Thread: Defender Newby

I went with an under the seat install with a Traxide isolator. It works well and also charges my camper battery efficiently as well.

Took delivery today who wouldn't be happy....

Looks good with the white roof! My 110 was nearly exactly the same except for i got a body colored roof.
Your list sounds pretty good, APT make quality gear.

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.

Congrats on the new 110. Your Toyo mates will be really ****ed off.
Ive had my 110 for 2 months now. Every week or so I do some sort of enhancement.

I went the ARB bullbar, Landybitz slider/steps, and I have a traxide from my Disco. Yet to install on the Defender yet, but the traxide I have allows me to have 2 extra batteries in addition to the one under the seat. Therefore I will have 2 under the seat and a long cable to the rear area, where I have an Anderson plug which can connect to an additional fridge battery. Havent worked out where to mount the rear battery yet. But I still need a drawer system first.

the standard battery will easily fit with a auxiliary deep cycle. I've got that setup in mine I use a piranha dual battery tray which fits nicely with plenty of room for the isolator and wiring.

Originally Posted by csb4x4

Took delivery today who wouldn't be happy....

I like.

Are those windows tinted?

Don't rush into mechanical changes as its very capable standard. I'm not planning to lift mine at all. The standard suspension is doing just fine so far despite the weight added to mine. I may add rear airbags eventually for when towing.
I got drawers built for the rear with a compartment big enough to take a second battery. Got power run to the back. In there will go an AGM on its side, hidden out of sight, connected to some plugs.
Also recommend extended seat runners, rear wheel carrier, rear wheel stay, bracket to let the rear passenger doors open to 90 degrees.
To reduce noise and allow easy cleaning I just bought a dozen second hand carpet squares at $2 each and chucked them in the footwells and luggage area.
Enjoy and don't stress too much about modifications.

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