a Defender trailer

[Leroy_Riding]

Considering building a small camper trailer. .

has anyone thought about building one out of the back of an old defender? maybe using the 'style side' type tray of a single cab 110 ute? or maybe cut up an old rusted Defender 90 or something? i just like the idea of having the trailer match up like another 'back of the car' type trailer. .

thoughts/ideas?

[Mick_Marsh]

There's been a few up in ebay, one recently.
landrover Trailer 4WD Off Road Steel home made rego till apr | eBay (http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/landrover-Trailer-4WD-Off-Road-Steel-home-made-rego-till-apr-/110980023048?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_15&hash=item19d6ecc308&_uhb=1#ht_500wt_1156)

[weeds]

I built one using a 130 tub.......

[goingbush]

something like this ??

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/

[debruiser]

something like this ??

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/

Can't decide if I love this or if i hate it..... :angel:

[SLOWBOAT]

something like this ??

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/

Love it looks great! What is the inside like? any pics?

[Leroy_Riding]

something like this ??

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/

A lot bigger than what I'm after. . .

im thinking like just big enough for a roof top tent on top but remove the side panels so its only as high as the lower sides if that make sense?

[Leroy_Riding]

There's been a few up in ebay, one recently.
landrover Trailer 4WD Off Road Steel home made rego till apr | eBay (http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/landrover-Trailer-4WD-Off-Road-Steel-home-made-rego-till-apr-/110980023048?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_15&hash=item19d6ecc308&_uhb=1#ht_500wt_1156)

gee wish I saw this sooner. . . i really need to get on here and check things more often. . .

[Leroy_Riding]

I built one using a 130 tub.......

Is yours the one on MySwag?

if so that's a nice trailer.

im thinking now of cutting up a wrecked 90 if I can find one. . I posted in the defender section in hope someone may know of something. . just seems the wheel arches on the 130 tub are way to far foward and the 110 tubs are molded to the body not a separate bit?

[weeds]

Is yours the one on MySwag?

if so that's a nice trailer.

im thinking now of cutting up a wrecked 90 if I can find one. . I posted in the defender section in hope someone may know of something. . just seems the wheel arches on the 130 tub are way to far foward and the 110 tubs are molded to the body not a separate bit?

nope don't thinkmine is on myswag.......its probably Phils

[Mick_Marsh]

gee wish I saw this sooner. . . i really need to get on here and check things more often. . .
I know where there is another one. Tub only, no roof, not in as good nic.

[Leroy_Riding]

I know where there is another one. Tub only, no roof, not in as good nic.

any more details?

[iClick]

I removed the tub from my 130 yesterday and the mechanic suggested it would make a great trailer. Just add a tool box to the front and that would balance the length.

If your interested in a mint tub (the truck has only done 16,000km with no off road) send me a PM ;)

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2012/12/791.jpg

[Leroy_Riding]

thanks iclick,
but the 130 tub is way to big for what im after, im after the 90 as i don't want much if any rear overhang and it only needs to be big enough to fit a roof top tent ontop of.
i have a friend who may be interested though ill let him know.

Leroy

[Leroy_Riding]

so I used my superior photoshop skills to do a high quality scale detailed render of the setup
(may or may not be stretching the truth there :P)
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/ (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/141/defenderprofiletrailer3.jpg/)

Uploaded with ImageShack.us (http://imageshack.us)

thats my basic idea. .

thoughts, opinions?

[debruiser]

i think that that looks pretty cool! Would also get rid of all that weight up high, as well as wind drag! How will you make the front of the trailer 'box'? Does the tub already have a front in it?

[Leroy_Riding]

i think that that looks pretty cool! Would also get rid of all that weight up high, as well as wind drag! How will you make the front of the trailer 'box'? Does the tub already have a front in it?

I haven't purchased the tub yet, still trying to source one, i will likely just use a sheet of alloy and weld/rivet it to the front. Before i can work out the details i need to get the tub in my shed :)

waiting on a call back form British offroad as to how much they want for one they have there.

