Complete Walkaround of my Budget 1-Man Camping Rig

[@bajasoobnut]

Yes you will find me commenting below lmao

[@bajasoobnut]

And looks like the frontier is coming along nicely for sure.

[@tjkrueger2655]

The emblem turned out great!

[@brackeng1294]

Jason, that emblem cam out nice. I know you made it a long time ago but it’s definitely the coolest part of the truck. Nothing against Donald’s build, I’m actually dong the something similar with my build. It’s just cool to see such a custom part.

[@bajasoobnut]

@@brackeng1294 thank you, yeah I made a few others for myself and have one of them installed on the front of my sequoia. It is the little touches that make it very unique for sure :)

[@bajasoobnut]

@@tjkrueger2655 thank you!

[@gringofett3944]

As a Frontier owner, glad to see your rig its a refreshing departure from the Tacoma mob.

[@xDarthRio]

I'd much rather watch an overland build that is actually obtainable rather than some other channels that have a $70K Taco or Jeep with another $50K in gear added on.

[@tjkrueger2655]

I wish there were more like this channel

[@Monster-519]

Yes, I love these videos, but absolutely hate when they are very rich and have very expensive top of the line vehicles and then the most expensive gear on top of that. When its affordable, and also not hateful towards other builds or vehicle brands.

[@solosaga5091]

When something like this is observed coming together piece by piece over time, it doesn't seem like much. But, this build tour definitely emphasizes how MUCH time and effort you've put in. Everyone has their preferences, and this is a fantastic build for your use case. Well done Donald, with the build and tour! I can't wait to see how it evolves even further. Safe travels, my friend.

[@davieszvintsent4586]

I am very interested in your roof rack design. Very strong, sturdy and neat. DIY at its best. Most of the DIYs you make are budget friendly and suitable for those who want to save money.

[@tadcobert1307]

I HATE that you have rebranded away from your Subie...But...I LOVE ❤ all you have done to the truck, and I am amazed at how much you DIY, keep it up, stay safe!

[@softroadingthewest]

Well, the "rebranding" was forced by the lady who ran a red light and totaled the Forester, and it was a good opportunity to try something different. :-) If I can make it work at some point in the future, I'd love to get a Subaru back onto the channel, I really loved that car. :-)

[@cliffmorgan31]

I appreciate your “Down to Earth” (equipment) approach to trail exploring…. Great videos, Don. I especially like the “How I did it” on the do-it-yourself projects.

[@schroederc23]

Thanks for this tour. I especially like the commentary on how you use the equipment, not just pointing to them and saying “here it is”. That is so valuable in understanding your design and providing viewers with something to consider in their design.

[@BackroadExploration]

Absolutely inspired by your setup. Love that it’s practical, affordable and exceptionally capable.

[@overlandecuador8893]

Finally. A channel that harkens back to my early days prior to “overlanding”. It was fun making everything personalized instead of all this boxed bolt stuff. Great job. I have a 2010 Frontier with 236k miles. Great truck!

[@gutto7952]

I like that you are using the plastic drawers on the back sit area, I am a truck driver and also use those drawers on the upper bad in my semi for extra storage. Now I want give you an idea that works great, I use those storages bags for my clothing feet nice inside those drawers. I did pickup at Walmart a 12 volts electric air pump for air mattress and I use to that to suck out the air from the storage bags; use the air inlet side of the pump on the bags and that's it. Nice airtight bags with my clothes inside and the best part is keeping everything nice and clean all the times. 😊

[@michaelpellegrino3220]

While I do miss the Subi, it has been enjoyable watching you get this truck up and running.

[@travisdowney2269]

Man I wish I discovered your account sooner! I used to live in Tillamook and I would have loved to meet up for a trip! I really like your budget set up too. No frills, just usefulness. I've got some little ideas from your stuff. Keep up the awesome videos!

[@kewil1419]

I love your function over form approach. Most people get caught up in the looks of their setup but they are so cumbersome to use. Your set up is simple and works!

[@OverlandUnknown]

Excellent run through of the Navara mate. I have a Navara and it is a great vehicle. I love how you kept it budget friendly. Great video. Cheers, Grant (Australia).

[@fishinforfun3359]

You’ve got a seriously cool rig my friend! I’ve also got a second gen frontier. Your video about the people at All Dog off-road has inspired me to get one of their lifts. Also, I explore in some of the same areas you do, so maybe I’ll run into you on the trail one day!

[@johnjames4583]

My first desert rig was a long bed 86 Nissan 4x4 with a cheap plastic cap. It spent a lot of time in Eastern Oregon and Northern Nevada. Never left me out. I loved that truck, lasted to about 2007, 275,000 miles.

