Ex-box fitting instructions

[travelrover]

Hi team

Am looking for fitting instructions for an Ex-box, the 12 way fuse block option that also relocates all the electronics from under the seat. The Expedition Centre no longer provide this.

If someone could scan and email me a copy that would fantastic!

Thanks in anticipation.

[plusnq]

Hi team

Am looking for fitting instructions for an Ex-box, the 12 way fuse block option that also relocates all the electronics from under the seat. The Expedition Centre no longer provide this.

If someone could scan and email me a copy that would fantastic!

Thanks in anticipation.


I can’t find the fitting instructions from mine. There is lots oF info re installs on the forum. Here are some notes I did save from Rob when mine was getting done. Hope it helps


Ex bOx tips
A few handy things to know when installing the Ex-Box...in a roughly-chronological order:


1) This is much easier with two people unless you already really know your way around the Defender. I'm pretty new so having a mate with me to run ideas past and for poking and pulling and wiggling wires and bashing things was a big help.


2) It's all pretty straightforward and methodical, but some things can be daunting. For me, removing the plates that the relays are currently mounted on was a bit scary. They required a good bashing with a screwdriver and hammer. I was pretty glad Daniel was there to show me first and tell me how people hate doing that part!


3) Before removing the fuse box and relays from under the driver's seat, take a couple of photos first, just so you know where they all go back to once they're in the Ex-Box.


4) When pushing the wires out of the driver's seat space and into the space above the transfer box, make sure nothing is too tight...and be really careful of cable ties that may restrict the loom. I cut my cable ties then put new ones on afterwards. This really helped with the tension on the loom.
A good tip here is that when you remove the power cable from its conduit and put it in with the main wires going into the Ex-Box, re-use the discarded conduit for the poor old central locking cable that will still reside under the driver's backside, all on its own. This will help protect the cable.


5) When removing the existing plate that sits under the cubby box, definitely rivet the two fuel line brackets before undoing the bolts. I know it doesn't appear on the instructions and that some people have suggested doing it, including Daniel, but to me this is a no-brainer as it makes life easier and only takes 2 minutes to do.


6) When retrieving the central locking wire back through the grommet, there are two ways to do this. Either take off the white connector and put it on again afterwards, or get two long screwdrivers and a ham-fisted Queenslander and poke and wiggle it through taking GREAT CARE not to damage the other wires. it can be like spaghetti junction in there so this requires patience! When pushing the wires up into the Ex-Box, push through the big relays first...and hold them out of the way while you poke the others through. This is when it's awesome having a second pair of hands.


7) When they're all through and it's time to bring the rubber grommet up from beneath the car and into the Ex-Box through the hole, pull it through a bit at a time, wiggling it upwards until it seats in place. Maybe use a screwdriver to help. Do NOT do what I did and pull it all the way through and then try to push the collar of it back through - the hole is 2mm in diameter too small to allow this to seat properly. Daniel helped here and solved the problem in a matter of seconds by starting again.


8) Heatshield. Do it. Attach to the bottom of the Ex-Box using rivets....or if you have the softer stuff, I guess an adhesive might do the trick.


9) The bolts that held the plate on under the cubby box may be a bit short...so you might need to just put plenty of pressure on the box to get the nut to "bite" and screw on....but it will go down. Be firm with it.


10) Make sure everything is nice and sealed - with sikaflex and/ or neoprene tape.


As I already had my UHF installed and fitted to the cubby box, this could have caused issues with opening the box so I pulled the power and aerial cables through more and then wrapped them up in a conduit.


Also, just to be tidy(ish) I got some carpet from Bunnings and cut it to fit the rest of the box. Looks smarter and will be kinder to my phone should I keep it in there.


Sorry I didn't take pics of me actually doing the install. I got a bit carried away and didn't think to stop. Very naughty of me, I apologise.


I hope these comments help. Happy to elaborate further if it's helpful. PM me if you like.


Love the Ex-Box...it's a great bit of kit. Thoughtfully designed and manufactured too. I'm seriously impressed. Well done Daniel...and thank you again for your help.


Rob
Attached Thumbnails

[travelrover]

Wow, thanks so much Plusnq

Very helpful

[plusnq]

My instal pictures are in post 309 in this thread

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/90-110-130-defender-county/258209-what-did-you-do-your-defender-today-well-week-anyway-31.html#post2900911


cheers

[travelrover]

My instal pictures are in post 309 in this thread

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/90-110-130-defender-county/258209-what-did-you-do-your-defender-today-well-week-anyway-31.html#post2900911


cheers

Brilliant, thanks [emoji4]

I think i have seen those shots before..

