My vision for future upgrades to make my Defender into the ultimate touring/film vehicle for long-range solo travel. To prepare your vehicle ready to take on Australia, visit the Expedition Centre for all your touring gear www.expeditioncentre.com.au
As for the rails I can recommend the system that is being used in aircrafts to secure the seats ("aircraft seat rail"). At least in Germany it´s being used in Sprinters to tie down and secure the load and also for speaker systems to hang (fly) them at height. Its an easy, lightweight and versatile system ;)
The roof top conversion makes sense. If you don't convert, those current solar panels create a safari type roof which keep the interior cooler so I would keep them and also fit a side and back rollout awning. Good luck and safe travels.
Your the man of simple and mostly self innovation. Would hate to see that disappear giving way to commercialised mainstream methods. In any case best of luck with whatever the future holds 👍
Thanks for your honest and unpretentious videos. Your comments helped crystallize my ideas for my own build. I look forward to the videos of your 'Build 2.0'.
Some good ideas there. Funny how a lot of us end up with the same conclusions after a while. We've just done exactly what you plan to do, and it was the best decision.
Everyone starts at a different place. Some choose to start at the end with the winning combination. I'll get there eventually. Hope your rig is exploring the world!
I have a Defender and tow my offroad camper. It’s not bad at towing 2.5 tons, and not a rocket ship either! The roof conversions are awesome - few options including Alu Cab and they are unreal the space it gives you!
What motor do you have? I think my 200tdi would struggle up hills. TD5 onwards should be good. Alucab and Mulgo are the only ones available in Australia.
Big project ahead Brett. Wilms and myself considered a rooftop tent for our disco in the US but decided to stay with a ground tent and swag which works well for us. Camp can stay put while the truck is in use, cheaper and less weight on the truck as we travel with way too much stuff as is. I concur on the no trailer sentiment, I’ve found the cons outweigh the pros for dragging a big lump about in the bush. All the best.
We need you to tell us more about the one kilo box of Weetabix. What is its energy to weight ratio and is it optimal on an overland trip? Great build, pal! Guelph, ON
Very informative video cobber. Next time you are down 'Gympie' way, drop me a line and we'll give your truck a tune. Your 300Tdi has a lot of bottled up potential ready to be released. 300's is all i drive :) Cheers for sharing.
Brett, just a small variation to consider. If you were to have a table that folds down, under the left side gull wing window, then make the part of the cupboard that is inside the gull wing, a kitchen/pantry that can be accessed from both inside and through the gull wing.
Was thinking of maybe doing something like that, if I pack the cupboard right would be easier to get at food or cooking gear. Seeing in reality the space left there would only be sufficient for an axe or other thin tools.
Pop tops are great and I would get one myself if I could afford it. Far superior to a roof tent. I would show you my 110 camper conversion but I realise watching you and other travellers that I travel very light and I doubt what I have would offer you the storage you need. Happy travels, I always look forward to your videos. Zane.
Thanks Zane.. yes I do pack a bit more gear yet I still consider myself fairly minimalistic! To travel away from civilisation for 2+ weeks takes its toll on the storage side of things.
Have you considered adding a rear bar for storing your jerry cans? You could hang 4 off the rear due to not needing a spot for a spare tyre like most have. Also sail track instead of hooks on the side for your awning/cover. this will seal the join of the roof and awning to stop rain coming in. Just some ideas for you :)
No, could be an option if its lightweight, but would likely require the lights to be remounted. That and in summer my tanks will be in the sun so hot water to drink, though that second fridge might help with that. Yes I've heard of sail rail now so a better option.
I know what you mean Brett. The defender does have a character and feel that you just don't find in Japanese 4x4s. Having said that many years ago I made the switch from a defender to toyota troopy pop top and have never looked back. Rugged, amazingly reliable and build quality is unmatched. At 26 years old it still feels like it's only at middle age
Roaming The Outback Yes for sure. It gets harder once you've put so much time and effort into a build to even consider another vehicle. I've been enjoying your vids for some time. Keep yo the good work. I noticed we both run some similar products. I've fitted koni raid 90s and was best impressed with them on their first outing which happened to be the canning stock route. Also long range automotive auxiliary thank which has so far performed flawlessly. Happy travels mate might catch you on the tracks somewhere someday.
