Help out with new extras on a 110...

[Al Kidner]

G'day Guys,

Well… where do I begin? At the start I guess…

I've been wanting a 110 for years now and plan to be placing an order for one in the next few months so hence me finding and joining up to the forum. So far the welcome has been a warm one and for that I thank you guys.

At this stage I am wanting some advice on extras that I should be looking at firstly as I order the vehicle and then what I should be looking at as I slowly build up a good and tidy wagon to hit the bush in.

I have had a look around on here and please forgive me but I do not have all that much experience in off roading other than travelling here and their out in the bush over the years. I don't really plan to be doing your 'hard core' type trips, more so just getting to places off the beaten track where I don't need a winch front and back to get me in and back out again! In saying that guys, I guess I don't want to be putting junk on my Defender, then having to upgrade it to better gear in the long run.

I guess I'll fire away at what I'm looking at and we can nut some things out as this rolls along.

So…. here is my plan this far; Defender 110 in Havana brown (If I can get that colour still?), black sawtooth wheels, roof rack/bull bar and side bars from ARB, Lightforce HID spotlights (have had these before on my triton and really liked them)…

Here are my questions guys; should I run with the air intake/snorkel from Land Rover or get it from ARB also whilst I'm there? And what about upgrading the suspension due to the extra weight from the bull bar and side bars?

I think that'll do it for now… I'm sure I'll have more questions as I think of them. Thanks in advance lads… really appreciate it! :)

ak.

[carlschmid2002]

Where are you from? If you live in Sydney go and visit Daniel at Buy 4x4 Land Rover Toyota Nissan Accessories and Parts Online | Web Store | Expedition Centre Australia by Mulgo (http://www.expeditioncentre.com.au) If not just check out his website. I wouldn't touch the suspension. If you intend to load it up, maybe consider putting airbags in the rear. That's what I am about to do. I have the LR RAI. Whichever one you choose give Nugget a message on this forum and get his kit to ensure an airtight fit. I think the ARB bulbar is a good choice. I would get the LR tow pack and possibly the RAI. Shop elsewhere for everything else.

[AndyG]

Hi AK
You will find some LR Accessories are well priced and some are silly.
I too have a Defender on order
From LR
Front mud flags
Two rail side bar/step

APT steering guard (has good recovery points) bullbar or std configuration does not
APT bullbar, different to their website
Nugget rear recovery point
Hand winch just in case
Fire extinguisher and first aid
Engine saver low coolant alarm
Ultra gauge
TyreDog TMS
Traxide headlight, driving light loom
Traxide dual battery
Cibie super oscar
UHF and a gsm aerial

Nugget air box and RAI , tba
Mulgo ex box
Mulgo rear bumbers, I tend to reverse into low things
Rijidije wheel carrier
Rijidij rear light stand
Extra fuel tank
Cargo barrier
Air compressor &tyre plugs

Btw you will lose 10mm with the bullbar, you can get this back with spacers

Am getting the Sawtooth as well but swapping the gyres for AT as I will be doing big miles.

A common theme on this forum is how massively capable the Defender is so I am leaving suspension and drive line well alone.

When is your def due, mine gets here early sept then off to lake eyre for a shakedown cruise.


Andrew

[AndyG]

And spares

Filters
Hoses
Belt
Fluids


Should be enough for a new vehicle( I hope) ( I keep using the car word, And to self edit)

[vnx205]

I don't really plan to be doing your 'hard core' type trips, more so just getting to places off the beaten track where I don't need a winch front and back to get me in and back out again!

Don't lose sight of the fact that a lot of people do exactly what you have described with no additions or modifications at all.

A lot of modifications are done because people want to do them, not because they need to do them.

[dullbird]

I'm surprised Andy is changing tyres to AT, there is nothing wrong with the grabbers that come with the car at all.

I wouldn't bother changing for AT, MT yes AT no especially if your not changing tyre size

[Bushie]

G'day Guys,

Well… where do I begin? At the start I guess…

I've been wanting a 110 for years now and plan to be placing an order for one in the next few months so hence me finding and joining up to the forum.


