taken a lot of 2wds (front and rear drive) to places they weren't really meant to reach. Even managed to surprise a few 4x4 drivers who've wondered how the hell I've got to where I am. Touch wood, never broken anything either.

[@kevinfrancisco1730]

@@peterh8253 Nice! 👍

[@bennaligaita3986]

Waaoooh!Thanks Bro that was so helpful keep sharing.

[@JuanValentino-yu1ft]

Nissan is No. 1 . X-Trail best soft roader ever . Subaru a close second . You can just see and hear the traction control system working . Don't leave home without it .

[@oceanangler1753]

Thank you very much. At 5.16min into the video, I decided, get the real 4x4 with low range. It would eat this trail without much effort and no damage.

[@javiersanzmon9484]

Nice videoo!! Hello from México! 🇲🇽

[@CoolKillkennyCat]

15" steelie is better but limits tyre options a bit. But you won't crack your rim, if you bend it you can wack it back to shape and you will have considerably more side wheel at the same rolling diameter.

[@peterh8253]

In the process of buying a 2009 Ti. Not the exact specs I would seek out. Heated leather seats and a sunroof are things I could easily live without, but since I'm getting it from a very good friend for a great price, I'll live with them... Does have the CVT and it's a replacement that was fitted a bit over two years ago. Drives exceptionally well and since I won't go close to putting it through the type of gentle punishment shown here, I don't think I need worry as much as some claim I should. Despite the known cvt issues, the engine felt and sounded great. I've owned three Nissans (2 Pulsars and a Pintara) and they were all very reliable engine-wise. Price is the main feature I can't ignore and reason for purchase.. Easily $2,000-$2,500 cheaper than anything comparable online. That said, I also think it is a sound buy simply because it is so damn practical for what I intend using it for (outdoor work on rural properties that don't require a full 4x4 to get around in). Seems a shame that many newer SUVs seem to be more designed for doing the school run and shopping, than getting dirty sometimes.

[@peterh8253]

BTW, can anybody tell me what the issues with the CVT actually are? My understanding is it has something to do with the temperature the oil reaches and that tends to be more of a problem when constantly driving with full loads and/or towing. What are the reasons that people say CVTs aren't supposedly adequate enough to take off-road?

[@patog6408]

Really impressed how it reacts to the places you're taking it. I was also wondering how big is the cargo area when the rear seats are down, I mean in inches or CM, sadly we only see the CF or in L so to me it's kind of useless. Thanks

[@ruggedlife]

Not sure about the dimensions but ill try to remember measuring when I can.

[@vertikalwelshunter]

@@ruggedlife and did you meussured ?

[@squakke]

​​@@ruggedlifeid you measure it. I want to know as well

[@James-be1gw]

I’ve got a stock 2006 Nissan xtrail with 215/60/17 tyres on come standard with them

[@douglaspaulsilva]

Awesome tips mate!

[@steveans]

Subbed. Great video

[@jasonstab6453]

I've put on 225/75/16 with the 50mm spacer lift which gave me an 80mm lift at the top of the wheel arch. And as always a great informative vid, thanks

[@mkshanty]

Hi there...I have similar dimensions, but mines are 225/75/17...so, how is your experience...? Should I expect false fuel consumption data on my board computer, because those dimensions are not suggested on any Nissan user manual...

[@jasonstab6453]

@@mkshanty, I never really check consumption, but I now run a gps speedo because the reading is 100km/h when your doing 110

[@ruggedlife]

As Jason's Tab mentioned, I also recommend using a gps speedo at least for a few days just so you are aware of how much the speedo is out. Also, you will expect fuel consumption to be higher.

[@observer9702]

9 ⁶

[@UtterlyHooves]

Im looking at getting one! have subbed!

[@enzodisciglio3717]

Youre doing awesome stuff, reallzy like that ! I have a question do you know if a roof tent rack of 1800x1200 woill Fit on the xtrail?

[@ruggedlife]

Cheers. It probably will but will require modification. Have a look at my review video of another T30 in my 'FEATURED' playlist. He added a 3rd roof rail on the rear for extra support.

