Defender 130 rear seat box storage

[MLD]

Has anyone used the seat box in the rear of a 130 to build in a water tank. It seems to be wasted space. I heard that Dollium has a off the shelf tank that fits but can't find it on their website. Has anyone designed or even built a tank in that space?

MLD

[POD]

Search through posts from towe0609 I remember him mentioning that he had an off-the-shelf fuel tank in there, can't recall who the manufacturer was. Another forum member ('may have been in Newhue's 130 build thread) has had a custom-made water tank put in there. I have considered both of those options but I'm a bit reluctant to add the sound of sloshing liquid to the ambience of my 130. Have just mounted a 85 litre water tank to the chassis behind the cab. One of these days I might put some access hatches in that box and use it for tools and recovery gear.

[n plus one]

Has anyone used the seat box in the rear of a 130 to build in a water tank. It seems to be wasted space. I heard that Dollium has a off the shelf tank that fits but can't find it on their website. Has anyone designed or even built a tank in that space?

MLD

IIRC, Mulgo has one on his website (or maybe it's for fuel)?

[towe0609]

Front Runner 62l Auxiliary Fuel Tank - Land Rover Defender 130 | Buy 4x4 Land Rover Toyota Nissan Accessories and Parts Online Store | Expedition Centre Australia by Mulgo (http://www.expeditioncentre.com.au/online-store/touring/fuel-tanks/front-runner-62l-auxiliary-fuel-tank-land-rover-defender-130.html)

I ended up getting a polytank custom made by abber tanks which I use for fuel and transfer to the main tank via a small inline pump.

[digger]

any reason you couldnt put a flexible tank in there?
the type usually made for the rear floor etc rig up a tap to it and she's all go... and as it compresses surely it'd stop the slosh noise?

4WD Rear Seat Well Emergency Water Storage Bladder | eBay (http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/4WD-Rear-Seat-Well-Emergency-Water-Storage-Bladder-/141037574747?nma=true&si=ehZWm%252BxdyD5grQyxHzRpYT3ZwaI%253D&orig_cvip=true&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.l2557)



Lastly could alternate, one for water or one for diesel? Depending on use/needs

just a thought..

[MLD]

any reason you couldnt put a flexible tank in there?
the type usually made for the rear floor etc rig up a tap to it and she's all go... and as it compresses surely it'd stop the slosh noise?

4WD Rear Seat Well Emergency Water Storage Bladder | eBay (http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/4WD-Rear-Seat-Well-Emergency-Water-Storage-Bladder-/141037574747?nma=true&si=ehZWm%252BxdyD5grQyxHzRpYT3ZwaI%253D&orig_cvip=true&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.l2557)

Lastly could alternate, one for water or one for diesel? Depending on use/needs

just a thought..

I too thought of a rubber bladder. I haven't pulled the box out but I suspect that bolts protrude into the void. You need to puncture proof the box.

The fuel tank from Mulgo was the one that Brendan put me onto. I'll call Daniel to see if it is food grade. Nothing worse than tainted taste of water.

I wouldn't put diesel inside the cabin. Better to fit a diesel tank under the tray.

Good to see others have thought about a solution for what is wasted space.

MLD

[POD]

Front Runner 62l Auxiliary Fuel Tank - Land Rover Defender 130 | Buy 4x4 Land Rover Toyota Nissan Accessories and Parts Online Store | Expedition Centre Australia by Mulgo (http://www.expeditioncentre.com.au/online-store/touring/fuel-tanks/front-runner-62l-auxiliary-fuel-tank-land-rover-defender-130.html)

I ended up getting a polytank custom made by abber tanks which I use for fuel and transfer to the main tank via a small inline pump.

Can you tell us what was the ballpark cost of the custom tank? $1,095 for the Mulgo tank doesn't seem a particularly cost-effective way to carry 3 jerrycans of fuel.

[Nick S]

I recently bought a water tank for my 2000 130 from Abber Tanks in QLD. Really well made and fits inside the box under the back seats. Chris has made a few for other AULRO members and has the dimensions on file. Including postage to Vic it was under $300. Give him a call on 0406936755
Nick

[Don 130]

Is there a condensation issue with a tank full of water in the enclosed space under the seat, and what suggestions are there to manage it?
Don.

[86mud]

No condensation issues at all with food grade plastic water tanks. No way I would go with a flexible water tank - too much risk of puncture and I have kid sits in the back so no I will ever be going in there to check things

[weeds]

Ranga organised the first batch through Adder Tanks.......all good from what I hear

[TeamFA]

I've had Abber Tanks (they're just around the corner from me) make up two water tanks - one for the void behind the left rear wheel, and one between the chassis and rock slider under the driver.

Great work, and excellent price.

[MLD]

Just called Chris from Abber Tanks (thanks Nick). There are 2 models, with and without chamfer on the tank. Chamfer is to allow for seat bolts. They are about 50ltr capacity (the without chamfer model holds more). Quoted $280 + postage.

I think i've found a solution. I'll pull the rear seats out and the box apart to see if i need the chamfered or non chamfered model.

86Mud - The next question is the taste of the water? I appreciate that the filling hose can influence the taste. Thus assuming you fill up with food grade hose, any tainting of taste from the tank?

cheers MLD

[Nick S]

Hi MLD I just replaced the seat mount bolts with button head 8mm allen HT bolts reversed so that the heads are on the inside of the box and then put some rubber over them. Just measure the height carefully as mine had some strengthening bars under the top of the box so I decreased the hight of the tank by 5mm. I also got a bit of 4mm rubber for the tank to rest on rather than having it sit on the floor so factor that in to you measurements. Chris is a good bloke and really helpful
Cheers
Nick

[rick130]

Hmm, a good solution.

I use the underseat area for infrequently used work spare parts but will be doing a trip into the never never at the egg if August and this might be a better solution than jerries for fresh water.

[86mud]

See here for install pictures

I had my tanks made by Abbey Tanks - this was before the group buy with Abber Tanks

http://www.aulro.com/afvb/projects-tutorials/123960-water-tank-install-into-defender-130-a.html

There is no taste, even after 3 years!

The chamfered tank is for the different seat bolt arrangements between models - 300tdi and TD5 and Puma all have different arrangements to mount the seats

I have also installed a tank on the floor as well. So now I have 100 litres. My boys are only 5 and 7 so the tank on the floor is not a problem.

Cheers