[TheHops]

This mod has been a *long* time coming for me.

Two or so years ago, I got the itch to take my rig in the direction of an overland/expedition/off the grid type of build. I love camping, exploring, and just being overall self-sufficient when I do so. To make a long story short, one thing that was an absolute must with my build was a full length roof rack with 360 degrees of lighting, for safety/spotting and deterring wildlife/general campsite illumination (that being said, I still need to wire the flanking lights, I'll have it done by the end of the week). I made some pretty big strides this past week and brought some pictures!

I'm not going to turn this in to a how-to, as all of the parts are universal. The install was straightforward, albeit expensive and time-consuming. Any questions on the build itself or the process/components though, just ask. I have been collecting these parts for the past year and a half, so I may not have every answer fresh in my mind, but I'll do my best.

Components list below square brackets [ ] denotes an attachment or accessory not pictured, but available/previously installed.

Front Components: Thule 42" top tracks, Frontrunner Outfitters rack, 40 inch amber/white bar, x2 10 inch left/right white bars [maxtrax flat mounting kit, mounting brackets for 10 gallons of spare fuel with jerry cans]

Rear Components: Leer 100RCC (reinforced) camper shell, factory installed Thule top tracks, Frontrunner Outfitters rack, 10 inch rear white bar, axe mount, shovel mount, rooftop tent mounts, [CVT Mt Shasta Extended rooftop tent]

Future additions to the rack: Numerous eyelet tie-downs, vertical kayak mount

Pictures: Measuring out and taping off the workspace, drilling, and track install (using flare nuts)

 

[TheHops]

With trying to lift this solid metal rack on to the roof of a 6 inch lifted truck on 35s, solo, without scratching up my roof, I didn't get much pictures of this process, only the finished product. Also, the rack came in pieces. I assembled it several months ago and it has been waiting in my garage ever since.

Pictures: Rack from all sides. The 10 inch white flank lights are visible over the rear cab doors. The 40 inch front bar has a flip up rock guard/wind deflector that I can reach out and manually flip while in the driver's seat.

 

[TheHops]

The money shots. This setup is ridiculously bright, and the pictures do it no justice. My headlights themselves are on low beam. My phone camera didn't know what to do with all of that light, so it dimmed it a fair bit in order to focus. It was physically painful to my eyes to look at head on.

As far as the picture of the beam itself, you can't tell by the picture, but it was throwing light through the tall grass in the foreground, through the trees in the background, and in to a corn field beyond. Easily 200-300M of throw, even though it was obstructed.

Pictures: Both white and amber modes shown, and the beam throw.

 

[TheHops]

Lastly, just a couple of daytime pictures. They're bright even during mid-afternoon. From start to finish, from taping the roof until my front bar on the rack was functional, it took probably 12-15 hours across two days. It shouldn't have taken that long, but between getting rained out the first day, the horrible Thule flare nut tool, and taking my time and working carefully/deliberately, it wasn't too bad. There's also the time spent drinking a beer or two with a neighbor.

All in all I think the project turned out great! I definitely have some wiring to clean up and organize, and I'm also going to get rid of the crappy stock switches in favor of some heavy duty toggles that I will most likely mount in the front sunglasses holder drop down, unless I can find a better, more stable place. I have the switches already, I just need to find a good place to drill, then splice the harnesses and extend the wiring. As far as cleaning up, the engine bay is a bit busy, but the connections themselves are sound. They all have relays, are fused, and are wired in to a power distribution block.

Pictures: Daytime white and amber modes

So, what do you guys think? Questions/comments/critiques welcome. :cheers:

 

[GaryFisher]

Very cool mod. Awesome truck. You're ready for an African Safari with that thing.

 

[Ducks_and_dogs1984]

Looks great. I really like the amber/white combo that's awesome great job. man that's a lot of wiring.

 

[TheHops]

Very cool mod. Awesome truck. You're ready for an African Safari with that thing.

Thanks man! And that's the idea, pretty much to be ready for any thing at any time.

Looks great. I really like the amber/white combo that's awesome great job. man that's a lot of wiring.

Appreciate it. At the very least, I wanted the 20 inch bar in my grille to have an option for amber for poor visibility scenarios. I lucked out though and also happened to find the 40 inch/2 cubes as well. I've tested it (in a safe and controlled area) and am able to easily drive in pitch black with just the amber light, no headlights or anything. So dense fog/heavy snow is pretty much a non-issue as far as visibility goes.

