The ultimate touring defender?

[dages]

Ok, the plan is to start a thread on what people think is the ultimate set-up and assesories for a Defender for those long trips in Australia. Any photo's of your rig will be welcome!

What i trying to get out of people is stardard stuff or assesories they have tried and tested and love or hate for touring purposes. Now I know we'd all love a defender stacked with air lockers, rock sliders and 50 inch rubber, but that's a different purpose and not really what I intend to have a defender for.

I'm heading off in a month for a big trip in the north west, but as I brought this fender for touring i've been reluctant to go too heavy on the mods just yet until I've spent some travel time in her.

As a basics I've got; long range tank (127L), dual battery set-up, driving lights, aftermarket seats and a good stereo. I have a 2001 extreme.

The following will come;

Roof rack - i loath then, but for touring are a must. Where else do you shove that fire wood, surfboards etc. I trying to get a flat aluminium type. Others are too heavy I recon.

Wheel carrier - otherwise i'm going to lose my door! I'm sold on Bearmach.

Snorkel - I feel are over rated, then again your bound to do some swimming in the long term.

Awning - Trying to work out how. If i have the roof rack not problem, otherwise I'm putting an aluminium channel strip on the gutter. Got custon made a canvas sheet, two poles and a rope sewn into one side.

Water tank - can't stand dragging out a 20L water container for the girl to wash her hands. Getting a tank made for the reccessed floor behind drivers seat. Two options a) gravity feed tap, requires hole in floor https://www.aulro.com/afvb/ tap on back door with a electric or manual pump.

Dust/ water proofing - huge problem. I went on about 100km of red dirt recently, good oportunity to view how poor the defender is sealed. Started using marine silicon on all the gaps, including under seat boxes and the back cargo area. I have also gone nuts with Inox, a water proof lubricant and anti corosion spray that is perfect for electrics and inside the door panels.

Back deckout - currently undertaking the fitting of a bed and cargo system using the aluminium tube and joiners from Capral. Will place pictures and a post in the near future. This will be a set-up I will change a hundred times until it's right. This system allows this and I am using all original fastening points to avoid drilling too many holes.

Hopefully you got something on your fender that you just coudn't travel without, or that you blew a heap of cash on and have never used? :idea:

Brett.

[Omaroo]

Dages - here's my setup. It's not ideal yet - but it's getting there:


Land Rover bull bar
IPF driving lights
Safari snorkel
Graeme Cooper front wing checkerplate
Graeme Cooper spare wheel carrier
custom steel drawer on runners
steel frame shelf system on top of drawer with 10 plastic boxes
39 litre Engel fridge on slide
80 litre stainless steel water tank behind drawer and under floor between the wheel wells
Brass water tap exiting through rear bumper
130 litre long range fuel tank
Bush Ranger MaxAir compressor under rear seat
EezyAwn Elite rooftop tent
EezyAwn 2.5 metre pull-out shade/rain awning
GME TX3400 remote head UHF
Garmin GPS-III
ARB dual battery installation with intelligent isolator
ARB high-lift jack in addition to bottle jack
ARB half rack behind rooftop tent
500W Pure Sine Wave inverter mounted to top of cargo barrier
two spare Michelin tyres
Motorola 9500 Satellite phone

Tartan blanket across rear seats (mandatory accessory https://www.aulro.com/afvb/ )

Rear ARB locker to geo in yet.
5 x 33/12.5-15 Goodyear Wrangler MTR's to go on (already have them)

http://www.omaroo.net/albums/album06/P3040005.sized.jpg

http://www.omaroo.net/albums/album06/P3040021.sized.jpg

http://www.omaroo.net/albums/album06/P2130002.sized.jpg

http://www.aulro.com/albums/Newnes-State-Forest-11-3-06/MVC_017F.jpg

[camel_landy]

Firstly... Keep it simple.

Don't bother changing any of the mechanicals as it makes servicing & sourcing parts much easier. Just make sure it's well maintained & replace the consumable items before going on a big trip (filters, fluids, wheel bearings, brake pads, etc...).

Split charge & aux batteries are the way to go. you can actually get 3x batteries in the Defender battery box if you try. :wink:

Water, large tank in the rear foot well (if not carrying passengers) and an electric pump with filter for dispensing. On mine, I stuck a tap before the filter so I could also run a shower.

For fuel, stick an aux tank under the drivers seat. you can also stick some extra tanks in the rear wings. That will give you sufficient range without breaking the suspension or raising the centre of gravity.

Awning - Have a look at the Hannibal unit. I've tried a couple of awnings but the Hannibal one is the Rolls Royce of them all. Well worth the extra $$$.

Roof rack... Avoid! It adds extra drag and sticking anything on the roof will affect the centre of gravity.

Snorkel - A must. Not only will it stop the water getting in but a centrifuge type will also help keep some of the dust out of your air filter.

Talking of dust... Don't bother trying to keep it out. It WILL always find a way of getting in. Instead, just make sure that all equipment, clothing, food, etc.. is stored in something suitable to protect from the dust.

Decking in the rear works well. As does storing lunchtime things in an easy accessable box/drawer or something. The last thing you want to do is unpack half the truck just to have lunch!!!

Wheel carrier...Yep. If you can, try & get the automatic type that swing out with the door. You'll find that the regular type get on your nerves having to unlatch & re-latch all the time.

Finally.... MAKE SURE YOU GO AS LIGHT AS POSSIBLE Weight and overloading is the biggest killer. Even if there's only 2 of you in a 110, don't be tempted to take all those little luxuries - do without!

My 2c worth.

Mark.

PS. If you can, get a copy of "The Vehicle Dependent Expedition Guide" by Tom Shepard. Published by Desert Winds & Land Rover. Well worth the $$$ and explains everything you need to know about everything!

[camel_landy]

Almost forgot....

Get yourself an early type bonnet & get it sprayed up for the colour of your truck. That way you can then mount a second spare on the front. https://www.aulro.com/afvb/ The bonnets only take a couple of seconds to swap, so you can ose the original one day-to-day and then swap over to the other one when you do a trip.

Mark.

[p38arover]

Originally posted by camel_landy
PS. If you can, get a copy of "The Vehicle Dependent Expedition Guide" by Tom Shepard. Published by Desert Winds & Land Rover. Well worth the $$$ and explains everything you need to know about everything!

A small section may be seen here: http://www.rgs.org/pdf/HBETve.pdf

[dages]

Bejessus..thanx for the prompt reply guys https://www.aulro.com/afvb/

Great set-up Omaroo. Mark agree with all your comments, but how do you have the Hannibal awning without the roof rack?