[@Lorelly5]

Love that you are unique with the Nissan frontier - it’s true every channel is riddled with Toyota Tacoma and it’s refreshing to have different options- like I have an older sport Trac and it has a smaller bed so I like your extension idea to get more bed space in a budget friendly way - great video - keep ‘em coming 🎉❤😊 thanks for buying what you need even secondhand and keeping modest with the budget - overlanding vehicles are such eye candy but beyond attaining sometimes - so I’d rather get out there and enjoy the scenery - have fun

[@carolleimbach6407]

This is my favorite camping setup of all I've seen on KZbin.

[@MSKhan-dh9id]

This is one of the best-detailed videos for a Nissan Frontier. I have one of the 2005 Nismo King Cab and getting it set up for an RTT etc. Thank You for going in-depth and explaining all the features and the how-to. This is a really fantastic video. I have watched many of your videos and have subscribed. Thank You again.

[@andrewphibbs817]

This is one of the coolest 5' bed camping setups I have seen. The extension design is really cool!

[@CJADVENTUREOREGON]

We just finally are catching up on some KZbin! We are way behind (it’s been a busy few months). We very much enjoyed this walk around!!! You have done a great job with the truck. 😄

[@softroadingthewest]

Thank you! And no worries, I am constantly months behind on KZbin viewing. Don't think I've even watched your Utah Part 4 yet, I need to check that out! :-) Hope you guys are having a good summer!

[@broinsocali]

Thank you D. I started car camping 2022 after coming across your video's. Also I got the Jackery 1000 Pro and 1000 units. So thank you for the encouragement to start car camping.

[@carriemainquist757]

Stellar budget suggestions in an over priced, overland, over consumption world. I'm watching this video TWICE.

[@drewevans6908]

Thanks for the effort. I really appreciate your ingenuity and inspirational ideas for my build. It's the first Frontier I have seen.

[@swidahooverlanding2867]

Thanks for the walk around! Been fun watching you put it together piece by piece. George.

[@TRDGE]

This has been a really holistic build, thanks for sharing with us! I don't even have a Frontier, but this video has helped me in solidifying ideas and gave me options for companies. I really appreciate it.

[@stephengibson2869]

I too am a rural Oregonian, born and raised. I like your truck and everything you have done to it. See you out there in the rural Oregon areas 🏞🌄🧭

[@madcratebuilder]

Pretty cool of Jason making that killer emblem. The small drawers under the frig are a great idea, keeps all those small items you may need within quick reach. I really like your taller canopy, I'm cab height and not much head room.

[@dad_wagon1976]

Well thought out and practical. It’s been nice following the progress on the truck.

[@hadynmcloughlin4661]

After seeing all your Forester videos now catching up on this newish build, thanks for sharing Donald. Great choice and that front bar is brilliant as a DIY

[@EthnoDocs]

Looks great!. I've been following your build for a while. I really like the rack. You may see a Frontier in Oregon driving around with an identical one soon!

[@softroadingthewest]

Honk & wave if you see me! :-)

[@alberttu8120]

I love that emblem!

[@bajasoobnut]

Glad to hear :)

[@ugparmar1568]

So nice. Seldom we see someone can do so much with little or no budget. So happy for you & happy to subscribe to your channel. Hopefully I will learn something too. Nice, honest & no nonsense video. Keep it up. Keep Enjoying 😊

[@bluespruce786]

This is the way men should live, well done sir.

[@4ringk1ng]

Came back to this channel now that I have yet another car in common with you. I followed in your path on my old 09 Forester with cutting the bumper and getting a Primitive Racing lift kit which never made it to installation as my 4EAT took a dump on me and now Ill be doing some of these mods on my 2014 Pro4x. Keep it up man!

[@marshallrodgers1878]

Incredible rig my friend. Your a very innovative survivalist. Love this video. I subscribed half way though. Thank you for posting. You are a great help. Be safe on the trail.

[@corwynhoward269]

Outstanding build. Very practical and functional.. Great job in walking us thru on the why and the why nots of your thinking.

[@Oceanriverx]

I love your build and set up. I'm tired of watching rich kids with their expensive rigs and set ups that cost upwards of $100k. I really appreciate the DIY and cost-effective approach to your build. I'm hoping to do something similar in a few years and I'll certainly be looking into your channel. I live in PDX and would love advice on intro off reading in the PNW

[@MauroMarzorati]

THANK YOU for covering the drawers. It's those little things that make such a difference, imho between enthusiast vs commercial, or amateur vs professional. THANK YOU!.

