Thread: How do the taller drivers do it???

I cannot fit in one and I am only 188Cm and 113Kg.
My problem is that my shoulder is on the door pillar, among other things.eg left leg into hand brake, knee hits sterring wheel lifting off clutch.
I was really interested in a 90 until I tried to sit in one at the Land Rover Expo.
Better than a Defender truck cab though. I couldn't even fit my legs in.
Basically the same as a series 1 107 I once drove.
One would think the Poms had worked out that people are bigger now than in 1948.
Regards Philip A

Originally Posted by gazcoonar

Gday guys

I just wanted to see if there were any tall defender drivers on this forum. It may sound like an odd request, but I can explain..

You see, I love the look and capabilities of the defender and would really love to buy the new Defender 90. The problem is that I am 6foot 6inches tall and 115 kilos – all in all a big boy.
I took out the defender for a spin yesterday and found it to be very cramped – to the point where I could not turn the steering without rubbing it hard against my right thigh. Also, I found it quite difficult to get my foot off the accelerator and on to the clutch when changing gears.
When I returned the demo to the dealership I was advised that I could install the aftermarket Mulgo seat rail extensions and that should provide me some extra leg room.
Now, to me that sounds like a perfect solution, but I am a bit hesitant on investing 45k into the machine and then finding out that the Mulgo extension still doesn’t provide me the leg space that I need to drive the car safely.

I would be really keen to hear from any tall drivers who have come up with a workable solution to solve this problem..

Cheers guys

Might I suggest calling Daniel at Mulgo, he is a really helpful and passionate guy and I think (don't quote me) he has a puma with the seat rail extensions fitted and he might let you try it out.

Dont mind me I just realised your in Melbourne, maybe someone on here has one with SR Ext fitted you could try.

Originally Posted by gazcoonar

Gday guys

I just wanted to see if there were any tall defender drivers on this forum. It may sound like an odd request, but I can explain..

You see, I love the look and capabilities of the defender and would really love to buy the new Defender 90. The problem is that I am 6foot 6inches tall and 115 kilos – all in all a big boy.
I took out the defender for a spin yesterday and found it to be very cramped – to the point where I could not turn the steering without rubbing it hard against my right thigh. Also, I found it quite difficult to get my foot off the accelerator and on to the clutch when changing gears.
When I returned the demo to the dealership I was advised that I could install the aftermarket Mulgo seat rail extensions and that should provide me some extra leg room.
Now, to me that sounds like a perfect solution, but I am a bit hesitant on investing 45k into the machine and then finding out that the Mulgo extension still doesn’t provide me the leg space that I need to drive the car safely.

I would be really keen to hear from any tall drivers who have come up with a workable solution to solve this problem..

Cheers guys

I think you may ultimately struggle to fit at your height/weight.

I'm 184cm and currently close to my racing weight (76kg, but have been as high as 95kg while owning a Defender) and I fit perfectly - no need for seat rails, shoulder pressed against b pillar, left leg resting on handbrake, seat adjusted 30mm forward from rear most position and seat back at around 80 degree angle.

You need to understand/accept that a Defender was never designed to provided the interior room that we have come to expect from other cars - it's more of a wedged in fit which, frankly, works better off road anyway (no room for slapping around inside the truck).

I find it to be the most comfortable thing I've ever driven.

I'm sure some of the taller boys will chime in shortly...

it is times like this I am glad i am a little shorter.
There is a defender extra cab for sale atm 170,000kms with rego $8500

I am 6'4 and ~100kgs and have no problems, however I drive a 110. I have recently added MUD seat extensions which has increased the distance the seat can go back but is more of a luxury rather than a necessity.

I am pretty sure that the limit to seat movement in a 90 is not the rails but rather the bulkhead behind the seats. I learnt to drive in a 90 over 15 years ago and fitted then.

6'4" here at 95kg and fit our 90 (new) with no probs. I find it very comfortable but I like the seat virtually upright (in any car) and did get the Mulgo rails too. They make a difference but I'm not sure they make THAT much of a difference that you'll magically fit and be comfortable if you're not/can't without them.

I sat in one of Daniel's 110s (Mulgo) this year at the Vic 4wd show and I recall there was even more travel in there with the rails (no crossbar like the 90 I guess?) so that might be a better option?

I'm 6'6'' and 95 Kg, Haven't got seat rail extensions. Recently drove Melbourne to Ceduna only stopping for fuel and had no dramas.
In saying that though I will be getting seat rail extensions as everyone says it makes it so much better again.

The seat rails (Mulgo or MUD) makes a significant difference. Even if you are comfortable in the car, they just add an extra dimension of seat adjustment.

I'm not that tall at 6'1", but with the seat slid back all the way on the rails (Mulgo) and the seat back on a modest tilt up to the stiffener bar (there is no bulkhead in 90 SW since 1999...) I'm almost too far back to feel in full control of the car. My seat is around 80% slid back and reasonably upright for that matter.

It is really all about your personal build ratios - legs vs torso length, arm length etc. These all play a factor and reading your post most of your hight sounds to be in your legs, which will most probably always be an issue...

Best option would be to have go in one with seat rails fitted, as I agree it's an expensive risk without knowing.

Cheers,

Lou