Our Defender Td4 Expedition Conversion [Archive]

Mike Walkabout

6th February 2012, 01:37 AM

Hi, I would be happy about some advice on our plans for our Defender expedition vehicle, which is going to be our home for a looong trip around Australia. We’ll be travelling for roughly one year with two adults and our two small children (then about 5 and 3).
One possible Route: Perth – Gunbarrel Hwy – Tanami Track – Gibb-River Road – Cape York – Oodnadatta Track – Birdsville Track – Strczelecki Track – Gt. Central Rd. – Perth (+ some other shortcuts etc.)
[B]What we have so far: MY 2011 Defender 110 Td4 Station Wagon, Keswick Green/White, Bfg MT 255/85-16 on “Wolf“-rims, rear bumper, headlight guards
1st step of conversion (Summer this year; see manufacturer’s pictures below): lifting roof-wedge (sleeping two adults), rear-storage-system (incl. additional “bed“ for two small children), Engel 45l esky, 70l water-tank (behind front seats), underbody protection (front, steering, diffs), twin-battery-system (AGM Optima Red + Yellow) incl. IBS-management, solar panel (on roof behind Defender 90 Frontrunner roof rack), Frontrunner roofrack incl. mounting kit for 2nd spare wheel, OME HD-coil-springs, Koni Heavy Track Raid shocks, Foxwing (incl. extensions), snorkel (incl. cyclone filter) + additional bits and pieces.
The plan after the 1st step: onboard-compressor, HD-spare wheel carrier for rear door, additional tank (45l), 120l long ranger fuel tank (intead of regular one), additional lights (4 front, mounted on roof rack, one rear), fold-out table for rear door.
As “Roo-bars“ are not allowed in Europe anymore (all freedom, nature and animals gotten rid of, so no collisions anymore :twisted:), we’ll have that fixed as soon as we’re in Oz.
Open Questions:
- ARB 100% Diff(s)? Necessary? Rear only or rear and front?
- Side bars / rock and treesliders? Necessary? Rockslider only or rock and treesliders?
- Winch? Necessary?
- Which wheels (tubed vs. tubeless, size, brand (i.e. which is the most common one in Oz?)) on which rims?
We would be very happy to get some comments / advice on our plans and probably some answers for our open questions.
All the best ... and keep roving,
Mike Walkabout

jerryd

6th February 2012, 07:44 AM

Looks like a well thought out conversion :) I'd certainly get the winch fitted and an awning to create a shade space, it gets very hot over here.

Happy travels and maybe see you if you get over to the Brisbane side

spudboy

6th February 2012, 08:17 AM

Hi Mike,

Nice to start off with a new vehicle to build on. Lucky you :) No struggling to pull apart rusty things or decide if this or that part needs replacing.

For Lockers: - ARB have an excellent reputation out here (of course!), but you might also want to look at TruTrak diffs. They are a lot cheaper and have no user intervention (i.e. always "on") and because you have Traction Control they will work beautifully.

For winches: Nice to have if your other option is digging, but I think I've used mine more for recovering other people or pulling things around the farm than getting myself out of a bog. They are extra weight on the suspension & etc, but when you need it, you're SO pleased you've got one.

For Sidebars: Not really a 'must have', but I put some on my 130 for a bit of additional side impact protection & winching point. Mrs Spud has short legs, and they help a bit with getting in and out. I also made mine in a "closed" design to hold compressed air, so I have about 10 litres of air held in them.

Wheels: We went for Wolf rims in the tubeless design. Still carry a couple of tubes, but with a puncture repair kit you can fix a tubeless puncture in a few minutes. I did one on Saturday, and it was all patched in about 15 minutes. For size, the standard 235/85R16 are fine (I think!) and this is what I have on my 110 (Pirelli Scorpion ATRs - BRILLIANT). We also run the older style 7.50R16 tyres on our 130 (Michelin XZLs - tough as) and everyone will say they are too skinny but personally I am not a great fan of fat tyres. You will be able to get either size here pretty easily. 255's are also popular and if you do a search here on AULRO you'll find quite a few threads on this size (BFG KM2's seem to be a regular suggestion).
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2012/02/1318.jpg

Cheers
David

weeds

6th February 2012, 09:23 AM

step 1 sounds like a nice fit out

Awaning as jerryd mention an awaning would be worth its weight in gold......i see you have mentioned a foxwing if dollars are not an issue i would opt for a hannibal as they are self supporting meaning you dont have to worry about pole and pegs = less stuff to do at the end and beginning of each day

Long range fuel spot on you will enjoy the range you will get out it

Driving lights fro touring i reckon two on the front bar is sufficant, i'm just not into additional lights hanging off roof rack, travelling with two small kids i doubt you will be travelling at night very often

Diff locks i have front and rear ARB but have never used them while touring although i is nice having them there just incase.....i have no experience with auto lockers so cannot comment

Side bars good idea, i must get around to welding on some steps (tree sliders) i call them steps as this is what they will be in trouring mode as you wont come across too many trees that are going to bother you, maybe up the cape but thats its

Winch i have one fitted and used just the once while touring......so i guess it has been handy although i have had it fitted for six years, a hand winch might take up too much space in your setup

Tyres/Tubes i run disco steel rims, tubless with 235/85/16's fitted. 235/85/16's are pretty much available anywhere. the tyre repair kit that spudboy has mention is a must as well

Spare wheel carrier make sure its good quality...........

when is your start date??

Xtreme

6th February 2012, 09:34 AM

G'day Mike and welcome to the forum.

From your description it sounds like you'll have a very well equipped touring Landy.
One thing you'll need to keep in mind though is that every addition/accessory adds weight to the vehicle and excessive weight can result in trouble. So, keeping that in mind, I'd offer the following suggestions regarding your Open Questions:

- ARB 100% Diff(s)? Necessary? Rear only or rear and front?
Nice to have and allows slower running through some tough spots with resultant less chance of damage or breakages - I'd suggest only rear 'diff lock is necessary.

- Side bars / rock and treesliders? Necessary? Rockslider only or rock and treesliders? Not really necessary for general touring and adds considerable weight. Mostly needed for 'hard core' 4WDing. Not recommended.

- Winch? Necessary? As you will be travelling alone for a lot of the time I would recommend fitting a winch, and carrying some nylon winch extension straps.

- Which wheels (tubed vs. tubeless, size, brand (i.e. which is the most common one in Oz?)) on which rims?
The wheels you mention are quite satisfactory however the 255x85R16 tyres will raise your gearing slightly and I would therefore recommend sticking with the standard 235x85 R16 tyres. these are more readily available throughout Australia. I actually have a friend with a 2010 Defender who found that the slightly increased gearing from the 255's meant that the vehicle would not cruise comfortably in 6th gear and he found it necessary to change down to 5th gear whereas with the 235's he was able to cruise comfortably in 6th gear.

We would be very happy to get some comments / advice on our plans and probably some answers for our open questions.

With 12 months touring and the vast distances involved, you'll need to plan your route carefully taking into consideration the climate. For example, you'll need to avoid the 'top end' during the wet and in fact IMHO the best time to visit the 'top end' is around May to August. I'd also suggest that you consider the Victorian high country and some time in Tasmania - a beautiful area with plenty of variety but without the vast distances encountered in most of Australia.

Anyway keep in touch, especially as your plans develop and when you arrive 'down under' there are plenty of us who would enjoy meeting you and showing you around.

Hymie

6th February 2012, 10:05 AM

This website has plenty of information and answers to many of your questions.

Beadell Tours - Desert Tours & Expeditions (http://www.beadelltours.com.au/)

Looking forward to seeing you over here.

Benz

6th February 2012, 10:52 AM

don't under estimate how good the traction control is.
I would say for touring the lockers (100% diffs) might not be necessary.
but that depends on how adventures you plan on being and how often.
(I would get some more advice on this one though)

235/85's are more common out in the sticks (outback) and will keep your fuel consumption down a little also.

and i'll give a thumbs up for the foxwing awning. it will give you a little more coverage then most awnings (might be handy with 4 of you) and is very easy to set up. but looking at how the pop top roof works it might be a pain when it comes to getting into bed...

apart from that keep us posted on here on your progress!
I know lots of us would love to see the build of a lovely expedition landy.

good luck with your build and future adventure =]

Nero

6th February 2012, 11:31 AM

Leave the MT's at home the rocks will have them for breakfast AT's will be fine (yes I know a magazine promotes MT they are !@#$ing idiots and get their tyres for free).

Make sure you have some kind of decent dust separator on top of your snorkel or turf the defenders air box and fit a proper cyclonic filter. Fuel quality can be a bit variable not sure on the size of the defenders water trap toyo's can only cope with 30ml of water it really needs to be bigger. Know how to change the fuel filter have a spare and how to re-bleed the system. If you have pressed tin battery clamps (most modern cars do off the production line) get rid of them and put some solid ones off the tin ones will fatigue and crack on corrugations especially if you have a few extra's hanging off them.

If going duel batteries make sure you know how they work and most of the solenoids have a bypass function so you can tie both batteries together make sure you have it wired up and know about it. What others have said about spare wheel carriers.

Lockers realistically not needed IMO although a decent set of sand pads and a long handled shovel.

Most common tyre size is the 16 235/85? can never remember the profile basically the stock rims that come with the defender common to the toyo 70 series as well. Tubes you can repair them out bush but the tyres will run hot and last half as long, tubeless you can whack a plug in if you need too I'd go tubeless.

