Thread: Defenders for newbies

Originally Posted by jc109

How is this done?

Far right switch above the radio on the dash. It's a (simple) press the button in for a few seconds to turn it OFF.

Note, it's default is ON, so every time you turn the car off, when you restart you need to turn press it again to turn it OFF. This is important when in places like Fraser Island.

Cheers!

As a Newbie Defender owner I'll be taking delivery in Feb/March next year, then driving from Brisbane to Perth and back in May. Trip will involve tarmac, some detours to out of the way spots, and a few patches of remote track - but no deliberate or extreme offroading over giant boulders or through swollen river crossings.

What would experienced owners and tourers recommend as priorities in the lead up to, and during this trip, other than drive it as much as possible to shake out any early issues.

- Extra water storage?
- Long range fuel?
- SPOT tracker or long range radio?
- Remapping?
- Tent (and awning)?
- Spares & tools?
- Two spare tires?
...

Originally Posted by El Rey

As a Newbie Defender owner I'll be taking delivery in Feb/March next year, then driving from Brisbane to Perth and back in May. Trip will involve tarmac, some detours to out of the way spots, and a few patches of remote track - but no deliberate or extreme offroading over giant boulders or through swollen river crossings.

What would experienced owners and tourers recommend as priorities in the lead up to, and during this trip, other than drive it as much as possible to shake out any early issues.

- Extra water storage?
- Long range fuel?
- SPOT tracker or long range radio?
- Remapping?
- Tent (and awning)?
- Spares & tools?
- Two spare tires?
...

Long range tank of some description. I currently don't have one and its very frustrating having to plan my trips around fuel when I'm used to having one.
Bullbar
Spotlights if you intend doing any night driving

Originally Posted by AndyG

There is a button on the dash to press to turn it off,

Remember to hold the button for a second or two. It's not a simple quick press of the button. I wonder if it's to prevent it being turned off by accident

Originally Posted by El Rey

As a Newbie Defender owner I'll be taking delivery in Feb/March next year, then driving from Brisbane to Perth and back in May. Trip will involve tarmac, some detours to out of the way spots, and a few patches of remote track - but no deliberate or extreme offroading over giant boulders or through swollen river crossings.

What would experienced owners and tourers recommend as priorities in the lead up to, and during this trip, other than drive it as much as possible to shake out any early issues.

- Extra water storage?
- Long range fuel?
- SPOT tracker or long range radio?
- Remapping?
- Tent (and awning)?
- Spares & tools?
- Two spare tires?
...

I got the water and fuel tanks from Mulgo, Expedition Centre, roughly 45 liters each in the rear wheel arch.
It's gunna be hot , so an awning would be handy.
TPMS to monitor pressure and temps, a tyre repair kit, a compressor. Would not worry about the 2nd spare.
Storage, after 2 weeks camping everything was a mess, even some plastic tubs for camping, food, recovery , spares and tools make it so much easier, don't Rush the mods.
I took out the rear LH seat and put the fridge there.
Think about spare USB , 12volt ports.

N.B I assumed 110?

Originally Posted by AndyG

I got the water and fuel tanks from Mulgo, Expedition Centre, roughly 45 liters each in the rear wheel arch.
It's gunna be hot , so an awning would be handy.
TPMS to monitor pressure and temps, a tyre repair kit, a compressor. Would not worry about the 2nd spare.
Storage, after 2 weeks camping everything was a mess, even some plastic tubs for camping, food, recovery , spares and tools make it so much easier, don't Rush the mods.
I took out the rear LH seat and put the fridge there.
Think about spare USB , 12volt ports.

N.B I assumed 110?

Yes you're right - a 110 without the last row of rear seats.

Thanks to you and Lone Ranger for the good advice. Will take it all on board.

Wrapping the exhaust under the front was the cheapest and best mod
A TM4 temp monitor gives peace of mind

How deep can the Defender go, realistically, into a river to make a crossing? Is a snorkel the only thing I need to help with a river crossing?