2022 Nissan Frontier Build Trail-Tested & Adventure-Approved

Those of us who are constantly on the go (and we’re confidently betting that’s most of us) know just how much easier life is when your mode of transportation is always ready to go. There’s great satisfaction in investing time and effort into building a vehicle that doesn’t only just do its job but actually plays a part in getting you out the door quickly and more often. That’s what Johnathan Smith’s 2022 Nissan Frontier Overland does for him. Armed with a full quiver of accessories and upgrades and modified to suit his exact needs, the Frontier is his key to getting out faster and staying out longer.

Getting Off-Road

Smith has been off-roading since he was old enough to drive. Never having camped as a kid, he first got into the scene at 16. His first truck, a 1994 Isuzu Rodeo, was the tipping point. “I threw some BFGs on it and hit some local trails in the San Bernardino mountains,” he tells us. “[I’ve been] hooked ever since.”

Since that first ‘94 Isuzu, Smith has piloted quite a few rigs, but the work he’s put into his 2022 Nissan Frontier and the adventures he’s taken in it make it stand apart from the rest.

The Importance of Ground Clearance

When it comes to off-road explorations—especially when heading out to historic treasures like Fort Piute—ground clearance isn’t just a bragging right; it’s a necessity. Navigating rocky, uneven trails means your vehicle needs to clear obstacles without suffering battle scars or worse, getting stuck just shy of your destination.

Smith’s Frontier, with its thoughtfully upgraded suspension, had just the right foundation for this sort of adventure. Thanks to ample space between the undercarriage and the terrain, he could steer with confidence through the boulder-strewn tracks surrounding the remnants of that 1860s Army post. No shocking metal-on-rock sounds, no worrying about tearing up skid plates—just smooth progress over the kind of jagged ground that would send lesser vehicles packing.

That extra height makes all the difference, not just for preserving the rig’s vital components but also for ensuring you get to experience these hidden pieces of history up close—without leaving your vehicle behind miles down the trail.

Adventure Companion

For someone who’s on the road as much as Smith is, putting in the work to build a perfect adventure companion is a serious undertaking. While the truck of course functions as his dedicated overland rig, he notes that it’s designed to be used for a little bit of everything, from off-roading to bugging out when needed. “Oh, I can’t forget about mall crawling as well!” he laughs.

“Armed with a full quiver of accessories and upgrades and modified to suit his exact needs, the Frontier is his key to getting out faster and staying out longer, too.”

Its main purpose, though, is to be a basecamp for Smith to live out of during extended overland trips so he can enjoy the outdoors in comfort. “I’m always on the go and I wanted to maximize my time being outdoors so staying in the truck and sleeping near the area I wanted to explore just made more sense than driving home and unpacking every single time and starting over again for the next trip,” he explains. Always focused on the next adventure, and not wasting time dealing with unnecessary loading and unloading of gear? Sounds like just about every overlander’s dream come true.

“We drive the Frontier everywhere we can,” Smith notes. And he’s got the evidence to back it up, too: they’ve put about 30,000 miles on the truck in just about eight months of driving. Long trips and extended adventures contribute to that, including the roughly 3,200-mile round trip trek from Orange County, California, to Springfield, Missouri, for MOORE Expo back in April 2023.

In Good Company

Staying just a bit closer to home, Smith can often be found in one of his favorite spots, Moab, Utah, enjoying the beautiful scenery and wheeling on some of the best trails in the country.

A recent trip found him spending four days in Moab with a skilled crew of off roaders as he joined Rogue Overland’s 2023 Winter Expedition. Onion Creek, Hurrah Pass, and a drive through 7 Mile Rim in the snow were highlights of the trip, during which 25-30 rigs caravanned through the area.

“Always focused on the next adventure, and not wasting time dealing with unnecessary loading and unloading of gear? Sounds like just about every overlander’s dream come true.”

Unfortunately, “The trip was cut short due to weather conditions making some of the areas impassable,” but, ever the optimist, Smith insists, “The four days we explored was one of the best trips I’ve ever had, and the Frontier performed flawlessly… It was a blast.”