[Floydo]

Mulgo no longer doing the Ex-box? Tried contacting them about this as it is not on there website, never heard back from them.

[Wallaby Ted]

I was just reading them a couple of days ago as I was looking at installing the exbox I bought a few years ago

ExBox - for Land Rover Defender (all models) - Mulgo (https://www.expeditioncentre.com.au/exbox-for-land-rover-defender-all-models)

Look under the Fitting Instruction tab.


Richard

[travelrover]

Mulgo no longer doing the Ex-box? Tried contacting them about this as it is not on there website, never heard back from them.

Yes Floydo, I checked yesterday and it says “at this stage we no longer manufacture this product.

ExBox - for Land Rover Defender (all models) - Mulgo (https://www.expeditioncentre.com.au/exbox-for-land-rover-defender-all-models)

[travelrover]

I was just reading them a couple of days ago as I was looking at installing the exbox I bought a few years ago

ExBox - for Land Rover Defender (all models) - Mulgo (https://www.expeditioncentre.com.au/exbox-for-land-rover-defender-all-models)

Look under the Fitting Instruction tab.


Richard

Thanks Richard

That’s a clever place to hide them ;-)

[Gibs]

I also went to purchase one of the above (Ex-box) a while back and found it was no longer in production, so I fitted this instead as an alternative :
MUD Cubby Box Locker – MUD-UK (https://www.mudstuff.co.uk/products/mud-cubby-box-locker?variant=31681485176917).
Options available.

[travelrover]

I also went to purchase one of the above (Ex-box) a while back and found it was no longer in production, so I fitted this instead as an alternative :
MUD Cubby Box Locker – MUD-UK (https://www.mudstuff.co.uk/products/mud-cubby-box-locker?variant=31681485176917).
Options available.

Thanks Gibs

Yeah I looked at that also. My primary need is to relocate vehicle electrics and unfortunately the Mud one is not designed for this.

[Gibs]

While its not designed for the sole purpose of an electrical/electronics box for the relocation of items from under the drivers seat, it can and (is in my case) be use for such. I also have installed the LT77 & R380 Center Seat Tool Box from YRM: LT77 & R380 Centre Seat Tool Box - YRM Metal Solutions (https://yrmit.co.uk/product/lt77-r380-centre-seat-tool-box-land-rover-defender/) under the MUD Cubby Box Locker and am using it as a heat shield as well as the location for all new quick connects I have installed for the loom to and from all the parts that were under the drivers seat. My ECU I've also put an extension cable onto and will be routing that up the B Pillar into my roofs center line console (includes the A/C unit). I picked up some 36 core cable (not cheap btw) and will run 2 lines up the B pillar (may have to be one per side - yet to be determined). Inside the Locker box I installed all new components to replace the old tech gear (Circuit Breakers, SS Relays, 3 Double Port USB charging stations. All the C/B's are mounted onto an Aluminum plate I made up to fit and that mounts at the points that the cubby box has for its internal dividers that are provided but I don't need.

The LT77 & R380 Center Seat Tool Box is made from aluminum and needs to be aluminum brazed on the corners to make it water tight, luckily this can be done with a propane torch and cheap aluminum brazing rods that one can buy off the internet (amazon, aliexpress, ect). This is then drilled with 60mm holes to take the connections and cable loom from engine bay to Box. At this point I installed 2 Bronze Compression gland for both looms coming in, and will install 2 more for the 36 core cables going out to the relocated ECU.

So, yes its not designed on purpose as an Ex Box, but since there is no alternative (and would appear that no other will be forth coming) and with a little out of the BOX thinking (LOL) one can make do with what one has on hand.

[travelrover]

While its not designed for the sole purpose of an electrical/electronics box for the relocation of items from under the drivers seat, it can and (is in my case) be use for such. I also have installed the LT77 & R380 Center Seat Tool Box from YRM: LT77 & R380 Centre Seat Tool Box - YRM Metal Solutions (https://yrmit.co.uk/product/lt77-r380-centre-seat-tool-box-land-rover-defender/) under the MUD Cubby Box Locker and am using it as a heat shield as well as the location for all new quick connects I have installed for the loom to and from all the parts that were under the drivers seat. My ECU I've also put an extension cable onto and will be routing that up the B Pillar into my roofs center line console (includes the A/C unit). I picked up some 36 core cable (not cheap btw) and will run to lines up the B pillar (may have to be one per side - yet to be determined). Inside the Locker box I installed all new components to replace the old tech gear (Circuit Breakers, SS Relays, 3 Double Port USB charging stations. All the C/B's are mounted onto an Aluminum plate I made up to fit and that mounts at the points that the cubby box has for its internal dividers that are provided but I don't need.

