Quote Originally Posted by RVR110 View Post
Welcome!

Take your time with the built - As they roll off the production line, Defenders are extremely capable so there's no hurry. There's plenty of information on this forum from those who have gone before about the benefits and pitfalls of just about every enhancement you can imagine, so take advantage of that.

...and since you've got mates with Toyotas, grow a thick skin and ignore not just the insults but also just about everything they recommend because it will probably be wrong for your vehicle. For example the idea that every vehicle needs a 2" lift. Straight from the showroom, your 110 will have more clearance than most Toyotas will have after getting a 2" lift. 70 series Toyotas are the only ones that even come close. Upgrading the front springs to genuine LR HD springs will (more than) correct the sag from the bullbar & winch without causing you warranty issues or requiring a DC front prop shaft like a 2" lift would. The combination of HD front springs and 255/85/16 tyres is brilliant.

There's just one piece of absolutely critical advice that I will give you: Whatever you do, don't use a generalist service/repair place, even if they "specialise in 4WDs". Find a Land Rover specialist to service and repair your car - one that ONLY works on Land Rovers. getting things done right the first time is much, much cheaper and much less painful than any other approach. Even though at heart Defenders are simple vehicles, if they aren't LR specialists then they just don't "get" it and you will feel the pain.

FWIW, I'm, very happy with having both my batteries under the seat (standard battery plus a 100 Ah secondary). But it requires some planning & research to get it right.

And don't forget to wave when you see other Defenders! Relax and enjoy the ride.
I have to say thumbs up. That is some of the most sound advise that I have seen someone give a new LR owner. I've had a second battery under the passenger seat and a third battery up under the rear guard for powering a fridge in the rear. It would give me at least 3 days of good reliable power sitting still with average weather (nothing past the low 30's) and I tend to park in the shade. Having said that there is no substitute for a good quality battery monitor and switch to flip between, join or disconnect batteries. The number of times it's saved my bacon due to unforseen battery drain is somewhere in the many 10's... of times.