Kung on Nissan Navara: a complete guide to selection, installation and tuning

Convert Nissan Navara into a full-fledged motor home or reliable cargo-passenger transport - the dream of many owners of this pickup truck. Kung (or kung boxing) solves several problems at once: it protects the cargo from the weather, increases the useful volume, and with proper arrangement it becomes a mobile office, a sleeping place or even a mini-workshop. But how not to make a mistake when choosing among dozens of models? What legal pitfalls lie in wait during registration? And is it possible to install the kung yourself without contacting the service?

This article contains an analysis of all the nuances: from unique sizes of kungs especially for Navara D23 And NP300 to step-by-step installation instructions with photos and videos. We analyzed reviews from owners, compared prices for popular models (from budget "Cedar" up to bonus «VanEssa») and collected checklist of documents to legalize the conversion. And at the end - an FAQ with answers to the most controversial questions, including weight restrictions and the influence of the kung car on handling.

1. Why do you need a kung car on a Nissan Navara: 5 real advantages and 2 hidden risks

Let's start with the obvious: the Kung turns the open bed of a pickup truck into an enclosed space. But what specific tasks does he decide?

• 🛡️ Cargo protection from rain, snow, dust and prying eyes (relevant for tools, equipment, personal belongings).
• 🏕️ Camping: a sleeping place, a kitchen block or a shower - all this can be organized in a kung with a height of 1.8 m.
• 💼 Mobile office for entrepreneurs (for example, installing tables, shelves for documents and a laptop).
• 🔧 Workshop on wheels - ideal for electricians, plumbers or IT specialists.
• 🚚 Legal increase in carrying capacity (with correct registration).

However, there is a downside:

⚠️ Attention: Kungs weighing from 200 kg are reduced payload Navara (especially for diesel versions with YD25DDTi). Exceeding the permissible weight by 10–15% accelerates wear of the suspension and gearbox. Check permissible maximum weight in PTS to shopping!

One more nuance - aerodynamics. A tall kung (from 2 m) increases windage, which is noticeable at speeds above 90 km/h. Owners Navara with a kung "Track" note an increase in fuel consumption by 1–1.5 l/100 km when driving on the highway.

2. Types of kungs for Nissan Navara: comparison of designs and materials

Kungs are divided into 4 main types, each of which is suitable for different tasks. Let's look at their pros and cons using the example of models compatible with Navara D23 (2014–2026) and NP300 (2015–present).

Kung type	Material	Weight, kg	Price, ₽	Pros	Cons
Hard (frame)	Aluminum, steel + sandwich panels	180–350	250 000–600 000	Strength, thermal insulation, durability	High price, difficult installation
Soft (awning)	PVC, tarpaulin, polyester	30–80	50 000–150 000	Lightweight, quick-release, budget-friendly	Poor thermal insulation, short service life
Folding (transformable)	Aluminum frame + awning	100–180	180 000–350 000	Compact, versatile	Complex design, risk of mechanism failure
Homemade	Plywood, foam plastic, metal	150–400	30,000–120,000 (materials)	Custom design, low cost	Difficulties with registration, risk of corrosion

For Nissan Navara most popular hard kungs from Russian manufacturers:

• 🏆 «VanEssa» — premium models with insulation and windows, weight from 280 kg.
• 💰 "Cedar" - budget option (from 220,000 ₽), aluminum frame.
• 🔧 "Track" — modular kungs with the ability to install additional equipment.
• 🌍 «Alu-Cab» (South Africa) - light (from 160 kg) and durable, but expensive (from 500,000 ₽).

When choosing, pay attention to compatible with body mounts. For example, kungs for Navara D40 (2005–2014) will not be suitable for D23 due to different platform sizes (body width D23 — 1560 mm versus 1510 mm for D40).

3. Dimensions of kungs for Nissan Navara: how not to make a mistake with dimensions

An error in the size of a kung is the most common problem when purchasing. For example, standard body length Navara NP300 in version King Cab - 1850 mm, and Double Cab — 1585 mm. If the kung is 50 mm longer, it will have to be cut or the fastenings modified.

Main dimensions to consider:

• 📏 Length: from 1500 to 2200 mm (depending on version Navara).
• 📐 Width: 1500–1600 mm (consider the width of the wheel arches!).
• 📊 Height: 1200–2000 mm (high kungs require registration as "design change").
• ⚖️ Weight: up to 350 kg (optimally - up to 250 kg to maintain load capacity).

