mulgo poptop

[Eddie]

Would love to get a pop top fitted to the 110. spoke with Daniel at Mulgo he was very helpful, does anyone have one fitted, love the idea of a quick set up as i drive out to Cairns quite often do a few hours driving at night after work when the PDR has very little traffic and sleep at the side of the road when tired.
1. How is the quality.
2. Are they easy to get in and out of.
3. If you fitted one again would you do it exactly the same or would you do something different.
I live up in Weipa FNQ so cant just drop around to check one out unless anyone in cairns or the tablelands has got one fitted.
cheers Eddie

[DiscoMick]

Weeds has one. PM him.

[Eddie]

will do cheers

[tc_s1]

I have one on the 110 county and I love it. It was installed by the prior owner before I bought it and we use it all the time. Cannot beat rolling late into camp when needed, popping the top and getting to bed within 5 minutes.

[tc_s1]

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2018/01/301.jpg

[Jam3s]

Hey Eddie

I have had one for 6 months. I am very happy with it.
Spent 5 weeks living in it July. Gold Coast > Cape York > Gold Coast

1. How is the quality.
I am very happy with the quality

2. Are they easy to get in and out of.
I built my own internal storage in the rear which acts as a staircase to the bed so it is very easy.
We went away for a few days over new years and my missus (30-weeks pregnant) had no troubles getting in. She had a little trouble turning around up top when I was already in bed as you sleep with your feet to the front of the vehicle so need to spin around up top.
The Mulgo fitout uses the same concept of storage as a step.


3. If you fitted one again would you do it exactly the same or would you do something different.
If I didn't already have the 110 I would have considered his 130 wagon/poptop conversion it looks awesome! We have maintained 4 seats (one rear removed for the fridge) so storage is limited but we haven't had any issues yet.


Also sent you a PM

[weeds]

As mention we have one.........

1. Quality, no issues

2. Access.....easy as, so long as you’re mobile. Like James we use the kitchen as steps.

3. Changes, not really, a usb outlet in the ceiling for iPad charging, I have fitted a ram mount to watch movies st night or in poor weather.

4. Setup, it’s less than 1min as bed is always made and four pillow stay up top all the time. We have a Hard Top (no cargo barrier) so even if it’s pouring rain we jump over the front seat, unlatch from inside, push roof up, jump into bed.....don’t even get wet.


https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2018/01/368.jpg

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2018/01/369.jpg

[Eddie]

Thanks for the update everyone. Keen as mustard to get one installed, a quick and easy camp set up is the way to go and no towing a camper trailer even at the expense of less storage than a trailer.
I will try to get booked in after the wet season and are able to drive down to Sydney. Is there any chance of any photos of the fridge set up on the back seat anyone I was thinking of this idea, as I like to take my dogs camping and sometimes space can be limited in the back of the wagon.
cheers Eddie

[Jam3s]

This is my fridge setup.
65L Campanion Xero
I have a plywood board with a leg at the front. I installed it as low as I could go while still allowing front seat to fully recline.
Underneath is air compressor, draw with recovery gear and invertor.
It's tight but works for us.

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2018/01/370.jpghttps://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2018/01/371.jpghttps://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2018/01/372.jpghttps://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2018/01/373.jpg

[The Cone of Silence]

It's a very expensive modification but I highly recommend it. I had a rooftop tent before and prior to that I was on the ground in a tent or a swag.

1. How is the quality.
It's Daniel - quality of design is high, quality of fabrication is high. I've done thousands of kms of rough off-roading and mine hasn't skipped a beat. After 3 years I replaced the rubber seal but to be honest it would have been fine for a lot longer.

2. Are they easy to get in and out of.
Yes, unless you've had 13 tins and need to get up for a pee in the night - the dismount can be interesting with a fuzzy head, but it's way easier than with a rooftop tent, for example.

3. If you fitted one again would you do it exactly the same or would you do something different.
I can't think of anything I'd do differently. I went for the DRIFTA set up but worked with Daniel on what suited me best. Work out all your interior needs and he'll help you create a solution.


My fridge set-up below - Waeco CFX40 with MSA drop slide.

134701134702

PM me if you want any more information - happy to send more pics too if you want some ideas.

[Tins]

It's a very expensive modification but I highly recommend it.

Is it? I heard somewhere that a 110 conversion is around $10K, which seems reasonable when comparing it to a camper trailer for example. Still, I suppose that is without fitout.

