Kitting up your Defender, or not...

[JamesH]

It was funny reading the thread on all the bits people have put on their new Defenders because I saw something very strange yesterday driving on Winthrop Avenue (proudly dsiplaying my AULRO Defendoor, praying to see another Defender driver going past and having a double take at the coolest new piece of kit).

It was a tidy white 300Tdi wagon, I'd say a 97 looking at the number plate. Anyway there was something odd about it and it took me a second to figure out what. It appeared from the outside at least to be Stock Standard.

No bullbar/ nudge bar
No chequer plate
No snorkel
No spotties
Spare wheel still on the back door with original carrier on cover.
No UHF ariel
No towbar.
No roof rack
Steel rims

Zip. He looked like he'd seen it on the lot 12 years ago and thought "That'll do" and bought one. Sure he might have a dual battery or other stuff invisible to someone driving past, but I don't think so.

Could he be onto something? I'm thinking about the whole bicycle craze going round now, everybody's talking single speed bikes with simple handbrakes. Couriers are now using locked hubs that don't even allow you to coast. Some sort of anti-fashion fashion statement.

I don't think the old guy driving the Defender was into personal statements, but you never know.

[Scallops]

It was funny reading the thread on all the bits people have put on their new Defenders because I saw something very strange yesterday driving on Winthrop Avenue (proudly dsiplaying my AULRO Defendoor, praying to see another Defender driver going past and having a double take at the coolest new piece of kit).

It was a tidy white 300Tdi wagon, I'd say a 97 looking at the number plate. Anyway there was something odd about it and it took me a second to figure out what. It appeared from the outside at least to be Stock Standard.

No bullbar/ nudge bar
No chequer plate
No snorkel
No spotties
Spare wheel still on the back door with original carrier on cover.
No UHF ariel
No towbar.
No roof rack
Steel rims

Zip. He looked like he'd seen it on the lot 12 years ago and thought "That'll do" and bought one. Sure he might have a dual battery or other stuff invisible to someone driving past, but I don't think so.

Could he be onto something? I'm thinking about the whole bicycle craze going round now, everybody's talking single speed bikes with simple handbrakes. Couriers are now using locked hubs that don't even allow you to coast. Some sort of anti-fashion fashion statement.

I don't think the old guy driving the Defender was into personal statements, but you never know.

Each to their own, I guess mate - but driving outback roads/tracks at sunset - no bullbar - not me. That is just one example - here's another - try standing on your wingtops to take photos for years without checker guards etc etc...

Just depends what you'll do with your vehicle, I reckon.

[rick130]

<snip>

I don't think the old guy driving the Defender was into personal statements, but you never know.

A 90/110/130 is a personal statement, regardless of options, whether you realise it or not. :D

[JamesH]

A 90/110/130 is a personal statement, regardless of options, whether you realise it or not. :D

You're absolutely right, of course.:cool:

[solmanic]

Well that just reinforces my personal philosophy - I only add the accessories I need, as I need them.

So far I have a tow-bar, UHF, better stereo and an AULRO sticker :p.

[miky]

Well that just reinforces my personal philosophy - I only add the accessories I need, as I need them.

OK... lets see...
You are by yourself hopelessly bogged in the forest.
At this point you decide you need one or more additional accessories :D:D:D:D:D:D:D

[Scallops]

OK... lets see...
You are by yourself hopelessly bogged in the forest.
At this point you decide you need one or more additional accessories :D:D:D:D:D:D:D

Nah - he gets me to pull him out! :p :wasntme:

[Richard]

A 90/110/130 is a personal statement, regardless of options, whether you realise it or not. :D


You're absolutely right, of course.:cool:

hence why defender drivers wave to other defender drivers and not discovery drivers, rangie drivers and especially freelander drivers hehe

[Sleepy]

I think recovery points are essential - The only reason they don't come with them is LR are too scared of them failing in a snatch and injuring someone.

Along with equipment to use on said points. :ohyes:


The rest is dependent on your need................ and bank balance;)

[rick130]

Years ago I was visiting some old friends at their store, and one of the blokes that worked for them noticed the then new 'fender.

"Nice car"

"Yep, suits my style"

"Ah, a man who has style and knows it and doesn't have to prove anything"



Smart boy, that one :D

[solmanic]

OK... lets see...
You are by yourself hopelessly bogged in the forest.
At this point you decide you need one or more additional accessories :D:D:D:D:D:D:D

Scallops is right, to a degree. Most of our off-roading is on our property where we know the conditions and are unlikely to get stuck. On the occasions when we have gotten stuck, we just walk back up to the house and wait for things to dry out. Otherwise I am usually in a group so why double-up on expensive kit? Besides, just about every Defender owner lives for the chance to justify their investment by pulling someone out of somewhere.... I have no qualms about being that someone occasionally. :p


In short, the best accessory you can have off-road is a mate in another capable vehicle.

[Aaron]

Most of our off-roading is on our property

Thats why I choose to only buy vehicles from your dealership.

[SVX37]

This probably started out from someone reading a thread I posted. :o

In my defence, every item I have added to my Deefer serves a purpose for me and I thought carefully about what I needed it to do.....just still needing to sort out the bull bar.

I posted my list for 3 reasons:
1. I am proud and love my Defender
2. The list may have helped others
3. I may have learned something from others too

As an example, take the Aux tank. For some trips I will be doing, I need the extra fuel and it is the easiest and safest way to carry it. Recovery points: people have been killed by not having correct recovery points at worst, or damage done to your truck at the least. The checker plate is great for scuffs in and out of the car and a great place to put some tools, a coffee, or a beer! Oooohhh, and I like the look of it too!;)

My car is a personal statement. To others, it is just transport. But if it was just transport, you would be unlikely to post or be reading this website!

I could go on....but I won't.:)

So, trust this might clear it up for others who wonder why we accessorise our Deefers. For me, it makes the vehicle better for camping, heading off the black top, and performing as I need.

And pretty hard communicating without a UHF....although maybe Gen now txt instead?:D

[JamesH]

This probably started out from someone reading a thread I posted. :o

In my defence, every item I have added to my Deefer serves a purpose for me and I thought carefully about what I needed it to do.....just still needing to sort out the bull bar.



I wasn't having a go. My Defender has a whole heap of useful stuff too. Dual batteries, LR tanks and UHF are basic items for me. That's why i commented I was just suprised to see this one and in 12 years he had added nothing to it!

[JohnF]

He probably carries a tifor hand winch in his toolbox to get out of that bog in the forest, has a large plug in hand held spot light for extra illumination at night, not counting un-noticable HID headlight upgrade, has air diff locks with not noticable switches and throws his second spare in the back on top of the fridge. Or he just lets his mate carry these things and so does not wear out his suspension.

Perhaps that is his town car and his off-road beast is at home.