Thread: DFender's 130 TD5

After just over a year of ownership and stalking out the forums, I thought I should probably get around to posting up the rig!

Purchased last year, with a lot of the hardwork already done!

The guy I bought it off had put in most of the hard yards for a solo trip around south america, but life ended up getting in the way and he couldn't go and had to offload the truck. I moved from a N/A 75 Series Landcruiser, and love the extra power that the turbo gives. As much as I did love the cruiser, I love this even more. Unbelievably, even with all the gear on it, it's still so much better on the fuel than I would of thought possible.

Couldn't get a decent shot of the back setup, but all will be changing soon anyway but so far, has fridge slide and 80L fridge/freezer, more house batteries than you can poke a stick at (2x150AH + 2x100AH primary crank). I am thinking about dropping a few of these, to save on space and weight, provided I can get a solar setup. It's great piece of mind that I can run the fridge/freezer and lighting for a few days and not have to worry about power.

Water tanks and extra fuel tank in the back. Running water and a hot shower has also been plumbed in (perfect for taking the girl out camping, one of the few luxuries!

James Baroud tent is an absolute dream. I usually just setup shop in the swag if I'm by myself, but the missus enjoys sleeping in the top notch comfort. Really is comfortable and great to know you're in business if the weather turns really sour.
Side awning is tops, sets up really well. Please ignore pictures, had a few beers on board the afternoon of arrival before beginning the setup!

Besides my electrical issues this week (couple of dodgy relays, lessons learnt there!) the thing has been absolutely trouble free. Most of the drivetrain has been upgraded to more heavy duty equipment (CV's, etc) and the engine has just ticked over 220 thousand and starts first turn of the key.

Plans going forward:
- Side steps/sliders and scrub bars
- Very near future the canopy will be emptied out and going in for modification. Currently only the rear opens up. making it difficult to get down to the back for storage. Both sides will be able to open.I also don't much care for the layout. Fridge needs to be readjusted etc as can't get to it with the boat on and also have to put it up to get the draws out. I am thinking about having the style side chopped as the fridge will be too tall.
-Worklights and centre console controls
-Light bar for some serious night driving
-Refit of electrical system. Possibility of remote control functionality with some custom made electronics so I can remotely control worklights from my phone etc.

I go out shooting very regularly, and would like to convert the box underneath the rear seats into a gun safe or lockable drawer. If anyone has any ideas, that would be most appreciated!

Without further ado, here's some pics! Apologies for a lack of pictures, had a bit of phone mishap and lost lots of pics, still in a backup somewhere on my computer but a bit hard to find!

Any questions, comments, hint's, tips, criticism etc welcome!

Cheers,
DFender

Thanks guys. Finally home from work so could get a few more pics.

Nova - Somewhat - but not where it really matters. I can't see a bit of the passenger bit of the bullbar, but otherwise, all good. Doesn't impede at all with roadview, but can be a bit of a pain in the ass at the shops. It really sets the whole thing off though looks wise. Attracts a fair bit of attention camping or at the boat ramp that's for sure!
Could not speak any higher of the JB Rooftop. Totally unreal bit of gear. Tad difficult to get down by myself though occasionally.

Couple pics of the rear setup which will be coming out shortly and getting changed up. As said above, the rear opens but sides do not. All sides will open. Also want to move the fridge from the back to the side, but as you can see, its a bit high. Tossing up getting the guys doing the fab work on the canopy to do the chop but not sure. Fuel tank and water tank available underneath the floor.

Bit of wiring mess and **** trim. Wiring will be getting cleaned up, but still working out what I do about the trim and the little insert in the cubby box. Looks super shabby. Heat exchanger also thrown in for hot shower luxuries.