[Marmoset]

Early tubs have the bulkhead at the front, later ones don't as the front seats can than go further back.

It'll probably be cheaper to buy a series 3 from a breaker and just cut out what you need off the chassis and add a drawbar.

[pop058]

This one was made by a forum member :)

[debruiser]

This one was made by a forum member :)

I love the idea for the lid! looks great.

[Leroy_Riding]

This one was made by a forum member :)\

looks good that one,
I did noob cad up this one also.
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/ (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/854/defenderprofiletrailer6.jpg/)

Uploaded with ImageShack.us (http://imageshack.us)

[numpty]

\

looks good that one,
I did noob cad up this one also.
http://img854.imageshack.us/img854/2889/defenderprofiletrailer6.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/854/defenderprofiletrailer6.jpg/)

Uploaded with ImageShack.us (http://imageshack.us)

That looks good and is sort of what I'm building at the moment with a SWB Series tub on an already modified workshop trailer. When I sort out photobucket (again) I'll do a build thread.

My tent will be higher though, as I have a roll cage thing which was fitted to the Gunbuggy when I got it and tent will mount on that. I'm hoping to use the Defender spare wheel mount on the front too.

[Leroy_Riding]

That looks good and is sort of what I'm building at the moment with a SWB Series tub on an already modified workshop trailer. When I sort out photobucket (again) I'll do a build thread.

My tent will be higher though, as I have a roll cage thing which was fitted to the Gunbuggy when I got it and tent will mount on that. I'm hoping to use the Defender spare wheel mount on the front too.

looks like how im going now also!

bit of an update, this project is looking like a reality, albeit slightly changed, ive managed to find a series 3 swb rear tub for sale and have committed to purchasing it (pick it up weekend after next)

the plan will be to make it look as 'Defender' like as possible, custom chassis from RHS, fit a second hand diesel tank from a D2 or something else cheap, and if I cant source a roof of a series or defender cheap enough it will get the flat deck treatment.

Im still planning on rear mounting the spare though like in my image i made.

any ideas or comments welcome, looks like my best mate will be building one almost identical to tow behind his D2 as well, so building two at the same time should be helpful.

Leroy

[VladTepes]

I haven't purchased the tub yet, still trying to source one, i will likely just use a sheet of alloy and weld/rivet it to the front. Before i can work out the details i need to get the tub in my shed :)

waiting on a call back form British offroad as to how much they want for one they have there.

If you can get me a good tray I MIGHT consider swapping my tub. Might, perhaps, maybe.

[Ranga]

If you can get me a good tray I MIGHT consider swapping my tub. Might, perhaps, maybe.

ahh, you've seen the light?! :p

[Leroy_Riding]

If you can get me a good tray I MIGHT consider swapping my tub. Might, perhaps, maybe.

Sourced myself a S3 swb tub which is perfect for what I want. otherwise I may have had to start looking for a tray ;)

[numpty]

The chassis I'm using ( ex mil W'kshop trailer) had the rear cross member cut off and a series rear cross member grafted on which has badly rusted out. I have removed that and am replacing it with a piece of 100 x 50 RHS.

This is now cut and the chassis rails made up ready to be welded on. Now making the tabs for bolting the body too and will be fitting the tailgate fixings from the old crossmember as well.

When home again I'll take some pics.

Perry

[Leroy_Riding]

The chassis I'm using ( ex mil W'kshop trailer) had the rear cross member cut off and a series rear cross member grafted on which has badly rusted out. I have removed that and am replacing it with a piece of 100 x 50 RHS.

This is now cut and the chassis rails made up ready to be welded on. Now making the tabs for bolting the body too and will be fitting the tailgate fixings from the old crossmember as well.

When home again I'll take some pics.

