Is a Defender too small for me?

[wallythewunderdog]

Hi all - this thread is for the bigger blokes out there.

I am interested in getting a new Defender 110 and took one for a test drive today. Overall I am satisfied with the vehicle, however, I am wondering is the vehicle is too small for me. I am 191 cm tall with broad shoulders. When sitting in the vehicle with the seat right back my shoulder is firmly against the door pillar. I found the seating and driving position comfortable (albeit snug) for the 10 min test drive, but am a little concern how I would go on extended periods. I have read on these forums about seat extenders however moving the seat back a few inches is not going to provide any more shoulder room.

Are there any other owners out there my height and if so how have you found driving the vehicle for extended periods?

Wal.

[superquag]

I have a vague suspicion that the original Land Rover was designed for the average Englishman of 1948, and a snug fit at that ...

I'm 5'10" with normal length arms, and there is no way I would last more than 20 to 30 minutes in one.

If ergonomics is relevant to you, compare the LR with Pajeros and Toyotas.
- Then work out if the superior off-road capacity of the LR is actually worth the pain...

My Classic may well be my first AND last LR...

Grumpy old James in Gosnells

[n plus one]

Hi all - this thread is for the bigger blokes out there.

I am interested in getting a new Defender 110 and took one for a test drive today. Overall I am satisfied with the vehicle, however, I am wondering is the vehicle is too small for me. I am 191 cm tall with broad shoulders. When sitting in the vehicle with the seat right back my shoulder is firmly against the door pillar. I found the seating and driving position comfortable (albeit snug) for the 10 min test drive, but am a little concern how I would go on extended periods. I have read on these forums about seat extenders however moving the seat back a few inches is not going to provide any more shoulder room.

Are there any other owners out there my height and if so how have you found driving the vehicle for extended periods?

Wal.

I'm 185cm, 95kg and I find it to be the most comfortable car I've ever driven, particularly for long (12-16hr) hauls.

Being a snug fit is perfect for off road use - you move with the vehicle instead of getting slapped against the inside of it.

I don't have the extended seat rails fitted (though at your hieght you might need them?) - you're supposed to sit upright (like you're in church) - its a Defender not a bloody sick-boy chariot.

Amusingly my wife moves the seat back when she gets in to drive it - and she's at least 10cm shorter than me...

[abaddonxi]

I'm about the same height as you, and never had a problem in my Defender or County.

Having said that, it all depends on how you like to sit and whether you are long in the torso or legs. If you're uncomfortable with a very vertical seat back, or if you have long legs, it can be a problem. Seat rails fix the long legs problem.

There are threads about where people have moved their seats inboard a couple of inches to get more shoulder room.

[ant_schomacker]

Mate, i'm about 6'1" and somewhat rounded :p

But i find my defender (Puma 130 dual cab) more comfortable than the other vehicles i've owned. I've just done 2 separate trips; Brisbane - Canberra (return) and Brisbane to far NW Qld since mid December last year. My one complaint on the long trips is a lack of cruise control, but that's easily enough fixed.

Hope that helps!

Ant

[Tombie]

Best tourer I owned
I'm 6' 1" also and at my peak was a tiny 150kg :(
Never felt uncomfortable in the Defender

[VladTepes]

I'm 185cm, 95kg and I find it to be the most comfortable car I've ever driven, particularly for long (12-16hr) hauls.


Yep me too.



james in gosnells stop your bleating !!!!

[abaddonxi]

Hi all - this thread is for the bigger blokes out there.
<snip!>

Wal.

So you'd be a big Wally?:p

Welcome to AULRO!

Cheers
Simon

[Benny_IIA]

I'm 6 3 and 90 kgs only 18 so still growing.

Space or lack of is one of the main reason I sold my defender ute.

I think the single cab utes have less room then the wagons

I was going to buy a d2...

But I some how i ended up with a 90 :D

[rick130]

187cm, 90kg, fairly wide in the shoulders and mostly legs here.

With the seat lifted 22mm (and all the way back, it's a CC) the seating position is pretty damned good and much more comfortable for me than SWMBO's GU Patrol.

[Jeff]

I'm 185 (6') and 90 kg and always found the Defender very comfortable, but lately I have been driving my Discovery 2 a lot, now when I drive the Defender I find the steering wheel in an odd place, but still comfortable.

