New Defender, what accessories?

[CraigMarlow]

Hi Guys,

My wife and I are looking at getting our first four wheel drive, and because we both want to 'keep it real', we are naturally looking at a Defender! :D

We are looking to buy one brand new (hoping to get many decades of use), and was wondering what accessories people would recommend - both official Land Rover and after market.

We know we would like a bull bar, snorkel, tow hitch, expedition style roof rack, chequer plate wing and corner protectors, steering protector plate, UHF CB and also a seat extension for the drivers side (I'm 6'2").

What I would like to know is what brands of these parts are good/bad, if I should go with Land Rover parts from the dealer or after market. If going after market, what parts and from what shops? (also, where and what to avoid!). I live in the Redlands, near Brisbane.

If anyone has any other accessories I should definitely consider, please chip in too! This is our first 4WD, and our first Land Rover, so the advice of others more experienced is something I value greatly!

Thanks in advance,
Craig.:)

[Xtreme]

Add a dual battery setup if you're going to be running a fridge and 12v camp lights etc. and also some provision for extra fuel as the standard 75l could leave a bit short if remote touring is on the agenda.

[dmdigital]

Welcome to AULRO.

Top of the list: Cargo barrier for safety in any wagon. Milford now make one in Australia for the new Defender

Roof rack - look at the alloy racks from Hannibal Safari and Wind Cheetah as the steel racks (e.g. ARB ) are extremely heavy in weight.

Front mud flaps, rubber floor mats.

Canvas seat covers - the genuine canvas covers are rubbish. Order some Melvill & Moon covers from the UK. Do a search on this site and you'll see pictures etc.

Seat extension rails - again search the forum this has been discussed a number of times.

Bullbar with out a winch you may get by with the standard springs in the front. Add a winch and you need to get the HD springs fitted.

UHF radio - the Icom IC-440 is about the best to fit discreetly in a vehicle.

As mentioned Dual battery system if needed.

Long range tank or the better option the Front Runner 45L add-on.

[Ranga]

AULRO subscription :)

[isuzutoo-eh]

I'm not sure what the new Defenders come with, but maybe get the tyres swapped to something appropriate to your expected use? % off road versus on road, touring versus weekend tripping can make a difference here, as well as local terrain. I was taught that the single biggest performance change to a vehicle off road is the tyres
HTH

[dmdigital]

The new Defenders come with General Grabber TR's. These have proven to be a very good, long wearing and reasonable tyre so far (40,000km and 50% wear - 30,000km of that was towing a Kamper). They are a very road biased all-terrain but to date I haven't had any issues off road. Very good tyre, I would recommend keeping them on.

[Sleepy]

G'day Craig and welcome :)

Front and rear recovery points.

Tow bar is good for rear. You can buy a specific hitch or use the pin

The front needs somewhere you can hook on a snatch strap or winch cable.
(The tie down loops underneath are not strong enough)

Not really an accessory but go and do an offraod course. Join your local 4wd club - most will have some sort of course.

I would second dm-td5's commments on the tyres. They are a good compromise. I have done 100,000km on mine. I have a second set of rims for offroad rubber.

[Scallops]

Craig - love your work - a Defy is "ze finest". :BigThumb:

Bottom line? It's a clean slate - but it stock - once you have one, you will know exactly what you want - LR original, or after market.

Personally - my philosophy is buy it once - buy it right. I was fairly fluid, in a monetary sense, when I bought Grover and mine is virtually 100% LR factory - but - just buy stock - research, research, research - then go for it.

You do have 3 months to buy genuine stuff from DOP to be covered by the vehicle's 3 year warranty.

Some items, as other have eluded to, are not offered by LR themselves, so just check out all the options.

One thing is for sure - you'll love it. Don't forget to wave! :D

[CraigMarlow]

Thanks for the suggestions so far guys!

What would your preference be for tow hitch? I think I would be better off with a standard receiver hitch, rather than the one available through Land Rover. That being the case do you have any specific recommendations?

The same for the Bull bar, is there a particularly good choice? One that includes recovery points?

Both my wife and I will be doing some training, most likely through one of the clubs (Brisbane, Gold Coast or Sunshine coast).
And the culture associated with the Defender is a big part of the vehicle, I'll definitely be waving!!

[dmdigital]

Whilst the ARB or TJM tow bar from the earlier model Defenders will fit, the new model for the Puma is a much snugger fit and doesn't stuff up departure angle. To this end the genuine one is good and I think Hayman Reece make an equivalent model. The old style also necessitates the removal of the rear step, which is something the LR one allows to be left in place whuch is handy.

ARB bar has two decent recover points on it but a better option is to mount two recover points under the front. The issue here is that a steering guard will get in the road to a degree (I know I have a steering guard). The other option is to get an A-bar of the style like the Equipe 4x4 ones.

