Project Trailgater: The Rugged Nissan Frontier Takes the Tailgate to the Trail

PowerNation TV’s Music City Trucks team, in collaboration with Nissan, recently unveiled the impressive “Project Trailgater,” a build designed to elevate off-road adventures and tailgating to the next level. Based on the 2025 Nissan Frontier, this project was packed with more than 200 hours of work and over $40,000 in upgrades, transforming the mid-sized pickup into a mobile tailgating and overlanding powerhouse.

Nissan partnered with Music City Trucks to create the ultimate tailgating machine, making sure no game day is missed, even deep in the wilderness. The build combines rugged off-road capability with all the amenities you’d expect for an all-day tailgate party, even in the most remote locations. The team packed it with a variety of high-end products and innovations to ensure versatility and performance.

Upgrades Galore

The Project Trailgater features upgrades from a wide array of high-quality brands, including Dometic, Dakota Lithium, Decked, and Nismo, each contributing to making this one of the most capable and unique trucks Nissan has ever brought to the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) show.

To power the party, the truck uses a custom Dakota Lithium three-bank battery pack with a 1,500-watt inverter, paired with a 180-watt folding solar panel. This setup ensures reliable energy, whether you’re running an outdoor TV, charging devices, or powering a mini-fridge. Dometic products, including a refrigerator and other essential kitchen gear, were added to keep drinks cold and snacks fresh, making this truck as comfortable as your home kitchen while you’re miles off the grid.

When it comes to organization and functionality, Decked provided a custom-built storage system, adding heavy-duty pull-out drawers in the truck bed. This allows quick access to grilling gear, tailgating supplies, or even camping essentials. The storage system is tough and can support up to 1,000 lbs, keeping everything in place while the truck takes on rough trails.

Off-road performance upgrades came courtesy of Nismo, Nissan’s motorsports and performance division, ensuring that the Frontier Trailgater could handle anything the trail throws its way. The Nismo upgrades include a suspension lift, forged upper control arms, performance shocks, and beadlock-capable wheels paired with rugged Yokohama tires. The truck also boasts a custom Nismo cat-back exhaust and a roof rack for extra storage and auxiliary lighting.

This truck isn’t just for show either—its purpose-driven design allows it to conquer remote terrain while providing the ultimate tailgating experience. From the aggressive stance provided by its off-road tires and suspension to the fully functional entertainment and power setup, every detail of this build was designed with the outdoor enthusiast in mind. Whether you’re miles from civilization or just hanging out before a big game in the parking lot, the Project Trailgater brings the tailgate party to you.

The Music City Trucks team’s attention to detail and dedication to making the ultimate tailgating truck is evident in every inch of the build. Combining practical storage solutions, power management for extended off-the-grid experiences, and rugged off-road capability, this project is a true testament to the hard work, creativity, and craftsmanship of the team.

Coming to the 2024 SEMA Show

Nissan’s goal with the Frontier Trailgater was to combine adventure and entertainment, making it a key highlight at the 2024 SEMA show. The collaboration between Nissan, the Music City Trucks team, and top-tier brands like Dometic, Dakota Lithium, Decked, and Nismo, truly showcases what’s possible when you blend high-performance components with innovative, lifestyle-focused features.

Where to Catch the Build Series

Catch the Nissan Trailgater Part 1, and follow along with the Music City Trucks team’s adventure putting together this awesome build here on the PowerNation site!