Expedition Preparation Specialists?

[Rubicon]

We are looking to get a Defender and have it Expedition prepared, is there anywhere like Nene Overland (UK) or East Coast Land Rovers (USA) in Aus. The East Coast 300TDI conversion has got to be the best one I have seen. I know of Mulgo, but they don't appear to be in the same league. Is there somewhere or someone who might be able to do the job? Brisbane area would be ideal.

We were initially going to go for the new Puma, but starting to lean towards a 300TDI because of it's simplicity/reliability, however it would have to be thoroughly overhauled by someone who knows what they are doing.

Other option to get one prepared by and shipped from Nene Overland in the UK.

I would welcome any ideas on the above.

[Blknight.aus]

theres plenty of places...

why not do a working holiday of it and get it fitted out peacemeal as you go.

theres not that much that needs doing to a tdi landy to adapt it to australian touring use.

water tank, some jerries for spare diesel, dual batteries for the fridge a radio some cooking gear and your set.

[justinc]

We are looking to get a Defender and have it Expedition prepared, is there anywhere like Nene Overland (UK) or East Coast Land Rovers (USA) in Aus. The East Coast 300TDI conversion has got to be the best one I have seen. I know of Mulgo, but they don't appear to be in the same league. Is there somewhere or someone who might be able to do the job? Brisbane area would be ideal.

We were initially going to go for the new Puma, but starting to lean towards a 300TDI because of it's simplicity/reliability, however it would have to be thoroughly overhauled by someone who knows what they are doing.

Other option to get one prepared by and shipped from Nene Overland in the UK.

I would welcome any ideas on the above.

I disagree that you need to import a 'prepared' vehicle into this country. Be careful of overpreparation. The last thing you need travelling outback is excessive weight. Think sensible upgrades leaning toward suspension like Bilstein, Koni or DeCarbon shocks, factory springs are good quality but there are a few aftermarket ones that will be up to the task. As Dave says, water tanks, long range fuel tanks, lighting and battery management, spare wheel carriers, roofracks, etc etc are all available here, and lots of overseas companies use this country for R&D.

Keep it light but safe, and don't skimp on suspension and accessory quality.

The Tdi needs no mods apart from an immaculate cooling system and good servicing.

Enjoy:)

JC

[Bundalene]

Talk to the guys at Mulgo.

expedition vehicle conversions, recreational vehicle conversions, camper conversions, land rover, toyota - Mulgo Pty Ltd - Australia (http://www.mulgo.com.au/)


Erich

[KarlB]

People may be able to give you better advice Rubicon, if you gave us an indication what you are planning including number of people, where to, duration, and so on. For many people, their expedition is a trip around Australia. But you can do that in a regular sedan. What is your thinking that suggests you need a specially prepared expedition vehicle? What are the additions to the vehicle that you feel you may need?

Cheers
KarlB
:)

[Chucaro]

....... I know of Mulgo, but they don't appear to be in the same league. .........

What make you think that an Australian based company run by people that understand touring in Australia (and OS) are not in the same league?

The Australian products and mechanics are as good or better than many OS companies and provide better local service.

Support the local LR community and in return you will get the best service for your LR ;)

[weeds]

i well service car will get you there and back

cruise around this website and you find all you need plus more, pleanty of us have done extended touring

[KarlB]

What make you think that an Australian based company run by people that understand touring in Australia (and OS) are not in the same league?

The Australian products and mechanics are as good or better than many OS companies and provide better local service.

Support the local LR community and in return you will get the best service for your LR ;)

Very good advice Chucaro. Indeed, Nene Overland largely install equipment sourced from South Africa (eg Hannibal, FrontRunner and National Luna) all of which can be sourced in Australia (eg from OppositeLock (imported by Dolium)). Nene Overland even source stuff from Australia (eg Oztent)!

Cheers
KarlB
:)

[scott oz]

Rubicon isn't that a Jeep model:angel:

[digger]

yes, but also
"Rubicon is an American television series created by Jason Horwitch and produced by Henry Bromell that is broadcast on the AMC television network. The series centers around an intelligence analyst at a national think tank called the American Policy Institute (API) who discovers that he may be working with members of a secret society that manipulates world events on a grand scale. The series stars James Badge Dale, Jessica Collins, Miranda Richardson, Dallas Roberts, Christopher Evan Welch, Michael Cristofer and Peter Gerety.

