110 Hard Top vs Station Wagon

[Lagerfan]

Hi all,

Just wondering which makes the better base for a tourer? We've only had our 90 four months and already the topic of our next Defender has come up. That's next as in "additional" - not replacement

We don't need the rear seats and the options/capacity for kitting out the hard top seem better (say Mulgo Expedition style) so just wondering what the consensus is.

Main downside is I believe you can only get the 110 hard top built to order in Aus so that probably means more $$$ (*) and lead time but would the flexibility be worth it?

Just wonderin' anyways.

* Prices on http://www.landrover.com/au have the hard top at $3k cheaper

[isuzutoo-eh]

There are arguments both ways.
When my parents had a toyota troop carrier, getting to the gear that was nearish to the front seats was an absolute pain, a second row of doors would have been fantastic.
Once you take out the middle row seats, there probably isn't much difference apart from accessibility.

[clive22]

Hi


Been thinking similar thoughts for my next landy adddition too. Hard top, ute, wagon, etc for a tourer.

Read somewhere that there is a company putting in rear doors in Toyota troop carriers, tells me it a pain getting stuff in out/behind the seats w/out those rear doors, well enough pay up $$$ to put one in.

Reckon if you go hard top you really need some long drawers one or two each side to access the pocket behind the seats.

For these reasons I'm thinking wagon or ute.

Clive

[Lagerfan]

getting to the gear that was nearish to the front seats was an absolute pain, a second row of doors would have been fantastic.

With the height of a defender and the limited travel in the front seats this is an excellent point!

[Lagerfan]

Read somewhere that there is a company putting in rear doors in Toyota troop carriers, tells me it a pain getting stuff in out/behind the seats w/out those rear doors, well enough pay up $$$ to put one in.

If you want to go down that road I was thinking you can solve this somewhat with gullwing doors or similar maybe?

[n plus one]

If you want to go down that road I was thinking you can solve this somewhat with gullwing doors or similar maybe?

Hard top with long drawers and double gullwings would be my recommendation. I think it would be a better arrangement than my 110 5 seater (but still not as good as a 130!).

[isuzutoo-eh]

Some people mount their fridge by the passenger side middle row door on a station wagon, which would be about the perfect spot I reckon

[n plus one]

Some people mount their fridge by the passenger side middle row door on a station wagon, which would be about the perfect spot I reckon

That,s where I've relocated mine to - perfect location and keeps the 60 seat available for the dog/mates/clothes bags/etc

[Landy Smurf]

I would go the s/w for the doors and who knows maybe later on you want that second row of seats

[steane]

My hardtop is setup for 'selfish' touring. Bulkhead behind seats has been lowered so plenty of room to adjust the seats. Fridge sits in the centre just behind the bulkhead so can access from either front seat, and storage room either side of it (no need for passo doors to access this area). Cargo barrier sits behind the fridge and keeps all of the camping gear out of that section.

Bucket loads of room in the back, more than I'll ever need. You have to climb in from time to time to get some things but it's never been a hassle, you just pack what you need access to the most near the door.

I think I will add a set of drawers to carry tools, spares and recovery equipment. It will still leave plenty of room for everything else.

Two less doors to belt up and down on corrugations and let in dust. but obviously a big trade-off in usability if there is more than two of you, unless you're happy to strap little Johnny to the roof rack