Don't hang around you'd better place that order sooner rather than later. Defenders are going out of production.

http://www.aulro.com/afvb/90-110-130-defender-county/195437-last-orders-gentlemen-ladies-too.html#post2125224

Martyn

[AndyG]

The tyre choice is something i pondered for a long time. My hi luxe here has MT which is fine when you get 1000 mm month after month. However I expect my trips to be infrequent and long distance out west, where I think the AT will be better all round. Finally a tyre comparo I found in the LR brochure indicated the AT would be superior for my purposes. But, having said all that if someone told me the MT was superior on beach sand I would reconsider, as this is an area I have no knowledge of.

N.B this is a nil cost swap by the dealer.



Cheers
Andrew

[Al Kidner]

Thanks guys for the info thus far…

At this stage Ive got to talk to the lease people that I plan to lease it through via work, I currently have a car on lease but that is just about up so hence I finally get to get my 110… if that don't stop production before hand!

I live in Mackay, in central QLD and will either be ordering it from Mackay or Townsville, Ive had good chats with the lad up in T'ville and he seems helpful enough.

In regards to the suspension, I was worried the weight of the bulbar and side rails might affect driving/ steering? So I read somewhere…
Also I'm looking into a camper trailer so the airbags might be worth looking into. A mate of mine had them fitted to his cruiser for a trip we did up the cape last winter and I was surprised at how good they were.

I'm also looking at fitting out the back so I can either have some draws and also to hold my camper fridge.

Keep it coming guys…


ak.

[AndyG]

If you can spare the seat consider putting the fridge in Lh rear passenger seat spot, if cash flow is an issue, 3 plastic 50 liter containers from bunnings fill the rear space nicely, rather than drawers, $20 each

[PAT303]

Don't lose sight of the fact that a lot of people do exactly what you have described with no additions or modifications at all.

A lot of modifications are done because people want to do them, not because they need to do them.

Yep,no mods here and I travel all over the outback and my vehicles never give me trouble,funny that. Pat

[AndyG]

A lot to be said for the minimalist school, less weight for a start.we run 150 land cruisers, absolute poverty pack, no wide wheels, lights, iron work, etc. one mod, VHF radio.

If it's added by the factory is that a mod ?

[noyakfat]

I drove into Bendethera camp yesterday (Deua NP) via low-range stony goat tracks, with no traction/clearance issues whatsoever.

I have 16 x 8 steel wheels with 265/75R16 Hankook Dynapro M/T's, which I ran at 20 psi yesterday. Only other mod is a snorkel and tow bar.

Two days earlier, I drove to the summit of Mt Corree in the Brindabellas in high range without engaging the centre diff lock at all. The gearing and torque combo is awesome.

Try it for a while first, then decide if some mod may improve your use of the vehicle.

Cheers,

[uninformed]

Yep,no mods here and I travel all over the outback and my vehicles never give me trouble,funny that. Pat

except for exhaust wrap :D

[vnx205]

Only other mod is a snorkel and tow bar.


And an accidentally modified snorkel at that!

http://www.aulro.com/afvb/90-110-130-defender-county/195989-syklone-blown-away.html#post2130902

I guess there were a few people in Bendethera over Easter and a bit of traffic on the tracks in.

As I have the luxury of living only a couple of hours drive from Bendethera I am able to avoid going there when it is likely to be busy.

[Al Kidner]

Thanks very much guys... Kinda makes sense really in regards to putting on the bare essentials and running with that for a while and see where that lands me.

I plan to have this wagon for a spell so I guess there is no real rush on things other than getting my order in quick smart!

One sure can spend up big in the added extras part...


ak.

[David Hawes]

Can't help but agree with most of the comments here, I've had my 2012 110 from new and spent about $20K on accessories. But I'm running stock suspension as it awesome, stock continental tyres (very capable), and no traction aids. Leave it as stock as you can and try to keep the weight down. I have Terrafirma bar work as its light and looks great, also a lot cheaper than ARB. Spend money on a good roof platform as its one of the biggest failures on corrugations, I went with a Rhino although the Frontrunners look great also. Plenty of drawer manufacturers out there although not hard to make your own. Second battery and a fridge. You c
Shouldn't need to bag your rears for a camper unless you buy the wrong camper. If they have more than 80kgs tow ball weight then look at another camper. Saw some at the Rosehill show this weekend that had more than 300kgs on the ball.

