RE: mods - what are your thoughts?

[Defender007]

Hello

I am very interested in your opinion/suggestions about necessary mods for my Defender. I plan on doing long range touring/expedition trips all over Qld and into NT, SA and NSW. I don't mind doing a little mudding/green laning from time to time too.

I have a 2006 Defender 110 TD5 Wagon. Apart from a warn winch, ARB bull bar and a tow bar, the vehicle is stock. I have recently purchased rated D shackles, snatch strap, tyre pressure gauge and winch damper blanket. That's the extent of my recovery kit.

This is my first Defender and it would be great to get some suggestions based on experience since I have virtually none. I know I need a radio and I'm also thinking of a Safari Snorkel. Passengers - just my wife and I. The dog too on some trips. Less than 150kg between the three of us.

Thanks!

[vnx205]

You asked for thoughts and opinions, so I suppose you are prepared for some disagreement about what is necessary or even what is desirable.

My opinion (for what it is worth) is that Land Rover make a very capable vehicle and while it can be modified to improve its ability to perform in one area, often there is a downside to the modification.

For a start, most things you add will increase the weight of the vehicle, so you will have reduced your useful payload or created the need for a suspension upgrade. Strengthening one component often just has the effect of moving the weak point from somewhere that is easy and cheap to repair, to another component that harder to get at and more expensive.

Then there is the cost to consider. There may well be occasions when the money spent on something like chrome plated twin overhead dipsticks might have been better spent on a brand new set of standard size tyres before you set out on the big trip.

Some Defender owners do all the things you have described with few if any modifications and they do it in comfort and safety.

It seems to me that some people start with the assumption that it is compulsory to heavily modify the vehicle and need to be persuaded that the proposed mod is unnecessary. At the other end of the spectrum, you have those who are quite impressed with the vehicle as it came out of the factory and need to hear some fairly persuasive arguments before they will spend big money for a small benefit.

You can probably guess at which end of the spectrum I sit. :D

[Dopey]

maybe one of those Rijidij rear wheel carriers, to get the weight of the spare wheel off the rear door and onto the chassis crossmember.
Apart from that, not really much else needed.

http://rijidijoffroad.bounce.com.au/home/4551020102

Mike.

[KarlB]

I think vnx205 is on the mark. That said, for any sort of remote touring you would benefit from a long range fuel tank (though you could get by with jerry cans). Also, some front recovery points are always useful.

It would be helpful to those who might proffer advice to indicate whether you are proposing to tour with just yourself in the vehicle, or with passengers.

Cheers
KarlB
:)

[Defender007]

You asked for thoughts and opinions, so I suppose you are prepared for some disagreement about what is necessary or even what is desirable.

My opinion (for what it is worth) is that Land Rover make a very capable vehicle and while it can be modified to improve its ability to perform in one area, often there is a downside to the modification.

For a start, most things you add will increase the weight of the vehicle, so you will have reduced your useful payload or created the need for a suspension upgrade. Strengthening one component often just has the effect of moving the weak point from somewhere that is easy and cheap to repair, to another component that harder to get at and more expensive.

Then there is the cost to consider. There may well be occasions when the money spent on something like chrome plated twin overhead dipsticks might have been better spent on a brand new set of standard size tyres before you set out on the big trip.

Some Defender owners do all the things you have described with few if any modifications and they do it in comfort and safety.

It seems to me that some people start with the assumption that it is compulsory to heavily modify the vehicle and need to be persuaded that the proposed mod is unnecessary. At the other end of the spectrum, you have those who are quite impressed with the vehicle as it came out of the factory and need to hear some fairly persuasive arguments before they will spend big money for a small benefit.

You can probably guess at which end of the spectrum I sit. :D
I like your approach - less is more. I subscribe to that view.

There are a few mods I feel I will need so hopefully with some good feedback I can get the right mods done without significantly compromising the good points you make in your third paragraph.

Cheers!

[Defender007]

I think vnx205 is on the mark. That said, for any sort of remote touring you would benefit from a long range fuel tank (though you could get by with jerry cans). Also, some front recovery points are always useful.

It would be helpful to those who might proffer advice to indicate whether you are proposing to tour with just yourself in the vehicle, or with passengers.

Cheers
KarlB
:)
Thanks Karl. I have decided to go with the jerrycans for the moment. Simple, cheap and unlikely to fail.

Good point, just my wife and I. The dog too on some trips. Less than 150kg between the three of us. I'll edit my post to reflect that.