The LT77 & R380 Center Seat Tool Box is made from aluminum and needs to be aluminum brazed on the corners to make it water tight, luckily this can be done with a propane torch and cheap aluminum brazing rods that one can buy off the internet (amazon, aliexpress, ect). This is then drilled with 60mm holes to take the connections and cable loom from engine bay to Box. At this point I installed 2 Bronze Compression gland for both looms coming in, and will install 2 more for the 36 core cables going out to the relocated ECU.

So, yes its not designed on purpose as an Ex Box, but since there is no alternative (and would appear that no other will be forth coming) and with a little out of the BOX thinking (LOL) one can make do with what one has on hand.

Thanks again Gibs

Some clever thinking there, yes out of the box. I actually have a Tdi, Td5 and a Puma so they all have slightly different requirements and I have long thought of relocating the ECU into a roof console (the Td5 has the two ways in a roof console and there is room for the ECU). There used to be an extension cable available for this at around $700 a decade or more ago and that put me off back then.

Anyway you have given me plenty to think about. Am sure an Ex-Box would not be that difficult to build and at the moment I have the time, just not the money! need a job first!

Cheer - Simon

[Gibs]

This is in my Td5 130, the wife wants to keep her TDCi 2.2 90 stock, and who am I to say otherwise! :D
The ECU extension I made up myself, I used some 38 pin inline connector's off of Aliexpress : 1 set WS/TP48 Aviation Plug Socket Male&Female Docking aviation circular connector 5/7/20/27/38/42 Pin Butt plugs|Connectors| - AliExpress (https://www.aliexpress.com/item/33004089381.html'spm=a2g0o.cart.0.0.60f43c002zc3LW&mp=1)
and the cable I brought from RS online. I then just redid the ends at the ECU to the new cable, one extension! :D

[travelrover]

This is in my Td5 130, the wife wants to keep her TDCi 2.2 90 stock, and who am I to say otherwise! :D
The ECU extension I made up myself, I used some 38 pin inline connector's off of Aliexpress : 1 set WS/TP48 Aviation Plug Socket Male&Female Docking aviation circular connector 5/7/20/27/38/42 Pin Butt plugs|Connectors| - AliExpress (https://www.aliexpress.com/item/33004089381.html'spm=a2g0o.cart.0.0.60f43c002zc3LW&mp=1)
and the cable I brought from RS online. I then just redid the ends at the ECU to the new cable, one extension! :D

My wife drives the 2.2 90 too! Unfortunately the link didn't work, ad.admitad.com’s server IP address could not be found. But not to worry I am just scoping/planning at this stage.

Cheers - Simon

[Mellow Yellow]

Probably 15 years ago now I fitted an X-Box to my 2003 110. Good move, but not without some challenges.

One thing I discovered was that the earth for the EMC was via a stud in the floor under the driver's seat - but that the x-Box relied on the screws securing it to the floor under the cubby box. This proved to be very problematic.

My advice is to be sure that the EMC earth wire is grounded properly. It will save you much grief !

[Discofender]

Mulgo no longer doing the Ex-box? Tried contacting them about this as it is not on there website, never heard back from them.I placed an order for an ex box (pre-paying) back in April, recieved it three weeks ago. I had been asking them for 12 months when they would make them again......
I understand that was their last run of them for a while. Suggest a group buy if there are enough people interested.
Also thanks for all the info on the install, I plan to put mine in over this coming long weekend.

Cheers

[Floydo]

Thanks Gibs, Just ordered one from MUDUK . Like the idea of the slide. Have there dash pod and radio mount. Good stuff.

[tieds]

I placed an order for an ex box (pre-paying) back in April, recieved it three weeks ago. I had been asking them for 12 months when they would make them again......
I understand that was their last run of them for a while. Suggest a group buy if there are enough people interested.
Also thanks for all the info on the install, I plan to put mine in over this coming long weekend.

Cheers
Hi all,
I’ve been trying to get hold of an ex box now for ages and am surprised you got one discofender!
do you know if they have any more of them? As you said, they never reply to my Enquiries re the Ex-Box.
I’ve been thinking of going down the Mud cubby box locker as an alternative myself.
regards
Tieds

[Discofender]

As I said in my post I had been onto Mulgo a few times over the past 12-18 months, back in March/April they were breifly accepting pre-orders (pre-paid), six months later I get the shipping notice. I had nearly bought the mudstuff box in the mean time and was surprised. I doubt they'll be making more anytime soon.

If your confident you can drill/cut 66mm holes in the bottom for the ecu cable grommets then just get the mud stuff at least you'll have it this year.