Have you looked at something like the Blackfin Camper Box? It’s like a roof box but is a pop up sleeping tent. This maybe cheaper than going for a full poptop conversion and leaves your roof intact. I had just seen Ronny Dahl from 4 Wheeling Australia on RU-vid test something similar on his recent post in the Flinders Rangers in SA. He will give a review about at the end of his 6 part tour.
For your trap attachments: 4 points only will result in slack in between, accumulating water running towards the truck. if the tarps front isn't lower which is uncomfortable. You would need something solid at the trap ends and that will be bulky. I'd suggest a rail to slide in the tarp with some kind of flexible tube or rope integrated. otherwise, nice video! I like your simple set up and could find some inspiration for mine! cheers
Thanks for the tip, the gap was a concern for real downpours though I have been told of other channels available that can slide a tarp in, so something to consider.
just a thought about your recovery gear storage. the times when i get myself in a really dicey situation i often am in a spot where i cant open doors and really dont want to have to unpack gear to get to it. maybe in that gull wing where you are thinking of putting tools on the back of the cabinet system. maybe include a tree protector and some shackles, just some basic stuff that you can get at really quick and easy when time is crucial or your doors are hard up against trees or banks and cant be opened. Probably depends on the type of tracks you tackle, but on the tracks i do that system has saved me a fair bit. just a thought.
Could very well do, though my recovery box is strapped in just where the rear seats go, so can be accessed from the driver's seat. Just undo the strap and I've got all the gear. Often fearful of putting essential stuff in the gullwing area where if I roll over on that side, I can't access anything. But a tree trunk protector and shackle are all I'd need to use the winch.
Hey Brett, sounds like a good idea, you could probably go some way towards achieving what you want to in the short term with a few small tweaks. Try moving a wolfbox to the front passenger seat and hiding the seat squab away in the back somewhere. More secure , cleaner storage for your camera gear in a convenient location.
I think it's always going to feel a bit claustrophobic inside a car with a bunch of stuff, but if you could find some way to sit basically where your water jerries are and use your bed platform as a table you could work inside in the rain. Another alternative is to get rid of the false floor you've made to sleep on and use a stretcher type platform as a bed that you fold away. Gets rid of the mattress and some weight from the platforms. With the platforms gone and some creative packing you could potentially set up a hammock chair type arrangement inside (which could be transferred outside weather permitting) and use that if you're sitting around trying to avoid some rain.
Bear in mind all these ideas just my ideas for an interim for you before you can get a pop-top done. No real replacement for that, especially if you end up with 2 people in there 😉😉😉😉😉😉😉😉😉😉😉
Think I said it on one of your other videos, have a look at the Hesch Defender interiors for ideas of working spaces. I have friends who've self-built a similar interior setup & are overlanding the world in it. They've installed a large flap style door on the passenger side cabinets which folds down to be an interior table when sat on the lower level drivers side cabinets. In addition the seat back fits in the walkway to create a 2mx1m bed as they don't have rear seats fitted which is amazing for stealth camping or in horrendous weather. All up they weigh in under 2900kg, however they are pretty good at being minimalist from a trekking background. For the pop top, ask Daniel at Mulgo to put half-awnings on the side windows using that plastic reinforcement you get on rain jacket hoods to hold them in shape & one on the main rear window so you can still ventilate the space in really poor weather without getting rain in. Otherwise his product is probably the best engineered on the market & I'll definitely be seeing him for a conversion soon 👍
Yes I've been studying the Hesch cabinets the last few weeks getting ideas of how it all rivets together. An integrated table is ideal. Plenty of options to consider. Enjoy your build.
My friends made the frame out of that "Connect-It" stuff from Bunnings (European equivalent) with all joints sikaflexed & riveted. The internal partitions & outer skin were also secured the same way using reasonably thin marine plywood & covered in marine carpet before using flight case finishings so the whole structure is really solid but still quite lightweight. They didn't bother trying to recreate the pop out table instead going for a fold down version which also acts as the main door for the upper cabinets. They have a similar flap (double skinned with a piano hinge at the top) on the other side that disconnects & folds out on webbing through the gull wing to give a lower level outdoor table with a splashback, whilst also allowing them access to the top cabinets to grab their stove, pans etc. from outside. It sounds a bit trick but is actually really simple with nothing really to go wrong. Pretty sure they've got a Hesch pop top as I know they went there but didn't want to blow another €10k+ on the interior so just used their flight cabinet style as inspiration.
