Defender Minimalism

[MrLandy]

As the type of traveller who prefers to head bush with just the bare basics, one aspect of the Land Rover Defender which has most attracted me over the years is the relative minimalism of the design. Yet I don't believe this is given enough credence anymore in a world obsessed with complexity, material consumption and luxuriant excess.

As most of us here know, the out of the box capability, frugality and relative simplicity of Defender is something to be cherished that may never be repeated in the world of automotive design.

Minimalism as modus operandi when packing, travelling, going bush is an art that I've learnt much about over decades of living, working, travelling in remote regions across Australia. It is also much easier on the vehicle, better for the environment and easier on the wallet.

The lack of necessity for modifications sets the Defender apart in my book and far outweighs the ease of modification that most seem to enjoy so much. This is not to say that I don't appreciate a well equipped Defender. It's just that to me a well equipped Defender might simply mean a full tank of fuel, a swag, some water, some good food.

I'm intrigued to know how many Defender owners share a similar perspective?

[Zimblewinder]

to be honest, the 130 is "making do" until my kids are old enough to get a pack on; and then some cross country skis in winter to really get back into it.
I must admit the extra load capacity is stretching what my wife thinks is necessary. The best camping is when you don't take other "distractions" and most times the getting by style innovation is great fun.

[Ashleylipus]

I agree with you entirely mr landy. It's something that i am slowly catching onto since ive bought my perentie

[Dop]

As the type of traveller who prefers to head bush with just the bare basics, one aspect of the Land Rover Defender which has most attracted me over the years is the relative minimalism of the design. Yet I don't believe this is given enough credence anymore in a world obsessed with complexity, material consumption and luxuriant excess.

As most of us here know, the out of the box capability, frugality and relative simplicity of Defender is something to be cherished that may never be repeated in the world of automotive design.

Minimalism as modus operandi when packing, travelling, going bush is an art that I've learnt much about over decades of living, working, travelling in remote regions across Australia. It is also much easier on the vehicle, better for the environment and easier on the wallet.

The lack of necessity for modifications sets the Defender apart in my book and far outweighs the ease of modification that most seem to enjoy so much. This is not to say that I don't appreciate a well equipped Defender. It's just that to me a well equipped Defender might simply mean a full tank of fuel, a swag, some water, some good food.

I'm intrigued to know how many Defender owners share a similar perspective?

I am with you, I did quiet a lot of camping through the 80s, unfortunately I have not really been under the stars since then. Not blaming the girl I am with now and next month it will be 13 years together, but she has hated the thought. I have now bought a 89 Perentie FFR, and she is now keen! I do not want nor need the fancy fit out, basics that is what I want. I am sure there will be some concessions made to some luxuries, but I am hoping that she will grow to love the idea (sorry the reality) of pulling up, put a kettle on the little gas burner and enjoy what that has to offer. Time will tell.

[weeds]

Each trip is different.....we have hiking equipment though to camper trailer......

A stock defer is a good base although I do plan on modding it a bit.......considering I have to get it to Iceland back and live out of it for 12 months.

[MrLandy]

...I must admit I'm also fascinated by where to draw the minimalism line.

I'd love a Perentie and have been watching auctions for many years... but other priorities have prevented my buying one.

I also like the aircon/heating in my 2014 Defender. Is aircon minimal enough? Is a 2014 Defender minimal enough ...hmm I'm open minded about this and thinking it through.

I admire anyone who drives a Perentie for it's minimalist character

[MrLandy]

Each trip is different.....we have hiking equipment though to camper trailer......

A stock defer is a good base although I do plan on modding it a bit.......considering I have to get it to Iceland back and live out of it for 12 months.

Intriguing weeds! What do you think would be the minimum mods you could do for Iceland? Fantastic plan by the way...

[justinc]

I am very reluctant to drag my 85 county kicking and screaming into the 21st century. I have another vehicle for the comfort and luxury required for long distance touring/ towing. The 110 holds a very special place as it is a totally simple and utilitarian vehicle. The only circuit board in it is possibly the trailer brake controller and being an Isuzu 4bd1 it has been converted to a pull stop cable so basically as long as i can roll start and i don't drive in the dark i don't need any kind of battery or electrical system at all... just the ticket for remote travel. Just the better half and an oztent and some camping gear and we're away☺☺☺

Jc

[Ashleylipus]

I am very reluctant to drag my 85 county kicking and screaming into the 21st century. I have another vehicle for the comfort and luxury required for long distance touring/ towing. The 110 holds a very special place as it is a totally simple and utilitarian vehicle. The only circuit board in it is possibly the trailer brake controller and being an Isuzu 4bd1 it has been converted to a pull stop cable so basically as long as i can roll start and i don't drive in the dark i don't need any kind of battery or electrical system at all... just the ticket for remote travel. Just the better half and an oztent and some camping gear and we're away☺☺☺



Jc

I'm interested in this pullstop cable idea. Can you give me some more info on how you did it?

[justinc]

Strictly not really ' legal' however its simplicity is appealing to me. Just remove the stop start cable (from the electric motor) at the injector pump, and buy a tractor pull stop cable from any agricultural equipment store. I used a Kubota item from memory. It is red and obvious☺

Jc