I Converted my Defender Into a 2 Story Tiny House 

Just being yourself is what got you this far. Don’t move away from that.

50 state road trip in an aged defender. This is one of the bravest things i've ever seen anyone do.

"You have your whole life to work a 9-5". Love your whole vibe and that Defender is just awesome.

I'm a first time viewer and instant subscriber. Your enthusiasm when you opened the tent for the first time (on your own) was what sold me on your channel. I can't wait to follow along on this trip.

Just a tip. A ratchet strap, come-along or trailer winch would help you get the top closed at low cost.

I didnt get the full understanding of the excitement until you pushed the bed up, and could stand up fully!!! What!? I started making dreams of leaving it all behind in my own defender lol.

As A 61 yr old Grandma I am so so happy for you and Blue. Xx❤🎉

I love the dynamic between her and her doggo. So cute.

Your enthusiasm for the extra space and the book light was so infectious and appreciated. Made me so happy!

I am sure someone has said this already but use a ratchet strap set or a come along ratchet strap it will pull it down for you with no problem. Good luck i just found you on here and my daughter is watching your videos with me. She is 18 and going into her senior year of school and she loves watching this with me so thank you I love spending time with her and that doesn't happen often buy it does again so thank you again

couldn't imagine what it's like having that kind of support from your dad, made me smile!

Maybe you can use a ratchet strap hooked to the hitch to help pull the tent down. Just a idea

Maria, I think that is just like the coolest setup ever! The fact that you can bring it right back down when you want to travel is so cool. The way you can access it also threw your cab. I would be so psyched too. I bet blue wonders what the heck is going on LOL. I bet we're going to see a totally geeked Maria for a very long time. Just love it! Happy happy happy for you😂❤ My dad fell in a parking lot outside the doctor's last Monday and has been in the hospital ever since. Gives you a whole new understanding of how much you love and appreciate your dad. We thought we were going to lose him because he already had one foot out the door being 88 but he is still with us in fighting for Life. Next step is going to a rehab center so he can get some use of his legs and arms back. Have a happy fur baby Mothers day 💐💐

Idk if you’ve figured out an alternate solution yet, but when youre near a hardware store time, pick up a small hand crank pulley with a steel cable. You can have someone fabricate you something that mounts to your rear bumper than you can use the hand crank to pull the cap back down so you can latch it easily and safely

I absolutely love that you included the Land Rovers Original Licence Plate from the UK which checks out Vehicle make - LAND ROVER Date of first registration - February 1997 Date of first registration with DVLA May 2017 Year of manufacture 1997 Cylinder capacity 2500 cc Never give up on your dreams people a quote that i'm going to take from this video (you have your whole life to work a 9-5 job)

Anyone can add a Roof top tent, but being able to stand up inside is a game changer.

You 2 years ago would be tripping if you were shown this video. Super happy for you and Blue!

You edit better than editors who get paid by networks. Between your drone and your regular shots. You are amazing.

I think about Bubby all the time. He's such a strong soldier! My cat's name is Bubblez and I often call her Bubby hahaha, two peas in a pod.

Trailer hitch with a cargo carrier would come in handy now. Mount a winch to the back so you can hook up the roof straps and pull it down that way.

The pop top is awesome and space makes it lots better! Thou I won’t lie taking the classic defender and chopping it a little hurts my soul haha

Good Karma from all the positivity that you exuded while camping in Ru. You deserve this Maria, and so happy you got your rooftop conversion. What a difference when you think of your head room in Ru. How the heck did you do that? And look at you now. You deserve this girl. Go have fun.

As far as closing the 2nd story of the camper top. In the back get 2 weighted pull chains to grab and pull down the top.! I't will give the added pull tension you need to close! 👍

@1:45 Man, I wish this was my coffee shop. They sound like the chillest surfer dudes in existence. Lol. Every day would start with the best vibes.

Maria, congratulations on the new upgrade!!! You can mount a hand winch on the back bumper and use it to crank down the rooftop in the mornings. Far easier than struggling like that. Just a suggestion!! Love you and Blue!!!

Problem I have with these roof conversions is that there WILL be times when you won't use it (strong wind, cold weather, a need for stealth etc) and that means you still need the capability to make a bed inside the truck.... and *that*, in turn, compromises the interior layout and makes the roof-conversion kind of redundant. Planning the interior layout so that you have a worktop, somewhere to sit, plenty of storage AND still have somewhere that you can put a mattress and sleeping bag if you want to sleep inside could be a challenge. Main thing I'd suggest is that you avoid a setup that forces you to raise the roof in order to live inside the truck. The roof conversions ARE superbly easy to set-up but there's going to be times when it's pouring with rain, you're in the middle of a city or you're tired after a long drive and you just want to climb in the back, cook some noodles and then go to sleep.

May I suggest getting a rope pulley tackle system to multiply your weight pulling the system down. Enjoying the content, I am going cross country for a month in my homebuilt Tacoma slide in camper this July.