Vehicle electrical is my least favorite thing to do. It definitely was a lot of wiring...like I said, I need to clean it all up. That'll be my next little project. I wanted to make sure that everything was functional first.

 

[Smccarty3]

Your rig is bad a$$.

 

[VRamkelawan]

I absolutely love that you've pulled off with your mod.
Gives me some ideas for the light bars that I was considering doing to my own. Good job bud!

 

[TheHops]

Your rig is bad a$$.

Thanks! I pulled motivation from quite a few different trucks over the years, but this is where I ended up, and I love it.

I absolutely love that you've pulled off with your mod.
Gives me some ideas for the light bars that I was considering doing to my own. Good job bud!

Happy to oblige! Like I said, I pulled motivation from several Ts that came before me, and put my own twist on it. Appreciate the kind words.

 

[Rear Axle Seal]

Just ordered my Rhino Rack Platform (RPBL) to go on tracks and Thule bars I installed a while ago. I have some solar panels on top that the rack's welded wire mesh will protect but allow light through. Similar build all around to mine. I will try to update with some pictures.

 

[Rear Axle Seal]

Thanks! I pulled motivation from quite a few different trucks over the years, but this is where I ended up, and I love it.



Happy to oblige! Like I said, I pulled motivation from several Ts that came before me, and put my own twist on it. Appreciate the kind words.

What mounts did you use to mount a-pillar / hood lights? Just a generic L bracket?

 

[TheHops]

Just ordered my Rhino Rack Platform (RPBL) to go on tracks and Thule bars I installed a while ago. I have some solar panels on top that the rack's welded wire mesh will protect but allow light through. Similar build all around to mine. I will try to update with some pictures.

Nice! Reading your sig, the build looks great. How do you like your rocky road sliders and shock rock kit? I was looking at getting both of those in the near future. I've heard mixed reviews about the company itself.

Also, how did you fit a winch inside of your rear fab fours bumper? Is it an ATV winch? I have the premium (pending line-x/install), and would definitely be interested in slotting a small winch in there if it's an option. I don't mind chopping it up a bit, as long as it doesn't compromise the structural integrity.

For solar, I'm just going to get a 100W solar suitcase (Renogy or similar) to hook to my battery via alligator clips as needed. Currently I'm running a single battery, but my goal is to add a custom box with another odyssey PC-1500 in parallel, so I should never want for juice while the truck is running with nearly 140ah. Once I set up camp I'll just pop out the suitcase and hook it to the battery during the day to top it off, so I can light up the campsite and charge peripherals at night.

What mounts did you use to mount a-pillar / hood lights? Just a generic L bracket?

I had Michael fab me up a pair of these. I'm sure it can be done much cheaper, but I like to support our community, plus I know nothing about metalworking.

https://cjdracing.com/collections/nissan-titan/products/titan-ditch-brackets

 

[FishnAlaska]

Looks awesome, nice job. I am so much more willing to drill into my topper than the roof of the truck. When I get to that point I am looking at a full length rack for the topper. But not now, winter me still likes parking in the heated garage when its -20 to -30 outside, a roof rack would prevent that, unless I can figure out a quick release somehow and just put it on when travelling.

 

[TheHops]

Looks awesome, nice job. I am so much more willing to drill into my topper than the roof of the truck. When I get to that point I am looking at a full length rack for the topper. But not now, winter me still likes parking in the heated garage when its -20 to -30 outside, a roof rack would prevent that, unless I can figure out a quick release somehow and just put it on when travelling.

Thanks man! Yeah, I ordered the topper with factory installed tracks so I got to skip that step lol. I just had to buy the Thule track nuts and my frontrunner rack bolted right up. Drilling the roof was definitely painful, but as soon as I did the first hole I just went with the "no turning back" mentality, and before I knew it I was done. I'll probably power wash the roof then pull the sides of the headliner to check for leaks, but so far we've had two pretty big storms and I haven't seen any moisture on the inside.

I hear you on that. It's a whole different ballgame up where you're at. My truck is barely too tall for my garage anyway, so I don't have that issue. The racks can be removed probably within 10-15 minutes per rack, so if I ever get to that point it shouldn't be too bad.