The series debuted on AMC on August 1, 2010[1] as a two-hour, two episode block. With two million viewers, the August 1 premiere set a record as the most watched debut of an AMC original series.[2]

The series is influenced by conspiracy films of the 1970s such as All The President's Men, Three Days of the Condor and The Parallax View,[3] which find an innocent character caught up in, and slowly unraveling, a major conspiracy.

The shows title refers to the river Rubicon in northeastern Italy, more specifically to the famous idiom "Crossing the Rubicon", which means to pass a point of no return, and refers to Julius Caesar's crossing of the river in 49 BC, which was considered an act of war, because crossing it with an army was forbidden by the Roman Senate"



Ru·bi·con (rb-kn)
n.
A limit that when passed or exceeded permits of no return and typically results in irrevocable commitment.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[Latin Rubic, Rubicn-, Rubicon, a short river of north-central Italy, the crossing of which by Julius Caesar and his army in 49 b.c. began a civil war.]

The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition copyright ©2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Updated in 2009. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.


-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Rubicon [ˈruːbɪkən]
n
1. (Historical Terms) (Placename) a stream in N Italy: in ancient times the boundary between Italy and Cisalpine Gaul. By leading his army across it and marching on Rome in 49 bc, Julius Caesar broke the law that a general might not lead an army out of the province to which he was posted and so committed himself to civil war with the senatorial party

2. (sometimes not capital) a point of no return

3. (Group Games / Card Games) a penalty in piquet by which the score of a player who fails to reach 100 points in six hands is added to his opponent's
cross (or pass) the Rubicon to commit oneself irrevocably to some course of action


SAME AS DEFENDER DOESNT REFER SOLELY TO THE LAND ROVER

[Gav110]

I agree with Bundalene - Mulgo is excellent.

They do everything from bars and racks to custom interior fabrication, tyres, pop-up roofs, water and fuel tanks, racks, custom electrics, floor and exterior storage boxes etc etc etc - all done properly like it's his own car and with an eye to weight savings (he works primarily in aluminium other than obvious structural/running gear. He specialises in long distance touring fitouts, and I believe is currently prepping a vehicle for a multi-continent expedition.

It would IMHO be the equal at least of any UK outfitter. Another option for more straight accessories, suspension and mechanical is Graeme Cooper (also Sydney); and Bruce Davis (Sydney) for engine performance upgrades, suspension and general accessories.

PM me if you need any further details.

Gav

[stace70]

Agree with you Gav....Mulgo knows his stuff and customer service is flawless

[5teve]

Other option to get one prepared by and shipped from Nene Overland in the UK.

I would welcome any ideas on the above.

I'm pretty sure you couldnt do this either as the general rule of thumb is that to import a vehicle from overseas you must have owned and used the vehicle for 12 months prior to you importing it. I have a friend who finished a kit car a month before he entered the country having owned it for 3 years, but as it wasnt registered or used 12 months prior (as it was in bits) he wasnt allowed to bring it in...

i'm not sure if there are exceptions to this... but i'm sure someone can clarify?

Steve

[malleefowl]

I had my 98 300TDI converted to a pop top by Mulgo a year ago.I couldn't be happier.
It's so easy to erect and fold down-can be done in a minute-yes it is the oztent of poptops:)-
I am a slightly built 60kg grey headed lady and find I can handle the set up/fold down with ease.The bed folds up into the roof when not reqd giving heaps of room to walk about /dress /get out of the rain etc
It has done plenty of outback /off road in the last 12 months.It is warm cosy when needed but gives great crossflow ventilation when it's hot.
The recent mouse plague on Googs track held no qualms for me but those in swags/tents had severely disturbed sleep:p
I can vouch for Daniel's quality workmanship and importantly for insurance ,registration needs engineering accreditation to satisfy regulations not only in NSW but in my home state of VIC.
He is great to deal with and will discuss any concerns queries you have before and during the conversion process,dealing patiently with my occasional exercise of "the woman's perogative to change her mind:("

Check out the Mulgo site-mine is the green Defender-and I have seen some of the latest batch too.
He will set it up inside to your specifications too.
I have mine set up with some home built quick remove modules so can become your standard Defer SW easily at any time.
Mulgo does some great set ups of a more permanent nature.
Feel free to Pm if you would like to discuss further.
I'm very happy with my conversion,
Cheers,
Mary

[justinc]

I would be glad to have your 110 shipped down here to Hobart on the Spirit of Tasmania, with you Visa Gold card, and you will get back a fully prepped, safe and reliable rig.