Jeff

:rocket:

[geckos]

bloody crickey, hope all you guys are on my side in a pub brawl!!!

You's all have the reach...................

Im only 183cm, i agree with all them, the defenders are comfy, I put Scheel-Mann seats in mine and even pushing them right back, the pillar behind the door is in the way of my elbow, so i just leave it forward so elbow is out the window. I like it this way for offroad.

Are you close to someone who would let you go for a test drive?
Dont let this be a deterant for the vehicle.....

regards geck

[Samo]

Before i bought mine i was also a little worried as i had read alot of posts on here about the lack of room in the drivers seat, and the handbrake being in the way and all.
I'm 6'3 (190cm) and 82kg and have never driven a more comfortable car long distance. The day i picked it up i drove 12 hours back from Melb without any complaints, and that was on Black Saturday in 48 degrees.
I don't think i could have done that in my old liberty, or fairlane.

I find the snug fit comfortable and like geck said it makes watching your

wheel placement off road a piece of cake.

Sam

[Lightweight]

Hi Wal,

I'm 6'4" and have had defenders for 10+ years, I'm not broad shouldered so can't comment there. The upright driving position is extremely comfortable on long hauls.

As others have said, beg, borrow or steal one for a few hour drive and see how you go.

[PAT303]

I'm 6' and 100kg and find mine the best for long trips.Mulgo sells seat rails for 80 bucks that will give you more.I think people jump in defenders and because it's so different they will just find fault with it but after a week behind the wheel you'll be hooked for life. Pat

[wouldbeowner]

I'm 185cm, 95kg and I find it to be the most comfortable car I've ever driven, particularly for long (12-16hr) hauls.

I don't have the extended seat rails fitted.

I am 186cm and 100kg and I can echo what n plus one says although I was told my 1995 130 Dual Cab has seats from a later model land rover. I recently drove it from Adelaide to Nth NSW 1900km in 28 hrs so I did some long stints behind the wheel. I found that the upright seating position and the good steering feel was nowhere near as tiring as my other 4wd - despite the other vehicle being more powerful, leather seats, aircon, stereo, sound insulation and much newer.

[vnx205]

I am about as tall, but nowhere near as wide :p as several of the posters here and like them, I find the Defender very comfortable.

Comments like those of wouldbeowner comparing the comfort at the end of a long day, of the Defender and other vehicles, are quite common.

It really makes you wonder whether manufacturers are giving people what they think they want rather than what they really need.

That luxurious lounge chair seating that feels so good for five minutes in the showroom or fifteen minutes on a test drive is not necessarily what you need for a long day behind the wheel, especially offroad.

[canblogerra]

Small 5'10" myself but love the way the stock standard 1996 c130 driver seat hugs my lower back. Unfortunately I also experienced being a passanger a couple of times too and found the air conditioning unit unbelievably annoying in the front and the knee room atrocioius in the rear.

[lebanon]

Hi,

I am 193 cm and 120 Kilos :oops2:

my 110 is not equipped with extended seat rails thus my minor complaint with the short space for the foot activating the clutch. Mind that we drive on the opposite side than you so my left foot is squeezed to the door. The issue is not a big deal unless offloading when I am to use the clutch often. ( I don't like resting my foot on the clutch pedal.

Driving with the shoulder against the pillar is not a problem as long that your elbow is out of the window.

[Tusker]

I think the OP is talking about a Puma...


Well I can't get in one. The new dashboard protrudes further and is an interference fit with my knees.

I'd echo the consensus though on earlier models. I had to fit a smaller aftermarket steering wheel to my 2003 Extreme to clear upper legs, and using the clutch means the LH blinker goes off. Stick your foot on the brake & the wipers go off. It's a Defender thing.

I've not seen the seat rail extenders, but prima facie not convinced. Don't they go up as well as back? If so I'd get a great view of the sun visors.

Regards
Max P

[dobbo]

I think the OP is talking about a Puma...


Well I can't get in one. The new dashboard protrudes further and is an interference fit with my knees.

I'd echo the consensus though on earlier models. I had to fit a smaller aftermarket steering wheel to my 2003 Extreme to clear upper legs, and using the clutch means the LH blinker goes off. Stick your foot on the brake & the wipers go off. It's a Defender thing.