A Sentimental Journey

There’s something special about certain journeys—the ones that leave a mark long after the dust settles and the last mile is behind you. Smith’s recent trek across the Mojave was one of those for the books. Picture hours bumping along desert trails, the sun painting golden stripes across the landscape, and each mile behind the wheel forging a stronger bond with his Nissan Frontier.

As the highway finally unrolled beneath the tires, trading dirt for smooth pavement, Smith couldn’t help but feel a wave of nostalgia. Every mile closer to home was a reminder that this particular adventure—those wide-open vistas, the sense of freedom, the challenges and triumphs tackled in the trusty truck—was coming to an end. Even though he’s driven plenty of rigs before, this trip had a certain magic: the camaraderie, the remote backcountry, and a vehicle that felt less like a machine and more like a trusted companion.

It wasn’t just about the capability or comfort of the truck, or even the technical details; it was about the experiences shared—the sunsets viewed from the cab, the sound of gravel crunching beneath the tires, and the connection to the wild places he loves. That’s why the desert adventure lingered in his mind well after the engine cooled, and why saying goodbye to this particular Frontier felt a little bit like leaving a good friend at the trailhead.

Weathering the Elements

On a recent run, Smith and his crew found themselves staring down a classic Mojave thunderstorm—a test that would push any build to its limits. What started as a leisurely day on the trail quickly escalated as lightning crackled across the desert horizon. For those new to desert storms, it’s no small event: mellow washes turn into gushing rivers, hard-packed dirt becomes a sticky mess of mud, and “standing water” suddenly means water up to your rocker panels.

With only a dozen miles of dirt separating them from the safety of pavement in Baker, there was no choice but to power straight into the storm. This was no ordinary Sunday drive; it was a gauntlet of slick mud, deep water crossings, and fast-changing terrain—all barreling at them as the sky let loose.

But here’s where all those upgrades and careful planning paid off. With All Dogs Off-Road suspension soaking up the abuse and beefy BFGs clawing for traction, the Frontier took it all in stride. Deep water? The truck shrugged it off. Muddy ruts and debris? No drama—just surefooted progress. Smith didn’t hold back, either; throttle pinned, skipping gently over rough patches, leaving a fresh set of pinstripes as a souvenir.

It wasn’t just about brute force, though. Smart build decisions—from skid plates taking the hits to sliders guarding the sills—meant peace of mind no matter what nature threw down. And when the storm cleared and the dust (or mud) settled at the day’s campsite, the truck was no worse for wear—ready for more river crossings just for fun.

Simply put, the Frontier proved itself: unbothered by rain, rocks, or rivers, taking every challenge in stride and backing up Smith’s confidence mile after muddy mile.

Mojave Miles: Behind the Wheel of the Frontier

So, what’s it really like to pilot a 2022 Nissan Frontier Pro-4X through the wild, sunbaked stretches of the Mojave? In a word—invigorating.

From the first sweep onto the desert flats at highway speeds, the experience shifts your senses into overdrive. Even after two days of bouncing over 130 miles of sand, gravel, and unexpected whoops, hitting pavement almost comes as a shock—a fleeting comfort before the next adventure calls.

Behind the wheel, the Frontier feels both refreshingly old-school and cleverly modern. Gauges are straightforward and easy to read, just like trucks used to be, while the controls are tactile and clicky—the stereo, the air conditioning, everything still handled with real buttons rather than buried in a screen. On the trail, the steering feels just right: responsive and weighted, yet not a chore over rough terrain. The suspension soaks up desert ruts and rocky patches with ease—comfortable, but with enough feedback that you’re never disconnected from what’s happening under the tires.

During high-speed dashes through Joshua tree forests and through rain-slicked arroyos, the Frontier never once lost its cool, even when pushing through water crossings or barreling through a sudden thunderstorm near Baker. Whether crawling over rock-strewn creek beds or blasting through open stretches to outrun a wall of rain, the truck remained as calm as any seasoned adventurer.

At day’s end—campfire flickering, tents unfurled—the sense of comfort settles in. Out here, far from city lights, the Frontier feels right at home. It’s equal parts trail machine and trusty basecamp, with just enough nostalgia woven in to make every mile a reminder of why we chase these remote horizons in the first place.