[@CzechSixTv]

There are two things I'd like to comment on: While I'm no fan of Midland or their radios, it's refreshing to see someone not falling for the BS that you need 50w to talk to someone a few hundred feet away. The Kenwood TK-880 I use for GMRS is almost always set to 5w and Aussies have done just fine in the outback with 5w UHF CB for decades. Your fabricated extension to fit a 6ft sleeping platform is the main reason I have yet to replace my 1st gen Extracab Tacoma. It's near impossible to find a newer compact truck in good condition that isn't a 4 door with a tiny bed. Sure I don't have as much storage space, and the fridge behind my passenger seat has to be smaller, but being able to comfortably sleep 2 people north/south is well worth it. I do wish my topper was taller though. Beyond that I really like the build out. It's well thought out an should take you on plenty of adventures.

[@jcblackmon]

Donald, I love your channel, I love your approach to overloading, It's just an honest, organic experience every time...thank you!

[@97TP]

I sold my SH Forester last year and I'm looking to get behind the wheel of a mid-size truck later this year. Came back to this video and it's been a real big help planning some of the bits and pieces I can utilize in the future!

[@joseferminbcrave]

thanks for setting a point that adventure is not too costly. i like your straightforward simplicity. congratulations!

[@outofbounds218]

Another Grand Slam video. Love the details Donald. With your welding and fabrication skills, I see hose bib bracket welded to a receiver hitch that can be removed easily. Looking forward to more great cost savings. You rock!

[@roykent2316]

This is so inspiring for me, since I am on a budget as well... I am very glad I found your channel! 😊Thank you for the detailed walkaround Donald!

[@AllThingsOverlanding]

Love your set up and I was super excited when you came over to the Nissan side, :D. Great video and keep up the good work building it up!

[@michaelnares1217]

Donald, I’m not a big KZbin commentator but I just wanted you to know that I really enjoy your Chanel which I have been following for some time now. And although I have watched all the videos you refer to in this episode I still enjoyed the entirety of this one ! I like your approach and the path you have taken because as you said otherwise it would be just more of the same thing that everyone else is doing. Keep up the good work 😊👋

[@davidbernard8979]

I know you've moved on to a different set up since you posted this video, but you made me aware of something different I can do for my truck, and for that I thank you. I've been limping along with the cab-height topper that came with my truck. I'm looking for something taller that's still quasi-stealth, and the 36" Leer DCC could fit the bill.

[@softroadingthewest]

I was really happy with this setup, and would very possibly still be running it if I hadn't had the opportunity arise to work with Topo Toppers.

[@roadtripmitch]

Excellent video: You packed a lot in to 32min with no nonsense, just what people need. Great job! RE fridge power: leave the fridge plugged into the Jackery 500 and plug the 500 into the Nissan while driving, if the Nissan 12v plug is live while the truck isn't running you'll have to unplug it. That's what I do with my flexo power lithium 444 & ARB fridge in a Nissan NV200.

[@softroadingthewest]

I used to run my setup that way, but I've come to understand this practice may shorten the life of the lithium cells, so I've gone back to only doing infrequent full recharges only when needed rather than constantly topping off. I don't really know for sure if it will make a significant difference in the long run, but I need this to last as absolutely long as possible so I'm not taking any chances. :-)

[@johndej]

Thanks for the tour! I also have a contractor's canopy that extends over the cab. I like having everything inside with the exception of solar panels mounted on an external aluminum frame. I enjoy watching your channel because it gives me ideas for what I might want to add or change.

[@GeorgeEricBoes]

Absolutely fantastic channel! I have the exact same year P4X and have been starting my journey on building it out for more overlanding. Thanks for sharing!

[@StretchingOut]

Nice tour. I am going to road trail the southeast and midwest when I get my gladiator build done. Maybe 2 months away right now. Appreciate your tips and ideas.

[@Piiwow]

I have a Nissan Navara. Which is virtually the exact same, just sold in Australia. I’ll be watching all of your vids to see what I can adopt and adapt.

[@grandmastert01]

Just found this video and I can’t thank you enough I’m looking to buy a 2021 frontier and take it over landing

[@toxophilite1953]

Excellent video. I like watching this type of video, a step by step show of what you have and why. It gets me thinking of ways to do things without overspending.

[@peterh9927]

Another great video. Lots of really good information on setting your vehicle up for adventures. Have a great summer, and safe travels.

[@STinGa157]

Nice overview of your truck. Thanks for taking the time to share.

[@lucky80eights94]

Hope to see you out there. Thanks for the video my guy. Just picked up a 2010 pro4-x king cab 6 speed manual. Will be exploring the PNW Tillamook Forrest

[@blueschild61]

What a great little rig! There's nothing I don't like. I would just have to try a tiny little wood stove but, that's just me. Thanks for the upload. So many great ideas.