[Rugrat]

Welcome to AULRO.
Top of the list: Cargo barrier for safety in any wagon. Milford now make one in Australia for the new Defender
Agree - I shipped a 'Dog Guard' over from the UK, but Tradesman Roofracks in Bayswater Vic also have one. From Memory its available via Rovacraft in Vic.


Roof rack - look at the alloy racks from Hannibal Safari and Wind Cheetah as the steel racks (e.g. ARB ) are extremely heavy in weight.
Second this - they are awesome (just fiddle withthe wind deflectors to get less noise and also get the rear ladder.


Front mud flaps, rubber floor mats.
Canvas seat covers - the genuine canvas covers are rubbish. Order some Melvill & Moon covers from the UK. Do a search on this site and you'll see pictures etc.
These are the best and wash up really well after those long trips.


Seat extension rails - again search the forum this has been discussed a number of times.
I'm 5'9 and have no need for them but some may ;)


Bullbar with out a winch you may get by with the standard springs in the front. Add a winch and you need to get the HD springs fitted.
Running STD springs but have a 'Scorpion A style bar' and winch. H/Duty would lift it back to OEM spec but I haven't worried yet.


UHF radio - the Icom IC-440 is about the best to fit discreetly in a vehicle.

What ever UHF you get - I'd also recommend getting an o'head console - ARB's or Dept. Of Interior - gives extra storage and gets the UHF out of the way.


As mentioned Dual battery system if needed.
A definate if your touring and have all those luxuries.
Also whilst the spec tyres are fine - i fitted Coopers and also carry a 2nd spare.
One of the most 'paid for' accessories i have are the tree / rock sliders - they have battle scars but the panels whilst minor scratches have no real damage.

And welcome to Aulro - get the fender and then let the imagination go wild. Heaps to put on but you'll need to fit these to your requirements.

[flagg]

Don't forget your National Park Multi Pass. :D

[dmdigital]

Rugrat, you're confusing roof racks. The Hannibal rack doesn't need a wind deflector only the Wind Cheetah has that.

[PRDS]

Long-range fuel tank is a must if doing long Ks in the bush, but decide on which type before buying tow bar, the longranger replacement tank needs a special tow bar, a sub tank won't.
Some sort of soundproofing will make driving more enjoyable, noise killer in the UK make a full kit can either import it or some specialist LR places in Oz import it for you.
I have an ARB winch bar with 7K winch and haven't found it necessary to upgrade front springs.
Roof console is a good idea but with the ARB one you need to shorten the sun visors so check first.
If you plan on traveling in hot weather a larger intercooler will help with power. There a few available but check with your dealer first to ensure they don't void you warranty.

[juddy]

I could have gone mad on all the extra bits you need, but LR prices are stupid, the only things we ordered from them were floor mats, front mud flaps, and a snorkle, oh and the side steps, the rest is either coming off the old one or from some other cheaper place.

[CraigMarlow]

Thanks again for all the replies folks!

A quick question - Do the front mud flaps serve much purpose when you have the side steps fitted? Wouldn't the side steps stop most of the crud spraying up on the side of the vehicle?

[dmdigital]

Yes they do and are well worth it. Avoid the twin tube LR side steps: good design, poor build. The front mud flaps stop a lot of stuff flying up and if you have side steps will help protect them too.

[victorwhisky]

G'Day Boyz,

i'm looking for a Snorkel to fit a 90 SW TD4 - 2008 -

like those pictures, any ideas of what could be the ref ?

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2010/02/1174.jpg (http://www.aulro.com/app/showphoto.php/photo/16687)

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2010/02/1175.jpg (http://www.aulro.com/app/showphoto.php/photo/16686)

Many Thankx

Laurent

[dmdigital]

Laurent, they are the genuine LR unit. The Mantec unit (which is similar) is what's on my 110 and dullbirds as well. Rovacraft sell them or you can bring them in from the UK. Mantec | Quality Land Rover Accessories (http://www.mantec.co.uk/productdetail.cfm'theProductID=3F6184EB-15C5-F4C0-99C9ECF1E47E4E03)

LR unit is: LR008383 - Have a look and Land Rover UK site for accessories.

[juddy]

Yes they do and are well worth it. Avoid the twin tube LR side steps: good design, poor build. The front mud flaps stop a lot of stuff flying up and if you have side steps will help protect them too.