Just a question, given that the seats take three bolts to remove from the vehicle why do you keep them in during big trips. Mabye it's because I carry surfboards but they are the first thing I take out. Then again they are good for securing luggage in the back.

Jimmy you just drove from Perth to Cairns, how was you rig?

[noddy]

Howdy Dages

Firstly, how many people will be travelling in the vehicle??

We have just finished 11 months travelling around the country. Most important mods (other than roofrack, lights, winch etc):

- water tank & tap
- long range tank (especially with fuel prices)
- remove back seats (if only two people and make up a shelf)
- cruise control (during the long stints it was a blessing, makes the drives so much more comfortable)

[noddy]

Sorry Dages

Can now concentrate....

Water tank (60 ltrs) -- so much better than carrying jerries. Fitted under drivers side, along the chassis rail and fitted a sureflow pump with tap on the back door. Perfect for filling water bottles and cleaning up. No crawling under the car for a tap!
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/


https://www.aulro.com/afvb/


Remove rear seats -- we made up a rear shelf from Queblok (Capral) and used it for mounting the fridge (40ltrs) and enough room for our 'Day Box' which contained lunches, driving snacks, and things we need to get at quickly. You could also use it for a seat for short distances.
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/


Inverter (500W) -- the fitting location came courtesay of Greylandy and turned out to be brillant. Made up box from Queblok and located under the cubby box (removed existing bits of wood). Great for keeping out of dust, did get warm with the transmission tunnel, but overall was excellent and essential for recharging camera batteries, satphone, etc
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/


Rear Wheel Carrier -- fitted a Bearmach to replace the OEM. Was good, given that the rear door probably would not have made it home. Ended up busting one of the mounting studs, otherwise OK and essential given what corrugations will do to the standard door.
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/

As for dust -- cannot be avoided and will get everywhere. Just make sure everything that is vulnerable is in containers.

These are some of our pick mods, other than the mandatory bullbars, lights, snorkel etc. As has been mentioned though, I would be keeping an eye on weight as the Defender will just about swallow a small town if you let it.

Hope this is of some help.

PS: Omaroo -- love that rear setup!! 8)

[dages]

Noddy what a greatset-up, well done.

I am currently creating too sections in the back. the rear one will be semi permanant, with a flat bed about 10cm below the side window height. This will also give me two small compartments above the wheel boxes for oils, jacks, belts ect.

I then will have a section that replaces the rear seats (pretty much identical as you have shown). This will be interchangeable between city mode (seats in) and touring mode (seats out and Queblok shelf/bed in).

Love the inverter, cubby box raiser set-up. Sounds simple and effective.

With the tap is that a 12v set-up? What was the rough cost?

[camel_landy]

Originally posted by dages+--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(dages)</div><div class='quotemain'>Mark agree with all your comments, but how do you have the Hannibal awning without the roof rack?[/b]

Unfortunately, you don't. As my truck is an ex-Camel Trophy vehicle, I stuck it to the side of the roof rack that was already there. :-D

<!--QuoteBegin-dages

Just a question, given that the seats take three bolts to remove from the vehicle why do you keep them in during big trips. Mabye it's because I carry surfboards but they are the first thing I take out. Then again they are good for securing luggage in the back.[/quote]

Take the seats out. You don't need them for the trip & they're easy to remove. As for tie downs, just fit some. You'll find that a chandlers comes in handy as does a rivnut (clinchnut) tool.

Finally... Sorry to p1ss on Noddy's party. Winch - Forget it. You'll probably only use it the once and that will be to pull somone else back onto the road. For that, you would have had to pay big $$$ and have to carry the extra Kgs. Get yourself a hand winch instead.

Mark.

[noddy]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE</div><div class='quotemain'>Finally... Sorry to p1ss on Noddy's party. Winch - Forget it[/b][/quote]

Winch of any description (electric or hand) is essential, especially if travelling alone. Can not and should not depend on others to be able to get you back on the road.

[noddy]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE</div><div class='quotemain'>With the tap is that a 12v set-up? What was the rough cost?[/b][/quote]

All up, from memory it cost me about $130 for both the 12v Sureflow pump (cannot remember the capacity, but it is no fire pump :wink: ) and tap. I bought mine from a marine supplies, but I reckon you could probably get it cheaper from a camping and caravan store.

[dages]

In terms of mechanics I figure with a Defender Td5 there is nothing you would really want to change apart from rear axles and getting the weight off that back door.

I will be putting in aftermarket rear axles, given that the current originals are on thier second boot and half worn, with the standard clunking.

If I had a 300Tdi I'd be replacing the timing belt.

Anything else prone to failure on a big trip? I know alot of things require fairly regular replacing but I really looking for mechanical components that are so pront to failure you'd ditch them for an aftermarket part prior to them going.

Brett.

[camel_landy]

Originally posted by Noddy
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE</div><div class='quotemain'>Finally... Sorry to p1ss on Noddy's party. Winch - Forget it

Winch of any description (electric or hand) is essential, especially if travelling alone. Can not and should not depend on others to be able to get you back on the road.[/b][/quote]

OK... Let me clarify.

Electric vehicle mounted winch. Almost useless on a long trip unless you want to drag yourself further into the poo.

Hand winch - Worth it's weight in gold! You can tow in whatever direction you need to all day long. (NB: A Hi-Lift will also work as a hand winch but will take you F@$*ing ages).

Mark.

[JamesH]

Keeping it simple, it sounds like you are 90 percent there already.

I have an auxilary fuel tank (60-70? litres) where Noddy's water tank is and I really like the security that two tanks gives you. You have the 127 so that's cool. You have your dual battery so that's cool too.

What I hate about my current minimalist set up is carrying containers of water. I'd LOVE to have a water tank like Noddy's on the other side. Alas I am cleaning out my bank account just getting my torn Defender back on the road. If you have $ to spend do something to sort out water supply. Containers are a pia.

I don't know if I read that you have TWO spares or not - if not get another spare.

I don't have drawers and fancy storage set ups. I'm sure theyre great but the cheapo plastic containers I use for various bits and place with appropriate accessibility do not annoy me anything like the water containers do.

On the non Landy front - tents suck, swags rule. People (often but not exclusively wifes and partners) think swag = no way jose. If they actually tried one with zip up vents to render them creepy crawly proof they'd find with their favourite sheets and pillows and blankets that they will grow to love the swag. Roll it out two minutes before bed time, roll it up in one minute come pack up time next morning.

A couple of good sturdy tables (one for food prep/ washing, one for eating or putting stuff) and some camp chairs as well.

[noddy]

Where do people put their fold up table and chairs?

No matter where we put ours they were a pain, either banging around trying to destroy one another or just a pain to get at. I should add that our chairs are the old fashioned fold up ones like 'director chairs'. They are really comfy and very sturdy, but not exactly small.