I am quite happy to go through some ideas with you, you can PM me or call 0408 995 635 , or (03) 6229 1102 business hours. I'll require info like where and for how long you are planning on going, how much gear and stores you intend to take, how many passengers, and believe it or not, yours and their height and weight.


:)


JC

[Sly]

I think your to cashed up!, you cant buy the ( EXPERIENCE) by throwing money at it.

[newhue]

It may be worth factoring into you trip, that if you build this vehicle yourself from various or a single supplier, than you will intimately know it's quirks and how things work. Perhaps a deeper level than you may care for, but I would love to know how to change a axel or CV for example.
I guess time, knowledge, space, equipment, confidence are all things that need to be factored in to do so.

[scott oz]

And not one reply from the original poster:angel:

[Rubicon]

Hi,

Thanks for all the comments, all welcome, some more than others. To cover a few things. I apologize for the Mulgo comment, I have also apologized to Daniel personally, however some of the comments by others are at least as inaccurate, but that's OK.

Covering a few points, I have just disposed of a Troopy camper van which must rank as one of the worst vehicles I have come into contact with. My reason for the post is to get serious information prior to any purchase and find specialists able to do the work (if possible close to home). Whilst I can and have built/rebuilt several cars and motorbikes previously, and I am quite capable of undertaking most jobs, I would prefer to use the services of someone who knows these vehicles intimately, in order to get a fully sorted vehicle, particularly given the sort of use intended.

Initially we were thinking of a new Defender, but looking at the comments on these forums, doubts have arisen on this option, so looking at alternatives. Hence the post.

Paul

[newhue]

Well is you do go a Defender, and if you choose Daniel at Mulgo, you will be pleased. I had a conversation with him on Friday regarding an Ex Box whilst he was on holidays, he emailed me the invoice Sunday, I paid it Monday, parcel arrived today - Tuesday.

I don't think it could be any smoother.

[Rubicon]

Couple of other points, the first thing is to get hold of a good base vehicle, I must admit the 300TDi would seem to be the ideal, but as these are all getting old now I want to make sure it is possible to find an honest vehicle initially. I don't trust Ebay, or most dealers come to that so best to get advice from Land Rover users and trusted sources.

I don't think an import is the solution, thank's for input on that.

There are only the two of us so doesn't have to be palatial and I like the idea of keeping it light, basically we would like to get to see as much of rugged and remote Australia as possible, without the vehicle being the limitation or liability.

We are looking at long term ownership of the vehicle and I like things done well the first time, I have found it saves time, money and aggravation in the long term.

Incidentally, Rubicon, my interpretation: Crossing the Rubicon, making a move where there is no turning/looking back, keeping on moving forwards. If that helps.

Paul

[Blknight.aus]

Im 80K's away, if you want a local hand on the base vehicle

why not deck it out yourself?

[isuzurover]

Couple of other points, the first thing is to get hold of a good base vehicle, I must admit the 300TDi would seem to be the ideal, but as these are all getting old now I want to make sure it is possible to find an honest vehicle initially. I don't trust Ebay, or most dealers come to that so best to get advice from Land Rover users and trusted sources.

I don't think an import is the solution, thank's for input on that.

There are only the two of us so doesn't have to be palatial and I like the idea of keeping it light, basically we would like to get to see as much of rugged and remote Australia as possible, without the vehicle being the limitation or liability.

We are looking at long term ownership of the vehicle and I like things done well the first time, I have found it saves time, money and aggravation in the long term.

Incidentally, Rubicon, my interpretation: Crossing the Rubicon, making a move where there is no turning/looking back, keeping on moving forwards. If that helps.

Paul

Personally, I would (and have) prepare the vehicle myself. Failing that, I would pay JustinC to do it, using bits from Mulgo, Rovertracks, Maxi-Drive, Ashcroft, ARB, the Saffers who make the rear doors, etc...

