Defender camper trailer conversion

[monchochos]

Hi,
I'm really enjoying reading the threads about camper/trailer builds using defender tubs. I'd love to start a project like that. One idea I've had is to convert a defender wagon into a hard top camper trailer. Does anyone know how much the back half (say from front of back doors) of a defender wagon would weigh including the chassis and assuming the chassis is cut and draw bar added?

I also like the other option of defender tub with canvas tent. Most builds I've seen on this site fit the tub to a custom chassis. What are the reasons for not just using the vehicle chassis and modifying it with draw bar. Is it too heavy?

[loanrangie]

Probably cheaper to use a series tub which will be bigger and provide more space.

[monchochos]

Is a series tub bigger than a 130 tub?

[debruiser]

I think that he means a 109 van type back. Which would be similar in size but wouldn't have the doors -just a long tub. Would think you could pick one up cheap too

Sent from my SM-A300Y using AULRO mobile app

[monchochos]

Ok. I'm not very familiar with all the different models yet.
BTW, roughly how much is "cheap".

[Dervish]

Probably cheaper to use a series tub which will be bigger and provide more space.

Not necessarily; the wagon body has room where the passenger footwell was and is longer thanks to the hardtop tub's front wall encroaching on the load area. I'll see about getting the tare weight off this trailer's plate tomorrow (not mine, I just reversed up to it for a photo!)

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2016/05/441.jpg

[JDNSW]

The major shortcoming of this concept is that the Defender chassis is rated to carry a load of 3+tonnes - a large proportion of it on the rear wheels. It is unlikely that a sensible camper will weigh anything like that, so building a chassis may be the way to go. Certainly use the Landrover body though. (Body parts and dimensions are largely unchanged since 1958, so which model to use is only a minor difference).

John

[monchochos]

Thanks. That's basically the setup I was thinking of. The chassis does look very heavy and probably not the best options.

Anyone have an idea how much the rear body of a 110 would be worth? Not including the chassis.

[loanrangie]

Thanks. That's basically the setup I was thinking of. The chassis does look very heavy and probably not the best options.

Anyone have an idea how much the rear body of a 110 would be worth? Not including the chassis.

You would have to find one first.

[JDNSW]

If you are thinking of a 110 five door, fairly rare, but they do exist. The rear doors seem to be in demand, so could cost quite a bit. A 110 rear body from a 3 door is quite rare (not that many sold). On the other hand, Series 2/2a/3 are almost the same and readily found.

For those that are unclear, the "rear body" in a Series or Defender/110 Landrover is made up of quite a few bits, bolted together, and usually sold separately:-

Tub - lower body back from the doors. Different on 3 door and 5 door.

Upper sides - side above the waist and back next to the rear door or upper tailgate.

Roof - full length from windscreen to the back. Too long for the planned trailer, but the swb roof is just about right.

Rear door - or upper and lower tailgate.

Side doors - if using a five door tub, you need these and the 'B' pillars, which include the sill frame, plus rear floor, which is a separate panel.

In addition you require numerous fittings and need to frame and panel the front of the bits you have. And to make a chassis of course.

John

[Dervish]

The tare weight on the plate of the trailer above is 360kg, which can't be right at all. I think it would be reasonable to assume twice that.

[debruiser]

Maybe it's 1360kg? someone missed a 1?

[3toes]

Think if you want a 110 body would be better off looking in UK and import. That said the LWB was never sold in big numbers here. SWB was favourite. In your favour though is that based on what I have seen on the road LWB were sold to commercial users who have been replacing Land Rovers with utes for a few years now.

[Michael2]

I've got a SIII 109 LWB rear tub in Bronze Green with an Ivory Roof. The 4 windows have been replaced with the larger Toyota Troopy sliding windows, and the rear floor has alum chequerplate. It has a rear tailgate.

It's sitting in my yard, and I've threatened to turn it into a chicken coup, but if anyone wants it for a camper project, I'm open to offers.

Here's a link to a photo of the tub when it was on the car :
https://www.facebook.com/OverlandExpeditions/photos/a.470259003035481.106757.314185851976131/470261609701887/'type=3&theater

I had hoped to make it into a trailer, but I picked up a WWII era chassis (rivetted C-Section chassis, long leaf springs) that I put an alloy ute tray on with a retractable tall canvas cover, underslung tool boxes and a tool box on the draw bar. The Vic Roads Engineer rated it as 2,000kg on the compliance plate when I went to register it, even though it didn't have brakes! So I put electric brakes on it too, and added an extra bolt in tubular cross member to control chassis flex. It tows loads to the tip without an issue, but I'm concerned about the age of the chassis and the 'brittle' nature of old school steel to risk taking it outback, though it's done well in the high country, but showed it needs shock absorbers off road.

So at the moment I'm buying an older Track Trailer camper. The MC2 suspension should give me the confidence to take it further. Once I pick it up I'll see if I can swap the Toyota brakes on the Track with the Land Rover brakes on the tray trailer, and then sell the tray trailer.

My wife would appreciate the Series tub gone, so if anyone wants it for a project, send me a PM. (located in Melb).