Just interested to know what people do with theirs.

Thanks

[abaddonxi]

My vote for the week is nally bins.

Most councils use them for recycling. Most of the film crews use them for everything.

They stack inside each other, or turn them 180 degrees and they stack on top of each other.

The lids slide and lock in place on one side and have a hole for a zip tie or a padlock on the other side. So, you can slide them halfway out of the draw bin and open the lid without pulling it all out.

They come in three sizes, 32l, 56l, 68l.

Best of all, unlike $2 store bins, they don't shatter or explode when you get onto the corrugations.

You can even sit on them.

Even if you're a big bloke.

If you're in Qld. there's a cheap place in Brisbane.

http://www.malcolmpaulsales.com.au/prodview.php?id=14

I'm still looking for a price as good in Sydney, Reflex carry them at way too much.

http://www.rmoore.com.au/

R Moore in Marrickville carry them at not too bad a price.

Never break, I've seen them run over by a big truck and not break.

They keep the dust out well too.

Cheers
Simon

[noddy]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE</div><div class='quotemain'>My vote for the week is nally bins.

Most councils use them for recycling. Most of the film crews use them for everything.
[/b][/quote]

Gotta agree 8) Got one in the back at the moment for all my oils and grubby bits and pieces.

The other favourite is milk crates!

If Dairy Farmers ever catch me I will be looking at a 10-15 year stretch for all the ones I have nicked over the years! https://www.aulro.com/afvb/

[Captain_Rightfoot]

Noddy, where did you get these steps from? Are they the sort you can get from Graeme Cooper Automotive??

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/

[noddy]

Originally posted by Captain_Rightfoot
Noddy, where did you get these steps from? Are they the sort you can get from Graeme Cooper Automotive??

??? They are just ARB side steps. :?

[Captain_Rightfoot]

Originally posted by Noddy+--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Noddy)</div><div class='quotemain'><!--QuoteBegin-Captain_Rightfoot
Noddy, where did you get these steps from? Are they the sort you can get from Graeme Cooper Automotive??

??? They are just ARB side steps. :?[/b][/quote]
Ok... thanks for that. Love the work you've done to your truck https://www.aulro.com/afvb/

[JDNSW]

For what it is worth - my comments. My 110 has done over 400,000km, much of it on long trips.

Fuel tank - I have a belly tank (ideal spot with the Isuzu engine) to give a total of 140l.
Dual Batteries. Temporarily fitted for Simpson Desert crossing, later scrapped as unnecessary.
Driving lights. Got a pair of cheap ones - but main thing is to make sure the standard ones in top condition - and avoid driving at night anyway if you can; too many hoppy things about.
Seats - I'm quite happy with the standard ones, but it depends what shape you are I suppose!
Stereo - whatever you want.
Roof rack - I avoid them if possible, use roof bars when I need to carry something long.
Wheel carrier. I can't say I have the original door, but the original one suffered from my backing into a tree, not the spare, so I have never seen the need. If I did get one it would be one I made myself.
Snorkel. The main reason for these is to keep the air intake above the dust as far as possible. Probably not really necessary unless you plan on travelling in close company - which I try to avoid as I don't like driving in dust. But still worth having. Most unlikely you will be wading deep enough need a snorkel, and if you are thinking of this, are all your breathers up at the same level?
Awning. I carry a tarpaulin, three telescopic tent poles and some ropes and pegs. Just put it over the back with a couple of feet overlap, pegged down on one side and poled out on the other two corners and in line with the pegged down side.
Water. I have a tank under the driver's floor outside the chassis, filler under the bonnet, tap at the back.
Dust. Drive in dusty areas with the front vents open and everything else closed and you won't get much dust in.
"Deckout". I have a drawer under the back seat, plus a plywood platform that is level with the folded back seat and has a hinge so it can be used with the rear seat either up or down. With the seat folded it leaves a platform long enough for a thin two piece foam mattress on top. All the gear goes underneath - most of it anyway.
The secret is to travel as light as possible. Don't carry stuff you will never use. Use mostly hiking gear.
I don't carry an extra spare - I carry a spare tube and tyre changing tools. Especially if travelling alone, I carry a small generator which can recharge the battery, as well as run the Engel.

[DEFENDERZOOK]

<span style="color:blue">hey guys....a plastic standard square drum...the 25 litre variety will fit nicely inside the left hand rear wheel arch....behind the wheel and above the exhaust....
or a 40 litre plastic moulded tank can be bought from opposite lock for a heap of dollars....but which is designed to fit in the same space.......

http://www.oppositelock.com/images/products/thumbnails/WTP40LR-1.jpg

]http://www.oppositelock.com/redesign/depar...WTP40LR</span> (http://www.oppositelock.com/redesign/department/productDetails.aspx'deptID=6&catID=49&itemID=WTP40LR%5b/color)

[DEFENDERZOOK]

Originally posted by omaroo
80 litre stainless steel water tank behind drawer and under floor between the wheel wells


<span style="color:blue">got any pics of this...?
is it one tank or two.....?</span>

[DEFENDERZOOK]

<span style="color:blue">hey jdnsw....without carrying a spare....what would you do if you ripped a sidewall
or delaminated a tyre and it had to be scrapped......?

not beeing cheeky or anything....just curious as the spare wheel is the biggest
PITA to carry.....let alone two...</span>

[Omaroo]

Although I bought our Defender from a mate of mine, I was involved in the initial design of the touring fitout - and even helped in the design and manufacture of the drawer system.

We had a look at the water tanks mentioned..i.e. the arches in the rear - and decided that the way we finally went (single, internally baffled stainless box between the arches above the floor and in front of the drawer) is much better. The reason is that with the tap exiting the rear bumper, we had a modicum of "pressure"... i.e. "fall". We designed the unit and had OutOfTown 4WD in Newcastle fold and weld it up using food-grade tubing everywhere. I was going to extend a line from my compressor's external air tank to the top of the tank to add a little pressure but found that it isn't necessary - simplifying it all. I'm still thinking of doing it if I decide to plumb in my Glind shower (which is still in one of our Patrols) to help the 4lpm (small - which is all that's necessary) water pump.

DefenderZook - I don't have pics, but need to take everything out soon to get rid of all the red dust throughout. A spring clean is sorely needed. I'll take some photos then.

[rmp]

Great thread.

My mods are:

- Snorkel. Get one, no argument, it's cheap insurance. If you haven't yet entered a water crossing that was deeper than you thought it was then you're either new or lucky. Even if the vehicle tips to one side that can dip an air intake under water.