I would not use a Tdi. 6 months ago I would have picked one, however the TD5 seems to have a stronger bottom end - unless you plan to rebuild the tdi. Of course a 4BD1T is the ultimate. Though other bits apart from the engines are getting tired on most.

I would strongly suggest you get involved with the preparation as much as possible, because something will probably go wrong in the worst possible spot and you will need to be able to fix it.

There are a number of AU companies who would be as good or better at preparing vehicles (including those mentioned).

[Bundalene]

Over the years I have owned a Series3 Stage1 (Isuzu), a 200TD1, a 1999 TD5 and an 06 TD5 (currently), among other Land Rovers.

We have put about 200k kms on the clock of each, mostly through touring, and travel to many remote areas. We have been to the Cape 8 times, near the mouth of the Calvert 4 times, Gove at least a dozen, travelled the Tanami 5 times etc etc.

We always prepare our own vehicles - NO shortcuts and if there is an issue it is fixed before it becomes a problem.

IMHO of all the vehicles we have owned, the TD5 is by far the best, with exception of the Isuzu powerplant. The car tends to have that bit of extra power, making the likes of overtaking 3 up road trains much safer and easier sand work than the 200TDi.

Don't fall into the trap of having a vehicle expedition ready means bolting on lots of extras. You will just end up with an overloaded top heavy vehicle.

Plan carefully what your requirements are before you start to kit out your car. If there are only 2 of you there is no need for a roof rack, they just get overloaded and are roll hazzards. IMHO the 3 main things for such a vehicle are: minimum range of 1000kms fuel range, fixed water storage of at least 40 litres and dual batteries. As for tyres, start with new ones and carry and repair your own tyres. If you shread a tyre, which happens, almost every tip has 70 / 16 case to get out of trouble till you manage to buy another. Practice tyre changing if you are not proficient at it these are usually the single biggest mechanical problem

As for spare parts, the following may be a bit of a guide

http://www.aulro.com/afvb/90-110-130-defender-county/107686-vehicle-spares-tools.html

IMHO, if you are purchasing a used vehicle, send it to Justin to get it mechanically excellent and Daniel at Mulgo for other requirements. At the end of the day, you were considering shipping to the UK as a possibility.



Erich

[Rubicon]

Hi,

Thank's for your offer of assistance, I have found a good vehicle a 1993 hardtop which has only done 20,000 kilometers as such it has not suffered any bodges and will be easy to work on. I will therefore do most of the work myself as I shouldn't find any unexpected issues.

I will be in touch shortly when I have got the Land Rover.

Paul

[gunny]

Hi,

Thank's for your offer of assistance, I have found a good vehicle a 1993 hardtop which has only done 20,000 kilometers as such it has not suffered any bodges and will be easy to work on. I will therefore do most of the work myself as I shouldn't find any unexpected issues.

I will be in touch shortly when I have got the Land Rover.

Paul

That vehicle is a 1993 200 TDI 2 door hardtop that came from Maryborough. Supposedly its been up on blocks for the last five years and hardly ever used prior to that. I was about to arrange an inspection at MR Automotive. Oh well, the disadvantages of being an interstate buyer :(

Good luck with the vehicle ! Let us all know how you go with it.

[Chucaro]

I bought one 1994 last year with 100000 km also on the blocks for few years.
Make sure that you flush the fuel tank, replace the fuel filter and also inspect the wheel bearings.

In my Defe I had to replace the injectors and pump and also rear axles, bearings and 2 hubs.

Now drives like a dream thanks to Mr Justin Cooper :)

[stealth]

There is no limit to the number of people who will gladly take all the money you seem more than eager to throw at them to "prepare" your vehicle for an "expedition" in Australia. Forgive me for thinking you sound a little naive but someone will be more than happy to over prepare your vehicle. I would do as suggested earlier, detail your plans on this forum and be guided by the experience that exists here already.

[justinc]

There is no limit to the number of people who will gladly take all the money you seem more than eager to throw at them to "prepare" your vehicle for an "expedition" in Australia. Forgive me for thinking you sound a little naive but someone will be more than happy to over prepare your vehicle. I would do as suggested earlier, detail your plans on this forum and be guided by the experience that exists here already.