I'd see if you can rent a sat phone or maybe get a Codan HF setup, you haven't mentioned water storage you'll need to give it some thought.

Mike Walkabout

6th February 2012, 05:10 PM

Hi All,
Thanks a lot for your replys ... am in a hurry (unfortunately work is waiting for me!), so any reply 'll have to wait until (European) afternoon. Thanks again ... will be happy to meet all you friendly people in Oz!
Mike

PAT303

6th February 2012, 05:20 PM

I would forget all the bling,keep the wieght down and stay stock.I wouldn't fit a front bar,I don't use them,just a winch bar and winch,a winch is a must travelling alone.I would fit large mud flaps front and back to keep the rocks off the underside,forget MT's,fit Michelin 7.50x16's or 235/85x16's AT's.You need secure storage,don't have loose things in the back,everything needs to be strapped down,plenty of spares and know how to fit them,it's better to spend money up front fixing things than fixing things afterwoulds in the bush.Know your vehicle and drive to the conditions and when you come through the Pilbara stop in for dinner. Pat

justinc

6th February 2012, 07:20 PM

Shocks, shocks and Shocks. DO NOT skimp on Shocks. Fit these, as already mentioned I would recommend these 100% as we do a few mainland touring prep vehicles...Beadell Tours - Vehicle Suspension (http://www.beadelltours.com.au/shock_absorbers.html)

KEEP THE WEIGHT DOWN. I know you are touring long distance etc but think VERY carefully about what can stay behind for your specific trip/ needs. If you are on your own then use this Mantra; K.I.S.S. and Keep the weight down. Weight has to be controlled, accelerated and stopped, cornered and carried so think fuel consumption and vehicle stress.

Obviously don't forget to enjoy your trip, take some wine, nice snacks and foods etc and even a table cloth:p as evenings in desert nights are unforgettable.

You will really enjoy this time:)

JC

Nero

6th February 2012, 07:22 PM

I would forget all the bling,keep the wieght down and stay stock.I wouldn't fit a front bar,I don't use them,just a winch bar and winch,a winch is a must travelling alone.I would fit large mud flaps front and back to keep the rocks off the underside,forget MT's,fit Michelin 7.50x16's or 235/85x16's AT's.

Winch might be able to get away with a trifor although slow and a lot of work should you need to use it vs the chances of actually using it. Great slabs of area's you have named there are simply no trees to use as anchor points.

If you have the Landie traction control system I wouldn't bother with lockers.

Alternative to the Michelins is Toyo M55's.

justinc

6th February 2012, 07:36 PM

Winch might be able to get away with a trifor although slow and a lot of work should you need to use it vs the chances of actually using it. Great slabs of area's you have named there are simply no trees to use as anchor points.

If you have the Landie traction control system I wouldn't bother with lockers.

Alternative to the Michelins is Toyo M55's.

Just fitted some in 235/85. VERY happy. I have several customers who will see 60 to 70 ,000km easily out of them. Cheaper then Michelins And no flats yet.:)
And I agree, loose the winch OR use one with Plasma rope to keep the weight down.

JC

Mike Walkabout

6th February 2012, 09:47 PM

Hi all,
Thanks so far ... but that doesn't say I'm not interested in more ideas ;)!
Unfortunately, we'll be going in THREE years time, as we've got to save up for it after buying the Defender last year! Money is always an issue, but we live on an - for European circumstances - relatively isolated CAR FREE North Sea island, are constantly working ... and simply can't spend money on other things than food (and drink ;) ... and travelling). But starting the journey in 2015 gives us a large amount of time for thoroughly planning well ahead. We'll (hopefully) be in Australia in August 2015 (Fremantle) and have to leave in June/July 2016 (Fremantle again)... Of course, we have included Tassie in our plans (could send a pdf of our rough sketch to interested people!). ... And it would be really great to meet AULRO-people!
Concerning the conversion:
I have heard that Michelin XZLs are not really used that much, simply because they're far too expensive - though being veeery good. Are they common in Oz?? BFG are said to be the cheaper equivalence?? But the size 235/85 seems to be common (have to get rid of my 255 MTs then!). But the question between AT or MT seems to have no real answer, does it? Which brand is the most frequently used in Oz?: BFG, Pirelli (Scorpion ATRs), ...?? Should plan this well ahead as well!
Sidebars: So, I go either for NO sidebars at all OR for rocksliders only, just to give me some more side-protection (have to get rid of the stock-steps anyway) AND don't add too much weight.
Concerning the diff, I think I'lll either leave it with the centre diff or add a rear one (if the money's still left for it then ... if not, I'll leave it out!). Not sure, though, whether to take a 100% one or an automatic!
Winch seems to be a thing you either say "definitely yes" or "definitely not". Seems that I'll have to decide on that one myself and see whether we'll succeed or not. The thing is that in Europe, I am not really going to be using it often. ??? And we don't have a farm! ??? Still a very open question to me!
Then the fuel filter thingy ... I have thought about adding an additional fuel filter (sedimenter) but have opted against it, as people say you only need it when going to Africa or Asia (which are plans for a later time when I'm 200 :)). Do you think we need one??
By the way, have experienced Australia in 2008 and 2009 (in a KEA Land Cruiser) ... and absolutely loved it. My wife did Work and Travel in 2001 ... and we almost constantly think of our Sabbatical (... or actually even migrating to have it in the neighborhood all the time ... well, that's obviously not the reason, but a wonderfull add-on!!).
Will test the first step in a shakedown to Lapland/Scandinavia this summer ... at least something!
That was my break ... have to leave for some work ...
cu again later,
Mike

PAT303

6th February 2012, 09:53 PM

Winch might be able to get away with a trifor although slow and a lot of work should you need to use it vs the chances of actually using it. Great slabs of area's you have named there are simply no trees to use as anchor points.

If you have the Landie traction control system I wouldn't bother with lockers.

Alternative to the Michelins is Toyo M55's.

You should have a dual battery system so you have power and the winch sits on the front,if you have a tirfor where do you put it with all it's gear?.My warn 8274 has saved me too many times to go without it,it's coming off the Tdi and going on the puma,I refuse to do any serious travelling without it. Pat

uninformed

6th February 2012, 10:06 PM

Justin/Pat, what are your thoughts about the wheel bearings in grease? would it be better for that kinda of long away trip to convert to oil?

thoughts on stock axles and rear diffs?

I would agree with JC on shocks! dont be cheap either.

Track rod and drag link?

drive shafts?

what air filter are they running in the puma? can you get a synthetic upgrade via a donaldson etc?

PAT303

7th February 2012, 09:49 AM

Serge,my puma runs grease because it's under warranty but I remove the dust cover from the drive flanges and smear grease in them and refit to lube the axles,I did this with my disco and the flanges were original after something like 265,000k's.My rear diff is getting taken out and getting set-up correctly,the biggest problem they have,I'm staying on stock shocks,they work very well and very cheap to replace,I'm staying with the standard drag link but I will get a replacement and set it up so it's a simple swap out it I damage it.IMHO the puma doesn't need much work to tour Oz. Pat

Xtreme

7th February 2012, 09:58 AM

uninformed

7th February 2012, 01:28 PM

if it were me, I would replace axles and drive flanges and change to oil bath bearings. also the track rod and drag link and make sure you have greasable tie rod ends...Just makes me feel warm and fuzzy.

You have wolf rims at 6.5, it may be something to consider a rim that will take a 750/16, even if you are running 235 85 16....I think you would have 2 chances of buying a 255/85 but you wont have any troubles finding a 75016 out west.

Mike, what are your plans for services when on the road? I was going to say to put synthetc oil in your gearbox and transfer, but not much point if they cant be refilled with same. There is a small sump plate for the lt230 that adds about 600ml oil to the capacity, but as the puma lt230 is already low it may not be a good idea (on a 300tdi defender it does not come below the chassis rails with the sump on.

maybe having the rear diff checked set up properly is a good point and also as Pat said, keep it light!

what are the chances of a roo strike on this trip? will you drive at night? that may be the factor for a bull bar....

spudboy

7th February 2012, 04:41 PM

...You have wolf rims at 6.5, it may be something to consider a rim that will take a 750/16, even if you are running 235 85 16....

Wolf rims can run both 235/85R16 and 7.50 16's no problems.

Mike Walkabout

7th February 2012, 04:54 PM

uninformed

7th February 2012, 04:59 PM

from the warranty side of things, make sure your dealer handling the paperwork is happy with any mods so as not to void it.

others here will have a much better idea about servcing along the way.