[@Wolf4wdadventures.576]

Another very informative vid.... Well done. I'm currently looking at lifting my T30. Either going the way you did or superior engineering spacers. I'm leaning towards the spacers to keep the softer ride. Cheers

[@ruggedlife]

Cheers mate. I would recommend spacers if you want to maintain your oem spring rates. However, I would recommend you put good shocks to compensate for your higher centre of gravity.

[@Wolf4wdadventures.576]

Yes am getting new struts as the front at least are getting soft... Am looking at a snorkel, I believe a d22 Navara are a close fit, have seen others done via Google. I have installed two on my previous vehicles so I no what to expect, albeit a little different this time as it's not a specific vehicle fit...should be fun. Probably do it after Christmas.

[@ruggedlife]

Im doing my snorkel over Christmas. Keep an eye for that video 😉

[@jarrahfitzgerald2752]

Thanks for all your work and content! What are your thoughts on the T30 vs T31 as an occasional offroader? Any noticeable differences? Cheers!

[@ruggedlife]

Cheers mate. I don't have first hand experience with T31s to be honest but I have read a lot of good feedback about them. They have similar mods and capabilities so I would say they are quite similar.

[@afinotti]

@@ruggedlife Thank you! I'm about to buy a T31, but its CVT. I just heard you saying to avoid that. Why? The transmission is off road incompetent or worse: it will break?

[@ruggedlife]

@@afinotti CVTs were engineered mainly for comfort and efficiency. Beimg said that, there are a lot of well maintained CVTs that fail prematurely even though they are not taken offroad or used for towing.

[@rbunnage41]

This channel is an awesome find for me. I have the exact same model and colour, complete with awning and roof basket! I looked through a few of the comments and saw nothing about prices. Do you have a rough guide for the cost of these mods?

[@ruggedlife]

Are you in Australia?

[@rbunnage41]

@@ruggedlife Yes, travelling up the East Coast. Plan on going all the way to Darwin

[@alygooutdoors7934]

Hi Mate. Great video as always. I’m from Malaysia. I love camping and outdoor stuff. I planned to buy the 2nd hand t30 model auto transmission 2.0 litre. Need your advice what are the things to look for before buying the car. Really loves the T30 model.

[@ruggedlife]

Cheers. Just like any vehicle check good service history, bushes, CV, brakes etc. Known issues with them normally happen on mileage of around close to 200k kms. Things like fuel guage, crank and cam sensors. Generally speaking they are reliable but like any vehicle, if previous owner doesn't look after it there will be premature issues.

[@alygooutdoors7934]

@@ruggedlife cool! Thanks mate!

[@svaiboyshchik337]

Useful vidio 👍

[@cameronwhitbrook4623]

This may be a stupid question if you go bigger tyres can that throw out your Speedo?

[@ruggedlife]

No such thing as a stupid question mate. Yes it will. By how much obviously depends in the tyre size. Most cars speedos read faster than the actual speed. Increasing tyre size a little bit will make most vehicles speedos read accurate or similar to gps speedo.

[@sparagass]

You always mention that your tires are brushing in the engine side when wheel is turned full, how you living with it? Or you just don't spin your wheels full to avoid brushing??

[@ruggedlife]

I just avoid full lock.

[@CanuckBacon]

I just bought an 06 automatic, and I'm looking to delete the precat to prevent the issue with catalytic pieces being sucked into the engine

[@rodrigovalderrama2087]

nos puedes compartir el link donde compraste el radiador de aceite de la caja de cambios? Gracias

[@ruggedlife]

The radiator is from ebay here in australia.

[@raymondsvensson9773]

I was told by Bridgestone that 235’s were not legal on my t31. So I went for 215/70/16.

[@ruggedlife]

Yes. Some countries allow, some don't.

[@MohammadKhan-nb5xl]

Bridgestone was right. Under 5.5% upgrade of the tyre size dont required any engineering certificate. But 235's are over 7% of 215's. Thats why i put 225 70 16 and very happy with it .

[@asrinuddin]

215/70 equivalent 235/60 -- the rolling circumference are the same

[@joedirt5711]

Nice vids I haven't done much to my x trail yet. I have a 06 x trail Bonavista edition with 17 inch rims. What would be the largest tire I could get away with having 30mm strut spacers and 1.5 wheel spacers?

