Defender camper trailer conversion

monchochos · 17th May 2016, 11:00 AM

Hi,
I'm really enjoying reading the threads about camper/trailer builds using defender tubs. I'd love to start a project like that. One idea I've had is to convert a defender wagon into a hard top camper trailer. Does anyone know how much the back half (say from front of back doors) of a defender wagon would weigh including the chassis and assuming the chassis is cut and draw bar added?

I also like the other option of defender tub with canvas tent. Most builds I've seen on this site fit the tub to a custom chassis. What are the reasons for not just using the vehicle chassis and modifying it with draw bar. Is it too heavy?

**loanrangie** · 17th May 2016, 11:14 AM

Probably cheaper to use a series tub which will be bigger and provide more space.

monchochos · 17th May 2016, 02:47 PM

Is a series tub bigger than a 130 tub?

**debruiser** · 17th May 2016, 02:55 PM

I think that he means a 109 van type back. Which would be similar in size but wouldn't have the doors -just a long tub. Would think you could pick one up cheap too

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monchochos · 17th May 2016, 03:37 PM

Ok. I'm not very familiar with all the different models yet.
BTW, roughly how much is "cheap".

**Dervish** · 17th May 2016, 07:48 PM

Originally Posted by loanrangie

Probably cheaper to use a series tub which will be bigger and provide more space.

Not necessarily; the wagon body has room where the passenger footwell was and is longer thanks to the hardtop tub's front wall encroaching on the load area. I'll see about getting the tare weight off this trailer's plate tomorrow (not mine, I just reversed up to it for a photo!)

**JDNSW** · 17th May 2016, 08:08 PM

The major shortcoming of this concept is that the Defender chassis is rated to carry a load of 3+tonnes - a large proportion of it on the rear wheels. It is unlikely that a sensible camper will weigh anything like that, so building a chassis may be the way to go. Certainly use the Landrover body though. (Body parts and dimensions are largely unchanged since 1958, so which model to use is only a minor difference).

John

monchochos · 18th May 2016, 08:45 AM

Thanks. That's basically the setup I was thinking of. The chassis does look very heavy and probably not the best options.

Anyone have an idea how much the rear body of a 110 would be worth? Not including the chassis.

**loanrangie** · 19th May 2016, 04:00 PM

Originally Posted by monchochos

Thanks. That's basically the setup I was thinking of. The chassis does look very heavy and probably not the best options.

Anyone have an idea how much the rear body of a 110 would be worth? Not including the chassis.

You would have to find one first.

**JDNSW** · 19th May 2016, 08:41 PM

If you are thinking of a 110 five door, fairly rare, but they do exist. The rear doors seem to be in demand, so could cost quite a bit. A 110 rear body from a 3 door is quite rare (not that many sold). On the other hand, Series 2/2a/3 are almost the same and readily found.

For those that are unclear, the "rear body" in a Series or Defender/110 Landrover is made up of quite a few bits, bolted together, and usually sold separately:-

Tub - lower body back from the doors. Different on 3 door and 5 door.

Upper sides - side above the waist and back next to the rear door or upper tailgate.

Roof - full length from windscreen to the back. Too long for the planned trailer, but the swb roof is just about right.

Rear door - or upper and lower tailgate.

Side doors - if using a five door tub, you need these and the 'B' pillars, which include the sill frame, plus rear floor, which is a separate panel.

In addition you require numerous fittings and need to frame and panel the front of the bits you have. And to make a chassis of course.

John

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