Building the Frontier

It took about eight months to fully build out the Frontier, with the help of All Dogs Off-Road, LTW Motorsports, and Peak Suspension. All Dogs gear provides the muscle behind his suspension, starting with their Parabolic Leaf Springs. All Dogs Enhanced Extended Travel Fox coilovers with heavy coils pair with High Clearance upper control arms to give a smooth ride with a bit of extra clearance up front. Meanwhile, another set of Enhanced Extended Travel Fox shocks hold it down in the rear.

While the suspension setup is thoroughly modern, Smith’s Frontier retains a refreshingly analog feel on the trail. The Pro-4X’s four-wheel-drive system uses limited-slip differentials to route power when traction slips, keeping the connection between driver and terrain direct and confidence-inspiring. Power steering remains hydraulically assisted—nicely weighted for hours of off-road driving, but never cumbersome—so you get plenty of feedback without unnecessary fatigue. And those Fox/Bilstein shocks? They soak up whoops and rocky stretches with ease, transmitting just the right amount of trail feedback to keep the experience engaging but never harsh or numbed out.

“Beyond being well-prepared for extended overland adventure, Smith’s Frontier has all the mods it needs to handle some serious off-road terrain, too.”

Starting with a solid base, the 3.0L V8 under the hood is plenty of powerhouse for Smith, cranking out 310hp and 281 lb.-ft. of torque. An ARB Diff Cover and All Dogs Off Road Rear Differential Breather keep things working smoothly.

Just like Smith’s very first Isuzu, the Frontier rolls on BFGoodrich KO2s, which, paired with his Method Race Wheels 301s, give the rig plenty of grip.

Rugged Exterior

Beyond being well-prepared for extended overland adventure, Smith’s Frontier has all the mods it needs to handle some serious off-road terrain, too. White Knuckle Off-Road Rock Sliders pair with a full set of accessories from CBI Off Road, including a Covert Bumper, Bull Bar, and Full Overland Skid Plate covering his engine, transmission, transfer case, and gas tank, to provide extra damage protection.

“…they’ve put about 30,000 miles on the truck in just about eight months of driving.”

Baja Designs Light Bars keep everything illuminated, both on the trail and at camp. An S8 30-inch Light Bar in amber secures to his CBI bumper, while an S8 40-inch Light Bar is mounted on the Prinsu roof rack. Baja Designs S2 Sport side area lights and Sport chase lights round out his lighting setup. He’s got a Warn Zeon 10S winch on the front bumper as well.

In the bed, a Front Runner Outfitters Nissan Navara D40 Drawer Kit keeps all of Smith’s gear organized.

Analog Meets Digital: The Pros and Cons

Smith’s Frontier sits at a unique crossroads between old-school toughness and modern convenience—and that mashup pays tangible dividends on the trail.

On the analog side, the truck’s controls are refreshingly straightforward. Physical buttons for climate and stereo keep fumbling to a minimum; everything clicks and is clearly marked, so there’s no fiddling when you just want to focus on the trail ahead. The gauge cluster, all dials and needles, is a nod to classic trucks—quick to read at a glance, no digital guesswork required. The hydraulic power steering feels grounded, giving just the right feedback for picking through rocks or muscling around tight corners—without turning the day into an arm workout.

At the same time, the digital additions give Smith just enough modern flair to keep things efficient. The dash sports a screen for quick access to navigation or cameras when crawling through the tight stuff, and that 9-speed automatic transmission takes some of the sting out of technical terrain. Still, it’s not overrun by tech: the truck’s limited-slip four-wheel drive keeps the electronics out of your way, letting you actually feel how the tires are gripping (or slipping) without a computer second-guessing every move.

Of course, there are a few trade-offs to this analog-digital balance. Those trail cameras are helpful in parking lots or precise maneuvers, but above a few miles per hour, they cut out—meaning a little more reliance on skill and sight-lines when taking on unexpected dips or abrupt trail features. Thankfully, Smith’s taken to reading the trail the old-fashioned way: eyes over the hood, not through a screen.

All said, the Frontier’s approach means less distraction and more connection—its combination of analog familiarity and just-right tech gives Smith confidence to push onward, wherever the trail leads.

