Thread: New 130 Defender Dual cab

Hi Tuck.
I had the same problem as you trying to find a 130 in SA. Found mine in Brizzy and had a road trip!!! When I bought it, it had a Triple M tray that was 1850mm wide and 2000mm long. IMO it looked stupid. I've since built my own tray which is still 1850mm wide, but only 1600mm long which takes it about 100mm past the X member.
I'm currently putting the finishing touches on the drop on camp body (check out 'detachable camp body for Defender 130' or something like that in 'Projects and Tutorials', might give you some ideas).
I'm mounting the spare wheels on home made 'swing away' wheel carriers that swing around approx 130 degrees so keeping them away from the back of the box and roof tent annex.. Will be setting it up for a trial this weekend so will be posting more pictures..
As said before, I'd be slow to mount wheels under the tray as it'd make the whole lot very high, but I'd also be slow to mount one on the bonnet as they make for poor visibility and shake your bonnet to pieces!!
Where in SA are you? You are more than welcome to come and have a look at my setup (Gawler Area), just not next week as we are checking the High Country out!!!

I'm a short-arse, and I don't have any real height issues with the wheels under the tray. Not sure how much higher it makes it actually, but would hazard a guess it might only be 100-150mm. If you're not putting too much weight up high, I don't think it would effect handling too much.

Agree about the issues with the bonnet mount, which is why my spare will only be on there as a 2nd spare for long expeditions. They do look cool though, and would rather it there than on the roof

I have to admit putting a 40kg 255/85 on a wolf rim onto the top of my canopy is a grunt. But then again it's rarely called for. My canopy rail height height is the same as the cab roof line. The floor is about 120 below roof line. If I did it all again I'd fit them behind the cab before the tray. I have water under my tray and happy with that setup.
As for overhang, my 1.8m tray has already lost it's tail lights twice. The tray overhangs the rear cross member maybe 250mm, and is considerably higher than the cross member, but it's amazing what a creek bank or rutted uphill approach does to your departure.

Thanks to all for your replies