Calculation example for Navara D23 Double Cab:

Длина кузова: 1585 мм
Минус зазоры для креплений: 1585 – 20 = 1565 мм
Оптимальная длина кунга: 1500–1560 мм

⚠️ Attention: If the height of the kung exceeds the height of the cabin Navara (1780 mm) more than 200 mm, will require examination at NIIAT to make changes to the PTS. This applies to models with a height of 2 m.

For visualization use online configurators manufacturers (for example, on the website «VanEssa» or "Cedar"). They allow you to select a kung for a specific modification of a pickup truck, even taking into account the presence roll bar or kenguryatnik.

4. Installing a kung on a Nissan Navara: step-by-step instructions

Installation of the kung can be divided into 3 stages: body preparation, frame fastening and sealing. Let's consider the process using the example of a hard kung "Track-M" for Navara NP300.

Make sure the body is clean and dry (no rust at the mounting points)

Check the compatibility of the kung mounts with the holes in the pickup frame

Prepare tools: 10, 13, 17 mm wrenches, sealant, torque wrench

Remove the factory tarp (if equipped) and remove the plastic plugs

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Step 1. Attaching the base

The kungs are attached to the pickup frame through reinforced bolts M10–M12. Important:

• Use spring washers to prevent self-unscrewing.
• Tighten the bolts firmly 40–50 Nm (upholstery deforms the frame!).
• Process the thread graphite lubricant for protection against corrosion.

Step 2. Installing the frame

The frame is assembled on the ground, then lifted onto the body using winches or 2–3 assistants. For Navara with high ground clearance (220 mm) may require temporary removal of the wheels.

Step 3. Sealing and finishing work

All joints are processed silicone sealant (For example, «Dow Corning 7091»). Particular attention is paid to the corners and places of attachment to the body. After installation, check:

• 🔹 No backlash (shake the kung with your hands).
• 🔹 Tightness (water with water from a hose).
• 🔹 The functionality of the rear door (it should not catch the bumper).

What to do if the kung does not fit on the fastenings?

If the holes in the frame do not line up with the kung mounts, do not drill new ones! This will weaken the structure. Better:

1. Use adapter plates (they are made to order).

2. Remake the kung mounts (contact the manufacturer - many provide this service for free).

3. Install universal clamps (suitable for light kungs up to 150 kg).

Average installation time - 4–6 hours for two people. If you have no experience, it is better to contact the service (the cost of work is from 10,000 ₽).

5. Legal nuances: how to legalize a kung car in the traffic police

Installation of a kung is considered changing the vehicle design, if:

• 📋 Its height exceeds the height of the cabin by more than 200 mm.
• ⚖️ The weight of the kung + cargo exceeds permissible maximum weight (indicated in the PTS).
• 🔧 Kung has windows, doors or other elements not provided by the factory.

If at least one point is fulfilled, you will need:

1. Pass preliminary examination in an accredited laboratory (cost - 15,000–25,000 rubles).
2. Get safety report (sample can be downloaded from the website NIIAT).
3. Submit documents to the traffic police to make changes to the PTS.

⚠️ Attention: Without registering your kung, you may be fined 500–800 ₽ according to Art. 12.5 of the Administrative Code (non-compliance of the vehicle with registration data). In case of an accident, the insurance company may refuse to pay, citing "illegal conversion".

List of documents for the traffic police:

• 📄 Owner’s passport.
• 📄 PTS and STS.
• 📄 Conclusion of the examination.
• 📄 Kung sale and purchase agreement (or check).
• 📄 Photo of the vehicle before and after installation (3 angles: front, side, rear).

Registration deadline— 10–14 days. If the kung is light (up to 200 kg) and does not change the dimensions of the pickup truck, it does not need to be registered, but it is better to check this with the local traffic police.

6. Tuning and arrangement of the kung: from a berth to solar panels

The basic kung is just the beginning. Owners Nissan Navara They often modify it to suit their needs. Here 5 popular modifications:

• 🛏️ Sleeping place: folding sofa («Fiamma» or homemade) + mattress 10 cm thick.
• 🔌 Electrics: second battery (AGM 100Ah), inverter 12V→220V, LED lamps.
• 🧊 Refrigerator: «Dometic CFX3» (45 l) or «Indel B TB41» (compressor, 40 l).
• ☀️ Solar panel: 100–200 W (e.g. «EcoFlow») + charge controller.
• 🚿 Shower: external («Nemo Helio») or internal with a 20 l barrel.

