When Nissan first unveiled Project Trailgater, it was a masterclass in outdoor hospitality — the ultimate tailgating truck. Now, for its second SEMA Show appearance, the build has taken a bold new course. Reimagined as the Nissan Frontier Rapid Runner, this latest iteration trades burgers and big screens for kayaks, currents, and cliffside trails. It’s a purpose-built Nissan Frontier PRO-4X designed to deliver paddlers to places few others can reach.
A Frontier Built to Go Beyond the Shoreline
Engineered around the proven Frontier PRO-4X, the Rapid Runner builds on Nissan’s off-road DNA with serious hardware borrowed straight from its big brother, the Nissan Titan. The truck features Titan suspension components and a complete rear axle swap, dramatically improving both durability and stance. Ride quality and control come courtesy of Bilstein adjustable coilovers, front upper control arms, and rear shocks, while a two-inch body lift gives it the extra clearance needed for the massive 37-inch tires it now wears.
Rolling On NISMO Power And Purpose
Anchoring the truck’s commanding presence are prototype NISMO 17×8.5-inch +20mm Ascend wheels, wrapped in 37×12.50R17 Yokohama Geolander X-MT tires. The aggressive tread and reinforced sidewalls deliver the bite and toughness needed for remote terrain.
Helping the Frontier handle this new footprint, Nissan Titan axles and suspension components widen the track for stability, while the lifted stance underscores its backcountry-ready capability.
Adventure Equipment Meets Expedition Engineering
The Rapid Runner doesn’t just get you to the river — it brings everything you need for a full day of paddling and exploring. NISMO Off Road roof and high bed rack systems provide secure mounting for up to four kayaks, along with an integrated bed storage system featuring pull-out drawers and shelving for extra gear.
Lighting up the trail (or campsite) is a suite of prototype NISMO Off Road lighting gear: a 40-inch low-profile light bar, 6-inch roof rack flood lights, and A-pillar mounts with 4-inch driving lights. Custom steel front and rear bumpers, tubular open doors, and bespoke fender flares round out the exterior, offering a mix of functionality, durability, and open-air exhilaration.
Adventure Amenities For Real-World Explorers
For paddlers who spend as much time wet as dry, the Rapid Runner delivers smart, purpose-built convenience. A NISMO Gear rack-mounted shower makes cleanup easy, while NISMO Gear solar panels keep essential electronics powered deep in the wilderness. Additional NISMO Gear power cubes, ratchet straps, and tow straps ensure no adventure is out of reach.
Inside, Covercraft waterproof seat covers, NISMO Off Road all-season floormats, and lined floors handle the aftermath of wet gear and muddy boots with ease. Everything is designed for easy cleanup and rugged usability — a cockpit built for real-world adventurers.
Breathing Power And Capability
Beneath the hood, Nissan infused the Rapid Runner with prototype performance from NISMO’s engineering lab. A prototype NISMO cold air intake, NISMO snorkel, and NISMO exhaust combine to boost breathing and responsiveness while ensuring the truck can tackle deep water crossings without hesitation. Keeping it all running smoothly is Mobil 1 Extended Performance oil, underscoring the build’s durability-first philosophy.
From Screen To SEMA
Every stage of this transformation will unfold in a four-part build series on POWERNATION TV’s “Dirt and Trails,” premiering November 7. The show documents how the Trailgater evolved into the Rapid Runner — a bold, functional, and head-turning statement that celebrates the freedom of exploration and the thrill of untamed water.