Exactly. Overprepared = Overweight and potentially unreliable and unsafe.

This resource (AULRO) is a very important tool.


JC

[justinc]

Hi,

Thank's for your offer of assistance, I have found a good vehicle a 1993 hardtop which has only done 20,000 kilometers as such it has not suffered any bodges and will be easy to work on. I will therefore do most of the work myself as I shouldn't find any unexpected issues.

I will be in touch shortly when I have got the Land Rover.

Paul

Congrats Paul, apart from the Isuzu 110, that is probably the best Defender model to start with for trouble free outback touring. Is it a late 1993? If so should even have disc brake rear:)

Well done!

JC

[Rubicon]

Congrats Paul, apart from the Isuzu 110, that is probably the best Defender model to start with for trouble free outback touring. Is it a late 1993? If so should even have disc brake rear:)

Well done!

JC
Yes didn't think that I would find such a low mileage vehicle, it has rear drums, so earlier 1993. They shouldn't be a problem at the moment, I know drums can be difficult to take apart when they get a wear ridge, and the wheel cylinders seem prone to leak, but this can be fixed with a stainless sleeve if the need arises, otherwise they should work ok.

Paul

[isuzurover]

Yes didn't think that I would find such a low mileage vehicle, it has rear drums, so earlier 1993. They shouldn't be a problem at the moment, I know drums can be difficult to take apart when they get a wear ridge, and the wheel cylinders seem prone to leak, but this can be fixed with a stainless sleeve if the need arises, otherwise they should work ok.

Paul

It would be worth the effort in converting them to discs.

Do you have a 200 or 300 tdi?

[DukeR]

I just want to throw in a comment about the "overprepared" rig. I strongly agree with what's been said here.

I'm a noob to the Defender, and have been spending some time with Daniel and Sam at Mulgo getting a few bits and pieces done to my rig (2002 td5 110). It is very tempting to go nuts on the new toy, but thus far - Full service, Spare wheel carrier, Oil Pump bolt, ECU harness/loom, low coolant alarm, header fuel tank - oh and a back door strut for the missus! Gonna add a cargo barrier (for safety), dual battery set-up, maxi-box and a few extra outlets etc. The rig was never fitted with HD springs at the front, so I'll get that looked at as well.

My own experience with both Daniel and Sam has been that they keep reinforcing the inherent abilities of the rig as is - and advise against some modifications that are touted as important elsewhere. Each time, they point out the effect such modifications would have on the rig as a whole - not just focussing on the immediate effect of extra capacity or power or whatever.

My initial perception is that Mulgo are genuinely looking at enhancing what's already there, rather then trying to re-mod it with 'something better', or load it up with excessive bling. Their advice has always been practical and carries the weight of experience.

As has been recommended by Daniel and also elsewhere in this thread, we'll take our rig out on a trip and experience it a bit, and then see what else we need, in accordance with how we use it and where we want to go.

Just my 2c.

/wave

Duke

[jc109]

thus far - Full service, Spare wheel carrier, Oil Pump bolt, ECU harness/loom, low coolant alarm, header fuel tank - oh and a back door strut for the missus! Gonna add a cargo barrier (for safety), dual battery set-up, maxi-box and a few extra outlets etc. The rig was never fitted with HD springs at the front, so I'll get that looked at as well.



What did you need done with the oil pump bolt and ECU harness/loom?

[Rubicon]

It's a 200dti, out of interest does the master cylinder/servo need to be changed if the drums are changed for discs.

Good to hear the comments on preparation, there is a lot of stuff available for Defenders, so very easy to spend more than needed, and without some expert knowledge it's difficult to know what is needed hence the original post. I am corresponding with Daniel with regard to what needs to be done for our particular conversion so we get the best result.

I would be interested to hear from anyone about the 200tdi engine, are there any mods which are beneficial, I would assume a better air filter and perhaps a larger intercooler or larger bore exhaust might be options. What are your thoughts?

[5teve]

common issue with td5's supposedly pre 2003, however it has been known to affect some later ones also.

Oil runs down the injector harness causing rough running / no running / ecu errors, and some oil pump bolts were not loctited, so fell out!

Thanks

Steve

[Tusker]

I just want to throw in a comment about the "overprepared" rig. I strongly agree with what's been said here.