[Sue]

Shouldn't need to bag your rears for a camper unless you buy the wrong camper. If they have more than 80kgs tow ball weight then look at another camper. Saw some at the Rosehill show this weekend that had more than 300kgs on the ball.

You shouldn't need to bag the rears out to tow a camper at all with the Defenders.. as they are a perfectly good tow vehicle regardless of the tow ball weight (as long as it is below specs that is).. Caravans and the much larger caravan type campers often come in at around 250 on the ball , can't say I've ever seen a stock van at 300 ball weight - that would throw them out of the market. :)

[DieselDan]

Hi AK
You will find some LR Accessories are well priced and some are silly.
I too have a Defender on order
From LR
Front mud flags
Two rail side bar/step

APT steering guard (has good recovery points) bullbar or std configuration does not
APT bullbar, different to their website
Nugget rear recovery point
Hand winch just in case
Fire extinguisher and first aid
Engine saver low coolant alarm
Ultra gauge
TyreDog TMS
Traxide headlight, driving light loom
Traxide dual battery
Cibie super oscar
UHF and a gsm aerial

Nugget air box and RAI , tba
Mulgo ex box
Mulgo rear bumbers, I tend to reverse into low things
Rijidije wheel carrier
Rijidij rear light stand
Extra fuel tank
Cargo barrier
Air compressor &tyre plugs

Btw you will lose 10mm with the bullbar, you can get this back with spacers

Am getting the Sawtooth as well but swapping the gyres for AT as I will be doing big miles.

A common theme on this forum is how massively capable the Defender is so I am leaving suspension and drive line well alone.

When is your def due, mine gets here early sept then off to lake eyre for a shakedown cruise.


Andrew

Andy,

I've been looking at APT's website and spoken to them a couple of times about their 'Defender Challenger Bar', so what's the version that you've got?
Or have they custom made it for you?

Cheers.

[weeds]

lucky bugger....i agree with others, drive it for a bit to work out exactly what you need.




So…. here is my plan this far; Defender 110 in Havana brown (If I can get that colour still?), black sawtooth wheels, roof rack good chance this rack will be steel, could be wrong, which means it will be heavy, i suggest looking at some of the alloy one, i have a front runner/bull bar and side bars from ARB, Lightforce HID spotlights how much night driving do you expect to do? (have had these before on my triton and really liked them)…

Here are my questions guys; should I run with the air intake/snorkel from Land Rover or get it from ARB also whilst I'm there which ever you choose grab one of nuggets kits, this ensures they are water tight? And what about upgrading the suspension due to the extra weight from the bull bar and side bars? many fit 130 front springs to compensate for the weight, they are a little stiffer than the 110 springs

I think that'll do it for now… I'm sure I'll have more questions as I think of them. Thanks in advance lads… really appreciate it! :)

ak.

consider a headlight relay upgrade kit......your headlight switch will eventually burn out

[AndyG]

Andy,

I've been looking at APT's website and spoken to them a couple of times about their 'Defender Challenger Bar', so what's the version that you've got?
Or have they custom made it for you?

Cheers.

They have a version like the challenger, but an extra bar above the winch. They are confident my super oscars will fit (230mm) but I am waiting for confirmation and a photo, I will chase them up this Arvo, as they have been in long weekend mode;)

[DieselDan]

Cheers. Sounds good!
Be interested in seeing a photo of it.
The bloke I spoke to said they'd been asked quite a few times for more pics of the bars. They have a batch getting powder coated and are going to mount them up on a few Deefers and post up some pics of them when they are ready.

[DieselDan]

Andy,

Any update from APT?

[AndyG]

Hopefully next week for pics, i will post as soon as i get them

[The Cone of Silence]

G'day AK,

3 years ago I was in your position. I picked up my Defender in May and had a list of things I wanted to do but was well advised to put suspension way down the list.
Firstly you have to know in detail what your vehicle usage will be and what the weight of it is once you've put all your mods on. By the time you've put all your mods on, your usage could be quite different.

For example, once you get a snorkel and breather kit, AT or mud tyres and your UHF and bars on, you'll want to use them. Then, you'll start really having fun;pushing your own limits to try and find those of your vehicle (which are normally a long way further than those of the driver!).

