Thread: Is the 2013 defender 90 Practical?

How much equipment do you need/want to carry? My shorty has enough space for weekend trips for two people-gear just thrown in haphazardly, yet my 110 I struggle with a second person because I have a system that works for one-everything in its place and all that- but isn't really flexible for two at the moment.

The best mods are many hours in the hot seat before you go changing things that may not be beneficial afterall. Perhaps tyres, a bullbar and recovery points are useful from the start but a lot comes later when you can start defining your car to your needs.

Is the shorter wheelbase of the 90 much of a disadvantage off road compared to the 110? Bob

I recently did a trip away in a 2013 Defender 110,and it was very competent off road,both clearance and ability.and the leckie front windows and A/con worked a treat,the 7.50 Continental Cross Contact tyres were brilliant,but I would,the same as the owner,fit an ARB front bar and a pair of Terrafirma rear corner protectors as the new vehicles lack even the old grab handles.



cheers

Originally Posted by bob10

Is the shorter wheelbase of the 90 much of a disadvantage off road compared to the 110? Bob

Depends on terrain. In the UK 90s are dominant off road. But not here. We carry a lot of gear long distances.
High speed corrugations call for a longer wheelbase for stability, rock steps can give crazier angles in a shorty than a long but ramp over and departure angles, and turning circle are better in a shorty so are theoretically better on tight forest tracks and loose rock strewn tracks.
When it comes to technical tracks, a shorty can blitz a spot a long has troubles with then next section the long has the wheelbase advantage. The current 'Wattagans' thread in NSW trip reports shows that in the vids. The Jeep has a 93" wheelbase same as a Landy 90.

I have had six Land Rovers over 45 years (109, 88 x2, 110, Disco II, and D90) and my current D90 has been the most capable of them all in the rough but a D110 would be slightly more stable at speed on the road. A D90 is definitely not a touring vehicle for more than two people but for me (2 up), works brilliantly. The actual wheelbase length for a D90 is 93 inches while a D110 is 110 inches, not that much longer. The really significant difference is in the rear over-hang. The load space in the back of a D90 (with seats removed) is the same as in a D110 SW (no third row seats). As for mods, if you think you need them before you have even bought one, do some more research! The performance of Defenders is brilliant off the showroom floor. My D90 has a number of extras (winch, etc.) but the most valuable for me has been auxiliary fuel tanks. I now have a fuel capacity of 145 litres which gives me a range in the rough of over a 1000 km.

Cheers
KarlB

Mitch,

I agree 100% with KarlB...

I toured many thousands of kilometers through South Central Africa with 90's, but we were only 2 people and the car suited us fine. Extra fuel, roof rack with roof top tent and a clever shelving and packing system and you're set.

Range and seating for more than 2 people are really your main concerns when you consider a 90.

The long range tanks made by Front Runner (as per KarlB's post) is the more permanent solution, but a combination with jerry cans is an option as well.

A 90 only carries 2 people long distance regardless of seating arrangement as the two standard rear seats completely nullifies luggage space - passengers or luggage, not both

As for off road capability, that's the really simple one - There is frankly nothing that touches a 90 straight off the showroom.

I have only spent money on protection and a set of muddies and if my vehicle can't go there, no stock vehicle will go there... period (I'm talking purely the car's capability here!!!).

The best way to decide on any extras (no need to call them "modifications" either) to a 90 is to drive it, get to know it and making selective choices for your own application.

Cheers,

Lou