PAT303

7th February 2012, 05:14 PM

Further confirmation that regular maintenance is the key to longevity. ;)

I've only been saying that from day one,I'm glad someone listens. Pat

PAT303

7th February 2012, 05:18 PM

Service on the road ... found some LR-Dealers on the way (i.e. inserted them into our general route-plan) every 9 to 10k kilometres but am also happy to get your ideas concerning the when and where!
By the way, I'm still under warranty and - if I prolong it for another two years - will be till May 2016 ... just not sure if the additional 2 year's warranty is vaild in Australia.
Cheers, Mike

Mike I live in remote Oz and there is plenty of people who service LR's out here,it's the least of your worries. Pat

Mike Walkabout

7th February 2012, 08:45 PM

Hi Pat, I guessed so, so didn't think too much about it!
Concerning the modifications and my dealer ... the company taking care of the first part of the conversion (Landy-Camper Neunkirchen / Expeditionsfahrzeuge - Innenausbau, Hubdach, Dachzelte fr Offroad-Fahrzeuge - HOME (http://www.landy-camper.de)) is quite well-known in Germany etc. and they were actually one of the people recommended by my LR-dealer. Certainly, with new coil-springs and shocks, these will not be included in the LR-warranty anymore (but have a warranty by the manufacturer as well). I am not going to make any engine-changes while under warranty, so I don't worry about that too much! Want and need the modifications anyway to make the car usable for us, as we only need it for holidays and long trips ... daily stuff we use our BIKES for (yes, cycles, no motorcycles!).
But thanks for the advice ... one never knows ... and I'll definitely make some things sure when we have the next service in April.
All the best, Mike

uninformed

7th February 2012, 08:55 PM

my point re warranty was not just the part you replace wont be warranted but some mods they will say not cover other things due to that mod....I think spring lifts is one example. I would just confirm stuff with your dealer, little effort for the potential trouble. Make notes of your discussions.

Mike Walkabout

7th February 2012, 09:05 PM

Hi, that's what I'll definitely do ... gonna phone my dealer next week and have a service date on 4th April, anyway. Advice is always the thing ... especially as this is our first Defender and first contact with LR! Thanks again,
Mike

TimNZ

7th February 2012, 09:22 PM

Hi Mike, I would get everything confirmed in writing, especially regarding modifications and LR's position with them and your warranty. Just to save any "confusion" in the future.

My 2010 Puma did an 8000k trip from Perth, across the Simpson Desert, and back on stock suspension, tyres, and drive train, (i.e. no lockers), without any problems at all. So like others have said, sometimes simple is best.

Good luck and enjoy your journeys!!! :)

Tim

PAT303

7th February 2012, 10:22 PM

Mine did 15K from the Pilbara to Sydney and back and after doing it I see no reason to change anything except some seat rails. Pat

Mike Walkabout

7th February 2012, 11:12 PM

Hi,
Generally I totally agree with you! Simple is most of the times also best ... and who wants to spend money on things not needed. It's just that due to the wedge-roof-tent-thing (whatever it's called in English), which adds weight and the constant load, even the LR-Dealer told me to upgrade suspension etc.! It looks as if I can go without the rest and keep it simple!
Anyway, it's goot to share some of your knowledge ... am still an absoulte beginner concerning Land Rovers.
Mike

spudboy

7th February 2012, 11:34 PM

Hi again Mike - just a thread worth reading if you are thinking of raising your PUMA: http://www.aulro.com/afvb/90-110-130-defender-county/109899-help-anyone-raised-puma-big-trouble.html

The last couple of pages seem to have a good solution if you were to go down that road.

Personally - I'd not raise it at all. They are high enough at the standard height for touring.

Chers
David

Mike Walkabout

8th February 2012, 07:10 AM

Hi All,
... by the way ... why not using the standard stock tyres on stock rims which we still have (used them only for about 2000km and stored them in the garage) for Australia?? ... What do you think?
Mike

spudboy

8th February 2012, 08:28 AM

Stock Tyres (here we get General Grabbers) are actually pretty good. Good mileage and good enough for general driving (not mud so much).

Do you have alloys or steel rims as standard?

jasonedu

8th February 2012, 07:00 PM

We drove from london to australia (including the outback) with no modifications other than a good set of tyres, a small lift (not required) and a snorkel.

It wasn't even a land rover.

dont get too caught up on all the bits, beyond getting the basics you are better off sending your money travelling.

Mike Walkabout

8th February 2012, 07:57 PM

Hi,
That's exactly what I begin to think, Jason. So, we probably leave out the Longranger tank (don't go on the Canning stock with two small children anyway) and just add an additional 45l tank and then do the rest with one or two jerrycans (probably fixed to the right rear window using frames to fix them there just when needed). Regarding my other open questions: Probably no additional lights, no 100%diff, no winch, no sidebars as well.
David, the stock wheels in Germany are: Michelin Latitude Cross (tubeless) 7.50%16 on steel rims (the white ones). What do you think?? Buy another (i.e. 6th complete wheel) of them and go for it until they're done with and then buy 6 new ones ... or take the (6 as well) 255/85-16 (if they last until then) and follow the same plan (i.e. using them as long as possible and replace when necessary)?
Regarding the thread you recommended, David: That was interesting ... and really bad luck and an Odyssee of discussions about the money and who's responsible! My dealer AND the people at landy-camper (website-link, see above) suggested the double Cardon right from the beginning and they fitted out several cars with this coil/damper combination during the last few years without any problems so far ... probably BECAUSE they added the double Cardon in any case!
Do you have a website/blog of your trip, Jason? Would be great to profit from your experiences!
Best wishes (from cooooold Germany ... freezing minus 10°C), Mike

Mike Walkabout

15th February 2012, 08:42 PM

Hi All,
Just phoned my dealer the other day and asked concerning the conversion / warranty discussion. Officially, every lift can generally limit any warranty on the drivetrain ... they, however, inofficially, told me to do it anyway and said they would still put it under warranty in case of problems. This, they, of course can't put down on paper, as LR would not accept this policy. The master craftsman, however, told my that the combination OME HD Springs, Koni Heavy Track Raid + Double Cardon is pefectly fine and he also has the same combination (incl. BFG MT 255/85-16) ... they suggested the company taking care of the conversion, anyway. So, I think, I'll do it!
The only problem could be that I have to call in at other LR dealers due to a problem on the road ... this could become difficult ... during the next two years. By the way, would you recommend prolonging the warranty for additional two years ... in my case ... with all the coversions. Cost: about 800AUD.
Would really be very happy to get answers concerning my tyre question above.
Anyway, thanks again for all your help ... feel very comfortable with AULRO and am happy to have found you!
Mike

pannawonica

15th February 2012, 10:01 PM

Mine did 15K from the Pilbara to Sydney and back and after doing it I see no reason to change anything except some seat rails. Pat

Mud rails are a right good thing, get a Alive tune Egr shut. Stock suspension is good, remember its not a Tojo it's O.K out of the box!
Check your aircon is 100% you will need it, 47 deg c today here. When touring you do n't really need lockers, TC is for most, quite adequate.:D:BigThumb:

PAT303

15th February 2012, 11:30 PM

The rails,alive chip and the 50ltr aux tank are the next mods. Pat

jasonedu

17th February 2012, 09:47 PM

we started with the blog but never really finished it. what we do have is posted here.

http://www.vcarious.com/Journal/UKtoAustralia/UKtoAustralia.html

the one thing you will notice in Australia that is very different to Europe is the amount of road kill. It sounds like you are building things in Germany so a bullbar is not an option but worth considering once you are over here.

I did manage for years without though so again not essential - just take it easy around dusk.

Hi,
That's exactly what I begin to think, Jason. So, we probably leave out the Longranger tank (don't go on the Canning stock with two small children anyway) and just add an additional 45l tank and then do the rest with one or two jerrycans (probably fixed to the right rear window using frames to fix them there just when needed). Regarding my other open questions: Probably no additional lights, no 100%diff, no winch, no sidebars as well.
David, the stock wheels in Germany are: Michelin Latitude Cross (tubeless) 7.50%16 on steel rims (the white ones). What do you think?? Buy another (i.e. 6th complete wheel) of them and go for it until they're done with and then buy 6 new ones ... or take the (6 as well) 255/85-16 (if they last until then) and follow the same plan (i.e. using them as long as possible and replace when necessary)?
Regarding the thread you recommended, David: That was interesting ... and really bad luck and an Odyssee of discussions about the money and who's responsible! My dealer AND the people at landy-camper (website-link, see above) suggested the double Cardon right from the beginning and they fitted out several cars with this coil/damper combination during the last few years without any problems so far ... probably BECAUSE they added the double Cardon in any case!
Do you have a website/blog of your trip, Jason? Would be great to profit from your experiences!
Best wishes (from cooooold Germany ... freezing minus 10°C), Mike

Mike Walkabout

17th October 2012, 11:09 PM

Mike Walkabout

17th October 2012, 11:38 PM

some more pics

Mike Walkabout

17th October 2012, 11:53 PM

camel_landy

18th October 2012, 07:15 AM

Mike,

Pity I didn't see this thread before... I'm from the UK & went touring around Oz & NZ for 12mths in our 110. We also had 2x kids (5 & 3yrs). :D

Feel free to drop me a PM if you want to have a chat about vehicle prep, packing, family prep, etc... However, what I'd say is 'Keep It Simple'.

Keep the engine, drive train & suspension as standard as possible. It is fine out of the box and it'll make any servicing & running repairs a lot easier while on the trip as the parts will be available anywhere.

When it comes to packing... Keep it as light as possible. The lighter you are, the less stress on the vehicle and the less fixing you'll have to do!!

Finally, get yourself a copy of "The Vehicle Dependant Expedition Guide" by Tom Shepherd and read it. ;)

M

dullbird

18th October 2012, 06:59 PM

we have done 12.000k trip to kakadu including the bullman track up to Gove and we have also done the cape...

I would have to agree with the others as my car is standard..the only thing I will say is I agree with Justin i.e the shocks...

our car did kakadu etc..including Oodnadatta track etc and it was stock however when we did the bullman track and the corrugations were bad after driving for 10hrs the shocks did fade.