[Tote]

Maybe a compressor to blow up the tyres that you let down ( does not need to be fitted to the vehicle ) and a UHF CB
Regards,
Tote

[Defender007]

Maybe a compressor to blow up the tyres that you let down ( does not need to be fitted to the vehicle ) and a UHF CB
Regards,
Tote
Thanks Tote. Definitely going a compressor. What brand do you use for compressor and radio?

[FV1601]

Some good advice above, I also carry enough water for the truck as well as myself, a fire extinguisher and for the high country:a chainsaw.
Some very good portable compressors out there, I think the TJM one did very well on a trial I read on the net, but plenty to choose from.
Most important is the fridge!
Get out there and enjoy, then you can add to the list for the next trip...
Rich.

[jaco]

Good points, I'll consider the following:

Dual battery system
Fridge
Front/Rear Recovery points
Basic Recovery equipment (snatch strap, tree protector, shackles, gloves, etc...)
Manual Puller/winch if travelling alone...best not to travel alone anyway

have fun!:)

[PAT303]

The best thing you have done to your defender is to ask here first.Your vehicle doesn't need much,looking at the photo your front springs have sagged,buy genuine LR 130 front HD springs,that will fix that,buy a set of Koni shocks or TDCi defender genuine,the TDCi defender shocks are very good quality,check the axle drive members,replace with steel aftermarket,go to the Traxide site and talk to Tim,fit one of his headlight looms and dual battery system,the best their is,other than that give it a good mechanical going over by a good LR mechanic,be VERY pedantic with the cooling system,you want it 100%,cooling is the bug bear for all makes of vehicles in the interior and learn how to operate your machine,you want to know how to trouble shoot problems and change filters here,not out in the bush. Pat

[Tote]

Thanks Tote. Definitely going a compressor. What brand do you use for compressor and radio?

I've got an ARB one that I had mounted in the Disco and SWMBO has an Aldi unit that has gone pretty well and is just as fast as the ARB. Look out for them prior to Easter.

I've had most brands of Radio. I have a preference for Icom or GME but in the end it probably doesnt make much difference, find one that fits where you want to put it.

Regards,
Tote

[Blknight.aus]

depends on how where and what you want to do for touring how much you want to spend and how quickly you want to set it all up

with a dog (depending on how you like the dog to travel.

dual battery, maybe a solar panel and small charger to back it up
fridge,
basic tool kit (if it weighs more than 10kg all told including your tyre plug kit, multimeter, electrical tape, pliers, spanners, screwdrivers, sockets+drivers, loctites and the box it comes in its not basic anymore)
compressor
basic cooking gear
water (~40l in 2x~20l tanks plus about 5l of small bottles)

the key is not so much what you pack in its where you stash it. theres a fair bit of "wasted" space you can find around the layout of a landrover to hide things away

taking the small back seat out makes room for a fridge and leaves you a seat that you can use.

you can make 20l tanks to fit under floor out of pvc pipe and fittings, you can make the one on the left self refilling by plumbing it just the right way from the AC drain.

a rear storage system will let you get 90+% of everything you need into the back of the vehicle keeping the back nice and flat to the back of the seats. or you can build it up higher than that and with some clever construction work the whole back of the vehicle becomes a flat space that you can sleep on when you fold the back seats forward.

dual batteries fit under the passangers seat
theres a good selection of compressors and inverters that can be installed under the drivers seat.
If you go for the fridge in place of the left rear seat option you can set it up so you access it through the door or through the rear window, with the fridge built into that position its possible to make a small pull out kitchenette that sits in the space under the fridge on the floor or you put it in one of the pull out slides from the back door.

Making a quickly attachable shade/rain shelter I consider essential, I usually do it with a couple of tarp clips, springloaded wood work clamps and a cheap tarp clip it to the roof channel open the door under it letting the door form one side of the support then prop it on a single pole then tie off a weight or hammer down a peg to tie it to.

fire extinquisher first aid kit, drop down table built onto the rear door internal trim or in place of, rear wheel carrier if you dont have one, preferably one that will mount a jerry if you dont want to put an additional side tank in, snorkle if you dont have one already, small box (shoebox) of common spare parts (again this, including the box should weigh less than 10kg things like filters, spare belt, secret hidden heater hose or bung, crank angle sensor, map, maf, fuses, a few meters of wire, crimps, a couple of common bolts, nuts and washers, small roll of fencing wire, hose clamps, rescue tape), the right kind of bluetooth obd2 reader or a vehicle appropriate specific version thereof plus a suitable tablet/laptop that can talk to it and hold your manuals, maps (multi task this thing gps it use it for storing your music/movies/journals/running sheets)

a 2 way, you might consider one of the spot type satellite units that will let you send preformed messages, doubles as an epirb type device, and if you get the right one will let you send 140 character messages.

couple of life filter type water purification straws/pumps

[rar110]

I pretty much agree with what was suggested previously other than a long range tank unless you are going on a stretch where you really need it. My army 110 has a 60 lt tank and has double Jerry can carriers. I carry jerries. Three jerries will lay flat on the floor for the 2nd row.