I've not seen the seat rail extenders, but prima facie not convinced. Don't they go up as well as back? If so I'd get a great view of the sun visors.

Regards
Max P


Don't worry Max, your not missing out on much. You should try my green car out for size.

[danske]

All good from me , Im 6.2 and 90Kg and broad. I regularly drive 120 -240 kms a day in my 08 Puma. I have the Mulgo seat extenders , and I only use an extra inch of them ( proably 3 or 4 to go) , due to the pillar limiting my shoulder movement. In saying this I also have the SVX which has the Recaro seats , which tend to make the seating position even more snug. I also drive a 92 RRC and the wifes 03 Disco , and after long trips , i find i feel better getting out of the Defer. One reccomendation i would make is get a cruise system fitted! its gold. best 900 ive spent.

only comfort complaint I have is the handbrake digging into my left outer calf. May move it to the side of the seat.

other than that , the defer is a very starange beast with such woeful ergonmics , and yet i find it perfectly comfortable :confused:

[scanfor]

I too am on the large size (mainly round) and I find the Defender to be a very comfortable tourer. I can drive it all day and get out feeling fine - if I tried the same stunt with the Magna, I wouldn't be able to straighten up the next morning.

[chops110]

Where do you get the extended seat rails from? Are they worth it? I'm 6'2" and 110Kg (a bit on the rotund side) and while I find the Puma great for long hauls I would like an extra inch or two legroom.

But...I've noticed that my '09 Puma has a little piece of angle steel that stops rearward travel of the seat on the standard rails. Do you have to remove this to fit the extended rails to a Puma?

On the other hand, if I just made a couple of hacksaw cuts in the right places....has anyone made this mod? Or would that make the seat unsafe in a crash?

Thanks

Chops110

[abaddonxi]

Where do you get the extended seat rails from? Are they worth it? I'm 6'2" and 110Kg (a bit on the rotund side) and while I find the Puma great for long hauls I would like an extra inch or two legroom.

<snip>



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

Daniel is a forum member and site sponsor.

[chops110]

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

Daniel is a forum member and site sponsor.
Thanks....I've ordered a set of extenders and they're on the way!

Cheers

CHOPS110

[Camper]

I am average size both height and weight. I find the 110 drivers seat fine for long trips. I recently drove my Rover from Darwin to Perth in one trip, 51 hrs driving time. My co-pilot was shorter but rounder than me and found the drivers seat lacked lumber support. He could not get comfortable in the passenger seat, ended up sitting in the back where we both found the seats comfortable.

[Benny_IIA]

I am average size both height and weight. I find the 110 drivers seat fine for long trips. I recently drove my Rover from Darwin to Perth in one trip, 51 hrs driving time. My co-pilot was shorter but rounder than me and found the drivers seat lacked lumber support. He could not get comfortable in the passenger seat, ended up sitting in the back where we both found the seats comfortable.


Problem solved then.

Remove the front seat and tape some 4x2 to to arms and legs :wasntme:

[5teve]

I am average size both height and weight. I find the 110 drivers seat fine for long trips. I recently drove my Rover from Darwin to Perth in one trip, 51 hrs driving time. My co-pilot was shorter but rounder than me and found the drivers seat lacked lumber support. He could not get comfortable in the passenger seat, ended up sitting in the back where we both found the seats comfortable.

Interesting as i fit nicely at 6'1 and 110kg pretty broad shoulder wise too and big (not long) legs.. no seat extenders and dont have the seat to the back.. dont have an issue with comfort or space at all though it took some getting used to.

Now the wife.. who comes in at a lofty 5ft and a heavyweight 5kg's or some insignificant weight like that... finds the passenger seat very uncomfortable for long distance and prefers the disco II, whereas i'm fidgety after an hour or 2 in the disco...

Maybe they were made for the larger guys? :D

Steve

[Tobacco Bush]

Have to agree with previous posts re extenders. I'm 6'4" (mostly legs) and have a 130 dual cab.
Fitted extenders and they are fantastic.
As for ride position comfort - was worried when I first sat in here to drive back from buying (2hr trip) but the more upright position etc etc worked well.
While they may seem uncomfortable at first - The LR ride really well and are great for long trips.