D130 - tray or tub

[MLD]

I googled the topic but didn't find any post on point. Anyhow a Q to those 130 owners.

Q - do you have a tray or tub on the back of your 130 and if you had your time again would you tub or tray it. Brief reasons pls.

The Q is targeted to those that use it for touring/camping/play as opposed to a work horse. I like the look of the tub but see the practical convenience of the tray to slide on and off a storage unit set up for touring. Not to forget the possibility of a larger storage area with the tray.

If you have pics of your 130 set up for touring/camping I'd appreciate the eye candy.

cheers in advance for your wisdom. MLD

[2stroke]

Mine originally had a tub and I liked the look and the lower load deck height. I changed over to a tray for a Canning trip so that I could more easily fit 2 spare 255/85. 16s as well as a fuel tank and a drawer box for tiedowns tyre repair and recovery stuff below the tray.
I thought the tub wasn't good for tying loads down and the filler cover and wheel arches limited load floor area. The tray is wide and makes reversing some trailers hard and you have to remember it when you are trying to thread the vehicle between trees etc.
Both have pros and cons I guess.

[VladTepes]

On my previous 130 I had a tub, with a steel lockable canopy and it was very good for touring, 4wding etc.

With my new one I was tempted to put a tray on... but just can't bring myself too. I love the classic 'tub' look.

A tray would be more practical for use as a shooting vehcile, but I dont use it for that very often in the big scheme of things.

[The ho har's]

Ours was purchased in 2007 to replace the aging Disco touring vehicle, so the tub had to go to make room for the camper:) I can't find a pic minus camper at present:) actually our avatar pic has the camper sitting next to the defender;)

AULRO 10th in Qld
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2013/11/396.jpg (http://s299.photobucket.com/user/hohar/media/AULRO%2010TH/AULRO10th002.jpg.html)

When the camper was near new
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2013/11/397.jpg (http://s299.photobucket.com/user/hohar/media/caniagorge001.jpg.html)

Mrs hh:angel:

[LowRanger]

Here is one at play

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2013/11/394.jpg

Here is a pic of the slide that I fitted in the rear
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2014/03/833.jpg

And one without the canopy

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2013/11/395.jpg

[newhue]

square box like the car. Not the prettiest, but very practical.

I use mine for work, the flat floor on the tray allows for a lot more to be carried. No wheel arches or fuel neck in the way.
When out travelling square boxes fit and lock into a square tray brilliantly.
Square sides allow for things to be stowed better. If you have kids you will understand. Also I have only had one instance where the tie rail on the roof complicated 4x4ing. Even then it became a roof slide bar.

Personally I prefer the style side, but it's based on looks not function.

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/ (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/189/22686977.jpg/)

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/ (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/854/tyreso.jpg/)

[jasonedu]

We went with the tub - primarily because it looks a lot better. But the tray is far more practical and I think if I had my time again I would go for the tray.

At the moment I have the Rijidij wheel carrier, and drawers filling the bottom. There is a floor at the top of the tub and I store stuff up top in plastic boxes. Even with the tub I have never filled the car up - the storage area is huge. We also have a featherlite rooftop tent that I like fitted onto the canopy. This keeps it low, and the featherlite already has a much lower profile (but you do need to spend 5 seconds attaching the ladder).

I am currently talking to the guy who made the canopy to have a rear door put on as well so I can put a biggish fridge on a drop down slide on top of the drawers.

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2013/11/390.jpg (http://s219.photobucket.com/user/eddiectt/media/P1050524.jpg.html)

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2013/11/391.jpg (http://s219.photobucket.com/user/eddiectt/media/P1050513.jpg.html)

and just because someone is bound to take the **** out of how shiny it is

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2013/11/392.jpg (http://s219.photobucket.com/user/eddiectt/media/P1050880.jpg.html)

[2stroke]

Haha, now you mention it, it looks like the ones in the glossy pamphlets... in a good way of course, looks great, but just how DID it look so shiny after driving there on those roads?

[series3]

68997I picked up a 130 recently with a steel tray and had been pondering this question as well.

If I had a tub, I probably would have been happy with a canopy or canvas setup to suit it, because I did like the 'look' of a tub.

Early with this car I was thinking of replacing the tray with a tub, but the tray started winning me over in terms of convenience and potential space. The amount of room under the tray is pretty good.

I will stick with the tray myself, and work out some kind of canopy arrangement to suit the tray so it can be closed up to the weather, maybe canvas.