With your Gull-wing window. Have you thought of building a desk into your passengers-side cupboard with an interior door that folds down to make a larger work desk? Then from the outside it would give you a small work shelf to download footage, while sitting outside. It would not have to be the full size of the window.
You mean have a door which opens downwards so it doubles as a table? no didn't think of that. Could also integrate a pull out table into the cupboards. A few options there to explore.
Your explanation was great, and you even convinced me you should do it....... so go for it. I have a couple of different removable set ups for remote, High Country and wifey trips..... check out my crappy videos here on you tube. Also remove the passenger seat!! I put my fridge there on remote trips and boy it frees up some room in the back... Great vid. Keep em coming.
G'day Brett, good to see you again mate. Hopefully everything comes together for you with the upcoming projects, as that is something that I should consider for my rig as well. Just a suggestion, I know that you don't seem to get bogged that often, as with sand or mud, but it would be a good idea Brett if you did carry some Bog mats with you, as they are worth their weight in gold. You might have some Plastic Maxi Traxxs, which might be ideal for light weight handling, however the durability of them might be questionable. I carry some PSP (Presses steel plank) bog mats, of which was used by the yanks in World War 2. The later model stainless steel versions are good, but pricy, and yet still worth their value by far, as they strong and durable, and where you don't have a winch to get you out the crap, bog mats are the alternative. Cheers Brett, Matt Townsville
If you are going to remain a solo traveler then you need to remove the front passenger seat and make something lightweight to store selected gear. This would free up a lot of room and on the drivers side of what you make could be recesses to use as a console. When we travel precooked meals for a couple of weeks vacuumed and frozen works well as you have home cooked every night and no preparation thawing as you need each day.. The side windows can be access to the back of your storage having a 100 mm recess with a couple of shelves for every day things like toiletries etc, easy to get to by opening the side window. A rear bar for your tyre and a solar panel on the bonnet might work. The popup roof are a great idea as you would have seen on 4xoverland videos.
Want to keep the passenger seat in case I do meet someone on the road to join along. Can't be solo forever. And yes a recess would be good. Easy enough to build into whatever cabinets I get designed. Nice to have stuff at hand.
@@RoamingTheOutback True what you say a good travel companion is good if the right one comes along. Hard to find one with the same conversation though LOL
If you need that much space, you seriously need to look at what you take. Taking too much stuff is something most people do for a long weekend camping trip, however on long term expeditions you really have to cut back the unnecessary stuff. Takes some doing as there's always a 'what if' scenario you can run in your head, but I'd reckon most people would probably take less stuff for a years trip than a weekend.
@@gaj5701 Yes agree with that. Travel light and for me adding manufactured draws add weight and takes up more space. I just did a trip from Perth to the high country and the car was light and we had every comfort, needed taking 10 minutes to set up camp.
Will need to do another strip and repack at some point soon. Been 4 months on the road and I'm sure there are a few things hidden away that I haven't touched.
G'Day Pop up roof good idea,tarps of the bew roof line sailtrack and one sailtrack seem on the tarp then no gaps for water drips, Check out 4xoverlands set up I know its a landcruiser but some of the ideas would still be possable for your build
You have to love the commitment of defender owners. Brett just go to the dark side and buy a toyota and be done with it.I can see many of your future videos starting by, sorry guys had to spend 2 weeks off the road because the defenda broke... Love your work, love the honest way you present what you see through the eye of a solo traveler.Whatever you do good luck with your projects.
This is the eternal divide in the overlanding world. I'm not sure that Brett has actually had too many serious problems, particularly for a vehicle of that age - most other 4x4s of that age would have been scrapped years ago. Some of the problems have been down to poor workmanship by the local workshop and that can affect any vehicle, anywhere. "Vive la diference" - it would be very sad if everyone drove the same vehicle.
