No Xterra Parts? No Problem

A bumper fab for a 2014 rig resulted in more performance and reliability.

August 2, 2021

12:00 AM

Words and photos by Kolyn Radbourne

When it comes to late-model 4x4s, we all know they may not be as tough as their forefathers. Let's face it, neither are we. But we still crave adventure and modifying an older off-road vehicle is always an option to add more function, strength and reliability.

In early 2020, we started thinking about building on our 2014 Xterra with a goal to attend the 2021 GoneMOAB, and then a provincial lockdown forced us to cancel our plans. Although disappointed, we looked at it as a positive. It provided us with more time to do more of the mods that we wanted to complete.

One issue with the Xterra is we didn’t have factory-installed, rear recovery points. We initially solved this with the installation of a tow hitch. It did work, but it didn’t quite meet our demands or have the muscle we needed on the trails.

Kolyn Radbourne

Additionally, every time we would go wheeling we heard the hitch banging and scraping on the crosscuts. Unfortunately, the Xterra is a little limited with aftermarket support parts (similar to other makes and models of SUVs.) After looking into some options available in the US (and also contemplating costs in USD and shipping - if they would even ship across the border at the time), we wanted to do the noble act of shopping locally, which in this specific case was not an easy task.

Enter Balmer Fabrication based in Abbotsford, BC. Darin, the owner/operator, has an interesting story. He began wheeling in an AMC Eagle before deciding to build on his sweet, first-generation Nissan Pathfinder. Of course, there was limited aftermarket support for that platform as well as the time (which was around 2008). So, like many industrious wheelers, he started fabricating his own custom parts.

When enthusiasts on the trail began asking him where he sourced the parts for his great mods, the inquiries became a catalyst for Darin to go into business for himself, and 11 years later he still specializes in fabricating custom parts for unique vehicles including the Pajero Mini and domestic rigs like Nissan, Suzuki, Land Rover, Jeep, to name a few.

Of course, he had an option for our Xterra. It was a full steel bumper with recovery points that is stronger and has a better departure angle for the vehicle. We took the truck down to his shop and then installed it at our home in Vernon before hitting the trails once again. Follow along as we explain and illustrate our step-by-step process.

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