So I would say personally keep the vehicle stock but put a good set of shocks on.

newhue

18th October 2012, 07:48 PM

Hi All,
After a far too long period of silence from us, here the big news:
The biggest conversion-step of our Land Rover has been made and we went for a looong shakedown trip to Scandinavia (namely: Denmark, Sweden and Norway) this "summer" (... wouldn't call it a summer, though ... nothing like Oz! :mad:) ..... ABSOLUTELY GREAT CAR! Attached we have some photos ...
What we have so far:
underbody protection, headlight grilles, bonnet checker plates, snorkel, frontrunner expedition (Defender 90) roof rack incl. carrier for 2nd spare wheel, 120WP solar panel, wedge-shaped-pop top, 255 BfG MTs on Wolf rims, 2'' suspension lift (OME coils, Koni Heavy Track Raid, double cardon), twin battery system, battery management, Engel 45l fridge, 70l water tank, storage system, two "beds" sleeping 2 adults + 2 kids, rear bumper, foxwing, oztent rv 4 (incl. groundsheet and deluxe side panels), + .... a whole lot of other equippment.
What we get next week:
additional fuel tank 45l, separ diesel filter, 2 cockpit lamps, 2 sand ladders incl. holder (right rear window), in/out thermometer
Not sure about:
spare wheel carrier rear door ... is the stock one corrugation-safe or sould we go for a HD version? Do we need a high-lift jack (so far, the stock one seems pretty OK ... might buy a second one just to make sure)?
... so we've got to save up some money for our gap year in Australia ... maybe you'll let u stay ;)
All the best from Germany ... you were a great help for us and we still feel very much at home with you all! :D
Michael and Juliane

Michael, just for some Aus ideas, check out Mulgo for some 100lt sill tanks. If you want to get a bit remote and not be restricted by fuel stations more fuel the better really. The standard 75 + 45 your looking at wont get you all that far in some areas over here.
For a spare wheel carrier, again Aus design, Rigidige (spel?) here on the forum makes a cracking version. Perhaps the bast and most practical on the market.

Lastly, have you put your truck over the weigh bridge. It's great to have every accessory as they all have a purpose, but some are more necessary than others and a badly over weight truck may be victim to all sorts of annoying failures after 250km of corrugations.

Still nothing looks over done, just things add up very quickly.

POD

18th October 2012, 07:51 PM

I don't have a defender (planning to change that soon) but have done a fair bit of outback touring, one thing I would recommend is a bullbar. If not, don't drive in outback areas after about 4:00 in the afternoon. One collision with a kangaroo could ruin your whole trip.
Travelling alone you may well find yourselves wishing for a winch also, seems like you are aiming for complete independence and the ability to venture wherever you feel like, some kind of self-recovery equipment is then essential.
You won't need difflocks, that's what your TC is for so save your cash.
Long range tank is also on my list of essentials.
Don't miss the Great Ocean Road. Oz is not only red dust!

Mike Walkabout

18th October 2012, 07:59 PM

dullbird

18th October 2012, 08:23 PM

have you thought about perhaps saving your pennies for things like long range tanks..
and perhaps if cheaper here buy them and have them fitted when you come over? just perhaps plan to add the time to your trip to accommodate

I can recommend the 45ltr rear quarter tank...at least to help your range and not to expensive will get your good range especially if your going to carry jerrys as well

Mike Walkabout

18th October 2012, 08:33 PM

Doesn't a long range tank reduce the ground clearance / rear angle considerably?
As we have 12 months to spend in OZ, there should be enough time both to accomodate and maybe also add some extras if they're cheaper.
The 45l rear quarter tank is what we'll get next week.

newhue

18th October 2012, 08:43 PM

We are planning on adding 2 or more jerrycans, so that we'll have some additional diesel available ... the sill tanks really look great but are very expensive (at least over here in Europe) ... Sad but true!
So far, we are planning to go without the winch, as it adds more weight and might not be used that much (a good friend crossed Africa three times without using thw winch, the hi-lift and the diff-locks)!
It really is hard to find out which way to go here ... only afterwards we'll really know! Thanks anyway for your help ... CU, Michael

Yes I know. I've dragged a high lift around the place for years now and never used it. Other use them all the time for all sorts of things. I guess you could use it for a winch and a jack. Usually a meter of pulling is enough to get you through things. And though it's hard work the amount of times a winch or a high lift are limited. It may cover two uses with one item.
From my experience travelling alone one doesn't stick their car where it will compromise the trip very often, but the odd mistake (getting bogged) because one is too busy looking around can happen from time to time.
I would put the money for a diff lock towards the expedition on the road budget. A locker is nice to have, but again while touring it's uses may be limited. All depends on how adventurous you are and what you like doing really. If you are at the upper end of that than a locker would have been early on the shopping list me thinks.

camel_landy

19th October 2012, 07:18 AM

In the rear wings, you can get 45L diesel on one side and a 45L water on the other. You can also get another fuel tank under your passenger seat (standard Land Rover option).

M

Doesn't a long range tank reduce the ground clearance / rear angle considerably?
As we have 12 months to spend in OZ, there should be enough time both to accomodate and maybe also add some extras if they're cheaper.
The 45l rear quarter tank is what we'll get next week.

Mike Walkabout

19th October 2012, 07:51 AM

Hi M,
Will ask a friend concerning the idea of the fuel tank under the passenger seat ... at the moment (it's a left hand drive!), it's the place for bulbs and fuses and some other electric stuff. I'll try to find out ... sounds a good idea to me! Thanks!

camel_landy

19th October 2012, 08:44 AM

Not sure about the TD5 & TDCi but Land Rover used to offer the option of a second tank under your passenger seat. The change over tap even changes the fuel gauge to look at the 2nd tank. :D

I'd be surprised if you couldn't get something to fit.

M

Xtreme

19th October 2012, 10:48 AM

Here are two Defender sill tanks that fit under the existing seat boxes.
Dimensions are in attachments - but should check actual vehicle dimensions before having them made up as I have found that Landys vary somewhat from vehicle to vehicle. :o

http://www.aulro.com/afvb/general-chat/130859-long-range-tank-vs-jerry-cans-3.html

Capacity is 55 and 35 litres + a bit more depending on how you plumb the filler hose/s. I use a Facit pump to transfer fuel to OE tank when required.

One advantage of sill tanks over the rear wing tanks is that the extra weight is better positioned.

Only mod I'd make if making more up would be to reduce size of filler to 38mm dia and put a second air breather at other end of tank/s.
Also, when plumbing air breather, care must be taken to ensure that there are no low spots which will cause partial blockages if/when fuel enters the air line.

newhue

19th October 2012, 11:23 AM

In the rear wings, you can get 45L diesel on one side and a 45L water on the other. You can also get another fuel tank under your passenger seat (standard Land Rover option).

M

Just be careful running 33's or 255/85, thay will rub on the rear 1/4 tanks.

Here in Aus the 1/4 tank is $900 which is pretty hard to get your head around for 45lt. $ per lt Mulgo are reasonably good value for money.

VladTepes

28th November 2012, 04:51 PM

Just saw this thread and from the title I thought you'd bolted a Freelander engine into a Defender !

Chops

28th November 2012, 06:52 PM

Service on the road ... found some LR-Dealers on the way (i.e. inserted them into our general route-plan) every 9 to 10k kilometres but am also happy to get your ideas concerning the when and where!
By the way, I'm still under warranty and - if I prolong it for another two years - will be till May 2016 ... just not sure if the additional 2 year's warranty is vaild in Australia.
Cheers, Mike

Was talking to a fellow a couple of weeks ago who took his car from Aus to China and discovered when he got back that LR have a world wide warranty service.
When in China he had a problem which was fixed there, and when back here, they reimbursed him for the work.
Not bad, but I'd be checking just to make sure.

2stroke

30th November 2012, 06:17 AM

Though it's already been said, I must agree, keep the weight down. Overloading causes a large proportion of suspension and tyre failures. The places you mention are merely dirt "highways" and in an offroading sense won't give a standard Defender any trouble (if you have good dampers, eg. Bilstein or Koni). These roads often have severe corrugations - like a washboard surface - and really shake a vehicle, hour after hour for hundreds of kilometers. Bolts shake loose, suspension bushes fail, door latches play up wires break and tyres fail. A guy at Mt Dare once said to me "we use the under 30 under 80 rule, tyres below 30 speed under 80". If that ****** in the Landcruiser with big tyres wants to pass you and do 130 let him go, you'll pass him again when he stops for fuel or tyres.

Xtreme

30th November 2012, 08:26 AM

x2^^

Mike Walkabout

1st December 2012, 03:01 AM

Thanks guys! The route, of course, is just a pre-planned one and doesn't include any detours etc. Certainly, in between, we want to do some "real" offroading! But travelling clearly is going to be the main part!
Just some new / old problems that still go around in my head unsolved:
- do I need a "wading kit"?
- do I really need an HD spare wheel carrier for the rear door? ... When I think of the corrugations I've experienced in Oz, I think, I have to!
- concerning the route ... Kimberley and Cape York before or after the wet?
- does anybody have any experiences with an "air jack"??
It would be great of you to help finding answers!
All the best from icy-cold Germany,
Michael

Sparkys

1st December 2012, 11:47 AM

Mike I can't help with all of those but can with the exhaust jack. I have used them and I think they are invaluable on sand as they are really easy to set up and can fit under the car where a bottle jack might not be able to. However, don't rely on them solely or get under the car when the car is supported by the air jack, even though they are tough if they collapse they can go down quickly.