[@frankansley7941]

Great job Donald. I had forgotten how much work you have done to your truck. Thanks for the video!

[@softroadingthewest]

Thanks Frank!

[@Linknelson]

Super cool man, cool to see what the truck can do, love the topper as well

[@BradCagle]

That's awesome, man! I love the bump out for your feet.

[@donaldgerig9515]

Great video Donald. Very good ideas for the "common" person. I too purchased a canopy from All American Canopies on hwy 99 in Eugene. Mine is an ARE brand about 6 inches higher than the cab on my 2003 Toyota Tundra. I have the "side opening windows" on both sides. Love those. Next time I would like to add screened sliders on the side opening windows. I have a friend that has those. Great for ventilation for pets or people sleeping in there (without the bugs). I am not set up like you. I mainly use my rig for deer & elk hunting in eastern Oregon, fishing, crabbing, etc. For hunting we use wall tents for sleeping. I do have have a Warn 9000i winch though. Is that a start? (ha ha). Would love to visit some day. Another "Donald" from Eugene.

[@bajasoobnut]

Another first gen owner :) I have a 02 Sequoia myself

[@tomh7708]

Nice job! I like all of your great ideas for developing an budget overland vehicle.

[@Zinnshady]

Ive been watching your forester videos for the past week trying to decide if I want one, sad to hear it was totaled! Seemed like a great rig!

[@softroadingthewest]

It was a great little car that performed admirably beyond what it was designed for.

[@elflordsjourneys]

Always amazes me all the places you take that truck.😀

[@patlsmith404]

You’ve got a lot of sponsors, very fortunate. Good ideas, maybe a little more organization. Seems to work, so keep it up and be safe!🇺🇸👍🏼😎

[@04JALD]

You keep giving me great ideas Donald. Great job.

[@PDQkevin77]

While a little pricey you could upgrade the factory stereo with CarPlay and it will have an app for Gaia and will allow Bluetooth connection to the Garmin. I recently upgraded my stereo and couldn’t be more pleased. Went with JVC/Kenwood and with adapters was very easily able to install, required only soldering in two wires, everything else plugged in. Got everything from Crutchfield and everything cost about $1000 but that was new speakers in the front doors and dash as well as a subwoofer under the seat.

[@cooporlando]

Loved the river noise!

[@jbporter1]

Another awesome video. By far my favorite overlander on KZbin. Keep up the great videos!

[@mikeoldham]

Great walk around. You kept it interesting all the way through. You rig is awesome.

[@NQExplorers]

Great walk around of your rig Donald, always enjoy your videos and practical budget approach. Safe travels mate! Warren.

[@simpsonsampson7662]

I have a Nissan Frontier, same color too. I absolutely love the truck.

[@L-lp9fl]

Another set of narrow side windows when you sit up straight? Your set up is what it is and it works well as most of us are even on a tighter budget. Thank you!

[@softroadingthewest]

That is one of the main unfortunate details about the tall cap. I understand why they put the windows where they do...it would look odd if they weren't in line with the truck windows. It would be nice to have some windows to see out of when I sit up in bed. Perhaps a future mod when I'm no longer concerned about voiding the warranty. :-)

[@monocogenit1]

Nice setup. Love the home made extension

[@arlenenolte8475]

thank you for taking the budget approach! makes overlanding possible for normal people :)

[@frase426]

Awesome budget setup. Just got a ram and will be starting my overland builds very soon! Thanks for the ideas and hope to see you out there.

[@cheboludoche]

Sweet setup on an underrated body on frame platform!

[@Montana_Outdoor_Adventures]

Great job! Going this route is definitely on the list of options,

[@greywolfoutdoors]

Amazing video. This is the logical inexpensive was to approach things.

[@hazedoutadventures1182]

Yes!!! This is amazing!!! Thank you for sharing! I have so many ideas now!

[@NWHomesteader]

Such a well thought out build Donald. Nice to see it all in one video 👍

[@havenwisner6776]

So sick. I’ve been wanting a frontier forever but just don’t have the money to get one yet

[@PaydayGabeBCNV]

Great Episode Donald 🙌. Doing a similar "Budget" build w/my 02 Mitsubishi Montero Sport. I'm evaluating a sleeping setup in the rear area. Back seats removed and a flat platform extension covers that space. It is definitely a work in progress. Safe travels and a great 4th of July 🇺🇲💥.

[@craigroosa9321]

Kinda cool to see you have a Sport . Owned one for several years and loved it ! Very capable truck and tough . Good luck with your build .