- Rear wheel carrier. I have a Bearmach, great bit of kit. Makes the door easier to open too.

- Decent tyres. LTs. 235/85/16s are fine, no need to go larger for touring.

- UHF radio

- Extended fuel tank. I wish I'd gone for the larger tank but I have a sill tank with 65L. There's a 50l water the other side. If I did it again I'd go for two 60l waters on the sills and a 140l fuel. Or something. The Defender can take a good 120l of fluid under the body next to the chassis rails so use that space, it's 120kg down low and not using up valuable space elsewhere. I've put in a manually operating hand pump to the water tank on the basis it was just as easy to operate as an electric, more reliable and lighter.

- Roofrack. A light one, the roof load is only 75kg although you'd never guess from the chronic overloading you see.

- Cargo barrier

- Rear cargo system. I made my own shelves up. I'm not a fan of fridge sliders so I don't bother, the fridge sits tight in the left rear corner. There's then some useful space between it and the cargo barrier, and enough space for a 1m square canvas tent to go next to it.

- Dual battery

- Driving lights as the Defender headlights are woeful

- Tinted windows

- Front recovery point

- Diff guards

- Soundproof kit

- Interior door pockets

- Rear shovel/axe holder

That works very well for our family of four. With careful packing we don't need to use the roofrack for much if anything.

EDIT: Re dust. As the others have said, live with it. Not even a Lexus is dustproof, especially once you open the doors. Cruise along without airco, windows/front vents open and get used to the temp. Then when you get out you won't suffer.

Winch. I carry a Tirfor and wouldn't be without it. Camel makes a good point about the electric but I think takes it too far. I've used my electric winch several times for myself and others, but generally on extreme day trips. Only rarely when touring.

Winches are also very useful for securing vehicles, removing trees from track, bending things like track rods back into shape and so on. However too many people rely on them to do too much. Don't ever drive a track by yourself thinking"I can winch myself out", use the winch as a last resort. Of course if you're daytripping with crazy mates then harder the better.

Many times when you're stuck you only need to move a metre or so to free yourself and it's not all that hard with a Tirfor. Electrics may be better at long winches up hills but if you need to do that you'll need to rest the electric a lot (took me 4 hours to get a Jeep 80m a few weeks ago) and you really shouldn't have been there anyway!

I wouldn't put any winch at the top of your list for purchase, but if I had to take one it would be the Tirfor.

[DEFENDERZOOK]

<span style="color:green">i think im confused...but im not so sure....possibly.....

is the water tank under the floor......?</span>


Originally posted by omaroo
80 litre stainless steel water tank behind drawer and under floor between the wheel wells


<span style="color:green">or is it above the floor....?</span>

Originally posted by omaroo also then
single, internally baffled stainless box between the arches above the floor ....


<span style="color:blue">or maybe i am just confused..... 8O </span>

[Omaroo]

<span style="color:green">i think im confused...but im not so sure....possibly.....

is the water tank under the floor......?</span>

[quote=omaroo]80 litre stainless steel water tank behind drawer and under floor between the wheel wells


<span style="color:green">or is it above the floor....?</span>

single, internally baffled stainless box between the arches above the floor ....


<span style="color:blue">or maybe i am just confused..... 8O </span>

Sorry Tony - it's under the top deck of the drawer system - i.e. between that and the vehicle floor. It is inside the cab in other words.

I should have been clearer - sorry :oops:

[DiscoMick]

I generally agree with most of the above and won't bother repeating it. Just highlight the following:

Batteries - more the better. Two big dual batteries. Plus a portable power source which can be recharged while driving.

Cigarette plugs in the rear for plugging a light or for recharging a powerpack.

Tough tyres, but they don't need to be wide for touring.

Make sure your radiator overflow bottle isn't the type with a joint in the centre which can crack on corrugations.

Replace all belts and hoses - keep the old ones for spares.

Snorkel to reduce dust entry into engine.

Spray lanolin on the rubber door seals. It shouldn't attract dust, but it should keep the seals pliable so they work better.

Sealing plastic boxes. Various sizes. Don't make them too big or they're too heavy to lift.

A tarpaulin to attach to the roof rack and peg out for shelter or shade.

Swags are great.

Window tinting and get good sunglasses.

A healthy sense of humour.

Essential: Something to keep the beer cold and the meat fresh.

[DEFENDERZOOK]

<span style="color:blue">i was starting to think along those lines.....
but i wasnt sure....


ive had a look under the floor on lurch and there seems to be a heap of room above the "A" frame i think it was.....i thought you may have utilised this space somehow and was gonna ask for dimensions of the tank.....


i will have to crawl back under lurch one of these days and see what will fit where.....</span>

[cols110]

If money is an object I&#96;d ditch an electric winch for a hand winch and blow the money you saved on a fridge, after travelling with and with out one, I recon they are one of the best investments you can make, to make life a bit more pleasurable on the road, it&#96;s not just for cold beer, but to have fresh milk, meat etc right there with you makes a difference, not to mention a cold beer or two at the end of the day.

A 300 or 600w inverter is also handy for recharging digital camera and laptop batteries.

Another option instead of carying a 2nd spare is a couple of spare tubes and tyre, saves a bit of space and weight, and if you really get into the **** you can fit the spare tyre onto the rim with the knackered tyre.

A good storage system is great if you have the money and or time to make one, but plastic boxs do the trick fine, you just get in the habit of packing your high use items last, food cooking utensils etc, and all your spares, and low use items packed in first.

A good air compressor is also great insurance.

And lastly a rear load gaurd is one of the best things you can have, apart from the saftey aspect of stopping things from flying into the front, it also alows you to stack a heap more gear into the back, where you are normally limited to the height of your back seats.

[JDNSW]

[quote=DEFENDERZOOK]<span style="color:blue">hey jdnsw....without carrying a spare....what would you do if you ripped a sidewall
or delaminated a tyre and it had to be scrapped......?

not beeing cheeky or anything....just curious as the spare wheel is the biggest
PITA to carry.....let alone two...</span>

You are still not stuck until you wreck TWO tyres. While I have wrecked tyres, in my own car all except one of them has been on bitumen roads in relatively civilised areas. The exception was about two kilometres from my front gate, and is the only time I have wrecked a tyre (nearly new too) offroad by hitting something (a rock). If you have good tyres to start with, keep an eye on pressures, watch what you drive over, and don't overload the vehicle, you will find serious tyre damage is very rare. It was so obvious I didn't mention it, but you should always carry a tyre pressure gauge and something to pump up the tyres. If I thought it necessary I would tend to carry a spare tyre without the wheel rather than a complete unit to save weight. This would be, for example, if I was doing a solo desert crossing or if I knew the tyres were dodgy - neither recommended anyway.