Hoges

1st December 2012, 01:47 PM

One from out of left field... when you arrange all the accommodation space requirements, don't forget the kids will be 3 yrs older... larger/longer!! ;):angel:

Mike Walkabout

1st December 2012, 03:46 PM

Hihi ... don't necessarily all have to sleep in the car (even though we have a large double bed for two adults "upstairs" plus a children's bed of the size 1 by 2 metres), as we have an Oztent RV4 which we can zip on to our foxwing awning! Simply great setup which gives us loads of space!

newhue

2nd December 2012, 07:22 AM

Mike, I'd say a HD rear wheel mount is a good idea. There is 35 to 40kg hanging off the door which is a bit whimsical anyway. Just have a good look at the design first. HD can sometimes only be no mare than a statement.

Leave the exhaust jack behind. It's more weight and space. Yes there may be once you could use it, but if you have a hi lift use that. Take one item not both. I think the hi lift has more uses than an air jack, just the weight is depressing. If you bog it in sand, it's just a matter of lowering tyre pressures (can be down to 8psi) and a bit of shovel work and reverse back out. Then re inflate the tyres again, or maintain pressures until back on harder ground. Don't try and drive for long on 8psi however. Chances are all you will ever need to change a tyre is the standard jack.

Wading kit? A snorkel can be useful. Make sure you seal the LR one if you have original. I pulled mine apart and used sensor safe silicone to seal the joints. That is all they do with a "proper one".
If you are talking radiator cover, I'd say no. Yes it's text book stuff, but the radiator is a long way forward on a Tdci, so unless you hit the water like your in the Camel Trophy then there isn't a problem. People on the forum have been through bonnet high water in a Tdci up the cape and had no issues. Again tyre pressures are the key to water crossings really. I think the standard diff, g box, trans breathers are fine, well on my 130 I'm happy with them. Again, Camel Trophy stuff is a different matter.

If you are pulling things off in preparation, I be using a mild form of Lock Tight to re install the nut, or replace with Nylock nuts. It's not much extra while you are ding the job and it gives good piece of mind when hours of hard travel have been done. This however does not null in void regular observation maintenance under the truck.

gee even I'm getting excited, I look forward to see the post that says Hoo Roo we're finally leavening.

Mike Walkabout

20th December 2012, 07:19 PM

Hi All,
Simply wanted to say thanks and Merry X-Mas to all of you ... you were a great help and I am really looking forward to meeting (at least some of) you when we're in AUS on our gap year ... or maybe for longer ;-)! AULRO simply is the BEST!

... By the way, I would not recommend the German company (if interested ... look up their name on the previous posts) anymore who did the main conversion of our Landy ... They made mistakes, OK that happens to all of us, but were not interested in fixing things and now Im still after more than 700€ (i.e. about 1000 AU$), which were the costs for having it repaired at a different company!
Still the car simply is great and I love it and am totally happy when people wave at me ...

All the best from a cold German island,
Mike

spudboy

20th December 2012, 08:51 PM

Hope you stay warm - looks like it's going to be 3 or 4 degrees for Xmas day.

If you are here for Xmas next year, it will probably be 33 or 34 degrees (depending on where you are up to) :D

BTW - what is the German Island you are on? You up in the North Sea or the Baltic?

Cheers
David

Mike Walkabout

20th December 2012, 09:40 PM

Hi David,
Big Envy concerning the temperatures ... We#re definitely not made for this climate here!
Island: It is called Spiekeroog, is only 19 square km and is 8 miles off the north German coast in the North Sea ... little more than a sandbank!
Charming ... probably one of the last parts of Germany, you could call "Outback" ;-)
All the Best,
Mike

BigF350

9th January 2013, 02:00 PM

Mike,
First - best of luck in the planning for your trip.
I haven't done a huge trip in a vehicle yet, but have crossed many a country on a motorbike. As the others have said, worry less about the modifications to the vehicle - the closer to stock the better, as people will be able to repair/replace it.
I would add that good quality shocks are an exception... as might be a bullbar.
But in general keep it as light as possible.

I would get the extended warranty, if in the fine print it is a worldwide warranty (I know with bikes, the only make I know of that will honor warranty expenses out of the purchasing country is BMW). Land Rover are usually a lot better than other marques with their warranty fine print, lets hope they are here too.
I would also get a local Auto Club membership (if you can) once you are here, that will cover towing in case of a breakdown in the middle of no-where. Can be expensive if you are footing the bill yourself.

Re: big tanks, as long as your vehicle can do 1000km off-road without refueling, its probably good enough, you will be buying fuel that is more expensive, sure - but beats lugging around an extra 100kg of fuel for the 99% of the time when you are not using it.

gavinwibrow

9th January 2013, 04:48 PM

I don't have a defender, but have heard recent tales of rear chassis damage from a 2 x rear wheels carrier. Not sure which is worse, carrier or rear door location. Others with more expertise can no doubt provide better/more info

NT5224

9th January 2013, 05:22 PM

Hi Mike

Happy new year to you and your family

Your Expedition Land Rover looks great

I'm sure you'll have a great adventure on your trip around Australia. I feel I'm starting on an adventure every time I drive mine :)

Just to add to what others have said on the winch issue, you may only use once, or maybe never on your whole trip, but you'll be lugging its weight the whole way around Australia. One alternative to consider is a carrying a hand winch which will do the job in an emergency, is much lighter and more flexible (can tow you out backwards if needed). On the few occasions I've been bogged needing recovery, I've always needed to go backwards to get out of the stuff, not further into it!

One more thing, as you may already know if you've been to Australia, the corregations on some of the tracks you plan travel can be brutal. So suspension upgrade - yes. Plan your weight -yes. But also be careful that all your external fixtures are secure. I can almost guarantee that any bolted on external accessories will be shaken off - your jerry can racks for example- on the Gibb road. They look nice, but need to be really, really secure. It will save you drama on the road.

Obvious thing. Make sure you got 2 spares in the outback. Sure you can repair a tube and put it back on your rim in an hour or so, but in some areas punctures are unfortunately quite frequent and you don't want to be stopping constantly. I'd say a second spare wheel and tyre is well worth the weight.

I would also endorse the suggestion of a second fuel filter/water trap. Our diesel in the outback is often of variable quality and a bad batch can ruin your trip. This seems to me to be a much more useful addition to your rig than hardcore Offroad stuff like lockers and sliders. I very much doubt you'll be doing that with a fully laden vehicle or want to risk vehicle damage when on the trip of a lifetime.

And whoever suggested dual batteries was spot on. :)

If you travel through the Top End your welcome to come camp on our property - its a beautiful place with lots of nice spots for hiking swimming and kayaking.

Cheers

Alan

2stroke

9th January 2013, 05:24 PM

I doubt you'd be so envious of our climate of recent weeks, plenty of places in the very high 40's celsius, added to a large proportion of the continent being on fire!
If you do cart a high lift jack around the country be sure and get a good base plate for it, you'll be glad to have it if you try to use the jack to escape from a salt lake (you'll need "slider bars" under your doors too for the jack to be really useful).
On the fuel tank subject I have a 127L tank in my Tdi 130 and have crossed the Simpson west to east as well as north to south without needing the jerry cans. Having said that I'm fitting a further 80L for this year's trip down the Canning Stock Route.

Mike Walkabout

9th January 2013, 05:59 PM

Thanks for the posts, mates!
Yeah, the car simply is great ... we have been planning and dreaming for more than 5 years ... saving up ... and now, bit by bit, we'll make the dream come true. By the way, the photo with the jerry can holders is not our Land Rover! That one is owned by the company who did the first part of the conversion ... and I'm having trouble with about money issues :-( ! Don't want the jerry cans hanging to the side of the car! Probably I'll have one or two 20l jerry cans fixed to the roof rack (which then would add up to 160l in total). And, we do have two spares, of course (... didn't have them in AUS, though, but luckily didn't have a flat tyre anyway).
Which Auto Club would you recommend?? Have been scanning the sites of one or two (NRMA, I think, and one other club) and am not sure which one has the best coverage ... also, I'm not sure whether I as a non Australian are able to join.
Concerning the winch ... thought about a hand winch .. just not sure which make? Are there any ARB-packages around??
Alan, thanks for the idea with the 2nd Diesel filter ... is it difficult to install?? And: Thanks for the invitation! We'll definitely contact you when we're somewhere near Robin Falls.
Climate ... Yes, I posted that before the news had reached me about the bush fires ... That really is a disaster! Have been following the news on the net during the last few days! Really terrible for the people who lost everything, for the nature ...!
All the Best, Michael

Mike Walkabout

9th January 2013, 06:56 PM

greenhornet

9th January 2013, 09:20 PM

This is a great thread and a great trip for you.
Apologies if it has been mentioned in this thread already, but have you thought about purchasing a set of Max Trax? MAXTRAX: Vehicle Extraction & Recovery (http://www.maxtrax.com.au/)

Brilliant bit of gear, especially if you are travelling on your own.

Good luck with the trip prep.
Lots of great advice already given here.
Cheers

spudboy

11th January 2013, 10:02 PM

And still another question ...
I am thinking of buying a gps / navi system and just don't know which to take!
Garmin seems to be the best on the market, but which one is best the nüvi, zumo or montana series?? It should have more than just street navigation, which speaks for zumo or montana. And then, there is the ecoroute hd thingy, which you can use to read out the failure numbers (do you call it that in English?) ... and that is only compatible with nüvi or zumo! Do you think it can be problematic to have the ecoroute plugged in all the time?