Cant say iam a expert on side steps, however, after being told by my LR sales man, that LR dont make 130 side steps, and theres only one non OME who sells them, so after doing all of about 5mins research and talking to very help full man at Graham Cooper Land Rover, i was told the TD5 side steps do indeed fit, theres 2 different types, and both are better than the current ones offered for the Puma, and are still stock items, So dont always listen to Mr Dealer...... ( not that i dont like him he"s a lovely chap )

[juddy]

G'Day Boyz,

i'm looking for a Snorkel to fit a 90 SW TD4 - 2008 -

like those pictures, any ideas of what could be the ref ?

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2010/02/1174.jpg (http://www.aulro.com/app/showphoto.php/photo/16687)

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2010/02/1175.jpg (http://www.aulro.com/app/showphoto.php/photo/16686)

Many Thankx

Laurent

Did you mean a 90 swb, or a 110 DC???? or is yours a imported 90?

[Gav110]

Long-range fuel tank is a must if doing long Ks in the bush, but decide on which type before buying tow bar, the longranger replacement tank needs a special tow bar, a sub tank won't.
Some sort of soundproofing will make driving more enjoyable, noise killer in the UK make a full kit can either import it or some specialist LR places in Oz import it for you.
I have an ARB winch bar with 7K winch and haven't found it necessary to upgrade front springs.
Roof console is a good idea but with the ARB one you need to shorten the sun visors so check first.
If you plan on traveling in hot weather a larger intercooler will help with power. There a few available but check with your dealer first to ensure they don't void you warranty.
Any experience of the Opposite Lock 45 litre subtank? To me looks like a better option than the 127L Long Ranger tank I currently have which I found has 3 issues:

1. It prevents mounting a standard towbar (meaning I had to fit a UK tow step)
2. It interferes with rear anti-roll bars (meaning custom brackets)
3. For some reason I never quite get more than 100-110 litres from the tank due to the placement of the fuel pickup, which I understand is a bit of a black art to fit

Am looking at the 45L OL unit for my new Defender. Any views?

[dmdigital]

A number of others have the 45L Front Runner tank sold by OL and all I've heard is good reports. I'm still carrying Jerry cans of fuel, but as I can fit 3 of these on the trailer it's not too big an issue.

[one_iota]

Any experience of the Opposite Lock 45 litre subtank? To me looks like a better option than the 127L Long Ranger tank I currently have which I found has 3 issues:

1. It prevents mounting a standard towbar (meaning I had to fit a UK tow step)
2. It interferes with rear anti-roll bars (meaning custom brackets)
3. For some reason I never quite get more than 100-110 litres from the tank due to the placement of the fuel pickup, which I understand is a bit of a black art to fit

Am looking at the 45L OL unit for my new Defender. Any views?

The OL tank is fantastic.

It makes use of otherwise unused space behind the rear wheel.

It's great to be able to say that you can drive at least 1000km between servos.

A water tank on the other side is on my list.

[victorwhisky]

Did you mean a 90 swb, or a 110 DC???? or is yours a imported 90?

Yes it's for a friend in France, i can't tell much i haven't see the beast yet.

Thanks again for the hand.

Cheers.

Laurent

[SVX37]

The OL tank is fantastic.

It makes use of otherwise unused space behind the rear wheel.

It's great to be able to say that you can drive at least 1000km between servos.

A water tank on the other side is on my list.


x 2!:)

A great bit of kit and I am very happy with it. I went through exactly your same dilema Gavster and after researching on here, I made the decision. I am looking at the water tank for the other side but considering all options still.

[DukeR]

Heya - on the fuel tank issue - anyone had any experience with this setup?

Dual Fuel Tank System - Mulgo Pty Ltd - Australia (http://www.mulgo.com.au/p11_Mulgo-Dual-Fuel-Tank-System.html)

Seems pricey - but if my company's gonna pay for it... should leave the back end free for other dreams.

Cheers

[circlework]

I find this statement hard to swallow...... "nor do they affect the offroad capabilities of the original vehicle."

They should have stencilled a bullseye on them! :p



Daz.

[DukeR]

Well - that's what I was wondering - to me they do seem to come down a fair way below the sills - but I'm a noob here so figure I'm missing something re clearances.

The dual tank idea would assist balance though, right? Or is it best to just go the auxilliary fuel on one side and the water on the other side - at the back of the vehicle?

Duke

[Michael2]

Hi Craig,

Buy yourself a copy of Land Rover Owner International, or Land Rover World, both UK based magazines.

Have a look at all the adverts to see a greater range of accessories, as well as having a look at the retailers websites.

ROVACRAFT in Australia import a lot of this stuff, so once you know what you like, you can get a local price for it. Mention that you belong to this forum.

What I love about my Defender is that it's great as a touring vehicle, and at the same time is an awesome vehicle for tough tracks on short day trips. There aren't really that many 4WDs that are good for heavy loads with long distance economy as well as tackling tough obstacle courses. - Part of "keeping it real" as you put it.