Daniel is away until the end of Jan, so I can't ask. Does anyone have a ball park figure for his 130 conversion?




PM me if you want any more information - happy to send more pics too if you want some ideas.

Will do.

[Zeros]

It's a very expensive modification but I highly recommend it. I had a rooftop tent before and prior to that I was on the ground in a tent or a swag.

1. How is the quality.
It's Daniel - quality of design is high, quality of fabrication is high. I've done thousands of kms of rough off-roading and mine hasn't skipped a beat. After 3 years I replaced the rubber seal but to be honest it would have been fine for a lot longer.

2. Are they easy to get in and out of.
Yes, unless you've had 13 tins and need to get up for a pee in the night - the dismount can be interesting with a fuzzy head, but it's way easier than with a rooftop tent, for example.

3. If you fitted one again would you do it exactly the same or would you do something different.
I can't think of anything I'd do differently. I went for the DRIFTA set up but worked with Daniel on what suited me best. Work out all your interior needs and he'll help you create a solution.


My fridge set-up below - Waeco CFX40 with MSA drop slide.

134701134702

PM me if you want any more information - happy to send more pics too if you want some ideas.

That's the best use of a dropdown fridge slide that I've seen. Is it also accessible from the rear of the vehicle with the doors shut and the poptop up? What do you store between the fridge and the rear?

I've always had my fridge replacing the single rear seat, but oriented the other way, so lid opens towards front seat head rest. A 60L Engel fits well that way too without a slide.

Mulgo Pop Top Expensive? ...compared to a tent or swag yes. But for convenience and quality it's not expensive for what it is IMO. ...I'm dead keen but then I don't have the cash, so I guess that makes it expensive for me!

[Eddie]

Spoke with Daniel in Dec he quoted me $10k for the conversion for a 110 and said it would take about a week, but he could condense it to a couple of days for me as I have to drive down from North Queensland. Also said he was booked until March unless things have changed.
cheers Eddie

[The Cone of Silence]

That's the best use of a dropdown fridge slide that I've seen. Is it also accessible from the rear of the vehicle with the doors shut and the poptop up? What do you store between the fridge and the rear?

I've always had my fridge replacing the single rear seat, but oriented the other way, so lid opens towards front seat head rest. A 60L Engel fits well that way too without a slide.

Mulgo Pop Top Expensive? ...compared to a tent or swag yes. But for convenience and quality it's not expensive for what it is IMO. ...I'm dead keen but then I don't have the cash, so I guess that makes it expensive for me!

That's very kind of you Zeros

Fridge is accessible from the inside of the car - I can't get into it from the driver's seat but the passenger can reach around and get stuck in.

Between the fridge and the rear I have the 'standard' Mulgo fit out - storage lockers brimming with tools, campfire goodies, lights, cookware, straps and tie-downs, first aid, a water pump, the kitchen pantry and a couple of ammo boxes full of tucker. And booze. They all fit into various shaped storage lockers.

Some pics here might help https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B4KTuuNyQWn4MTJwMm5HbTI4UXc (https://scanmail.trustwave.com/?c=8529&d=nOax2XipkCiovZyq-nMcicWrlzevqXeqXPsFlwcPZQ&u=https%3a%2f%2fdrive%2egoogle%2ecom%2fopen%3fid%3 d0B4KTuuNyQWn4MTJwMm5HbTI4UXc)

[Robmacca]

Guys,
This might sound like a strange question, but I am curious here - between a Defender with the Mulgo conversion and a Landcruiser Troopcarrier with the Mulgo conversion as well - which one has the more room?

[weeds]

Guys,
This might sound like a strange question, but I am curious here - between a Defender with the Mulgo conversion and a Landcruiser Troopcarrier with the Mulgo conversion as well - which one has the more room?

Troopy......even when comparing against a 110 Hardtop

If I had my time over....and a few bucks I would go a 120 ute coverted into Hardtop.

[Robmacca]

Troopy......even when comparing against a 110 Hardtop

If I had my time over....and a few bucks I would go a 120 ute coverted into Hardtop.

120 or did u mean a 130?

[weeds]

120 or did u mean a 130?

I believe there were 120 cab chassis produce at on stage......although you have me second guessing now.

[steveG]

120's are real. Single cab, same era as the Isuzu county with Isuzu engine etc.

Steve

[weeds]

120's are real. Single cab, same era as the Isuzu county with Isuzu engine etc.