Sam68999

[newhue]

MLD, I forgot, either way a 130 has the head room in the back to design a canopy that is no higher than the cab's roof. Jas's cool red truck I feel could even have the top of the roof top tent on the same plain as the cab's roof.
I used 2stoke's canopy as a base plate for mine. My roof floor sits below the cab's plain quite a bit. The tyres protrude only just past the cabs roof so create little drag.
In fact there is so much height from the tray floor to canopy roof I have an old Ryno roof basket that is mounted there and hinges at one end for access.
http://img408.imageshack.us/img408/4092/baskett.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/408/baskett.jpg/)

[Benz]

My 130 has a tub.
But that's mainly because it had it already.

I have a 150l water tank and 2 large draws in the back with a flat space for storage on top.
The drop down back makes a great table too

It is more then enough space for me and I'm travelling around oz.
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/

[Benz]

Oh and the tubs are also square at about 1.6m long and wide.
Means you can't really sleep in there without the back door down

[dullbird]

My 130 has a tub.
But that's mainly because it had it already.

I have a 150l water tank and 2 large draws in the back with a flat space for storage on top.
The drop down back makes a great table too

It is more then enough space for me and I'm travelling around oz.
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/

Benz I really like your canvas where did you get that from and what was the approx cost? PM if you like

[Ranga]

I'll go against the grain and say I actually prefer the look of a tray over a tub.

Far more practical for me, allows me to have a Trayon camper that can lift off, and more usable space, particularly if you need to take the drop sides off. I'd hazard a guess a little lighter than a tub also.

You can mount a tray high enough to fit 2 spares under the tray (or water, fuel, tarps or other gear that rarely needs to be accessible) and locked without the need for a canopy.

Trays don't look so bad if you beat them up a bit either :cool:

A tray with a decent head board provides a bit of roll protection.

A tray also allows side tool boxes underneath.

[juddy]

I think both have there merits, hcpu looks better and suits the vehicle but a canvas back is not the best for a touring set up , you can fit a Trojan expedition box or go as far as we are doing and fit a land rover specials vehicles quadtech body perfect for touring.

Tray offers the ability for a slide on camper and you can carry larger items in the back, but again some form of canopy would be required for a secure set up.

All depends on what you plan to do.

[juddy]

My 130 has a tub.
But that's mainly because it had it already.

I have a 150l water tank and 2 large draws in the back with a flat space for storage on top.
The drop down back makes a great table too

It is more then enough space for me and I'm travelling around oz.
http://www.aulro.com/afvb/attachments/members-rides/60685d1368947614-touring-defender-making-dsc_2530.jpg
http://www.aulro.com/afvb/attachments/members-rides/46766d1336691976-touring-defender-making-dsc_8773.jpg
http://www.aulro.com/afvb/attachments/members-rides/46767d1336692051-touring-defender-making-dsc_8775.jpg
http://www.aulro.com/afvb/attachments/members-rides/46769d1336692187-touring-defender-making-dsc_8776.jpg

The Hannibal 130 rack looks very god. Did I sell that one?

[austastar]

Hi,
you need a tray for a slide on.

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2013/11/387.jpg

cheers

[jasonedu]

Jas's cool red truck I feel could even have the top of the roof top tent on the same plain as the cab's roof.

I did think about that when building it.

If money was not an issue I would build the roof top tent into the canopy. I assumed this was well out of my price range and did not investigate it.

[danialan]

I vote for option "C" :- the 130 station wagon. This is the vehicle Land Rover should have made, and what I'm building at the moment (These photos courtesy of Nene Overland).
69001 69002

But as previously stated, the tray is good for a slide-on camper, so a couple of photos of my old 130 with Trayon camper.

69003 69004 69006

[Benz]

Nah sorry didn't buy it from you but I think it was when you were working for hannbal australia or what ever they are called. Took me forever to get that rack as they has probs in africa with production or some thing... ended up being made in aus?

And the canopy i had made up in WA
Local fab shop made the frame and a local motor trimmer did the canvas.
Cost me something like 1200 if i can remember. I try not to remember how much i spend on my 130 though :angel:

Sorry to drag it of topic a bit

Are you looking at buying a brand new 130?

[Sitec]

Hi there... Here's my ten cents worth.. If you have a family, have a tub with a canopy, nice big area just to cram stuff in that's lockable and waterproof.. If you are just two, then a tray is the way.. Usable as a work vehicle, loads of tie down space, less bulky when empty and gives the option of a slide on camper. Before I sold it :( , mine had a tray which I built, 1850 wide by 1600 long. I then built a drop on body with roof tent for the adventures away.... But as normal, it was not enough, so now Im building up a 101 with crazy diesel engine! Here's a pic of my 130 loaded with the body on the way to the high country! :)

[Sitec]

And without the body! :)

[MLD]

Are you looking at buying a brand new 130?

