Accessories for 2009 Defender

[Cooch]

Hi All,

I am looking at the different options to add to a Defender and hoped to get some ideas / options. Currently looking at:

Tow Bar - LR Rear Step Bumper (I like the step) Is there any better options

Long Ranger fuel tank (127 Replacement tank)

ARB Bull Bar & warn endurance winch.

Improved lights ( Not sure which brand)

Roof Rack (Perhaps ARB - Not sure)

I would also like you to considier whether the above accessories require any suspension changes or incorporation of sway bars etc (due to increased weight and or position of accessories).

Are there any other recommended accessories for travelling 60:40 on-road:off-road (mainly in steep, rocky and muddy terrain).

Many thanks for your responses.

Cooch

[dmdigital]

Tow Bar - LR Rear Step Bumper (I like the step) - I don't think that's ADR approved, but the OEM LR Aus bar is good

Long Ranger fuel tank (127 Replacement tank) - Look at the Front Runner side tank sold by Opposite Lock, much neater, doesn't interfere with the towbar and doesn't require removing the original tank

ARB Bull Bar & warn endurance winch - You'll need to put HD springs in the front.

Improved lights ( Not sure which brand) - Lightforce 240HID:eek:

Roof Rack (Perhaps ARB - Not sure) - Hannibal Safari or another alloy rack, the ARB steel rack weighs a tonne for starters.

Are there any other recommended accessories for travelling 60:40 on-roadff-road (mainly in steep, rocky and muddy terrain) - Front mud flaps.

[marting]

Roof Rack - Tradesman do a nice rack in their 'oval' series. Comes with wind deflector and is very neat. A lot cheaper than most of the other alternatives and Australian made. You can get these through most ARB and 4WD Megastore outlets.
Martin

[JLo]

Hi All,

I am looking at the different options to add to a Defender and hoped to get some ideas / options. Currently looking at:

Tow Bar - LR Rear Step Bumper (I like the step) Is there any better options

Long Ranger fuel tank (127 Replacement tank) - make sure you can fit the replacement tank with your chosen tow bar in place.

ARB Bull Bar & warn endurance winch. - Heavier front springs to take the extra weight

Improved lights ( Not sure which brand) - standard headlights might benefit from loom upgrade

Roof Rack (Perhaps ARB - Not sure) - ARB now make an Aluminium rack which should be significantly lighter than their steel rack (which is 65 kg for the tradesmam and doesn't leave much roof load capacity for the stuff you want up there.)

I would also like you to considier whether the above accessories require any suspension changes or incorporation of sway bars etc (due to increased weight and or position of accessories).

Are there any other recommended accessories for travelling 60:40 on-road:off-road (mainly in steep, rocky and muddy terrain).

Many thanks for your responses.

Cooch

Cheers
JLo

[MinniTheMoocha]

The alloy ARB rack is not available (yet) for the Defender!

I asked on the ARB open day.

[BlueWagon]

Hi Cooch

I had the Long Ranger 127 tank fitted to my 2003 TD5 Defender wagon. Very solid tank but had to waste the original new plastic one. Had a few teething issues with the fuel guage sendor which was fixed under warranty but I was disappointed that I couldn't have the tow package fitted that I wanted ...had to settle for an ARB unit which was a bit untidy and because of the tank the electrical plug couldn't be fitted in the chassis hole and had to be mounted somewhat precariously outside the chassis on a bracket. Although it worked flawlessly for 5 years it didn't look good and the whole tow package shaved a bit off the departure angle. I also lost my back fold down step because of the tank. I guess I was mainly ****ed off that I wasn't told of the issues with the step, tow bar and tank when I initially ordered the car with the accessories. It annoyed me a fair bit that my new Defender Xtreme didn't have as good a tow setup as my old 110 County.
I note that the Long Ranger tank for the current model Defender has changed (listed as 120 litre replacement) but wasn't taking any chances in losing my step or compromising my choice of tow bar so went with the Dolium side tanks this time on the new 09 Defender LR Def 2.4 45Lt Aux Tank - Dolium Pty Ltd (http://www.dolium.com.au/view/page/120/item/FTL49.html)

As for lights I have had all sorts of problems in the past with both spotlights and replacement headlight bulbs (despite having relays fitted and wiring done by auto electricians) with wiring cooking and fuses melting because of the increased current. This time I am trying HID spotlights ...FANTASTIC light output and but only 35W!! Haven't had them long and need to do a few all night drives to see how the wiring holds up but I can't see how 35W will be a problem. Biggest disadvantage is their cost but I'm hoping the payoff will be far fewer hassles in the long run.

Cheers
Mark