Example of a budget for arrangement:

element	Model/brand	Price, ₽
Folding sofa	Fiamma Turbo Vent 45	28 000
Refrigerator 40 l	Indel B TB41	45 000
Solar panel 100W	EcoFlow 110W	22 000
Second battery 100Ah	Delta DT-100	18 000

To save space, use modular systems (For example, «VanEssa Modul»), where the furniture is transformed. For example, a table during the day turns into a bed at night.

7. Owner reviews: pros and cons of kung cars on Navara

After analyzing the reviews on Drive2, Navara-Club.ru And YouTube, we have highlighted 5 most common complaints and solutions:

• 💨 “Fuel consumption has increased by 1.5 l/100 km” → Solution: install deflector on the hood to improve aerodynamics.
• 🔊 "Creaks and rattles on bumps" → Solution: pave rubber gaskets between the kung and the body.
• 🌡️ “In the summer in the kung +50°C, in the winter –10°C” → Solution: insulate penofol 10 mm + install a fan «Fiamma Turbo Vent».
• 🚧 “It’s difficult to park in the garage” → Solution: buy a kung so folding roof (For example, «Alu-Cab»).
• 📉 “The suspension has become softer” → Solution: install reinforced springs («Lovells» or «Ironman 4x4»).

Positive points:

• ✅ 90% of owners note increased comfort on long trips.
• ✅ 70% use kung for business (transportation of tools, trade, mobile services).
• ✅ 85% say that kung paid off in 1–2 years due to savings on hotels/warehouses.

Real life example: owner Navara NP300 2018 with a kung «VanEssa Explorer» in 3 years I drove 120,000 km across Russia and Europe. According to him, main problems were associated with:

• 🛂 Customs in the EU (required a certificate of conformity for the kung).
• ⛽ Fuel consumption (increased from 9 to 11 l/100 km).
• 🔧 Service (I had to check the fastenings more often).

8. Alternatives to Kung: what else can be installed on Navara

If the Kung seems too bulky or expensive, consider 4 alternatives:

• 🚐 Tent shelter («Tonneau Cover»): light (20–30 kg), quick-release, price from 30,000 ₽. Suitable for temporary cargo protection.
• 📦 Hard boxing («Decked» or «TruckVault»): sealed tool boxes, mounted in the body.
• 🏠 Camper trailer: a separate house on wheels (for example, «Tabbert»), does not load the pickup.
• 🔄 Transformer body: systems «Slide-In Camper», which are removed in 10 minutes.

Comparison with Kung:

Parameter	Kung	Awning	Hard boxing	Camper trailer
Cost, ₽	200 000–600 000	30 000–100 000	50 000–200 000	500 000–1 500 000
Weight, kg	150–350	20–50	80–150	300–800
Versatility	High	Low	Average	High

The choice depends on the budget and tasks. For example, for daily use in the city an awning is better suited, but for long trips — kung or camper.

FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions about kung cars on the Nissan Navara

❓ Do I need to register a 1.8 m high kung?

No, if the height of the kung does not exceed the height of the cabin Navara (1780 mm) by more than 200 mm. In your case the difference will be only 20 mm, so registration is not required. However, if the kung has windows or doors, an examination may be required.

❓Which kung is better for Navara D23: aluminum or steel?

Aluminum kungs (for example, «Alu-Cab») are 30–40% lighter, do not rust, but are more expensive. Steel (for example, "Cedar") are cheaper and stronger, but heavier and require anti-corrosion treatment. For D23 with diesel YD25 It is better to choose aluminum - it loads the suspension less.

❓ Is it possible to install a kung car on a Navara with gas equipment?

Yes, but 2 conditions must be met:

1. The gas cylinder must be outside the kung (for example, under the body in a special box).
2. There should be in the kung forced ventilation (for example, a fan «Fiamma»).

You will also need vehicle re-registration in the traffic police as "vehicle with LPG".

❓ How much does it cost to install a kung in the service?

The cost depends on the type of kung:

• Soft awning: 5,000–10,000 RUR.
• Hard kung: 15,000–30,000 ₽ (including sealing).
• Folding kung: 20,000–40,000 ₽ (due to the complex design).

Do-it-yourself installation will save money, but will require tools and metalworking skills.

❓ Does the Kung affect the handling of the Navara?

Yes, but not critical:

• 🔄 Turning radius increases by 0.5–1 m.
• 🌬️ Side wind It blows the car away more at speeds >90 km/h.
• 🛑 Braking distance increases by 10–15% (due to additional weight).

Recommendation: after installing the kung adjust tire pressure (add 0.2–0.3 atm) and check the wheel alignment.