[@ruggedlife]

Cheers. Probably a 245 series but I would personally only go up to 235. 245 is just not practical for me, unless it is only for show.

[@hlvdworm]

The greatest skill is knowing your vehicles limitations. And your vehicle is out of it's depth where you are driving. Yes it does overcome the obstacles in the end, but the damage and possible damage you cause on vehicle and terrain outweighs the vehicles limitations.

[@samdowner1792]

lol rubbish

[@francescograndoni226]

Hi, I would to know your opinion about manual trasmission on x trail: is it ok for off road? thanks, Francesco

[@ruggedlife]

I prefer auto for offroading because the Xtrail doesn't have low range gearing. Have a look at my video about that in my Practical 4wding playlist.

[@joeattard4819]

2011 T31 has 17"/18" ally rims

[@asrinuddin]

for this kind of road, you just need front wheel drive... use the momentum... it works OK 😁😁👍

[@dr2377]

That's a big no. Terrible ride if you just use momentum the whole time.

[@rupeshshrestha5445]

A bicycle would do even better

[@kalynsellars1084]

Hey mate, for an 09 X-Trail, in Queensland what is the legal lift limit? and can you do 35mm lifted springs with strut spacers or can you only do them one or the other? looking at running 215/70R16 with the spacers and springs as well

[@ruggedlife]

Not sure about the legal limit but the highest you can lift an Xtrail is 2" using the spacers. Don't use spacers and raised spring together it will be too high. It will put geometry out and you'll be replacing CVs on a regular basis.

[@kalynsellars1084]

@@ruggedlife awesome! Thanks for the clarification!

[@okeefe5807]

When your talking about reliabiliy loss with a 225/70/16 A/T tire what exactly do i have do look out for?

[@ruggedlife]

Bigger tyres create more stress on driveline, suspension and brakes. Adjust your driving style and upgrade suspension to compensate for increase of unsprung weight. Nothing more you can do. More weight more stress. Just like carrying heavy load on any vehicle. It will affect braking, handling etc.

[@leszkoczarny8845]

czy zawieszenie zmieniałeś dedykowane pod swoje auto? ...czy dobrałeś ...pierwsze leprze pasujące?

[@ruggedlife]

Suspension has been upgraded. I have a video in my Mods playlist.

[@joshuareeve2178]

hey mate, just wanted to know if it’s possible to take a front wheel drive on these conditions, I’ve god all terrain tyres and suitable ground clearance but do I need a AWD?

[@ruggedlife]

Youll need awd for that mate

[@HaIPeHaOP]

hey mate! Do you drive off-road with the ESP on or off? I've heard ESP does control power distribution between the wheels while offroading, kind of like a diff lock on larger 4WDs.

[@ruggedlife]

My xtrail doesnt have any of that. Except for a handful of electronic aids, those things doesn't do much in terms of increasing a vehicles offroad capability. When i say offroad, i mean not just rough gravel roads or rutted roads. I mean proper offroad. Even a mechanical lsd will struggle when the going gets tough.

[@Samer-Haroun]

I want a picture of your use of the 4WD key while driving and when it is switched off and on ... Good luck, great for your driving

[@ruggedlife]

Pretty much all done in Auto mode.

[@spoki6311]

Hey mate, really good channel ! I bought a T30 last year (2002 model) and I removed straight away the strut spacers that the previous owner put on them. I had a CV boot that was damaged after few months and I was suspecting the spacers of being the rootcause. But... Since then my X-Trail seems to be a bit "low" for me, and I'm searching to lift it a bit. I'm not doing real off-roading to be honest and yes it would be only for the look. What would you recommend? So the spacers are 47mm tall precisely with 215/65/16 tires. I was thinking about putting them back, but isn't that too much for the drive shaft and the cv boots? Maybe a mix between bigger tires and smaller spacers would be better to not put too much stress on the drive shaft? I was thinking about something like 225/70/16 tires and 30mm spacers. I would like to have these 5cm more in height that I had previously with the spacers. Anyway, your channel is a great discovery ! Thanks for your time and your job !