Steve

Probably rare beasts.....for some reason I thought there was a TD5 as well.

[rar110]

Like the Isuzu Land Rover, only released in Australia.

[Robmacca]

Troopy......even when comparing against a 110 Hardtop

If I had my time over....and a few bucks I would go a 120 ute coverted into Hardtop.


Yeah, I thought the Troopy would have more room...... If/when I get to that stage of wanting a Mulgo conversion, then I think the Troopy for us might be the preferred option....
rob

[Eddie]

Hi Weeds your rig looks good is the 270 degree awing the same one that Daniel fits at Mulgo
When I'm out getting the pop top fitted I'm looking at an awning as well
cheers Eddie

[weeds]

Hi Weeds your rig looks good is the 270 degree awing the same one that Daniel fits at Mulgo
When I'm out getting the pop top fitted I'm looking at an awning as well
cheers Eddie

No it’s not the standard awning Daniel fits, I cannot remember which one he recommends (if customer hasn’t supplied one) as he was looking at a different awning.

Either was get Daniel to fit the offset brackets so that you can fit an awning....although much easy getting Daniel to fit if you go a 270.

Mine is an Alu-cab awning, Daniel has fitted at least one other. The awning suits us and appears to be well made. It’s also one of the few that have a pitched roof......this stops most of the pooling, I’m about to add an extra fit up leg to get rid of the pooling at the back as Ali-cab Australia haven’t responded to my emails. Oh these are probably close to the most expensive in the market.

I would imagine all otter 270 without a pitch in the roof would pool water pretty quickly to the point where you would have to pack it up.

I have air suspension which is also handy when it’s raining as I just drop the right hand side to the bump stop to ensure the rain falls off. Another little benefit of ditching coils.

[Tins]

I have air suspension which is also handy when it’s raining as I just drop the right hand side to the bump stop to ensure the rain falls off. Another little benefit of ditching coils.

I guess I've missed something here. You have air suspension on a Defender? That sounds like a plan to me. What else? ACE?

[DiscoMick]

Yeah, I thought the Troopy would have more room...... If/when I get to that stage of wanting a Mulgo conversion, then I think the Troopy for us might be the preferred option....
rob
I doubt if a Troopy is roomier than a Defender. Have you done a comparison?

[weeds]

I guess I've missed something here. You have air suspension on a Defender? That sounds like a plan to me. What else? ACE?

Opps, meant to say drop the air out of the left hand air bag to increase the fall.

Yeah I have looked at four other defender that have ditched the coils.

300tdi 110 Rear only
300tdi 130 Rear only
2.4 puma 110 all four with auto height adjusting
Puma 110 Airbag Man

I used the Airbag Man Kit for the rear.....with manual in-cab control. I’m considering the front but it way down on the list.

Others have source bits and pieces from around the world with different level of control.

It’s been great for leveling the Poptop when I pull up, at queen Mary falls the other day we were parked on a slope so I dropped the right hand bag to us bump stop and the car was level which made it easier for the wife opening and closing the rear door.

I did a write about it.

[weeds]

Yeah, I thought the Troopy would have more room...... If/when I get to that stage of wanting a Mulgo conversion, then I think the Troopy for us might be the preferred option....
rob

Also need to consider 2 doors v 4 doors......

For two people living on the road I reckon the Troopy would offer more room especially when the bed is raised up.

Daniel would be able to confirm.

But I’m happy enough with the room in the hard top....would like an extra 10 inches in the wheel base to squeeze a bit more gear in

[Robmacca]

I doubt if a Troopy is roomier than a Defender. Have you done a comparison?

I haven't checked but looking at the 110 and the Troopy, I would have thought that the Troopy would give u more room + head room as well when all is folded down...

[Eddie]

No it’s not the standard awning Daniel fits, I cannot remember which one he recommends (if customer hasn’t supplied one) as he was looking at a different awning.

Either was get Daniel to fit the offset brackets so that you can fit an awning....although much easy getting Daniel to fit if you go a 270.

Mine is an Alu-cab awning, Daniel has fitted at least one other. The awning suits us and appears to be well made. It’s also one of the few that have a pitched roof......this stops most of the pooling, I’m about to add an extra fit up leg to get rid of the pooling at the back as Ali-cab Australia haven’t responded to my emails. Oh these are probably close to the most expensive in the market.

