Advice sought on 130cc tourer build.

[munro]

Hi all. Obviously new here and still patiently waiting in the wings for things to change for me so that I can finally get my wheels. However I am busily researching every small detail of what I want my truck to be. I have exhausted my efforts of Googling and forum reading/search but now must seek the advice/comments of the Land Rover Community.

To keep this shortish, I am wanting to build a long range off-road capable tourer. It will also be my daily drive. Age is creeping up on me and health probs have taken some toll. So the over-riding thing is me and SWMBO is we need an auto transmission in whatever we end up with. I have 99% settled on a 130 crew cab with 300tdi. I believe that an auto conversion is readily available for the 300tdi. (ZF from a 300tdi disco). I don't want any electronics on engine/trans.

In all probability I will want to fit a camper unit on the back and at some times probably need to tow a trailer, around 2t. The missus is insisting on the crew cab in case we want to carry extra passengers:confused:. Not my preferred idea but I have to run with that.

So I guess the advice I am seeking is am I getting in too deep with my ideas. I have gone down the path of looking at Cruisers and Patrols but always seem to come back to the defender.

Is the 300tdi with auto a good choice? Any ideas good, bad or ugly are welcome.

I was toying with the idea of a 110 wagon, both defender 300tdi and county 110 with the isuzu 3.9 motor. I believe that a T700 can be mated to that. Any comments of choice between 110/130 for my plan? I really need some input other than my own in-experience here.

Thanks in advance for any input.

[rovercare]

I think you may find a 300tdi, even fuelled up with decent intercooler may be a little lacklustre in a 130 towing 2T:eek:

If you considering transplants and a build up, to get an auto I'd be thinking 13BT or 15BT with A440hydraulic control tojo auto:)

[Marshall]

Go the 130 Dual cab, you won't regret that extra space.

you can fold up (or remove) the rear seats and this is a great spot to put the Engel / Waeco fridge so you can easily reach it whilst driving, and still have plenty of room for all those hitch hikers your missus wants to pick up;)
The tray area is a great load space so I wouldn't comprimise with a SW, but horses for courses...
Have you had a look at Mulgo's website? he has some great ideas for a tourer.
Towing is never a problem with any defender so don't sweat it...
An auto trans should not be a big hurdle, once you get the right vehicle (THAT is the problem...)
They don't come up all that often, but there are a couple of good ones in the markets section at the moment

[munro]

Thanks for the replies guys. Have taken it on board and the comments are appreciated. Just wish I was able to move on it now but I must wait.