If the question was directed at me, the answers is "it's on the cards". I want a 2.2 (nuts I know) but I have a pretty healthy 110 with the goods that could be bolted across so I might have to buy one at the end of warranty. Don't think the wife will let me keep a 110 and 130. I almost bought a '99 130 this week but since i currently own a '99 i'd be faced with slowly replacing all the old bits that are now starting to fail on a regular basis from age and shear milage on the old girl.

As expected there is no clear winner. Horses for courses and some people have a budget to mess around with options while others make do with what they have.

All I have to do is cater for 2 dogs, sometimes the wife and what i need to carry on a trip. I'm tied of pulling tubs out of the 110 and was inspired by Jason's 130 a few weeks back for easy of getting to stuff.

Wayne, the 130 looks surprisingly stock still. I thought you would have waved your magic wand over it by now.

thanks all, great ideas for kit out, MLD

[dero]

I took the tub off mine & put a tray on , long enough to sleep comfortably.
Tuff & very practical & versatile , only downside is it reduced the departure angle a bit , but very rarely find it a problem . I would not go back to the tub .

[LowRanger]

If the question was directed at me, the answers is "it's on the cards". I want a 2.2 (nuts I know) but I have a pretty healthy 110 with the goods that could be bolted across so I might have to buy one at the end of warranty. Don't think the wife will let me keep a 110 and 130. I almost bought a '99 130 this week but since i currently own a '99 i'd be faced with slowly replacing all the old bits that are now starting to fail on a regular basis from age and shear milage on the old girl.

As expected there is no clear winner. Horses for courses and some people have a budget to mess around with options while others make do with what they have.

All I have to do is cater for 2 dogs, sometimes the wife and what i need to carry on a trip. I'm tied of pulling tubs out of the 110 and was inspired by Jason's 130 a few weeks back for easy of getting to stuff.

Wayne, the 130 looks surprisingly stock still. I thought you would have waved your magic wand over it by now.

thanks all, great ideas for kit out, MLD

Mark
If you mean stock by the fact that it still runs 33's:D<then I won't mention the front and rear lockers,or 3" lift,computer remap,with bigger intercooler and VNT turbo:eek:And I won't mention the fact that it has a Salisbury in the rear and has a braced axle housing and slotted swivels fitted in the front.
Oh and I do have some nice black rims with some 35" Trepadores that I am sure will fit as well;)
So apart from that,I guess it is stock :D

[MLD]

The deliberation continues and will do until i part with cash and live with the consequence of the decision.

For those with tubs do you find the sides of the tub affect ramp angle and departure angles. Are they prone to damage? Probably the rear quarter panel more than the forward tub because of tree sliders can offer protection there.

cheers MLD

[PTC]

I haven't pushed my 130 too hard yet offroad. Though on the fun tracks i have done, I am no where near hitting the back of the tub. It seems to sit so high and if anything does drag it would be the tow hitch. Looking at mine compared to other Defenders i have seen it sits quite a way lower down. I am thinking about removing that and just putting in hook to recover off at the 4 bolts up top.

As for how this topic started. I bought the car with a Tub and Canopy already on it. Which means this is all i know. And it seems to be working great. Once i had the drawers installed there was a whole lot more room to work with. Also i have a massive swing down storage space up top to hold lots more gear. No need for a roof rack in my car.

[Xtreme]

Hi PTC
I'd be interested to see your "massive swing down storage space". Any chance of a photo or two?

[PTC]

Hi PTC
I'd be interested to see your "massive swing down storage space". Any chance of a photo or two?

Too late tonight. I'll put a photo up tomorrow morning.

At the moment it is set for a 4 day trip into the Snowy Mountains with 4 people in the car. In the roof i have 4 folding chairs. 1 of the 2.2m square single pole tents. 1 folding table. Sleeping bags, pillows, blanket, spare tarp, pegs and 4 poles for it.

[fraser130]

I've had both, I preferred the Tray, but the wife preferred the tub("looks like a real Landrover").
There were many times the tray was fantastic for throwing stuff on like sheets of ply, fridges etc, that were harder to fit in the tub due to the wheel guards and the height restrictions of the canopy. I had a Jim Allen and Sons sliding canopy on the tray, and it was the best thing I ever bought.