I can give good feedback on the Zumo 660, which I bought for motorbike touring but I also use in the cars too. It is designed for use with motorbike gloves on, so it is good for fat fingered people or when things are vibrating around on rough roads. Plays music and has bluetooth too.

Been 100% reliable and I've used it in the pouring rain on my motorbike for a couple of thousand KMs through Germany and France.

Cheers
David

Mike Walkabout

12th January 2013, 02:44 AM

... just two new pics ... All the best, Mike

mfc

28th January 2013, 10:00 AM

hi.
were just back from a 4 + month trip in a td5 {following mutch of youre route. My thoughts are
.....light as posible, take a spare tyre off the rim and changing gear , with a 125 L tank we found a jerry can extra handy but didnt have to rely on it. {there cheep and you can pick them up as needed rather than carrying them all the time}
...two jacks
....new shocks and springs {130 springs on front}
.....we used a 110 ah deep cycle battery and a cteck charger....locktite everything you can, it will shake loose...

We found any parts needed were easy and cheep provided you order in rather than get ordered localy {provided you have time to sit and wait}

The winch we used once to pull us from somewhere we wouldn't have been withought it.good peice of mind though.
..good comms..we used hf and vks737 for phone ,check ins,road info etc and found the network more useful on a day by day basis than a sat phone would have been.

We hit 2 roos on our trip so a bar is comforting .
As mentioned above we found a 125L tank good enough with a 20L can as back up and id put in a water tank in preferance to another 40 l of fuel and a larger/second deep cycle battery.
cheers mark

Mike Walkabout

29th January 2013, 04:07 AM

Hi Mark,
Thanks for the post ...
Jacks: would you recommend two bottle jacks or one bottle jack + a hilift?
Shocks: we have front: Koni Heavy Track Raid and rear: Koni Heavy Track Raid + Koni Heavy Track (due to the added constant weight of the pop top roof and the other stuff inside the car). With the OME-springs, it's a great combination and driving has been impressively improved since the conversion.
Winch simply is veeery expensive ... not really sure whether it's worth spending the money for 30 to 40 days on a winch instead of spending it "on the road" ... ?? If you have to - in an emergency - use it, you know better!
How much was the two way radio??? Which brand should we get? Which network is the best to join?
Concerning motor clubs ... which one would be the best one for us ...? Are foreigners allowed to join?
Thanks again,
Mike

mfc

29th January 2013, 12:00 PM

re auto clubs ,there interconected here {ie racv{victoria} got my car back from the birdsville area after a gear box colapse (accomodation and shipping car home to a value of around 2000 bucks} iirc there mutch the same cost wise. Jack wise i took a highlift{bolted in the rear footwell in front of the seat}and a disco bottle jack.
RE winches my bar had provisions for it {cheepish chinese winch with syn rope}and wile it was used ,it was because the winch was there that we got stuck........turfors are good but large and took up to mutch space inside for us so it stayed in the shed.
Hf radios can be had for around 1500 bucks upwards and say 400 for a taped wip.Have a peep at hf radio online Hf-Radio.com.au Online Store - Home (http://www.hf-radio.com.au) the guy who runs it is great to deal with.Re networks have a loook at www.vks737.on.They offer a good overview of the network.
Regarding freeing up space inside id be thinking of a water tank rather than an exta fuel tank. Unless youre doing somthing like the canning 120 odd litres gets you there,fuels available all over the place.If you think youll be driving more than 1000 kms between fuel grab a jerry can or two.

Mike Walkabout

29th January 2013, 04:58 PM

Hi again,
Concerning water tanks ... we have two inbuilt tanks, one containing 70l and a smaller one containing 15l, plus a plastic jerry can, which contains a further 30l. A total of 115l (plus soft drinks in the esky, mineral water and the such incl. wine ;-) ) should be enough, hopefully!
Cheers Mike

newhue

29th January 2013, 07:30 PM

Mike it's all coming along, great to hear.

We are with RACQ, the Queensland version of an auto club. As mentioned, in one and you are covered nationally by the other states version of a club. We upgraded to the top level of break down/road side assist as it offers a fair bit of "piece of mind". From simple inconvenient break down towing to serious accident and loss of vehicle, the top level covers accommodation, replacement vehicle and a whole lot of other stuff.

We have gone for a Satellite phone and epirp as our remote communications. Epirp incase no one can make a call, but can hit a button. And a phone to call the exact person we need to. Normal radio works Ok at night with a good aerial, and we have found it OK for weather updates most of the time. Hopeless during the day reasonably remote however.
A HF radio can solve much of the above but for me I have heard a lot of people have clarity issues. They seem to suffer from feedback a bit. And they are big taking there fair share of cabin space. The other is the are quite expansive as well. The kids don't know how to work one either I'd imagine until they are 10ish.

the winch, the dam winch. If you have an auxiliary battery then you are over half way there. I don't use mine much, but the piece of mind it give me to poke my nose down some beach, river bed, or forested track is well worth the $800 I paid for it.

Water, 115lt of water is enough for most things in Aus. There is boxed water if you find yourself going on some long remote haul. Carry a hose, with a hose and tape fitting. Some places won't let you use theirs to fill the tanks as selfish people have pinched the supplied hose. Plus you can fill from anywhere if you ask or have to do a night run.

Navigation, For me I like paper maps with a simple GPS to cross reference. A small lap top to communicate with the outside world and store digital maps to still cross reference with the gps. I like to read the map and form a lay of the land in my head, not just follow the line on the navman.

Mike Walkabout

24th February 2013, 09:38 PM

Hi All,
After thorough considerations and re-reading most of the thread we have decided on the following last bits:
- hd rear door spare wheel carrier ( Heck-Reserveradhalterung Spare Wheel Carrier, Defender 110 SW, H - Ex-Tec GmbH (http://shop.ex-tec.de/product_info.php?products_id=6) )
- portable compressor (just not sure which one though, ARB to me seems a good decision)
- hand winch
We are still not sure about and would like to get some last bits of advice:
- rock sliders (instead of the steps the rover came with from the showroom; seems to be good, because it gives some side-impact protection and can be used for lifting in combination with the hi-lift and also winching; problem: added weight to what we have already (2450kgs), and a further 800€, which could be also spent on the road)
- hilift (we do have a bottle jack; the hilift adds another 20kg weight and might not be needed that often ... or am I wrong in that?! + makes up for another 440€ including adaptors, base-plate etc.)
Well, even though these questions - again - probably seem to be stupid ones for most of you, still I/we feel that it's hard to decide whether to include them or not, so it would be wonderful to get some final advice! N. B. that we don't do bush bashing, just want to travel off the beaten tracks, which will also include Cape Your, Gunbarrel Hwy, Holland Track and probably some other more remote tracks!
Looking forward to your ideas, Mike

justinc

24th February 2013, 09:58 PM

hi mike, i would forget the hi lift jack as they are heavy, can be dangerous too, and most importantly unless you have the correct mountings on the vehicle to lift from then it is unusable. a good quality high extending hydraulic bottle jack is adequate, weld a V plate to it to fit under the axle tube, take a base to spread the load on soft surfaces, and take an axle stand or even a pair for safety. your vehicle when loaded is going to be heavy; around 3000kgs i reckon all up so jacking it up/ supporting it must be done safely.

standard puma shocks are gas, and like pat says are quite good but they won't cut it with 3 tons to control. (there i go on about shocks again...)

i'd also like to change my comment about winches since i posted all that time back, a hand winch is a waste of time and extra weight, i can just picture you waist deep in a croc infested creek in north queensland for an hour trying to haul you rig along with a tirfor winch. :(. use a good electric winch and plasma rope for weight saving.

jc

MLD

26th February 2013, 10:00 AM

Mike, do you own a GPS enabled iPad? That could be a cheap alternate to buying a GPS specific unit. I assume the SIM cards are universal in size so it would be a matter of buying a contract or PAYG. There are several providers of maps with a range of pricing. Memory Map seems to have the least amount of negative feedback. Have a read of the posts on the GPS forum on AULRO. I'd recommend a hard copy Hema outback maps. You will be able to buy regional books. For the outback stuff there is no need for 1:25,000 detail and paper maps never have an IT meltdown.

I agree with Justin, the tufor is a big heavy lump of recovery equipment. Do yourself a favour and go road test one before deciding whether it's the solution you are looking for. Something that hasn't been mentioned in the winch department is the price. A tufor is about $300. A respectable chinese made winch like the Tigerz model is less than $500 with dyneema rope. If you have set your mind on winching capacity, I know which I'd prefer even for a few extra pennies.

I'm watching your list of modifications blowing out weight. It's incremental and I think you will be surprised when you put it on a weigh bridge. You might need to start considering jettisoning non-essential modifications. More weight on the truck in mods, less you can carry of other stuff like clothes, food, water etc. You'll need the 5 of life's essentials before you need rock sliders etc. I own a reasonably modified 110 and if I was to build a touring defender I'd do 3 things: (1) buy good quality shocks (which you have done), (2) fill the fuel tank; (3) throw in a tent and a few clothes and drive out of the city. The standard truck will do what you want of it in spades. Mechanic sympathy and keeping weight down will be the best thing for ensuring reliability.