I really like the gull wing windows for the cargo area. They make access a lot easier.

I would also consider a diagnostic tool and a sat phone.

[Col 110]

I have just had one of the rear wheel carriers fitted by Murray in Victoria - very happy with the result :) - definite improvement when corrogated roads.

I have also had a Milford Cargo Barrier fitted - it is a dual position barrier - either behind the 2nd row seats when seats are upright - or it can be moved forward behind the 2nd row seats when they are folded up. It has quick release nuts to help make it easy to move. I was very happy with how it was fitted by a 4X4 specialist in the Hawkesbury.


maybe one of those Rijidij rear wheel carriers, to get the weight of the spare wheel off the rear door and onto the chassis crossmember.
Apart from that, not really much else needed.

Home - Rijidij Off Road (http://rijidijoffroad.bounce.com.au/home/4551020102)

Mike.

[Simon]

Lots of great advice given already.

We have just returned from a year touring Australia. For the trip we made no mechanical changes to our 110 (MY2013). A few things were added

- front recovery points (jate rings)
- dual battery
- snorkel (Mantec)
- diff guards (APT)
- roof platform (Rhino)
- awning (Oztrail)
- valuables safe

We towed a trailer (Mission), so did not consider internal changes to our 110 to fit drawers etc. In addition to usual luggage items we had:

- Fridge + small freezer section was very useful for longer remote periods
- Satellite phone, in case of emergency
- Tirfor winch, in case of emergency
- Handheld radio
- Solar (connected to trailer)
- Primus 12v shower
- Jerry cans for fuel
- Vacumn sealer- no meat juice leaks in the fridge / packs things down
- Inverter
- Compressor (Anaconda special)
- Tyre valve core remover (ARB)
- Tyre repair kit

For us water was taken care of by the tank on the trailer.

We did carry a tool kit, but with my lack of mechanical knowledge it was more spanners etc. for tightening up loose things than more expert stuff (top level breakdown cover was my fallback).

We did carry certain spares e.g., air filter, fuel filter, serpentine belt. You may not have the knowledge to fit them but someone probably will. In the end only the air filters were used, I went through 4.

Hope that helps

Simon

[DiscoMick]

I'd say:
Rear wheel carrier to stop the door sagging
Long range tank
HD LR front springs
Luggage barrier
Roof rack
Second spare
Extended front seat runners
Dual battery system
Rear drawers
Compressor
Awning for shade

Could spend more but the standard Defender is very capable.
Enjoy.

Sent from my SM-G900I using AULRO mobile app

[Defender007]

Some good advice above, I also carry enough water for the truck as well as myself, a fire extinguisher and for the high country:a chainsaw.
Some very good portable compressors out there, I think the TJM one did very well on a trial I read on the net, but plenty to choose from.
Most important is the fridge!
Get out there and enjoy, then you can add to the list for the next trip...
Rich.
Thanks Rich.

I'm glad I asked for advice. I carry water for myself, 2 x 20 litre bottles but I don't carry water for the car. I will now!

Cheers.

[Defender007]

Some good advice above, I also carry enough water for the truck as well as myself, a fire extinguisher and for the high country:a chainsaw.
Some very good portable compressors out there, I think the TJM one did very well on a trial I read on the net, but plenty to choose from.
Most important is the fridge!
Get out there and enjoy, then you can add to the list for the next trip...
Rich.
Thanks Rich.

[Defender007]

The best thing you have done to your defender is to ask here first.Your vehicle doesn't need much,looking at the photo your front springs have sagged,buy genuine LR 130 front HD springs,that will fix that,buy a set of Koni shocks or TDCi defender genuine,the TDCi defender shocks are very good quality,check the axle drive members,replace with steel aftermarket,go to the Traxide site and talk to Tim,fit one of his headlight looms and dual battery system,the best their is,other than that give it a good mechanical going over by a good LR mechanic,be VERY pedantic with the cooling system,you want it 100%,cooling is the bug bear for all makes of vehicles in the interior and learn how to operate your machine,you want to know how to trouble shoot problems and change filters here,not out in the bush. Pat
Pat, you're spot on about the shocks. My mechanic says that I must upgrade them before going off road.

I'll be pedantic about the cooling system. I like that tip.

Cheers

[Defender007]

Three jerrycans across the 2nd row floor, that's a great idea. Will free up some valuable wagon space. The simple tips and tricks are often the best!