Fraser

[2stroke]

Hi PTC
I'd be interested to see your "massive swing down storage space". Any chance of a photo or two?
Swing down racks work well for me too, one side holds a 4 seat fold up table, other side for swags and one of those round tripod barbecues. Down the middle runs an Oztent RV4.
Still have easy access to the heavier stuff on the tray and nothing is above cab height.

[VladTepes]

pitchas people ! :)

[MLD]

pitchas people ! :)

well said. MLD

[LowRanger]

Swing down racks work well for me too, one side holds a 4 seat fold up table, other side for swags and one of those round tripod barbecues. Down the middle runs an Oztent RV4.
Still have easy access to the heavier stuff on the tray and nothing is above cab height.

I am interested in seeing how you fit an RV4 without it being above cab height,unless you have it fitted to the side like an awning is usually mounted:p

[2stroke]

I am interested in seeing how you fit an RV4 without it being above cab height,unless you have it fitted to the side like an awning is usually mounted:p
Don't have many photos but there's a pic of the tent in both the tub and tray canopy frame in the first page of this thread. It does overhang the rear by about 200mm.

[LowRanger]

Don't have many photos but there's a pic of the tent in both the tub and tray canopy frame in the first page of this thread. It does overhang the rear by about 200mm.

Just went back and had a closer look at the photos.Hanging out the back explains it:D Thought I was missing something:p

[2stroke]

The tray's 1800 long and the Oztent is 2m, some hangs out the front as well so it's more like 120 mm overhang.:)

[Cammo]

My $0.02:
Whichever option you choose, it will be a compromise. My Keswick green 130 looks the goods with its tub and standard landrover tan coloured canopy. But its not at all secure, and it's difficult to access anything you pack right up the front.

I've toyed with many options. A tray would work great. Just throw the quad on and tow a camper trailer. But I don't necessarily wish to tow all the time.

Building a lock up frame with three hinged doors and a canvas in the tan colour would still look good and fix the security issues and some of the access issues, but I've had canvas before, and long term, I get over it.

I even toyed with a service body on the back.

In the end, I've settled for a full alloy canopy with barn doors on the back instead of the tailgate. It will have lift up doors on either side, which will come down below the top of the existing tub.

This will make it a permanent fixture, and I'll lose the tan to break up the green.. but otherwise it will work perfectly with the full Hannibal rack and the rooftop tent. The bigger doors on the side will lower the access into the side, and provide a little shelter from the rain to complement the awning.

Another compromise is the price: I'll be saving for a while before this becomes a reality.

[VladTepes]

My $0.02:


In the end, I've settled for a full alloy canopy with barn doors on the back instead of the tailgate. It will have lift up doors on either side, which will come down below the top of the existing tub.



Umm, how ?

[Cammo]

http://www.neneoverland.co.uk/4x4services/imgs/camelbac_canopy/New%20Imagea.jpg

Pretty much like that. Sorry for not explaining it very well

[VladTepes]

Oh OK - I didnt realise you planned on cutting the tub down.

[Cammo]

I probably should've mentioned that.... my bad.

[PTC]

Here are the photos that were promissed. Sorry for the wait. I was playing up in the Snowey Mountains and due to the bad weather here in Melbourne. I left early that morning and forgot to check the forums.

Ignore the mess in the back. Throwing all that i find from inside the wings and drawers and hidden up top back onto the drawers to keep packing it all up.

The first shot is of the hatch all the way down. Which i only do if i need to access the back of there. And when there is no camping gear under in the car. For my longer trips i am thinking of storing car spares in the very back and hard to get to locations. Make use of all the space.

The second shot of it resting on the lid of the fridge is how i normally access it. Then i can load the gear in and it holds in place. To the left of the hatch is a wooden board that can hold all my awning poles and chairs.

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2013/12/934.jpg

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2013/12/935.jpg

[Beery]

square box like the car. Not the prettiest, but very practical.

I use mine for work, the flat floor on the tray allows for a lot more to be carried. No wheel arches or fuel neck in the way.
When out travelling square boxes fit and lock into a square tray brilliantly.
Square sides allow for things to be stowed better. If you have kids you will understand. Also I have only had one instance where the tie rail on the roof complicated 4x4ing. Even then it became a roof slide bar.

Personally I prefer the style side, but it's based on looks not function.

http://img189.imageshack.us/img189/4199/22686977.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/189/22686977.jpg/)

http://img854.imageshack.us/img854/8342/tyreso.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/854/tyreso.jpg/)

Newhue, just wondering what the overall length of your tray is?

Cheers
Tom