 

[Rear Axle Seal]

Just ordered my Rhino Rack Platform (RPBL) to go on tracks and Thule bars I installed a while ago. I have some solar panels on top that the rack's welded wire mesh will protect but allow light through. Similar build all around to mine. I will try to update with some pictures.

Nice! Reading your sig, the build looks great. How do you like your rocky road sliders and shock rock kit? I was looking at getting both of those in the near future. I've heard mixed reviews about the company itself.

Also, how did you fit a winch inside of your rear fab fours bumper? Is it an ATV winch? I have the premium (pending line-x/install), and would definitely be interested in slotting a small winch in there if it's an option. I don't mind chopping it up a bit, as long as it doesn't compromise the structural integrity.

For solar, I'm just going to get a 100W solar suitcase (Renogy or similar) to hook to my battery via alligator clips as needed. Currently I'm running a single battery, but my goal is to add a custom box with another odyssey PC-1500 in parallel, so I should never want for juice while the truck is running with nearly 140ah. Once I set up camp I'll just pop out the suitcase and hook it to the battery during the day to top it off, so I can light up the campsite and charge peripherals at night.

What mounts did you use to mount a-pillar / hood lights? Just a generic L bracket?

I had Michael fab me up a pair of these. I'm sure it can be done much cheaper, but I like to support our community, plus I know nothing about metalworking.

https://cjdracing.com/collections/nissan-titan/products/titan-ditch-brackets

I mounted the winch on the base of rear bumper as you can see in attached picture. Relocated license plate to tailgate. Have since removed it. Going to a rear hitch mount set up. I ordered the light mounts from CJD just now. So Michael can thank you. I have a dual battery setup using Battery Doctor isolator. 2nd battery is Group 24 deep cycle mounted in the bed by rear corner so I can hook it to winch. I have done so much to my truck that I have not updated in my profile. I will try to update it soon. Major things are a 37qt ARB fridge mounted on custom platform between front seats, Titan Sidekick 15gal aux gas tank, VIAIR Airsource compressor and tank in bed. Spray on White bedliner on total exterior. Fridge runs non stop in Phoenix summer heat and is fine if I don't drive it for days. One Renogy eclipse 100w panel does that. I have another to add to it, but not sure if I really need it now!

 

[Rear Axle Seal]

Just ordered my Rhino Rack Platform (RPBL) to go on tracks and Thule bars I installed a while ago. I have some solar panels on top that the rack's welded wire mesh will protect but allow light through. Similar build all around to mine. I will try to update with some pictures.

Nice! Reading your sig, the build looks great. How do you like your rocky road sliders and shock rock kit? I was looking at getting both of those in the near future. I've heard mixed reviews about the company itself.

Also, how did you fit a winch inside of your rear fab fours bumper? Is it an ATV winch? I have the premium (pending line-x/install), and would definitely be interested in slotting a small winch in there if it's an option. I don't mind chopping it up a bit, as long as it doesn't compromise the structural integrity.

For solar, I'm just going to get a 100W solar suitcase (Renogy or similar) to hook to my battery via alligator clips as needed. Currently I'm running a single battery, but my goal is to add a custom box with another odyssey PC-1500 in parallel, so I should never want for juice while the truck is running with nearly 140ah. Once I set up camp I'll just pop out the suitcase and hook it to the battery during the day to top it off, so I can light up the campsite and charge peripherals at night.

What mounts did you use to mount a-pillar / hood lights? Just a generic L bracket?

I had Michael fab me up a pair of these. I'm sure it can be done much cheaper, but I like to support our community, plus I know nothing about metalworking.

https://cjdracing.com/collections/nissan-titan/products/titan-ditch-brackets

sliders are awesome. Would be first thing I did now. They are so scratched up now! shock guards are ok. I really wish someone would put out some real axle truss and axle protection products for us. Skidplates too.

 

[Chase C]

If you really wanted to make you're wiring life so much easier I would consider an SPOD.... it would look a lot cleaner and would be a lot less work for you!

 

[Rear Axle Seal]

So I got my lights mounted to roof rack. Still need to wire it up. Too much? I am wanting to redo the lights in the grille...

 

[Rear Axle Seal]

Oh, and when you are taking high angle glamour shots of your new rack and lights. Make sure you move your $20 aluminum Harbor Freight step stool. Or this could happen...