Cheers

[travelrover]

As I said in my post I had been onto Mulgo a few times over the past 12-18 months, back in March/April they were breifly accepting pre-orders (pre-paid), six months later I get the shipping notice. I had nearly bought the mudstuff box in the mean time and was surprised. I doubt they'll be making more anytime soon.

If your confident you can drill/cut 66mm holes in the bottom for the ecu cable grommets then just get the mud stuff at least you'll have it this year.

Cheers

I gave up on the Ex-box after similar problems trying to order an APT steering guard from him. After many months when I had given up on ever seeing it I get an email from APT saying it was on its way from them (in QLD) via courier and at a higher price than I was quoted months before by Daniel. I am only a 90 min drive from The Expedition Centre and would have been happy to drive into Sydney and collect it but there was radio silence. Not impressed with the customer service at all.

Cheers - Simon

[Floydo]

Have to agree their customer service isn't the best, emails don't appear to get answered. I have actually spent more on having things shipped from interstate than buying locally. Just because of good customer service.

[Discofender]

Well, I spent some of the long weekend installing the Ex-box. Didn't keep track of how long I've spent on it but with two kids at home and outings to beaches, playgrounds and shops I had to work it around other priorities.

I haven't finished wiring in the additional fuse box in plus the 2 x USB port, 2 x 12v sockets and the Anderson plug yet.

My cents, buy a 60mm metal hole saw and then just convert any under cubby box to take the electrics. I think I would have preferred setting up my own layout of the components and extras, Ex-box is ok for standard Td5 fitout but I had ordered an addition fuse box (for additional accessories) but there is no room to fit it.

I drilled the hinge rivits and took the lid off to make it easy to work on, also left the original seat box cover plate in and over it a thick Exmoor trim seatbox cover. This will make the Ex-box sit a little higher but I tested it for a week like that before deciding, should also help keep heat out of the box.

I cut a square hole at the front for the OBDII plug as my Nanocom is pretty much perminately mounted on a Ram mount on the dash.

I drilled the spot welds on the relay mounting rack from the inside of the seat box, it will get rivited onto the inside of the Ex-box once I've finished the additional wiring.

Trickest part was getting the rear door central locking cable that enters the back of the seat box back out through the seat box. Getting the corresponding wires and plug back through the loom grommet also tricky, just long enough to clip together again.

Some photos attached, I still have to bolt at least the drivers seat back in so I can drive to work in the morning. Next weekend an ARB compressor will go into the now empty seat box.

Cheers Discofenderhttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20201005/034c49149fad376c1217114b3a43e5d7.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20201005/55736cc87bd9b968970d95772d4179c5.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20201005/5175044b02a4b8e4ae99c6ee400b53c3.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20201005/cbe0c6633276cd1c4c4c446640c605a4.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20201005/0410bdbd3f20cb1d18c83b38a0aedec0.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20201005/0b99d1f57a1b46f40c558e3e41676c74.jpg

[travelrover]

Could someone share the exterior dimensions of their ex-box please?

As stated earlier on I have given up on sourcing anything from the expedition Centre so figure I can at least build something out of plywood for my 300Tdi and see what mods I would need for my puma which would way down the track just now.

Cheers - Simon

[Col 110]

I have a Ex Box sitting in my shed for the PUMA MY12+ Not sure how that translates to a pre TD5?

I purchased it as part of the 'last buy' that was on FaceBook around April this year - it was delivered early Sept.

PM me if you want to have a look at it or need more info.

Cheers,
Col.


Could someone share the exterior dimensions of their ex-box please?

As stated earlier on I have given up on sourcing anything from the expedition Centre so figure I can at least build something out of plywood for my 300Tdi and see what mods I would need for my puma which would way down the track just now.

Cheers - Simon

[travelrover]

Thanks Col110

Not seen you around for a long time. Hope all is well.

I was planning to utilize material I have lying around the shed whilst I am out of work to make something basic. I would however be interested in your ex-box but will have to wait until I get an income. Unfortunately the mortgage comes first!

Cheers - Simon

[Discofender]

Could someone share the exterior dimensions of their ex-box please?

As stated earlier on I have given up on sourcing anything from the expedition Centre so figure I can at least build something out of plywood for my 300Tdi and see what mods I would need for my puma which would way down the track just now.

Cheers - SimonMeasurements shown in photo, not my best work, let me know if you need more. I suggest using the bottom of your cubbybox as a guide.https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20201010/7591e5b861f7c2e5a73a2e45f1c57e72.jpg

[travelrover]

Measurements shown in photo, not my best work, let me know if you need more. I suggest using the bottom of your cubbybox as a guide.https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20201010/7591e5b861f7c2e5a73a2e45f1c57e72.jpg

Excellent thanks Discofender...