In the worst case, forty years ago I drove a Landcruiser the last sixty miles into Alice with a flat tyre (very slowly). It was going to be a long time before anyone came looking for me. This is the only case in nearly fifty years of four wheel drives (a lot of off it road, including almost two years in the Simpson Desert in the mid sixties) that I have needed two spares.

[p38arover]

Originally posted by cols110
Another option instead of carying a 2nd spare is a couple of spare tubes and tyre, saves a bit of space and weight, and if you really get into the **** you can fit the spare tyre onto the rim with the knackered tyre.

Probably better if you remove the wrecked tyre first! https://www.aulro.com/afvb/

Ron

[p38arover]

[quote=DEFENDERZOOK] While I have wrecked tyres, in my own car all except one of them has been on bitumen roads in relatively civilised areas. The exception was about two kilometres from my front gate.

'Tain't civilised out where JD lives. https://www.aulro.com/afvb/

Ron

[Jimmy]

Great thread dages.

My recent experience going diagonal from Perth to Carins through the Gunbarrell and Plenty Highways was this. The dust is unavoidable, and at high (48-59degrees) temps the aircon struggles a little. I found that if you use those black shade covers over the windows you can have the window down and it does not let dust in - which means you can have a nice fresh 48degree wind blowing in your face...sweet. 2,500kms non-stop of corrigations and dust will affect your back door and mental state - I'm going the bearmach wheel carrier as a result.

Further, I had water containers, and would replace them for a tank any day of the week, the same goes for fuel jerries.

40l Engel for long on-going trips, 50L 3way Chestcold (gas rules) when staying in one spot for a while (though enver the two shall meet).

I also have rear draws for storage, driving lights, duel batteries and as a few believers have said - a good quality swag. Fishing rods mounted inside roof, tarpoline with tent poles, ropes, camp oven, and surfboards stashed inside or on the roof with soft racks. Don't forget yoru spade, axe, sock set and snatchy.

A good tip for the travel is a lonely planet book. I thought they would be a bit **** and touristy but our copy through the centre proved extremely useful.

[Jimmy]

Originally posted by Noddy
Sorry Dages

Can now concentrate....

Water tank (60 ltrs) -- so much better than carrying jerries. Fitted under drivers side, along the chassis rail and fitted a sureflow pump with tap on the back door. Perfect for filling water bottles and cleaning up. No crawling under the car for a tap!
http://www.aulro.com/albums/Watertank/DSC_0006.sized.jpg


http://www.aulro.com/albums/Watertank/DSC_0003.sized.jpg


Remove rear seats -- we made up a rear shelf from Queblok (Capral) and used it for mounting the fridge (40ltrs) and enough room for our 'Day Box' which contained lunches, driving snacks, and things we need to get at quickly. You could also use it for a seat for short distances.
http://www.aulro.com/albums/album253/DSC_0004_001.sized.jpg


Inverter (500W) -- the fitting location came courtesay of Greylandy and turned out to be brillant. Made up box from Queblok and located under the cubby box (removed existing bits of wood). Great for keeping out of dust, did get warm with the transmission tunnel, but overall was excellent and essential for recharging camera batteries, satphone, etc
http://www.aulro.com/albums/album251/DSC_0003.sized.jpg


Rear Wheel Carrier -- fitted a Bearmach to replace the OEM. Was good, given that the rear door probably would not have made it home. Ended up busting one of the mounting studs, otherwise OK and essential given what corrugations will do to the standard door.
http://www.aulro.com/albums/album225/DSC_0006.sized.jpg

As for dust -- cannot be avoided and will get everywhere. Just make sure everything that is vulnerable is in containers.

These are some of our pick mods, other than the mandatory bullbars, lights, snorkel etc. As has been mentioned though, I would be keeping an eye on weight as the Defender will just about swallow a small town if you let it.

Hope this is of some help.

PS: Omaroo -- love that rear setup!! 8)


Is there any issues with having the extra weight on one side of the vehicle???

[noddy]

Good point, I have often thought/worried about it. But after 50,000km the springs and shockies are still coping fine on the drivers side.

I think this is helped by the fact that the weight (~80kgs) is so low down. Certainly does not affect handling.

[Tusker]

Great thread this one. My 2.2c worth..

Venturing out without an electric winch is like, well, having no pants on, for me. You just don't feel comfortable. Tirfors are bulky, awkward to store & a pain to use. Its always the last thing you try. I've always planned on using the hi-lift if I had to resort to handwinching. Get a Jackmate, it makes the hi-lift more useful.

I've gotten away with one spare & tyrepliers etc, and had very few tyre problems. Generally you can drive carefully on a tyre with a slow leak for a day or two to civilisation. But when you get out in the middle, & the locals around Alice have two spares in their ute, it makes you think twice..

We've switched over to the 10 litre jerries. Much easy to load & use. Jerries are easier to fill up at a garage too. Last time we kept some Sydney water in reserve all the way for consumption across the Simpson. No Dehli belly amongst anyone.

For chairs & tables, I made a shelf about window height to sit against the cargo barrier. Above the jerries. Just ocky strap all that aluminium stuff there.

On the inside, we,ve got some A4 size bags from a boat shop on the cargo barrier. Great for maps & manuals on one side, & the first aid kit on the other.

Thats the main stuff that comes to mind. Theres the normal HF radio, satphone, ipod etc as well

Regards
Max P

[camel_landy]

Talking of iPods.... We used a 40Gb iPod & special dash-mounted cradle from Dension. It allowed us to carry our entire CD collection on a little iPod & the cradle made the stereo think that the iPod was just a CD changer (rather than one of those poxy FM radio adapters).

Once modified with a couple of dabs of uper glue, the cradle coped well with the corrugations too. https://www.aulro.com/afvb/

Mark.

[noddy]

Originally posted by camel_landy
Talking of iPods.... We used a 40Gb iPod & special dash-mounted cradle from Dension. It allowed us to carry our entire CD collection on a little iPod & the cradle made the stereo think that the iPod was just a CD changer (rather than one of those poxy FM radio adapters).

Once modified with a couple of dabs of uper glue, the cradle coped well with the corrugations too. https://www.aulro.com/afvb/

Mark.

Excellent. What head-unit are you using to enable the connection to the iPOD? Where did you mount it?

[Omaroo]

Noddy - I just replaced our standard head unit (no CD!!!) with a Sony CDXGT150. This unit cost me a measly $229.00 and has a 3.5mm standard headphone socket at the bottom right for your "Aux-in" source. I just plug my iPod directly in to this socket and choose the appriopriate source. Brilliant sound compared to an FM transmitter, and you don't have to constantly find quiet frequencies all the time.

