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!

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".

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!

[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.