[@MrKeenaz]

Excellent video Donald. I truly love the set up you now have. The hidden winch is something I strongly believe in. May you have many trouble free adventures. 🇦🇺

[@TUNDRALU]

Great video! I am currently building out an Alu-Cab on my 2015 Tundra crew max.. rear seat delete.. you have given me some great advice and some venders that will help a lot! Thankyou!

[@terrythompson6570]

Wish I had your skills. Very practical advice. Not to be snarky, but it helps if you are given stuff!

[@softroadingthewest]

None of it is truly free though. Not only do I have to put in significant hours of work producing videos about the products - I have worked relentlessly for many years for very little income building my channel to the point where companies want me to review their products. Nothing is truly free. :-)

[@jeffhildreth9244]

Practical and modestly priced. Well done.

[@coyoteself]

I'm loving my 2011 PRO-4X with the Snap TREEHOUSE wedge camper

[@BuccaneerOverland]

Thanks so much for this video. I just bought a 2019 PRO4X and was looking for ideas. Have been watching your videos for a while. Thanks for some great ideas. Stay safe and hope to see you on the road.

[@BrandonWatkins614]

Love the budget oriented approach to this build, gives me a few good ideas for my taco. But I'll have to go a little different route since it will be both myself and my gf going on trips. Probably will have to go with a bed rack and a rooftop tent, i do like how you set up your topper with that extension to give you room to sleep!

[@stephaniesimmons-ashorobi3314]

Your entire setup is awesome and budget friendly.

[@duncdunc76]

Nicely set up Donald👍And some great DIY work there! Looks like your setup also has good space for a bike/ebike inside the canopy on the right which would be a great place, inside, safe, and out of the weather for transport. Could probably use the utilitrac to rig up a nice sturdy but easily removable attachment system to hold the bike. You've giving me some inspiration and some Ideas for my 2008 Frontier. I've camped out of it for years but have always tent camped. As I get older the already ready sleeping area and ease of not having to set up a tent and such gets more and more appealing.

[@softroadingthewest]

Yep, my ebike JUST fits in there. I've got a dedicated tie-down incorporated on the cabinet and then also just strap it to the leg supporting the bed, but the utilitrac is a great idea I didn't even consider. I may need to revisit that.

[@chrismak4859]

Have you thought of getting a small 75 watt solar panel, running it directly to your Jackery(s), and then keeping your fridge plugged into the Jackery 500? I found a $60 panel on Amazon and use it to keep my Jackery 240 charged 24/7, and then keep my Dometic CFX plugged into the Jackery and literally never lose power 24/7. As long as there's sun and I don't forget to close the lid on my fridge, it stays on and cold indefinitely. I don't even need a controller, just panel directly to Jackery using the provided cables. Love the freedom!

[@softroadingthewest]

I used to keep the Jackery plugged into a 12V outlet in the car which was only powered when the car was on, with the fridge always plugged into the Jackery. A seamless solution that meant the Jackery was always recharged when I would drive each day (as I rarely rarely sit in camp for more than one night) and the fridge always powered even when I shut the car off, but I have recently come to understanding that the constant recharging may shorten the life of the lithium cells, so I have stopped doing this. Now I only recharge the Jackery when it starts to run low. I don't really know just how harmful it truly is or isn't to be constantly retopping the Jackery, and I know a lot of people do exactly what you're doing, but I've decided not to chance it.

[@glenmo1]

I'm retiring in a couple years and I'm thinking of building something like this perhaps not as lifted off-road I don't plan to be going rock crawling or anything like that but just something that I can go out and camp with for a week at a time my first choice is the Nissan frontier but probably not a crew cab but a king cab.. definitely considering a industrial cap for the back of the Nissan truck.. thinking of getting one with the whole side of the cap opens up as a door and can be locked but also has a screened window in it.. thanks for the great ideas I think the main point is to keep it simple and keep it light

[@SanDiego2015]

Nice continuation of your build. Never stop learning new ideas 👍. Consider using some flip up table hinges to attach a table/shelf at a convenient location (e.g. inside back door?) for cooking, eating, washing. Could use a silicone pop out sink or cutting board insert as needed. Enjoy your stories👍

[@ironhorse7601]

called canopy in Australia too!

[@midnightadventureswa]

Good morning Donald been watching you for sometime and it’s great that we both had questions about suspension work and all dogs off road helped us out explaining it also enjoy seeing you making some of your own stuff instead of buying it just like me and reusing things like recycled metal great job with your walk around on your truck it is all coming together if you’re ever thinking about rock ciders cory from hard core off road makes a very nice do it yourself weld kit for rock sliders keep up the good work and thank for Sharing