Mate, try reaching our for sponsorship re. the pop-top conversion. (can't hurt to give it a try). Everyone I know in the Land Rover community know of your videos. I have certainly used a lot of your build ideas in my own Defender build over the years. Cheers.
Awesome vid, everything you said makes sense, except maybe the fridge. I think you can get a 15L or a 21L engel if my memory serves me correctly as a second fridge/freezer, thats what I would do! Anyway keep up the great work...
As much as I love Defenders, in the end we decided on a 1HZ Troopcarrier, it just makes more sense for the type of conversion you are wanting to do, with all due respect I think you need to actually re think what it is you are trying to do....
No chance on starting again with a new vehicle. Taken me 12 years to get my car specced out the way it is. Tens of thousands of Defenders tour the globe annually set up for touring. It'll do the job. A troopy would surely offer more room but I'm committed.
@@RoamingTheOutback Yeah fair enough, with my Troop Carrier fit out every decision is based around weight, function, ease of use and comfort, less is more, seems so many just overload and accessories to blazers and never use 3/4 of it....how about designing your own version of a pop top and building it, its way cheaper than buying one, Im building my own, its not hard.
It can definitely be done in a Defender, I have friends with a very functional Hesch style interior on their pop top which weighs in under 2900kg for their worldwide overland trip. They aren't shy of throwing it along a technical track too, which is possibly the only advantage of a Defender over a Troopy, should you be into that kind of thing & have fixed the many time-bomb issues Land Rover built into the damn things..
All terrific improvements. Gets my vote. An editing space and retreat against the inclement weather will return the investment without question. The only question I would have is whether the flexi panels offer the same amps as your current panels, and whether they will be a weight worth keeping - but on some lighter racks perhaps? My Goal Zero 90w panels weigh 9kg each. My Hannibal rack is steel frame but aluminium slats to save weight.
Indeed Rebecca, as I'm currently writing this sitting in the driver's seat laptop in lap hunched over. Too windy outside to set up a tarp and all.. Some do state that thin panels reduce efficiency due to heat build up as there's no airflow underneath for cooling. I would certainly need a few of those 90w panels to get enough power.
Roaming The Outback Yep, maybe you can rig a Laptop station (RAM make some laptop mounts) and sit in the passenger seat area for a makeshift office. Whilst you plan and design your pop-top. So far we’ve seen 16amps drawn by the 2x 90w panels. And as you know, the Lithium sucks it up and is recharged in no time at all. I can’t wait to see how it performs in the peak of summer down here.
Hope you go-ahead with it you'll love it and much better for your video editing as you do it when on your travels. Bad weather etc... No brainer. One thing I will tell you from experience is scrap the idea of the stick down panels. They are no good as they can't disburse the heat I have 300 watts on my roof now and can't wait to get rid of them. Maybe if you could get them with a gap so there on another platform before contract with the roof they may be ok. I wouldn't take the risk and just run with what you have. Maybe just put one or two back on and buy a redarc solar blanket to throw over your windscreen when you need that top up. Just some thoughts cheers happy travels Paul
Thanks Paul. I had heard of the heat problem reducing efficiency, though there seems to be a lot of overlanding rigs with the thin panels plus the whole VAN Life movement using them. Will have to do more research. I've heard people glueing them to core flute boards to have airflow beneath for cooling.
The pop top is a big commitment. Once done there is no going back and the upfront $$ and resale (you limit your potential buyers) need to be carefully considered. Why not go a very small and light trailer with a RTT? Comparable in price to pop top conversion and helps with GVM/GCM issues. The 200Tdi would certainly cope with a small trailer not a 'massive' one. A trailer slightly larger than an ex-army has a ball weight of less than 80kgs and are easily manoeuvrable by one person. If that does not meet your needs, you can then always sell and go pop top. Easier to sell a trailer than a pop top. We did a trip around Oz, the trailer went everywhere. It never limited us, yeah it would get stuck, but never an issue in terms of recovering. Allowed us to be away for extended periods due to the relative comfort it provided and the additional gear we could take (food, water, etc). I would 'hasten slowly' on the pop top.
@@RoamingTheOutback I'm building something like your sleeping platform in my 80 series. I also have a no5 trailer, and going to put a RTT on it to use when I'm staying longer than 1 night. I've also taken the trailer on dead end tracks, and it's pretty easy to unhitch and spin it around.