Interior Accessories

In the cab, we find more organizational equipment and tech. The backseat is home to his ARB Zero Fridge 38Q powered by a Goal Zero Yeti 1000 Lithium battery, plus plenty of other gear he stores there.

On the dash is a RAM Mounts Quick Grip Phone Holder, as well as a GoPro Mount and Mic Mount. Midland Radios handle all of Smith’s comms through an MXT275 Micromobile Two-Way Radio, MXTA 25 Ghost Antenna, MXTA 22 ditch light bracket mount, and MXTA 24 Antenna. An AGM Battery with a SwitchPros SP9100 keep all of his tech powered and controlled.

Ideal Rig

The first thing we notice when glancing over at Smith’s 2022 Nissan Frontier is the GoFastCampers Platform Camper. It’s no surprise to us that the truck topper/rooftop tent combo is Smith’s favorite part of his setup. The GFC is easy to set up and break down, which, according to Smith, is “paramount” on busy days and after long drives. “It feels like home even when you’re away from home,” he explains.

Atop the GFC is an Overland Kitted Boomerang MaxTrax Mount that secures his MaxTrax Xtreme recovery boards to the top of his tent.

But the Frontier isn’t just about comfort at camp—it’s a purposeful blend of old-school grit and modern capability. Behind the wheel, the truck embodies that classic, analog character that makes driving genuinely engaging. Smith appreciates that the power steering remains hydraulically assisted—giving just enough feedback to feel involved without being a chore—while the Bilstein shocks manage to smooth out rough terrain for hours without numbing the experience entirely. There’s not an overwhelming amount of computerization between the driver and the dirt; the limited-slip differentials do their job quietly, keeping traction where it’s needed but still letting Smith feel connected to the trail.

Smith’s Frontier strikes that rare harmony between modern reliability and the tactile enjoyment of classic trucks. All the right updates are present—plenty of power, smooth shifting, and the essentials for safety and comfort—yet the driving experience hasn’t lost its soul to digital filters.

At the end of the day, “I think the truck is perfect just the way it is,” he says, “It has been a pleasure for me to drive on these adventures, that’s for sure.” But while he gives props to Nissan for “really nailing” the 3rd-gen, Smith deserves just as much credit for building off that solid foundation to create the perfect truck for himself.

UPGRADES OF 2022 NISSAN FRONTIER

2022 Nissan Frontier Pro 4x

Engine: 2022, 3.8 Liter V6

suspension: All Dogs Off-Road Parabolic leaf springs; (front) All Dogs Off-Road Enhanced Extended Travel Fox coilovers with heavy coils, High Clearance upper control arms; (rear) All Dogs Off-Road Enhanced Extended Travel Fox shocks

Wheels & Tires: Method Race Wheels 301 Standard Matte Black 17-inch; BFGoodrich KO2 tires, 285/70/17

Interior Accessories: RAM Mounts Quick Grip Phone Holder, GoPro Mount, Mic Mount; Midland Radio MXT275 Micromobile Two-Way Radio, MXTA 25 Ghost Antenna, MXTA 22 ditch light bracket mount, MXTA 24 Antenna; Odyssey AGM Battery;SwitchPros SP9100

Exterior Accessories: Baja Designs S8 30-inch Light Bar, amber; Baja Designs S8 40-inch Light Bar, amber/ clear; Warn Zeon 10S winch; Front Runner Outfitters Nissan Navara D40 Drawer Kit; White Knuckle Off-Road Rock Sliders; CBI Off Road Covert Bumper, Bull Bar, Full Overland Skid Plate

Additional Modifications: ARB Diff Cover, All Dogs Off Road Rear Differential breather; Prinsu Roof Rack (custom cut to half rack by Peak Suspension); GFC Platform Camper; ARB Zero Fridge 38Q; MaxTrax Xtreme; Overland Kitted Boomerang Maxtrax Mount; AVS in channel Visors; Goal Zero Yeti 1000 Lithium battery; UnderLand OffRoad Molle Panel; Baja Designs S2 sport side area lights; Baja Designs S2 sport chase lights