That all said, well done on the adventure, your truck is well set up and looking a treat. I've enjoined reading this tread. Lots of good ideas and well trodden experience.

ps: I agree with a post a while back about the great ocean road. The road between Adelaide and Geelong is some of the most beautiful landscape you will experience. The sentiment is: not all of Australia's worthy places to see requires dirt roads and corrugations.

pps: You might want to consider temporary storage for non essential items when you are travelling or shipping items ahead from city to city. IE If you plan to take 3 weeks to travel from Sydney to Brisbane stopping at seaside town you won't need heavy recovery equipment, second spare tyre and depending on season, some clothes. Ship that stuff ahead to lighten the load and free up space for surfboards and the sand that you will accumulate. No need to carry everything everywhere.

MLD :)

2stroke

26th February 2013, 10:17 AM

Sliders can easily be made for a Defender, 50 x 75 RHS with 3mm wall. No point carrying a hilift without them, though you can get adaptors to fit to some wheels. If it was a choice between a hand winch and a hilift I'd prefer the hilift with a plastic base plate, got stuck in a salt lake once and was glad I had it. Winch would have been no use and didn't dare put another vehicle in there to snatch it out.

Mike Walkabout

26th February 2013, 06:06 PM

Hi MLD,
We recently bought a Garmin Montana 600, as we can use that one in the car, for walking/hiking and on our sailing boat! That definitely is worth the money, I think! But, we also want to buy a GPS enabled iPad as an additional unit for navigation, emails etc. HEMA maps are OK and we used them in Oz and they were really worth the money!
Winches: the problem also is that before installing an electric winch, you also need a winch bar, which then adds up weight and cost! Some people advised us to not take hilift, winch and hand winch and spend the money on the road! Well, ...?
Weight: we have put the Landy on a weight bridge, and (empty) it now has 2.450 kgs. We will probably not add more weight to it ... apart from ourselves and the luggage.
All our mods: We have been planning now for over three years according to our special situation. Just to give you some ideas ... here are (some of) our thoughts / ideas:
- We live on a car-free island, so we don’t use the landy for everyday driving, it's a car for touring off the beaten track.
- As we are going to travel in / with it not only during holidays, but also for (at least) one gap year, everything has to be stored well and has to be convenient for a family of four with two small children.
- We wanted to be able to sleep in the car with the complete family, so we decided to go for a wedge-pop-top.
- In case of an emergency, it takes not more than 40 seconds to fold down the pop-top and drive away without having to leave the car (we tested that).
- The pop-top is more stabile in windy conditions (and can be heated from the inside – cold Europe, don’t forget!).
- The additional Oz-Tent in bad / hot weather gives us the chance to put it up, put the children in there with a box of toys ... and then, we have enough time to set up the rest of the camp.
- The foxwing is attached to the car and can be zipped onto the Oz-Tent, which then gives all of us enough space.
As you said it, MHD, the thread simply is exciting and, for us, really this thread and the rest of the AULRO-forum was so much help ... Thanks again to all of you!
Travelling: We have been to Australia before and enjoyed the Gt. Ocean Rd., but – after overcrowded Europe – we are generally looking for solitude, free nature and discoveries off the beaten track! We definitely are planning to include some touristy sights as well, but generally, we want to meet people, be out bush and enjoy an easy lifestyle. ... and we simply love the dirt roads, as they have nearly vanished in (Central) Europe!
All the best and thanks for your help and ideas, Mike

newhue

1st March 2013, 05:45 AM

other may disagree, and of course less weight is preferred. But I have found my 130 copes very well at GVM. It seems even though it is maxed out, lower tyre pressures, sensible speed, and Defenders plod make it not a big deal.

Good tyres, shocks, and bushes have much of the unknown taken care of.

Mike Walkabout

24th March 2013, 10:11 PM

Hi All,
got rid of the sidesteps this weekend ... landy looks even better now!
Next bits and pieces are: spare wheel carrier rear door and compressor (not sure, though, whether to get a portable one or make it an onboard compressor with access points on either side of the car)!
What do you think of wheel spacers (3,5 cm on either side). Do they improve stability??

gingz

25th March 2013, 12:33 AM

Mike Walkabout

25th March 2013, 12:49 AM

Hi Gingz,
Thanks a lot for the advice ... as we want to stay in AUS for at least one year, this might be a most important bit of information, as the Defender, of course, has to pass the roadworthy test (or whatever it's called)!
Are there any other things you found on this thread and you know that they are illegal in AUS? Would be great to know of those in advance to get rid of them BEFORE shipping the car to Fremantle!
Thanks, Mike

2stroke

25th March 2013, 04:41 AM

Aside from being illegal, wheel spacers on a heavilly loaded vehicle and long hot driving days on corrugated roads will surely kill wheel bearings.
:o

Mike Walkabout

25th March 2013, 05:31 AM

I didn't know that! Funny, though, that a friend who has a garage specialized on Land Rovers and other 4bies, recommended them! Anyway, found out on the net that they are really illegal in all states in AUS, so we simply don't take them ... knowing that they're destroying wheel bearings underlines the correctness of this decision!

2stroke

25th March 2013, 03:46 PM

Guess I probably overstated the wheel bearing thing, but it will surely increase load on wheelbearings as well as kingpin bearings at the front. Steering will be affected by the increased scrub radius. To be honest I don't see stability being improved a lot either because the springs are the same and it's not often you test stability to the extent of lifting 2 wheels... I hope.

weeds

25th March 2013, 08:59 PM

What rims are you running??

Quite a few guys have flipped the centers of their disco rims to give more offset.....this probably equates to most of what wheel spacers will give you

Mike Walkabout

25th March 2013, 09:24 PM

Hi, we have "Wolf" rims ... but I think spacers are out anyway as they're illegal and so far (concerning European law), we are completely on the legal side, which is good!

newhue

26th March 2013, 05:45 AM

yeh Mike I'd keep it as close to bog stock as possible. Not that I should be telling you that as I have altered rear diff and spring height.
But plenty of Defenders have been packed to the hilt and driven to all corners of the world as LR made them.

Not sure what you have done with your sway bars, but keep them on. I know there is discussion for removal, but I have seen no limiting factor regarding them and the places and ease mine goes compared to mates who don't run them. However when mine were temporarily removed I felt the car was less stable with loads on above 80klm. Could be just a different sensation I wasn't accustom to but every mod has an effect.

as for every mod has knock on effect, in my case my springs being a bit higher inverted the sway bar one cross axel experience. No biggie but was a bugger to sort at the place and time. My bump stops also need lengthening as the shocks were the bump stops for a while. I thought I had my suspension sorted but took a while to understand it better. And all I did was lift the car to standard heigh but when full of load.
My alternative rear diff required the drive shaft shorting so now it's unique. You don't wreck a drive shaft often; but if you keep things bog stock parts can be easier to source if you ever need to. Going on global travels it makes more sense not to do some modifications.

Mike Walkabout

26th March 2013, 07:59 PM

Hi Jason,
We've, actually, kept a lot of things stock even though it may look different. What we've changed is suspension (shockers, front: koni heavy track raid, rear: koni heavy track + heavy track raid; springs: OME HD) and a double cardon. Apart from that everything in the drive train, engine et cetera is as it was when we got the car out of the showroom. No changes planned concerning the sway bars (we actually thought of buying another front sway bar and put it into the back of the car instead of the stock rear one to improve the ride ... the LR dealer had that idea ... but the ride is perfect now with upgraded suspension etc.)! So, no worries about that!
We also thought of installing an ARB 100% rear diff-locker but the TC and centre diff seem to be perfectly fine, as we're not planning on going bush-bashing for 30.000 km on end!
Most modifications are for camping and to improve our on-the-road life (wedge pop top, water tanks, beds, storage ...).
Mike

Mike Walkabout

26th March 2013, 11:48 PM

newhue

27th March 2013, 05:18 AM

Mike I think price wise you are looking at small owner manufacturing verse Chinese.

This guy over here is a similar price to the stainless one your looking at. He builds them himself I believe.
Home - Rijidij Off Road (http://rijidijoffroad.bounce.com.au)
I don't have a spare wheel carrier so others can comment on build strength.

I do have a air compressor mounted on the left hand side of the car. Mine would be head height and behind your rear door in a 110. It's an ARB and the hose easily reaches all wheels. I do however have to lob the hose under the car to reach the drivers side.
I like hard wired because I think it's convenient. Popping the seat and battery cover plate to plug a compressor in a box doesn't appeal. Others hard wire a cigarette socket somewhere in the vehicle to over come this.
I went externally as the kids always seem to be asleep when I need to air up. I also went high as I have replaced a water affected one in the past. That aren't very water resistant, but they are expansive.

Perhaps if you are considering a locker, a Detroit No Spin auto locker may suite. Half the price, and works seamlessly. I have one, and many others over here also use them. They have been around for a long time and well proven.
It would be wise however to upgrade axels and flanges. Traction and a winch will get you everywhere anyway. I don't have traction in the 130, so I have a locker and winch.

2stroke

27th March 2013, 05:22 AM

G'day Mike, as for the compressor, my thoughts are you'd want some way to adjust tyre pressures up as well as down, may as well install it somewhere out of the way, then it's just flick the switch and grab the air hose. I have an air hose plug each side of the 130, though inside the rear doors now as the salt, sand , dust etc played havock with the fittings when they were under the vehicle.
Not sure if stainless is the right choice of material to make anything that needs to carry weight and handle vibrations?

n plus one

28th March 2013, 06:35 AM

I wouldn't be inclined to mount a hi lift on that cheaper wheel carrier - I'm aware of similar designs that have failed when heavily loaded on corrugations (which would be bloody inconvenient).