The half ton trailer is okay, but take it from me, you have to spend $$ on them. The hubs are Land Rover 2a, with the smaller studs. The hitch would need changing. The wheel track is narrower than the defender. I installed spacers to match the wheel track. They are narrow and tip about. I installed shockies to limit the wallowing and tipping. Most No. 5 trailers were built in the late 60s, so they are getting on, but they were built really well. Hope this helps someone.
Have you looked at national Luna fridges? I’ve got the 60l which you can choose to have two freezers or two fridges or one of each. I also run the thing full time off the single battery, and don’t need to crank the car for 4 days. They’re really efficient
Thanks mate. The Mulgo pop top is also available in Australia. It opens from the inside so no reason to get out of the vehicle. Most likely the way I'll go.
@@RoamingTheOutback yeah good idea the alu cab one also opens from the inside the defender pop top coversion anyway there is a stand alone tent they sell which is the gen 3 expedition tent i believe. Anyways love your stuff really want to buy a defender but dont have the dosh! Best of luck mate see you in the outback
Also thought of getting a vacuum sealer.. an option, though still the fridge won't hold enough. 14 days is about the longest I go before restocking in town, but would be nice to push that out a little further.
Maybe check the wattages because may work out cheaper to get a second Engel fridge/freezer. That way as you exhaust supplies you can just switch one off completely. As opposed to having a large fridge you need to keep stocked to remain efficient.
A good tip Tom. Engel do make a couple smaller ones that would be perfect for that, and can transfer any remaining frozen stuff to the fridge for the last few days so I can turn off the second fridge.
The best way to solve the power issue is to go lithium. Yes, it’s expensive but the batteries are half the weight and last three times longer. Get rid of the solar panels off the roof and get a quality blanket. Again half the weight. That way when you make camp you can set up in the shade not the sun. For myself I found I saved over 100 kg’s and improved my fuel economy as I also got rid of the wind drag off the roof.
already have 1 lithium charged by the rear panels. absolutely brilliant. Blankets could be an option, looks like the cheaper ones have come down in price alot. Still the problem of always having to be in camp when charging.
If you change your alternator for a 100a version and have the two batteries permanently connected via a VSR your 2nd battery will be charging after your main battery is full. No need for any solar, but get a lightweight roll up solar to add when camping
This is an interesting video. The functional requirements for an overland vehicle in Australia are quite different to those in most other parts of the world. The main challenge is to be completely self sufficient and to have very long range. Most of the tracks aren't that "technical" (check out videos of overlanding in the DRC if in doubt!) Australia is one of the most developed countries in the world with a good support network so if you do get into trouble and are adequately prepared (e.g. with sat phone or distress beacon and with adequate supplies) you will be safe. The challenges of overlanding from N Europe are very different. Firstly there are likely to be thousands of km on the tarmac or vehicle shipment before the real trip starts. In third world countries some of the tracks may be very challenging and if you get into trouble you will need to sort yourself out because there won't be a support network to help. Solo travel isn't recommended. Plus there will be the additional challenges associated with travelling in foreign countries (border crossings; corrupt officials; the need for a carnet, visas etc; language difficulties; personal security; etc etc.) It's highly recommended to visit the Bad Kissingen show to see how different solutions have evolved. If you have mega bucks then consider an overland truck, which are beasts I haven't seen down under. Land Rovers are puny by comparison! You just need to think hard about what you really need and to develop a vehicle to suit. It's unlikely that an off-the-shelf vehicle will work for you.
Indeed Bill. Don't know how I'd go handling all the added stress of overlanding multiple countries. Think I'll stick with Australia for the time being.
And you have no reason to go outside Oz provided there are new places to explore although I suspect you will hanker for something different one day. Check out 07PHIL's channel to follow his journey from Australia to Europe.
I am still planning to ship my old bus out there to show you guys how it's done :-) but the vehicle importation requirements in Oz are reputed to be extremely strict.
Been there done that. And a swag isn't always friendly when travelling australia and free camping on the side of a highway or other busy place. Could be run over by a fool. Also safer living inside the car from animals like wild pigs, cattle, dogs, camels, etc when outback.