[@ruggedlife]

Thanks for the feedback mate. Lots of people use the 50mm spacer and say they are fine. It all depends on how you drive and where you take it really. 225 70 16 with 30mm spacer is a great combo for you if you want look and still keep it reliable. If youre not going offroad much, and after the look but also want reliability then that combo above is great. 50mm spacer with 225 70 16 tyres will also be an option because it looks better. Dont go bigger tyre than that as fuel will suffer more.

[@spoki6311]

​@@ruggedlife So you concinced me ! I'll mount these spacers back this summer with larger tyres then ! Just one question though: isn't it too difficult to put a whole suspension with a spacer in the same place? Because when I dismounted for the first time the front suspensions it wasn't that easy to get them totally out (because the driveshaft was pushing toward the suspension without the bolt). And thanks for your answer, much appreciated ! :)

[@ruggedlife]

Just take note that you can only put spacers on stock height springs. Dont install spacers with raised springs as it is too high and your cv joints wont like that. They are not that hard to remove suspension but yes the driveline will be a little challenge to work with.

[@spoki6311]

@@ruggedlife Yep, I'll keep my stock springs in any case :) Thanks again mate !

[@mkshanty]

Hi there. I need an advice. I have x-trail (T-31) diesel engine. I bought it as a used car. Everything is OK, but it has some strange tire dimensions: 225/75/17 all seasons. I can not even find a snow chains for it. Is it OK if I drive with them, because they are new ones, or I should change them? Should I expect false fuel consumption data on my board computer, because those dimensions are not suggested on any Nissan user manual... Thanks, Peter, Macedonia

[@ruggedlife]

That tyre is around 30" tall which is definitely quite tall. Fuel consumption will be high and speedo will be out. I suggest you change that size.

[@TheHooksey]

Hey I’m not sure if this is a dumb question but I just got a 2009 X Trail (dad’s old car) I plan on going down south and going into country, Is the X trail a car that can do stuff like that, is it capable enough and reliable enough, sorry if it’s a dumb question I just don’t wanna damage the car by using it past its limits.

[@ruggedlife]

Not a dumb question at all. The Xtrail is capable enough but Don't compare it to a 'real' 4wd. It is generally reliable yes. If you look at the 4wd footages in my channel, you'll see that it is capable for those sorts of terrain with care that is. It wasn't designed to do that so I wouldn't do it as often as if it was a 'real' 4wd. However, my channel is not to push the Xtrail to it's limits, my channel is more on educating and showing people that driver skill can make a vehicle more capable than what it is without breaking it. If you'll be taking it to gravel roads and back country roads the Xtrail will do that just fine. If you take it through where I take mine on those 4wd footages, then I wouldn't recommend it if you're not experienced enough. At least go with another vehicle with someone who is experienced.

[@TheHooksey]

@ruggedlife thank you for the help and I'll take all that into consideration. Cheers

[@ruggedlife]

@TheHooksey No worries

[@rodrigovalderrama2087]

Has probado desconectar las barras estabilizadoras para lograr un mejor flex??

[@ruggedlife]

No, but I know it will be minimal and not worth the effort. Unless you intend to permanently keep it off which wont be good onroad.

[@rodrigovalderrama2087]

@@ruggedlife En carretera sería un suicidio andar sin ellas, pero creo que en terreno irregular podría hacer una gran diferencia evitando la "rueda libre" aumentando la tracción. y si funciona se puede fabricar un sistema de fácil instalación para sacarlas e instalarlas fácilmente.

[@cristianorellana4140]

Helloo! great videos about xtrail. I have the same machine, and I like your tires. What tire size do you use?? 215/70 r16 I guess??

[@ruggedlife]

Cheers. They are 235 70 r16

[@carlosalcordo1624]

@@ruggedlife hey mate did you have to lift your tires???

[@ruggedlife]

Tyres are 235 70 16. Suspension is ironman springs 35mm lift. I have videos in my MODs playlist.

[@panama-canada]

Bravo!

[@robertask4351]

In your opinion, is the X trail T30 chassis to some extent stronger that Nissan Almera? I have red in wiki that T30 uses Nissan MS/M&S/FF-S platform (I am not sure I know what it is in details :) ), shared with the Nissan Almera and the Nissan Primera, which are simple light city cars not dedicated and equipped for any harder terrain. Does T30 chassis still have some parts that are more rugged/durable than in Almera/Primera ?