Works extremely well, has a nice simple look and has a volume KNOB instead of those God-awful up and down volume buttons.

http://www.sony.com.au/objects/600x400/gt150600x400.jpg

[noddy]

Thanks Omaroo. Looks pretty swish as well https://www.aulro.com/afvb/

The sooner we can get rid of CDs in the car the better!!!

[Omaroo]

Originally posted by Noddy
Thanks Omaroo. Looks pretty swish as well https://www.aulro.com/afvb/

The sooner we can get rid of CDs in the car the better!!!

Yeah - We have 500+ CD's that now sit in the safe at home - where they should remain.

It's a damn fine piece of kit. It doesn't follow the "more flashing lights the better" syndrome either. Merely functional - just like the Defender https://www.aulro.com/afvb/

[p38arover]

One problem with some of the MP3 car adaptors that plug into the ciggy lighter socket - when you turn the ignition off, the socket goes dead.

When the ignition is turned on again, the MP3 player doesn't start where it left off, it starts at the first track once more, e.g. the Aerpro.

A real pain when you use it for normal running, i.e.,, not touring.

We bought one and took it back the same day. We had made the agreement with Repco as they didn't know how it would perform.

Ron

[Captain_Rightfoot]

Originally posted by Noddy+--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Noddy)</div><div class='quotemain'><!--QuoteBegin-Captain_Rightfoot
Noddy, where did you get these steps from? Are they the sort you can get from Graeme Cooper Automotive??

??? They are just ARB side steps. :?[/b][/quote]

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/ Phoned ARB national office, and they know nothing about them. They said it might have been a local store getting them from another supplier. Which ARB did you get yours from?

I also phoned TJM and they didn't have anything similar https://www.aulro.com/afvb/

[noddy]

Originally posted by p38arover
One problem with some of the MP3 car adaptors that plug into the ciggy lighter socket - when you turn the ignition off, the socket goes dead.

When the ignition is turned on again, the MP3 player doesn't start where it left off, it starts at the first track once more, e.g. the Aerpro.

A real pain when you use it for normal running, i.e.,, not touring.

We bought one and took it back the same day. We had made the agreement with Repco as they didn't know how it would perform.

Ron

I wired the ciggy lighter directly to the second battery https://www.aulro.com/afvb/

This is actually much better than having it off the ignition:
- provides a continual drain (although very small) for the 2nd battery
- great for the GPS as it does not turn off when you stop the vehicle
- can charge an 12v appliances without having the ignition on.

Another mod for the 'ultimate' touring Landy!

[noddy]

Originally posted by Captain_Rightfoot+--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Captain_Rightfoot)</div><div class='quotemain'>
Originally posted by Noddy@
<!--QuoteBegin-Captain_Rightfoot
Noddy, where did you get these steps from? Are they the sort you can get from Graeme Cooper Automotive??

??? They are just ARB side steps. :?

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/ Phoned ARB national office, and they know nothing about them. They said it might have been a local store getting them from another supplier. Which ARB did you get yours from?

I also phoned TJM and they didn't have anything similar https://www.aulro.com/afvb/[/b][/quote]

Sorry Captain!

Certainly got them from ARB, but just looking at the ARB catalogue they are made by 'Kingsley'. Sorry about that.

[cewilson]

This is the set-up that I use. There are some good and bad points amongst them, and some things I'd like to change slightly. But overall it has done the job fairly well with two adults and three children under 5 years old. In the last few years especially, we have done the Oodnadatta Track, Finke etc in December, as well as the Simpson last year during the floods.

Roof-Racks: I find it an essential piece of kit for me. I had mine custom made by a mate in aluminium, so that it is as light as possible. The mounting system on it has been perfect, and the only time I have ever had a problem with it has been in the back of Barrington Tops on a track that probably should have been called a goat track! :wink: I carry a dual swag, and both of my spare tyres on it. That's it!

Wheel Carrier: A great idea but I didn't have the money for it. So I placed both spares on the roof-rack and carry nothing on the rear door at all. I am however thinking about the option of carrying one spare on the bonnet - maybe!

Snorkel - yep have one and love it. I've definetely been in some places where it's been deeper than I thought - especially here in the NT. Anyone up for walking the crossing first? https://www.aulro.com/afvb/

Diff/Transmission/Transfer Case Breather Extenders - done and they're essential in my opinion.

Inverter: Love it. Perfect for the camera batteries etc.

Sound/Mapping etc - I use a lot different set-up to most people that I know. GPS is a basic Garmin unit - bottome of the line one. It plugs into my laptop which is mounted under the kids seat with the Inverter. The laptop then plugs into a touch screen mounted on the dash in front of the passenger seat (on the dash). It can be swivelled for the driver if necessary, but most of my driving isn't alone. The laptop has loaded all of the 250k maps, OziExplorer and various topos and hema maps. The laptop also has nearly 4000 songs on it, so no CD's carried etc at all. Of to the side of that is a portable 12V DVD player for the kiddies with two screens - mounted on the back of the headrests. This also plugs into the touch screen as well. The other function of the touch screen is for a reversing camera mounted at the rear. All of this plugs straight into my radio system via a simple CD - Cassette Tape adaptor.
The radio is my old Alpine Cassette Player, with a 3CD Stacker in the roof console. Seems to work quite fine for what we want and need.

Roof Console - I have a UHF, VHF radio's, 3 CD Stacker and room for some paperwork etc up there. All kept up out of the wet mud etc that seems to always find it's way into my vehicle! :wink:

Tyres - I use 235/85 R16's. They are Hankook MT's which I have personally found to be great. However on my 93 model, full-lock cannot be used as it will scrub onto the tyres! :wink:

Bullbar - essential to me. Provides a mount for my aerials and spotlights.

Spotlights - I am using old Hellas that I've had for around 12 years. The headlights I have upgraded to Hella units and did some wiring work as well. I am running 55/65W globes of the All Weather type. Found them to be great at this stage.

Storage - I have been using my old Army Trunks and a couple of smaller containers. I would absolutely love to have a decent one, but money dictates way to often sometimes! :oops:

Fridge - I am using a Waeco 80litre unit. Sucks a bit of power, but the trick I've found is to have it hooked up at home for a couple of days BEFORE you start your trip! Why so large - three kids and I like my rum! :wink:

Camping - I use a swag myself, and my littlies have got a little dome tent for themselves. Takes up stuff all room, and setting up takes all of 5 minutes at most.

Awning - I use just a tarp - but would love to upgrade. I've been worried however, as I'm worried how it'd go amongst the mud/sand/dust etc.

Table - I have a drop down table made out of simple sheet metal that is fixed inside of my rear door. It's basically held on with hinges, and a strap either side. Works a treat, especially for lunches on the road.