I would imagine all otter 270 without a pitch in the roof would pool water pretty quickly to the point where you would have to pack it up.

I have air suspension which is also handy when it’s raining as I just drop the right hand side to the bump stop to ensure the rain falls off. Another little benefit of ditching coils.

Thanks for that Weeds it's a bit confusing with the amount of wrap around awnings on the market. Looking for a strong one that can handle a bit of wind but unsure which one I'd rather pay the money once and get a top quality one

[weeds]

Thanks for that Weeds it's a bit confusing with the amount of wrap around awnings on the market. Looking for a strong one that can handle a bit of wind but unsure which one I'd rather pay the money once and get a top quality one

Ours has only been exposed to strongish winds twice, once I used the inbuilt fold down pole and rope....the other time I just rolled over and went back to sleep with my toe crossed. Both times it held up good.

[Robmacca]

Ours has only been exposed to strongish winds twice, once I used the inbuilt fold down pole and rope....the other time I just rolled over and went back to sleep with my toe crossed. Both times it held up good.


I did see a review on the Alu-Cab one and he mentioned that on the swing-out arms where Alu-Cab have imprinted their logo into the swingout arm that this had actually created a weak point and in strong winds that there had been a few bend up at this point. I don't know how old the U-Tube clip was (it was on the 4X Overland channel) or whether this issue has since been rectified.....

[Eddie]

Did a trip out to Penefather beach last year and a storm hit blew my roll out annex over the car bending the tubes and ripped my roof topper off the roof rack was just holding on by one bolt. On closer inspection it looked like the stainless bolts had been fretting against the aluminium extruded rails ( probably from so much driving on corrigations). So looking for a strong set up as I head out to Penny beach quite a bit

[Tins]

I did see a review on the Alu-Cab one and he mentioned that on the swing-out arms where Alu-Cab have imprinted their logo into the swingout arm that this had actually created a weak point and in strong winds that there had been a few bend up at this point. I don't know how old the U-Tube clip was (it was on the 4X Overland channel) or whether this issue has since been rectified.....

I saw that as well. Given Andrew has a bit of history with Alu-Cab I imagine they will have taken note, but maybe not.

[weeds]

I saw that as well. Given Andrew has a bit of history with Alu-Cab I imagine they will have taken note, but maybe not.

I reckon maybe not.......they haven’t bothered with any of my requests.

[weeds]

I did see a review on the Alu-Cab one and he mentioned that on the swing-out arms where Alu-Cab have imprinted their logo into the swingout arm that this had actually created a weak point and in strong winds that there had been a few bend up at this point. I don't know how old the U-Tube clip was (it was on the 4X Overland channel) or whether this issue has since been rectified.....

Got a link to the review.l??

[Shoogs]

I have a Ostrich Wing awning the original 270 degree one, made in South Africa cannot fault it very strong and have only ever used the drop down pole once, they recommend to face the awning into any wind if strong. Using it on the West Australian Coast which is always windy...

i had had a look at the alu-cab and fox wings etc... don’t come close IMO...

[Eddie]

I have a Ostrich Wing awning the original 270 degree one, made in South Africa cannot fault it very strong and have only ever used the drop down pole once, they recommend to face the awning into any wind if strong. Using it on the West Australian Coast which is always windy...

i had had a look at the alu-cab and fox wings etc... don’t come close IMO...
Looked at the Ostrich wing on you tube looks like a tough unit

[weeds]

Patrick does look good, I didn’t come across it at the time when I was buying.

Be interested in the weight of it??

[Tins]

Got a link to the review.l??

It's inside a longer vid. I'll see if I can find it.

[Tins]

I did a write about it.

So you did, and very interesting reading it is too. Would you do it the same way again? Since I read your thread I've had a look around, and am drooling over the VB system.

You did well getting a 2 door.

[weeds]

VB System??

Don’t think I would change anything. Have a controller for auto height would be nice but it’s not really required.

[Jake93]

Just a quick question lads - I haven't bought a defender as yet but wanting to eventually get the pop top mod done may influence my decision on which defender to buy.

Can it be done to a defender with a sunroof? I assume it can, I just haven't seen it done. I just assume that all that will result is instead of having a sunroof you end up with basically just a small window when its popped up?

[Tins]

VB System??