[@ruggedlife]

I have no idea of the details but I know that the Xtrail is just a unibody like cars. I don't know whether they put extra bracing of some sort to make it a bit stronger. At only around 1,400kgs of curb weight, I wouldn't think so.

[@AllTerrainAction]

Is this a locked centre vehicle or open all the way through? Not familiar with Xtrails.

[@ruggedlife]

95% of that was on Auto not the Lock function

[@AllTerrainAction]

@@ruggedlife can you explain what leaving it on auto does exactly? Will it automatically lock if it needs or does it not have the capability? I know nothing about the Xtrails and just curious.

[@ruggedlife]

I made a video about it mate. Have a look under the Practical 4wding playlist. Otherwise, try this link kzbin.info/www/bejne/qofKi5mimpuFg68

[@ruggedlife]

Also another video relating to it here kzbin.info/www/bejne/eKvGoIFnZpqlnMU

[@AllTerrainAction]

@@ruggedlife cheers!

[@gnevenmuskulkoemdjiev6516]

What do you think about Remap(aka chip tunning) at T31 2007-2014, 2.0 dci 150hp/320Nm up to 180hp/400Nm?

[@ruggedlife]

Haven't tried my self but heard good feedback about that.

[@philogre5771]

Any idea of you can go down in wheel size to 15"?

[@ruggedlife]

Yes for sure 👍

[@Dr.MaxDosage]

My stock xtrail with road tyres would cruise thru that track with no qualms

[@johnsheppard7809]

Do you think a 225 65 or 70 17" will rub

[@ruggedlife]

No

[@vouzenthal]

How much can you lift without changing struts?

[@ruggedlife]

As much as the car will take. 2" will be your max without significantly shortening the life of your cv.

[@magavi1978]

Pressure for off road?

[@ruggedlife]

I have a video about tyre pressures mate. Under the 'Practical 4wding' playlist. In this video, I was running 20psi front and 18psi rear.

[@apostoloskatsanis1914]

I think you can add a limited slip rear differential from a Dacia Duster.

[@ruggedlife]

Yes but not worth it. Lsd like that does not help that much in real offfroad scenarios. I know of a russian guy that had it and confirmed that as well. There is a russian company that supposedly makes a true locker for the rear but i had no luck communicating with them.

[@andre8ds]

like it

[@riqyoutube]

brave cameraman to film from the back of the vehicle

[@ruggedlife]

It's not that close to the vehicle in real life.

[@68404]

Boos Bash Plates are no longer around

[@ruggedlife]

Correct

[@АркадийИванов-е4л]

у меня 40 мм проставки

[@АркадийИванов-е4л]

привет,а я её побольше offroad

[@jvalentine8376]

CVT works just fine for soft roaders . You lack 4x4 experience .

[@RayFaucett-zd7sj]

I bought a Nissan X-Trail 2005 and it was the worst car I have ever owned, so I got rid of it and bought a Hyundai Elantra instead

[@dgiantandreandrebonobrero5374]

Ko ko

[@NLJ1953]

I was going to by ax xtrail but you just showed how useless they are WTF

[@АркадийИванов-е4л]

я люблю сваю машину..................у меня всё,можжно

[@kdeep1690]

Most of the obstacles , you backed off the vehicle a bit and gave a momentum then crossed..... Right . So mate, wheres that auto transmission better than manual thing?? What about your concept of little above stall rpm go?

[@omilic2354]

Двигатель посажен низко

[@hardyakka6200]

Why was he stopping and not using his momentum? You will go nowhere.

[@ruggedlife]

To minimize impact on vehicle. Not that obvious on the video but those rocks are huge for the xtrail. Also, I needed to tackle one section at a time so my camera man can change position and get different angles.

[@RayFaucett-zd7sj]

It gets bogged everywhere, a front wheel drive can do better than that shame on you Nissan for making such a garbage car, shame on you

[@noeljackson7366]

Sliiy to watch just a kid being spoilt kid being silly.