Cheers

[Defender007]

depends on how where and what you want to do for touring how much you want to spend and how quickly you want to set it all up

with a dog (depending on how you like the dog to travel.

dual battery, maybe a solar panel and small charger to back it up
fridge,
basic tool kit (if it weighs more than 10kg all told including your tyre plug kit, multimeter, electrical tape, pliers, spanners, screwdrivers, sockets+drivers, loctites and the box it comes in its not basic anymore)
compressor
basic cooking gear
water (~40l in 2x~20l tanks plus about 5l of small bottles)

the key is not so much what you pack in its where you stash it. theres a fair bit of "wasted" space you can find around the layout of a landrover to hide things away

taking the small back seat out makes room for a fridge and leaves you a seat that you can use.

you can make 20l tanks to fit under floor out of pvc pipe and fittings, you can make the one on the left self refilling by plumbing it just the right way from the AC drain.

a rear storage system will let you get 90+% of everything you need into the back of the vehicle keeping the back nice and flat to the back of the seats. or you can build it up higher than that and with some clever construction work the whole back of the vehicle becomes a flat space that you can sleep on when you fold the back seats forward.

dual batteries fit under the passangers seat
theres a good selection of compressors and inverters that can be installed under the drivers seat.
If you go for the fridge in place of the left rear seat option you can set it up so you access it through the door or through the rear window, with the fridge built into that position its possible to make a small pull out kitchenette that sits in the space under the fridge on the floor or you put it in one of the pull out slides from the back door.

Making a quickly attachable shade/rain shelter I consider essential, I usually do it with a couple of tarp clips, springloaded wood work clamps and a cheap tarp clip it to the roof channel open the door under it letting the door form one side of the support then prop it on a single pole then tie off a weight or hammer down a peg to tie it to.

fire extinquisher first aid kit, drop down table built onto the rear door internal trim or in place of, rear wheel carrier if you dont have one, preferably one that will mount a jerry if you dont want to put an additional side tank in, snorkle if you dont have one already, small box (shoebox) of common spare parts (again this, including the box should weigh less than 10kg things like filters, spare belt, secret hidden heater hose or bung, crank angle sensor, map, maf, fuses, a few meters of wire, crimps, a couple of common bolts, nuts and washers, small roll of fencing wire, hose clamps, rescue tape), the right kind of bluetooth obd2 reader or a vehicle appropriate specific version thereof plus a suitable tablet/laptop that can talk to it and hold your manuals, maps (multi task this thing gps it use it for storing your music/movies/journals/running sheets)

a 2 way, you might consider one of the spot type satellite units that will let you send preformed messages, doubles as an epirb type device, and if you get the right one will let you send 140 character messages.

couple of life filter type water purification straws/pumps
Thanks Dave, that's a comprehensive list. I will be taking up some of those suggestions over a period of time.

I like the PVC pipe under the floor with plumbing to AC. That's a genius idea! Tool kit will be complied very soon.

I'm definitely going a rear storage unit which I will build myself from plywood to save on costs. It will be simple, quality and craftsmanship will be questionable but should do the trick.

[PAT303]

Pat, you're spot on about the shocks. My mechanic says that I must upgrade them before going off road.

I'll be pedantic about the cooling system. I like that tip.

Cheers

Mate,there are many members on here that have done many miles in defenders that will give you straight up good advice,don't be afraid to ask,there's no such thing as a stupid Q. Pat

[Blknight.aus]

Thanks Dave, that's a comprehensive list. I will be taking up some of those suggestions over a period of time.

I like the PVC pipe under the floor with plumbing to AC. That's a genius idea! Tool kit will be complied very soon.

I'm definitely going a rear storage unit which I will build myself from plywood to save on costs. It will be simple, quality and craftsmanship will be questionable but should do the trick.

http://www.aulro.com/afvb/recovery/230248-vehicle-recovery-breakdown-tool-kit.html

thats a link to a thread to the kind of tool kit Im talking about.

http://www.aulro.com/afvb/547375-post11.html
that a link to how and what I usually carry. Yes, my tool box and tooling in that post is well above what I advise most people carry but then I spend more time working on other cars than my own and on more than a few occasions doing so has at least paid for the fuel and food on a leg of a trip.

its also got a pic of how it all packs in, whats not immediately clear is the way the top edge of the bedframe lifts up and slides forwards to cover the folded down seat to make the bed the full length of the vehicle.

[jimr1]

Just to add as there has been lots of good tips . Look at your radio / sound system , I don't mean spending loads of money , but can I recommend USB sticks . CDs take up room , plus you soon get to know every track backwards after a few weeks . Jim :)