Perry

if you can post some pics when you have them that would be a great help to my project!

cheers

[Sue]

Landrover Defender Tub back | eBay (http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Landrover-Defender-Tub-back-/321054124463?pt=AU_Car_Parts_Accessories&hash=item4ac05129af&_uhb=1#ht_500wt_1414)

[Leroy_Riding]

Landrover Defender Tub back | eBay (http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Landrover-Defender-Tub-back-/321054124463?pt=AU_Car_Parts_Accessories&hash=item4ac05129af&_uhb=1#ht_500wt_1414)

Very tempting, however I have already sourced some swb series3 tubs. . . . if I had have seen that first though I may have grabbed it!

thanks all the same :)

[adzee]

I live your idea of the trailer looking the same as the tow vehicle. The height, the additional fuel storage, and to remove her from a 90, it just makes sense. It's given me the strength to stay away from a 110 and get a 90, and then eventually get this sort of a trailer for bigger trips. :) thank you.

[Landy Smurf]

i got a tub off a defender 130 a few weeks ago that i will make into a trailer. my neighbour had one but he sold it a while ago.
I dont like the white colour though.
I thought it might be a good trial for spray painting my project

[weeds]

what's your plans for an axle?

braked/non braked

i got a custom axle made so that i could bolt on land rover stubs and use land rover hubs

[Leroy_Riding]

I haven't gotten that far into min yet,

im building a repository of SIII bits as finding the back end of a Defender was proving a little hard, so Im now building a SIII trailer and Im going to try and make it look as Defender like as possible,

[Sitec]

There was a set of 110 axles in the 'give away' section..... Old RR axles are the same track as well and easier to come by... Could go all out and leave the diff in there, run a prop, get yourself a Salisbury with rear outlet and go down the driven trailer route.... I have a Defer rear axle and have been contemplating doing the same but making another tray like the one I've built for the 130 but longer... Coils and rear shocks of the RR as well and you'd b under the floor line....

[Landy Smurf]

i will use series hubs or take the hubs off the trailer we have now as it is land rover hubs and put different ones on it

[Leroy_Riding]

Okay, So I have most of the parts I need to make a start on my trailer now,
I ahve a question fro the masses.
should I build it with a low roof (like the image i posted ont he other page) or build full height roof? if I was to build a full height roof I would somehow need to build my sleeping arangements into the trailer as the aim of the low roof was to mount a roof top tent down low.

Ideas/opinions?

also I have the choice of usina a lwb(110 style) or a swb s3 tub. . im learning toward the swb as it will suit my car more.. other thoughts?

Leroy

[debruiser]

If it was my trailer, I'd be keeping it as low as possible. Roof top tents drag air like mad! and the lower the weight is the better. My thoughts on what i'd do would run along the lines of:

- swing/slide out kitchen
- fridge and storage boxes in the tray in front (or on sides - whatever fits nice)
- roof top tent on custom "roof bars" / roll cage sort of setup JUST high enough so that I can access the fridge and storage boxes. Keeping the tent as low as possible for weight, air flow, ease of access.

I have a airtop by Autohome. It's a great setup but on top of a Land Rover it's awfully high up!! To close it I have to stand on the bonnet then stand in the rear door way. I have a S3 and would love to take the roof off and convert to a ute so I could set it up the same way you are talking about with your trailer... minus the trailer ;) I would lower the airtop until it was the hight of the original roof then have all the caming crap under that. would be great.

[Naks]

And remember to design it such that most of the weight is as close to your vehicle as possible.

[digger]

Just a thought, why not design the trailer with a pop top type section under the platform for the roof top tent?

This lowers it when travelling, reducing airdrag etc
but raises it when camp/sleep time meaning you have access to everything inside the trailer and assisting in a camp set up...

Just need to have it wind up a cetrain amount, lower legs into place in pipes/sockets and then lower so weight isnt on lift mechanism...

This may have some huge negative I havent thought of but figured it doesnt hurt to suggest it. :)

[debruiser]

Just a thought, why not design the trailer with a pop top type section under the platform for the roof top tent?