I'm a noob to the Defender, and have been spending some time with Daniel and Sam at Mulgo getting a few bits and pieces done to my rig (2002 td5 110). It is very tempting to go nuts on the new toy, but thus far - Full service, Spare wheel carrier, Oil Pump bolt, ECU harness/loom, low coolant alarm, header fuel tank - oh and a back door strut for the missus! Gonna add a cargo barrier (for safety), dual battery set-up, maxi-box and a few extra outlets etc. The rig was never fitted with HD springs at the front, so I'll get that looked at as well.

My own experience with both Daniel and Sam has been that they keep reinforcing the inherent abilities of the rig as is - and advise against some modifications that are touted as important elsewhere. Each time, they point out the effect such modifications would have on the rig as a whole - not just focussing on the immediate effect of extra capacity or power or whatever.

My initial perception is that Mulgo are genuinely looking at enhancing what's already there, rather then trying to re-mod it with 'something better', or load it up with excessive bling. Their advice has always been practical and carries the weight of experience.

As has been recommended by Daniel and also elsewhere in this thread, we'll take our rig out on a trip and experience it a bit, and then see what else we need, in accordance with how we use it and where we want to go.

Just my 2c. /wave Duke

Which mods would you stay away from then?

Just curious. Additional unneccessary weight is enemy No.1 I'd have thought. Perhaps bling suspension that's not up to corrugations. What else?

Regards
Max P

[PAT303]

To get an idea of unneccessary mods look at almost any 200 series or Patrol and you'll see plenty.You'll also see how not to mount extra's,a good example is a pair of 10'' dia driving lights mounted in front of the radiator or those high impact plastic box's mount on the full length roof rack or twin spares hanging off the back on an oversize carrier.KISS is the word. Pat

[series3]

Those twin wheel carriers would have to weigh an absolute shedload, especially with 2 big mud terrains on steelies.

[PAT303]

I had no chance lifting one to move it out of the way of my workshop entrance.Without tyres fitted they must be 250kg+. Pat

[isuzurover]

It's a 200dti, out of interest does the master cylinder/servo need to be changed if the drums are changed for discs.

The MC should be changed, but you can get away without it :angel::wasntme:



I would be interested to hear from anyone about the 200tdi engine, are there any mods which are beneficial, I would assume a better air filter and perhaps a larger intercooler or larger bore exhaust might be options. What are your thoughts?

The standard air filter is quite good. Just fit Donaldson or Fleetguard elements. Also a snorkel with cyclonic pre-cleaner is a good idea.

There is plenty of info on here about upgrading the intercooler and tweaking the pump for more go. A 2.5" Mandrel bent exhaust will help the turbo. You can also fit a vvt turbo (kit) if you want a serious increase.

[newhue]

I'm new to Land Rovers, but I'd be pretty slow to consider an exhaust. In Japanese vehicle land, where everything is modified to get it to go somewhere, I put an aftermarket 2.75 exhaust on to replace the standard 2inch. For the $1000 it cost I would not do it again. The bang for the buck is not great, and with my vehicle, the outcome was it held itself a touch better on hills.
I also chipped the 3lt diesel a little bit latter, and that made a huge difference. I am not sure if you do that to TD5's, but I would definitely chip again but forget the exhaust next time. Or at the most just upgrade the dump pipe.

[isuzurover]

I'm new to Land Rovers, but I'd be pretty slow to consider an exhaust. In Japanese vehicle land, where everything is modified to get it to go somewhere, I put an aftermarket 2.75 exhaust on to replace the standard 2inch. For the $1000 it cost I would not do it again. The bang for the buck is not great, and with my vehicle, the outcome was it held itself a touch better on hills.
I also chipped the 3lt diesel a little bit latter, and that made a huge difference. I am not sure if you do that to TD5's, but I would definitely chip again but forget the exhaust next time. Or at the most just upgrade the dump pipe.

Ahh, but if you had chipped it without the larger exhaust, the results would probably not have been as good.

FWIW - my 3" mandrel bent exhaust cost $500. Money well spent IMHO.

The OP has a Tdi, which is completely mechanical. However td5s can be chipped.

[pormpaul]

I love this Forum... So much useful info. Thanks everyone.

:)