Cooking - prefer gas for when I'm on the move. I keep only simple cutlery etc at most, and generally prefer tools that are multi-purpose. My leather-man is the most used I reckon! https://www.aulro.com/afvb/

Finally - within a couple of smaller weekend trips - you will work out what will work or not for YOURSELF. Everyone has some great ideas and thoughts - but sometimes some things work for others that won't work for you! :wink:


Cheers
Chris

[JDNSW]

Originally posted by p38arover+--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(p38arover)</div><div class='quotemain'><!--QuoteBegin-JDNSW
While I have wrecked tyres, in my own car all except one of them has been on bitumen roads in relatively civilised areas. The exception was about two kilometres from my front gate.

'Tain't civilised out where JD lives. :)

Ron[/b][/quote]

I don't know about not civilised, but it is 18km to the bitumen from my front gate - and on that route it is over 30km.
John

[Jamo]

I'm interested to find out anyones thoughts on extra power.

Who prefers which of the following:

1. Relying entirely on a dual battery setup.
2. Using a generator.
3. Using one of those dedicated petrol powered battery chargers to recharge dual batteries during extended stays in the bush??

TIA

[noddy]

Chris -- sounds like a neat, well sorted set-up. Do you have any pics?

Especially interested in how you have mounted your laptop. How does the laptop go with the corrugations, dust and light? I have always been worried about exposing mine :?

Also interested in your rear fold down table. DZ has a neat prototype, but I am looking at replacing the plastic door fascia and building a new sheet metal one with the fold down table built into it.

Do you mount your tarp from the roofrack or have it standalone?

[Omaroo]

Originally posted by Noddy

Also interested in your rear fold down table. DZ has a neat prototype, but I am looking at replacing the plastic door fascia and building a new sheet metal one with the fold down table built into it.

I'm interested to see how you get around the wiper motor housing - as it really takes up valuable real estate.

[cewilson]

Originally posted by Noddy
Chris -- sounds like a neat, well sorted set-up. Do you have any pics?

Especially interested in how you have mounted your laptop. How does the laptop go with the corrugations, dust and light? I have always been worried about exposing mine :?

Also interested in your rear fold down table. DZ has a neat prototype, but I am looking at replacing the plastic door fascia and building a new sheet metal one with the fold down table built into it.

Do you mount your tarp from the roofrack or have it standalone?


I leave my laptop inside of it's cover bag. The lid is always down, and it's done up. I have however had a little bit of problems with heat, especially when I was on the Oodnandatta. I am thinking of working out a permanent mount there that's more stable, with maybe a very small fan for air flow! Dust etc - I haven't had a problem as of yet, but it has been a concern. The mount I'm trying to design - I'm working out whether to permanently mount it hard to the floor - or try and work out some sort of small suspension system to absorb some of the bumps. However, I'm thinking that if your vehicle suspension is good, it's pretty much doing the job for you already!

With regards to the rear door - the plastic fascia didn't last long at all with me! https://www.aulro.com/afvb/ It has been replaced with sheet metal totally. The wiper motor does take up a lot of valuable space and it is annoying - agree with that one totally. But other than taking the wiper motor off (does anyone use their's???) there isn't anything I can do!


The tarp I just run off of the roof-rack. It's basic, but it works!

[noddy]

Originally posted by Jamo
I'm interested to find out anyones thoughts on extra power.

Who prefers which of the following:

1. Relying entirely on a dual battery setup.
2. Using a generator.
3. Using one of those dedicated petrol powered battery chargers to recharge dual batteries during extended stays in the bush??

TIA

1. Dual batteries for everything.

Up until recently I have really not liked generators, mainly for the noise, need for carrying two fuel types and never really needed that much power. However, those new Honda generators are really quiet and small.

[camel_landy]

There's a couple of comments here about cigarette lighter sockets & Noddy commented about wiring direct to the battery.

(As long as there's a suitable fuse...) There's another very good reason for wiring it dirct to the battery and that's the amp rating. Normally, it's approx 20A but going up to 30-40A means that you can run a decent sized inverter or an air compressor.

However, I do have a problem with those sockets... The plugs keep falling out - Especially on corrugations. If you're serious about having a decent 12v supply, have a good look at the Hella sockets & plugs (if you're feeing rich then you can get them from ARB). They're much heavier duty than ciggy lighters but they also have a built in clip that holds them in place. I use them on all of my 12v devices.

Mark.

[p38arover]

Originally posted by camel_landy
If you're serious about having a decent 12v supply, have a good look at the Hella sockets & plugs (if you're feeing rich then you can get them from ARB). They're much heavier duty than ciggy lighters but they also have a built in clip that holds them in place. I use them on all of my 12v devices.

Which ones from this lot:

http://db.hella.com.au/cgi-bin/catalogue.p...ver&flrecid=946 (http://db.hella.com.au/cgi-bin/catalogue.pl?flcmd=prodver&flrecid=946)

Ron

[camel_landy]

Originally posted by p38arover+--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(p38arover)</div><div class='quotemain'><!--QuoteBegin-camel_landy
If you're serious about having a decent 12v supply, have a good look at the Hella sockets & plugs (if you're feeing rich then you can get them from ARB). They're much heavier duty than ciggy lighters but they also have a built in clip that holds them in place. I use them on all of my 12v devices.

Which ones from this lot:

http://db.hella.com.au/cgi-bin/catalogue.p...ver&flrecid=946 (http://db.hella.com.au/cgi-bin/catalogue.pl?flcmd=prodver&flrecid=946)

Ron[/b][/quote]

This is the plug...

http://db.hella.com.au/cgi-bin/catalogue.p...iew&flmaint=332 (http://db.hella.com.au/cgi-bin/catalogue.pl?flcmd=preview&flmaint=332)

If you read the description, it'll tell you the sockets to use.

HTH

Mark

[jake]

G'day Guys,

What great forum, I have just recently traded my 300TDi for a 05 TD5 Defender and have set it up as follows;

Outside

Front Diff and Steering Guards (Troutbec)
Bull bar and winch
ARB rear Diff lock
Koni Shocks (50mm extra)
Rear Ladder and ARB Rack -3/4
Cooper STT
Driving Lights

Inside

Magellan 315 GPS, Basic but very reliable
Dual Battery System with 3rd battery being a Waeco Thumber in the rear.
Cargo Barrier and Drawer System - Home made
Modified rear of centre console to hold UHF portable radio charger
VHF Radio
False Floor where rear seats were
Fixed are to hold 4 x 10ltr jerry for water
Accessorie plugs both Cig and Hella style
Box system and bracket to hold 2 x 10ltr Diesel containers

If I could figure a way to send photo's I would, We have been set up this way as most of the trips we do are on our own - High Country, Simpson etc. Next trip is this year to the Kimberly to get hitched.