I know you don't like the idea of a big camper trailer. But you should give one of the ex army #5's a go. They are cheap at around $800 to $1000, really light, tough as nails and also have the same stud pattern as the Land Rover. I have had one for over 20 years and must have done over 800,000 km with it. I used to run tours out from Darwin through Kakadu, Katherine, litchfield, Arnhem Land and out the Kimberly. Then it came across Queensland with me and did another 4 years running up to Cape York and back. I have taken that poor little trailer into some horrible places and it never let me down. The best thing about it was the central draw bar which allows you to jack knife it over 90* past the back of your car. Which meant you could do a little 6 point turn and get back around and out of almost any tight corner or dead end you got stuck in. Any way, just a thought. :)
Thanks for the idea Jason. I had looked at them although the same issues would probably occur.... but that's more what I would consider due its tiny size. At lease getting the extra fuel and water out of my car would probably make the car zippier.
agree on the roof top tent idea. ive tried that, comfortable to sleep in but it's a hassle to setup and pack up everyday. ive thought about a camper trailer but not sure i want to tow a trailer everywhere either. im thinking about a pop top camper landcruiser but they seem very expensive to purchase and have already done alot of kms, and more than likely ex hire vehicles. i do think this would be the ideal setup for me tho, have you thought about parting with the landrover and putting that money + money you would spend converting it towards a cruiser camper? im sure you have already spent a small fortune on the landy so its probably out of the question but just thought id ask
Great video! We're actually thinking about doing something similar with our Defender. How do you feel about the centre of gravity that will likely bit a bit higher with the pop top conversion? It's quite a bit of weight added to the top of the vehicle but other than that is seems like the perfect solution.
I don't see it as an issue, as I'd be removing most of the roofrack and solar panel weight anyway. Plenty of pop tops circle the globe and I haven't come across any rollover pics yet.
Over here in Europe they're quite popular. Starting at 3500€ (5.5kAUD) for a DYI kit upto 10000€ (15.5kAUD) including fitting and MOT paper work; we've paid 6500€ (10kAUD) for a very good pop top retaining the original roof. Still very happy after 3 years now.
Starts around $11000AU for the full conversion and compliance. Something I'll be working towards, though as I'm keeping my car long term it spreads the cost out over the lifespan of the vehicle.
I can see your bank account emptying quickly,I've put all that stuff on a back burner for now. Not saying there is anything wrong with any of your ideas,expedition centre do a fine job,but I'm having trouble funding it. I really do hope you can realise your dreams though,and maybe one day,I will too😊
Looked into wind turbines, though the noise they generate and that most camps are in the bush so wind may not be strong enough at ground level. Also very expensive.
@@RoamingTheOutback I agree with that.In regards to your sleeping set up,that sounds like a good plan.I have a roof top tent on my Patrol and have used swags and tourer tents in the past.I agree not being able to drive or park due to hight restrictions,but the convenience of having your bedding ready to go above the ground just can't be beat.It all comes down to cost vs performance and what you are happy with I guess.
Hi Brett, some great ideas! @2:00 I thought, dude, you need a pop top, that would solve almost all your problems at once! Here are some further ideas and points: Gluing a solar panel on top of your roof might be risky if it gets broken. A mate of mine has had the problem, he wasn´t able to take the old one away, so he had to glue his new panel on top of his old one. Maybe keep that in mind. The rails @ 11:10 are airliner rails/tracks. Pretty handy. As an alternative, take a look at Keder rails: www.kedersolutions.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/How-Keder-Works-.jpg Especially for tarps super handy. The folding holder @4:20 looks super cool, do you know the brand? I wasnt able to find one without the holding straps...
The panels i'm looking at have no glass, just a special UV coating.. so unless they are really damaged it shouldn't be an issue.. but it is a worry gluing something down permanently. The Keder the better option indeed. Folding tables are produced by Mulgo. Available at the Expedition Centre.
No way I can afford to start again with a new car built from the ground up. Spent 12 years getting my car to its current state. And a troopy just doesn't have that magical appeal to me. It's just another car like any other.
Jade Gibson why would he want to downgrade. I haven’t seen anyone do what he is doing with landcruiser. Landcruisers don’t have the internal space the defenders have