I eventually did my suspension after about 2 years and the weight of all the mods I installed was leaving the rear too low but it gave the guys at Ultimate Suspension the best idea of what I needed from a weight perspective and by then I was getting out in the bush and doing intermediate to hard off-roading every month so they knew what I'd need in terms of shocks and options.

I went with the Safari snorkel by the way...and the Nugget airbox. Love them both.

If I bought a new Defender today, the first things I'd do would be as follows:


Wheels and tyres
Electronics - Mulgo ExBox and a UHF radio
Performance - rechip the ECU and throw in an Allisport intercooler. Changes the vehicle completely!
Protection - Bar, Mulgo rear steps, Mulgo rock sliders, wheel arch flares
Lighting - driving lights
Storage - interior storage and exterior storage....whichever setup you go for, always consult the site as there's so many lovely people willing to share their experiences.....and as a rule of thumb, I ask the opinion of Daniel at Mulgo....because the bloke loves Defenders and loves delivering amazing products and awesome service for his clients.....and if he imports or resells other manufacturers' products, he doesn't do it unless he thinks they're the best ones. His own products are awesome too.

Once that's done, then I'd go and see Brendan at Ultimate Suspension.


But that's just my two cents mate. Owning a Defender and modifying it to your needs is a journey. Enjoy it your own way and don't forget to wave ;-)


Bobby

[Al Kidner]

Thanks for all that mate!

Some food for thought right there and yes… waiting till I have a few things sorted I find seems to be the best way to do things.

I'll post away pics when I'm looking at my new wagon !


Cheers,


ak.

[Damo89]

I'm in your shoes mate, however my vehicle arrives next month on a lease!

This is what I ordered

LAND ROVER Defender 110 14MY Wagon 5dr Man 6sp 4x4 2.2DT
Firenze Red
Leather Premium Seats
16" Alloy Wheels - Dual Finish (Continental Tyres)
901 Xtreme Sport Series IPF lights
ARB Deluxe Black Powder Coated Winch Bull Bar
Hayman Reece Tow Bar
Safari Snorkel
Warn 9.5XP Winch
Chequer Plate Protection Kit (Black)
Flares Body Coloured
Front Mud Flaps
Mulgo ExBox with Fuse Box, 12v and USB Sockets
Rubber Floor Mats
Traxide RV Def-COMBO HL & Driving Light Wiring Kit
Traxide RV Def-USI-TPSE kit Dual Battery system
Wing Top Protectors (both in black)
Window Tint - Premium Metallised Film
Rijidij Rear Wheel Carrier

Exciting times, I cannot wait to get into it!

[simmo]

Hi I've had a defender for a while and belong to the minimalist group.
Radio,
Roofrack, depending on how much gear you have
Rear wheel carrier, a must for the rough roads or the door will break.
Internal storage or drawers, Fridge slide for cold beer.
A snorkel is a must in case you stray into deep water accidentaly.
Bullbars, side bars, rear bars etc, a lot weigh, and expense , I'm not sure they are needed. I drove 100,000 km mostly in daytime and never felt the need for a bull bar, I sold the one on my car it was very heavy. They are good for mounting your driving lights and radio aerial.
The defender has a high body it's fairly difficult to damage it, unless your "hardcore".
Traction aids , lockers etc, you probably don't need the defender has enough electronic wizardry to to everything. I bought the extras for my car over the first couple of years as I recognized the need. But it's fun adding "goodies" to your car, good luck and good travelling.

[EastFreo]

If everything goes to plan I will put in an order for my 110 soon. Thanks for all the above posts as I am trying to work out what I will be getting first up and this is all very useful.

My biggest dilemma is the colour!

I am planning to keep my 2015 Defender for ever so it has to last (amusingly when the dealer kindly brought a 110 demo over to my place for a test drive my 6 yr old declared it was going to be his first car ... and he then proceeded to show off his defender toy car and say how much he loved Grandpa's Defender. I think my negotiating power diminished considerably at that point).

Anyway I am thinking about the Loire blue but haven't seen any in the flesh.

Can anyone say if it looks at all like the landys in the brochure?

Appreciate any advice.

Cheers. James

[AndyG]

Just to make it harder, LR apparently have a bulletin coming out about a run out model with Heritage Colors.
But once you have a slot, you still have options

[EastFreo]

Bloody hell - just when I thought I was down to chosing between blue and black!