Our drawer system is quite neat as it is two drawers - right side houses all recovery gear. Left is a pull out mini kitchen.
Also carry a Turfor under the false floor.

My next wish is to look at the rear door and maybe get a wheel carrier.
Only thing I carry on the roof rack is my inflatable Kayak(remote Trout Fishing) & 2nd spare when outback.

Decided at this point intime to not get a longer range fuel tank, maybe one day, but good calculation should ensure we are ok for fuel, however that could change on future trips.

Also store a small chainsaw under the false floor for the High Country.

[matbor]

Originally posted by jake
If I could figure a way to send photo's I would,


Check this thread out, explain's how too...
http://www.aulro.com/modules.php?name=Foru...iewtopic&t=9766 (http://www.aulro.com/modules.php?name=Forums&file=viewtopic&t=9766)

Welcome...

Matt.

[Tusker]

Originally posted by p38arover
http://db.hella.com.au/cgi-bin/catalogue.p...ver&flrecid=946 (http://db.hella.com.au/cgi-bin/catalogue.pl?flcmd=prodver&flrecid=946)

Ron

I use this one

http://db.hella.com.au/cgi-bin/catalogue.p...iew&flmaint=946 (http://db.hella.com.au/cgi-bin/catalogue.pl?flcmd=preview&flmaint=946)

With the female end on the body work near the number plate, out of the way.

Chris, which reversing camera system did you use? I'm looking into these, I don't know how long GIO will continue to subsidise me backing into trees.

Regards
Max P

[Reads90]

mmm well very please with our Defender so far. Traveled 10,000 Ks with the trailer so far. Now in Perth about to go north, and work our way to Darwin
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2006/03/44.jpg

[Greylandy]

I think everyone will have slightly different ideas on the make-up of the perfect touring landy. I agree with Noddy, if you can spare taking out the rear seats it will make life so much easier, especially if you have a cargo barrier. I'm also a great believer of a hand winch having used it a dozen times (mostly to recover bastard Toyotas :wink: ) An electric winch is the last thing I'd put on a vehicle, purly for convenience. This is my setup:

Snorkel
Full Roof rack
2 x 20L Jerry Can (Fuel)
70L Water Tank
Driving Lights
Bearmach Spare Wheel Carrier
Bearmach Rock Sliders
UHF
500W Inverter
Dual batteries
Cargo Barrier
Storage Drawer
Fridge

http://www.greylandy.com/images/picm9.jpg

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/

[p38arover]

Originally posted by Greylandy
I think everyone will have slightly different ideas on the make-up of the perfect touring landy. I agree with Noddy, if you can spare taking out the rear seats it will make life so much easier, especially if you have a cargo barrier. I'm also a great believer of a hand winch having used it a dozen times (mostly to recover bas**rd Toyotas :wink: ) An electric winch is the last thing I'd put on a vehicle, purly for convenience. This is my setup:

http://www.greylandy.com/images/rock3.jpg


You have a drain under your Landy? 8O 8O

On a serious note, I do have a winch sitting in the garage. It came off my RR classic and was to be fitted to the P38A. That didn't eventuate so may get fitted to the County.

Ron

[dages]

Greylandy how do you have the water set-up?

I also read that you ditched the ARB full steel rack for a flat lighter model, do you have details and costs.

Brett.

[Greylandy]

Hi Brett,

I bought a 70L water tank from Graeme Cooper Automotive in Sydney. It's a plastic tank with hand pump made by Rangie Spares I believe. It sits upright to the side of the cargo area or behind the front seats. I've had for the last 3 years.

http://www.lrexpert.com.au/parts_gif/large/65.jpg

With regards to the roof rack ... I used to have an expedition rack made by Safety Devices in the UK. Great for long distance touring as it came with mounts for 5 Jerry Cans, Hight Lift, Spare Wheel etc. The problem was I carry a 7m kayak and got myself an oztent and the rack just didn't work for these items. So I looked around, didn't like the ARB or TJM offerings so went for a South-African product from Hannibal Safari Equipment. Full length aluminium rack that comes with rear ladder and detachable side and back rails if you want to fit a rooftop tent. Details of both the racks are on my website .. got to www.greylandy.com (http://www.greylandy.com) and look at "Landy Mods". Here is a pic of the Hannibal rack:

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/

Henry

[cols110]

Greylandy, nice truck and website.

I just had a bit of a nosey around your site and noticed you also removed your chip, any reason why.






OK, typo now rectified. https://www.aulro.com/afvb/

[spudboy]

GreyLandy: checked out your website too and went looking for info on the ECU upgrade and why you removed it, but I couldn't find anything.

(Maybe Cols110 just had a typo and meant to say ".... any reason why")

I am thinking of putting one in my 130 TD5, so would be interested to find out what went wrong (or otherwise) with yours.

[mezw]

Thanks for all the info heading to the desert for area months and these are all great suggestions. - I'd love to be able to see the photos but can't for some reason. If anyone can suggest how I'd be grateful!
msw

[wayne]

Thanks for all the info heading to the desert for area months and these are all great suggestions. - I'd love to be able to see the photos but can't for some reason. If anyone can suggest how I'd be grateful!
msw

I am having the same issue cant view any pics and Grey landys web site is all chinese

[dullbird]

this thread is 5 years old it could simply be that the links to the pictures have broken down or no longer where they are or where they were being hosted...

I dont even know if Grey landy is still in business as he has not frequented this site in a couple of years

[Sith]

If your in WA , your welcome to come over and go all over my 97 110 all set up for travel / long distance fully self contained .

Some of the things I have spent time going over and over and frikking over before being 100% happy are :

Suspension :Kings and Bilstiens
Tires Mich 7.50x16
Lighting : revised IPF inserts and HID rear work lights
Batteries : AMG secondary
Communication : custom built UHF and Codan HFOZ
Fuel : filters filters filters

I also have the old style Coke a Cola bottle opener bolted to the side of my 110 , sick to death of at the end of the day trying to find a bottle opener

I have a Polaris awning , personally it works extremely well and made well but ..... after going away with a mate who has a fully set up Foxwing that is the way I would go .

Simplify , simplify , simplify .

I really liked the idea previously posted about a second bonnet with the wheel on it .... fantastic .

Get a piece of thick wire about 4 foot long with a bent hook at the end and take it everywhere ... you can remove the spear grass out from underneath before you catch fire .

I lived out of mine with my daughter for 5 weeks solid travel up North and cannot emphasize Simplify enough