Consequently, I'd consider them both to be wheel carriers only. Also, while the stainless one is a very nest piece of kit, again I'd be nervous about its durability over corrugations (and ease of repair in remote locations) - I think on balance I'd recommend the cheaper of the two - or a Rijidij if that's an option for you. I have one of these and it's unbelievably tough.

I apologise as I have not re-read your thread for a while and so can't recall your exposure to badly corrugated roads - but they are basically a destructive force that takes no prisoners. In this respect you've certainly made a solid call upgrading your suspension.

Regarding a hard mounted compressor - I have an ARB unit mounted in my rear storage drawers and its proven to be an extremely useful piece of kit that can be used for locker actuation in the future. I've found the hose long enough to reach all four corners of a 110 - it comes out of the drivers side passenger door.

At very least i would consider a remote power plug if uou go for a portable compresor - having shorted my batteries out twice last night while I was reinstalling them (tired and in the dark) I have no appetite for having to play around in my battery compartment any more.

Prioritise quality with a compresor - a broken one is less than useless its an excuse not too run appropriate tyre pressures, which is a puncture/bogging/singl vehicle rollover waiting to happen.

PS I'm envious of your trip!

n plus one

28th March 2013, 06:35 AM

gingz

28th March 2013, 09:26 AM

Hi mike,

You asked a couple of days ago about legality of the 110...I had a mate a few months back who got pulled over by the police for having too many spot light, he had 6.

He had to take it over the pits(road worthy) and was informed that 4 spot lights was the maximum in WA...not sure how many you have but thought it would be good for you to know.

Cheers

Mike Walkabout

28th March 2013, 07:30 PM

Hi gingz,
We're not planning on installing any Camel-Trophy-Style extra head lights or spots, so there's going to be no problem there! We're, however, thinking of installing maybe one spot, which can be turned/moved from the inside of the car ... But that's just based on a recommendation by Tom Sheppard ... don't really know, whether we'll really need it or not! Thanks for the info, anyway ... Do want to be on the safe side when it comes to the situation when the officials check the car after shipping to Fremantle.
n plus one, thanks a lot for your ideas concerning the spare wheel carriers ... We have actually been interested in the Rijdij one, but are not sure, whether it is OK according to European/German roadworthy regulations, which sometimes are a bit fishy, if you know what I mean! Don't know who could help us answering that question!? The carrier really looks great and seems to be really tough and certainly THE thing for Australian (and thus almost any other) conditions. Also, we'd have to find somebody who can install the carrier near Perth or Fremantle ... we'd have to find somebody taking care of the first thorough service in Oz, anyway!
Yeah, that's that for the moment

Mike Walkabout

28th March 2013, 10:05 PM

Took a look at the Rijidij carrier on their website again and found that it most surely won't fit to my car, as we've got a rear step which covers the section of the rear cross member (is it called like that in English?) the carrier has to be bolted onto! Seems as if we've got to find something else! :-(

Mike Walkabout

29th March 2013, 12:47 AM

... and then: compressors ...
Which ARB compressor (or other brand) would you recommend?? Money, of course, always is an issue, but then, I definitely need something reliable and tough! Would be great to get any suggestions!

Mike Walkabout

29th March 2013, 03:29 AM

Hi All,
I found Mulgo's Glove Box ( Mulgo Glove Box for Land Rover Defender MY07 onwards | Buy 4x4 Land Rover Toyota Nissan Accessories and Parts Online Store | Expedition Centre Australia by Mulgo (http://www.expeditioncentre.com.au/online-store/land-rover-defender-acc-/mulgo-glove-box-for-land-rover-defender-my07-onwards.html) ) on the net today! Looks simply great! I checked all the German 4wd suppliers and found none selling it! That really is a pity! I would love to have one - today! Any experiences from you out there???

Mike Walkabout

25th April 2013, 05:34 AM

... or does anyone know where I can get the Mulgo glove box in Europe? Unfortunately, Daniel did not reply to my email so far (... maybe it has ended up in the spam folder, as my mails sometimes seem to do overseas!) ...
Mike

Westie

25th April 2013, 08:51 AM

Back to one of my last few questions ... Do you think an inbuilt compressor is worth the money?? ... I am thinking of "access points" on both sides of the car to be able to fill the tyres in no time!
Then, I found two spare wheel carriers for the rear door and simply can't decide. What do you think ...

Hi,
Looks like you have a beautifully set up vehicle - I'm envious! Your questions:

1) Is an inbuilt compressor worth it? I think yes. It solves a storage problem (where to put the portable one) and is slightly easier to use. I have mine in the engine compartment, and the on/off switch is there too. Easier wiring and the instrument panel looks a bit less like a space shuttle. Sure I have to lift the bonnet, but I do that a lot anyway.

2) Spare wheel carriers? Ages ago (I think in an expedition-advice book) I read that in a Land Rover don't have any accessories that connect the body to the chassis. My spare wheel carrier (Kaymar Engineering in Australia) puts 100% of the weight onto the chassis. I have done 10s of thousands of km on corrugations with no problems. It's also very strong. In town someone in a large 4wd ran into the back of me - huge damage to the front of his car, and only a scratch on the wheel carrier.

I think that both of the versions that you are looking at are mounted on both the body & the chassis.

3) although you're not asking any more - winch? hi lift? I really only do touring but I have a hand winch that I have never used except to learn how to use, it, and a hi lift that I use all the time. It's multi purpose but you do have to be careful with it. I have an adaptor that means I can use the standard jacking points (if a stable jack is what I want from it!). It's now over 40 years old (it was my father's) and I used it last weekend in my driveway when I changed the front shock absorbers. One piece of advice I received was that hi lifts don't like dust so I have a bag for the jack part, and try to keep it inside the vehicle.

hope this helps, and have fun!

newhue

28th April 2013, 05:03 AM

Mike, Dan "mulgo" can get pretty busy so just fire him another email. I can promise you he will answer it when he can. His is a one man show run off his feet basically.
Many of us have them. They are a good idea and can also lift the cubby box to a more comfortable height as well.

Just wondering if you have a glove box as well. I have an expansive German thing that I really like. Uses space that otherwise is wasted. Mulgo does a variant as well. There a good idea cause when your travelling one seems to have an endless supply of brochures, paper, pens, lollies and the like.

I see you've hit the joys of modifying. Im talking about your rear step and tyre carrier. It's a pain to think you have to remove something to fit another, but run it past Rigidij. You may just give him an idea if you like his work. I'd be looking at fitting it over here. Too big and heavy to freight overseas. Just get it delivered to your landing point, then stir up someone from here 'AULRO" to help you fit it. You could even sell it after you have finished with it and not sure if its legal back home. Again someone on here will help with that I'm sure.

goingbush

28th April 2013, 11:02 AM

... aaand more!
By the way, could somebody be so nice and tell me where the trip reports have gone to?? Can't find them anymore!
All the best, Michael
.... found the trip reports ... dunno why I couldn't see them for a while ... Thanks to all who shared their experience, anyway! Will surely help us, when we plan the route for our trip!

we have an ongoing trip report here Going Bush (http://www.goingbush.com)

and one from 2010 Going Bush (http://www.goingbush.com/2010bloga.html)

nothing exciting or adventurous but you might pick up an idea or two,
also a section on our vehicle prep .

Mike Walkabout

12th February 2014, 11:37 PM

Hi All,
... Yes, we're still there - the job just doesn't give us any free time at the mo ...
Still, we're looking for Mulgo's Glove Box - I tried to contact Daniel several times now and didn't get any reply at all. Could anybody help??

That's what I wrote in April last year: "Hi All,
I found Mulgo's Glove Box ( Mulgo Glove Box for Land Rover Defender MY07 onwards | Buy 4x4 Land Rover Toyota Nissan Accessories and Parts Online Store | Expedition Centre Australia by Mulgo ) on the net today! Looks simply great! I checked all the German 4wd suppliers and found none selling it! That really is a pity! I would love to have one - today! Any experiences from you out there???"

It would simply be great to get hold of this extra!

Our Defender has almost been finished, just some bits and pieces to be added in the forthcoming months and then, there will be a shakedown trip to Poland this summer ... and next year, we're off for 12 months. We're still a bit unsure where to go, though. Maybe, it's going to be Africa? Maybe Australia? Maybe somewhere else ... why not go East? We'll keep you updated!
All the best, Mike

Mike Walkabout

12th February 2014, 11:55 PM

Some more photos (last summer, Spain)!

Mike Walkabout

17th July 2014, 10:12 PM

What a wonderful day ... After dreaming for a very long time, after purchasing a Land Rover in 2011, after converting it into a proper overland vehicle and after two shakedown trips, today we've made the next big step: our blog is online and accessible for the public under 4-wheel-nomads | Overland Travel Blog (http://4-wheel-nomads.de) .
You also find us on Facebook under 4-wheel-nomads (https://www.facebook.com/pages/4-wheel-nomads/532326660206900) .
All the best to you all ... and keep rovin'
AULRO has been one of the most important resources for us. Thanks to you over in the land of Oz!
All the best,
Mischa