Thread: Our Defender Td4 Expedition Conversion

One from out of left field... when you arrange all the accommodation space requirements, don't forget the kids will be 3 yrs older... larger/longer!!

Hihi ... don't necessarily all have to sleep in the car (even though we have a large double bed for two adults "upstairs" plus a children's bed of the size 1 by 2 metres), as we have an Oztent RV4 which we can zip on to our foxwing awning! Simply great setup which gives us loads of space!

Mike, I'd say a HD rear wheel mount is a good idea. There is 35 to 40kg hanging off the door which is a bit whimsical anyway. Just have a good look at the design first. HD can sometimes only be no mare than a statement.

Leave the exhaust jack behind. It's more weight and space. Yes there may be once you could use it, but if you have a hi lift use that. Take one item not both. I think the hi lift has more uses than an air jack, just the weight is depressing. If you bog it in sand, it's just a matter of lowering tyre pressures (can be down to 8psi) and a bit of shovel work and reverse back out. Then re inflate the tyres again, or maintain pressures until back on harder ground. Don't try and drive for long on 8psi however. Chances are all you will ever need to change a tyre is the standard jack.

Wading kit? A snorkel can be useful. Make sure you seal the LR one if you have original. I pulled mine apart and used sensor safe silicone to seal the joints. That is all they do with a "proper one".
If you are talking radiator cover, I'd say no. Yes it's text book stuff, but the radiator is a long way forward on a Tdci, so unless you hit the water like your in the Camel Trophy then there isn't a problem. People on the forum have been through bonnet high water in a Tdci up the cape and had no issues. Again tyre pressures are the key to water crossings really. I think the standard diff, g box, trans breathers are fine, well on my 130 I'm happy with them. Again, Camel Trophy stuff is a different matter.

If you are pulling things off in preparation, I be using a mild form of Lock Tight to re install the nut, or replace with Nylock nuts. It's not much extra while you are ding the job and it gives good piece of mind when hours of hard travel have been done. This however does not null in void regular observation maintenance under the truck.

gee even I'm getting excited, I look forward to see the post that says Hoo Roo we're finally leavening.

Hi All,
Simply wanted to say thanks and Merry X-Mas to all of you ... you were a great help and I am really looking forward to meeting (at least some of) you when we're in AUS on our gap year ... or maybe for longer ;-)! AULRO simply is the BEST!

... By the way, I would not recommend the German company (if interested ... look up their name on the previous posts) anymore who did the main conversion of our Landy ... They made mistakes, OK that happens to all of us, but were not interested in fixing things and now Im still after more than 700€ (i.e. about 1000 AU$), which were the costs for having it repaired at a different company!
Still the car simply is great and I love it and am totally happy when people wave at me ...

All the best from a cold German island,
Mike

Hope you stay warm - looks like it's going to be 3 or 4 degrees for Xmas day.

If you are here for Xmas next year, it will probably be 33 or 34 degrees (depending on where you are up to)

BTW - what is the German Island you are on? You up in the North Sea or the Baltic?

Cheers
David

Hi David,
Big Envy concerning the temperatures ... We#re definitely not made for this climate here!
Island: It is called Spiekeroog, is only 19 square km and is 8 miles off the north German coast in the North Sea ... little more than a sandbank!
Charming ... probably one of the last parts of Germany, you could call "Outback" ;-)
All the Best,
Mike

Mike,
First - best of luck in the planning for your trip.
I haven't done a huge trip in a vehicle yet, but have crossed many a country on a motorbike. As the others have said, worry less about the modifications to the vehicle - the closer to stock the better, as people will be able to repair/replace it.
I would add that good quality shocks are an exception... as might be a bullbar.
But in general keep it as light as possible.

I would get the extended warranty, if in the fine print it is a worldwide warranty (I know with bikes, the only make I know of that will honor warranty expenses out of the purchasing country is BMW). Land Rover are usually a lot better than other marques with their warranty fine print, lets hope they are here too.
I would also get a local Auto Club membership (if you can) once you are here, that will cover towing in case of a breakdown in the middle of no-where. Can be expensive if you are footing the bill yourself.

Re: big tanks, as long as your vehicle can do 1000km off-road without refueling, its probably good enough, you will be buying fuel that is more expensive, sure - but beats lugging around an extra 100kg of fuel for the 99% of the time when you are not using it.

I don't have a defender, but have heard recent tales of rear chassis damage from a 2 x rear wheels carrier. Not sure which is worse, carrier or rear door location. Others with more expertise can no doubt provide better/more info