This lowers it when travelling, reducing airdrag etc
but raises it when camp/sleep time meaning you have access to everything inside the trailer and assisting in a camp set up...

Just need to have it wind up a cetrain amount, lower legs into place in pipes/sockets and then lower so weight isnt on lift mechanism...

This may have some huge negative I havent thought of but figured it doesnt hurt to suggest it. :)

I like the idea! probably wouldn't do it myself because I wouldn't trust my engineering on something like that. :( Who wants to make one for me :P

[easo]

something like this ??

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/

I have seen a horse float with a landie roof.

I do like this but.

[Leroy_Riding]

Just a thought, why not design the trailer with a pop top type section under the platform for the roof top tent?

This lowers it when travelling, reducing airdrag etc
but raises it when camp/sleep time meaning you have access to everything inside the trailer and assisting in a camp set up...

Just need to have it wind up a cetrain amount, lower legs into place in pipes/sockets and then lower so weight isnt on lift mechanism...

This may have some huge negative I havent thought of but figured it doesnt hurt to suggest it. :)

I had considered this type of setup. im not big on canvas that would fold back into the trialer though as if wet then that wetness ends up in the trailer.

I'm leaning towards the roof sitting right down on the tub but also being hinged with some strong gas struts to aid in lifting the weight of the roof top tent that will be attached to the roof, and using this are to store camp chairs, folding table and that type stuff, were as I will have 4 draws that can extend full length out the back of the trailer (2 heigh by 2 wide[yeah long and narrow]) one of thees will be my tiny little kitchen, which will be a small sink and 2 burner gas cooker with a BBQ plate I can place across both burners.

the original fuel filler at the front of the trailer will fill a fuel tank (the biggest i can find at a wrecker that will work for me) with a pump I can use to pump fuel into the car, seeing as this will be a whole lot cheaper than auxiliary tanks on the car! I will cut the fuel filer out of my spare parts tub and graft this into the back which will then be used to fill a water tank underneath the trailer used fro shower, washing up, washing hands ect.

in the space above the wheel arch on the 'driver side' where the fuel and water fillers are will be the power inverter and deep cycle batteries and there build in charger and a small hatch on the outside of the trailer with access to power sockets (both 12V and 240V) switches to control lights and pumps all most of the electronics in the trailer.

above the wheel arch on the passenger side I'm yet to decide as to leave this empty and make it storage space available from the 'flip top' or to put in a water tank to drinking water, any thoughts on this? storage space would be the best idea in my head, but you can never have to much drinking water!!

on the draw bar will be a allow checker plate style tool box which will house my second Engle fridge (the other stays in the car) I have a 40ltr and a 30ltr, though am considering upgrading the 40 to a 60 and getting rid of the 30. but for now im thinking of putting the 30 in this tool box and running it as a freezer and keeping my 40 in the car (where it always is) running as a fridge.
in the box with this fridge will most likely house yet another battery, a gas bottle for the kitchen cooker and possible hot water, not sure on the hot water just yet though.

due to my 'wants' list being rather long ive decided against using Land rover hubs, I will use land cruiser hubs as my tires for the trailer (7.5 R16's I got for free) are already on land cruiser rims and the hubs are significantly cheaper.

I have a design fro my own independent suspension setup also but trying to bring the cost down I will likely end up back with leaf and solid axle.

spare tire will be mounted on the rear door like a defender does. the lights will be taken from my Defender and those on the defender upgraded to LED units,

Ill hope to run electric brakes on the trailer if I can get them cheap enough, ive been looking into cheaper options for these, if anyone has advice there it is appreciated.
um, ill use an Anderson plug on the back of my defender to charge the batteries in the trailer, along with 200-300W or solar panels I will purchase that will be stored in the trailer when not setup at camp.

there is probably lots of things im overlooking or over doing so feed back welcome, this is a long term project as my funds are very tight. my first step is to get some steel and start fabricating the chassis for the trailer!