We now offer VB Air Suspension Systems for Defender 90, 110 and 130 - (http://www.neneoverland.co.uk/nene-news/we-now-offer-vb-air-suspension-systems-for-land-rover-defender/)

[weeds]

We now offer VB Air Suspension Systems for Defender 90, 110 and 130 - (http://www.neneoverland.co.uk/nene-news/we-now-offer-vb-air-suspension-systems-for-land-rover-defender/)

Pretty much the same as air bag man

[weeds]

Just a quick question lads - I haven't bought a defender as yet but wanting to eventually get the pop top mod done may influence my decision on which defender to buy.

Can it be done to a defender with a sunroof? I assume it can, I just haven't seen it done. I just assume that all that will result is instead of having a sunroof you end up with basically just a small window when its popped up?

I don’t see an issue with sunroof apart from not being available for daily driving.

[Tins]

Pretty much the same as air bag man

Yeah. I didn't think ABM did a controller, but then I got a brochure.

[Zeros]

I don’t see an issue with sunroof apart from not being available for daily driving.

A sunroof for your feet! Or a vent LOL 😂

...interesting, Weeds would the angle of the roof when up mean you could see out the 'window' from bed, or too slanted?

To me it may be an advantage...when I bought my Puma it had a sunroof fitted, I didn't really want one but was a great deal so I ended up with a sunroof. With a pop top the bed platform would cover the sunroof. ...also, further to that, how much driver head room is lost with the platform above?

[weeds]

A sunroof for your feet! Or a vent LOL [emoji23]

...interesting, Weeds would the angle of the roof when up mean you could see out the 'window' from bed, or too slanted?

To me it may be an advantage...when I bought my Puma it had a sunroof fitted, I didn't really want one but was a great deal so I ended up with a sunroof. With a pop top the bed platform would cover the sunroof. ...also, further to that, how much driver head room is lost with the platform above?

I reckon you could see out out off the sunroof.....

I don’t believe you loose any headroom.......I face you may gain a bit if anything.

[Mulgo]

Hi Guys,

Haven't visited this forum in a while, so thought I jump in here and answer a few of the questions.

First up though, thanks heaps for praising the Mulgo Pop Top, love to see the customers out there and enjoying their converted Defender.

Now to my answers:

Sunroof
---------
- yes can be done. We have converted two Defenders with sunroof. Actually pretty cool view from up above.
136706

Space Defender vs Troopy
-----------------------------
The actual space is bigger in a Troopy. The length of the cabin is actually about the same give or take a few CM's. But the internal width is wider in the Troopy specially as the wheel arches are only where you really need them and not the full length of the cabin. Then the double barn door is also more convenient to access the interior.

Having said all that - I would never swap my Defender for a Troopy.

130 Defender
---------------
We currently price the Station Wagon conversion with Pop Top @ $25,000 to $27,000

In my 130 we can sleep four people can live 10days outside civilisation ... very comfortably.

Awning
--------
Cert, the AluCab awning is a good unit. However I don't know if the price difference to comparable units is warranted. At the moment it sells for $1,750.
The one we normally fit is the Eezi Awn Bat 270 Awning (https://www.expeditioncentre.com.au/online-store/browse-by-category/racks-awnings-tents/awnings/eezi-awn-bat-270-awning.html). In my opinion a good compromise, legs have to be down in windy conditions but they are integrated. The other one is the unit from Howling Moon 270-degree-awning (https://www.howlingmoon.com.au/product/270-degree-awning). Also very good priced and a great unit. Stronger than the Eezi Awn, packs up a bit smaller than the AluCab but not as small as the Eezi Awn.

Re that post of Andrew in regards to the AluCab breaking. It was removed by AluCab (not surprised). Having said that I actually don't believe that the cut out was the issue. Even when awnings are strong - I personally believe that when the wind really picks up you either have to peg it down properly or just pack it up. There is so much canvas on those 270º awnings that the force of the wind can do a lot of damage.

Pricing
-------
The Mulgo Pop Top is $10,000 and has been for the past 5 years at least. The price will go up this year, my accountant is pushing me to do it as all my suppliers have gone up over time.

Quality
-------
Difficult to judge my own work, I do however take pride in what we manufacture and still after so many years I get a kick out of it when I see a photo of a customer camping with the roof up.
I do travel in my pop top for many years now and believe me, my harshest critics are travelling with me. If something wouldn't be working as it should I would get an ear full. My trips give me a lot of insight and have helped me improving the Mulgo Pop Top.


Cheers,
Daniel (aka Mulgo)