Just saw this post. Pulling the roof back down looks scary and dangerous!! On your travels if you're near a big truck stop get a "5th wheel latch puller". It's a long metal rod with a handle at one end and a hook at the other. It helps truckers reach over the rear wheels of the tractor to pull the latch that securely connects the tractor to the trailer. A lot stronger and safer than a strap.

Your defender is awesome! We need more videos.

I love how you say scuse me to Blue when he’s in your way. We do the same with our two. Loving your tiny home ❤

2:17 “You have your *whole* life to work a 9-5. Remember that.” That was inspiring at first and then like 4 seconds later, kinda depressing lol 😂

I can tell so much about someone by how their dog reacts to them. When they know they are truly loved, they know exactly how to act and what to do without issue.

Yeah, being able to push the bed up to create the standing room and additional ventilation is amazing. I didn't expect that part. Sweet

Great. I think you have room to install a chandelier

Maria I just wanted to say that as a young girl (24 turning 25 in a few days) you’re such a inspiration, I was never the kind of girl to be fazed by mundane things I always had a free and bold spirit, and seeing you do all of this by yourself inspires me to go after my silly little dreams at the other side of the world (Brazil) 😅 I hope someday to be as cool as you’re, take care and be safe with blu 🥰

Heya! I have a video request that may be a LITTLE odd (not creepy though!) My wife & I are very interested to see a van lifer make a video showing HOW you make a video. Like how you decide what to shoot, what you use to shoot, how you set up a shot, how you cull your footage and how you edit a video. I think that would be awesome! Either way, we love your videos!

Maria, your two story addition is soooooo awesome!!! I’m so glad you meet people like Marcus on your journey! Blue wants all of your attention! He’s so beautiful and sweet!❤️ I love y’all!!! Hugs and prayers and please stay safe out there!!!💕🙏🏻💕🙏🏻💕🙏🏻🙏🏻🌹

I was clapping as you pushed it up to sit it up!

Your both adorable 🤗 and blue best doggo! 🐕🥰🤗

Maria, you aren't being sappy... you are being grateful and gratitude is everything. I love your channel and have been watching you and Blue for a while now. I've even binged older episodes from before I found you. I've got my 75yr old aunt watching you now. She loves you guys too 😊 Much love from Maine and please keep doing what you do and just being your wonderful authentic self ❤

So happy to see an upload from Roaming Reckless and Blue 💙💙💙 love the upgrade!!

You should add a second battery to your rig to double you're power.i added a second battery to run a diesel heater to my rig,and it made such a big difference in extreme cold weather outings.

Fantastic reminds me days in Australian Army but your Defender getting club med upgrade. 😎I forgot it’s right hand drive when you went through drive through. 🙈. Enjoy the walkabout I’ll stay tuned in . Safe travels 🤗

Maria this upgrade on Po is absolutely incredible!! I am soo tempted to cut the roof off my van and instal a pop up roof tent!! Super happy for you!! Po is a Beast!! Keep on smiling and being happy and enjoying life and the moment!! Peace from your fan in N.Z.

You are such a positive person. People enjoy being around you because you treat everyone the same. You deserve the happiness that comes your way. So excited for you! Blue is super cute!! He loves his momma! Enjoy yourself girl! You deserve this happiness!!

You might want to put some solar panels on the roof. And a second battery to use at night. Do your truck will surely start in the morning. Nice rig. I’m a new subscriber.

Must be so cool to just drive wherever you want and stay there. Imagine waking up to a view like that. So jealous

So, I had a gut feeling in February I would need some pop n snaps (the extremely loud kiddie Fourth of July noisemakers you throw or snap). I had a gut feeling it would be specifically for a pit bull incident. That incident happened to be today. I feed a recently tamed, feral black cat I named Boo Boo (TNR feral cat) on the back porch. There’s also another very large male cat that’s been neutered and dumped in the neighborhood, but anyway, for whatever reason the dog thinks he owns our front yard and comes to the backyard to terrorize the sweet feral black cat. Unfortunately, I did not remember where I put them exactly, and it took me about 30 seconds to find them, but it felt like 5 minutes. Anyway, they did end up saving the day. I threw them at our broken gate-in my neighborhood everybody’s gate is broken because the land shifted so much over the years that everybody’s gate is broken lol. It’s just the neighborhood. 😅 Our next-door neighbor has a working cast iron gate, but that dog was so thin. I think it could’ve easily slipped through, and really did some irreparable damage if he froze at all. With my nails, I ripped open the package and I threw as many as I could at our gate. I just threw them, and threw them at the gate, and at the end I said, “bad dog,” in my meanest, sounding voice. 2 of my 3 cats hid-like whaaat that I have a cat that wasn’t scared by the noisemakers, right? He’s so freaking cool LOL. I have security camera footage of it leaping across our driveway back to presumably its house. 😅🤣 It came “boofing” back across the street so I threw some out the front and it’s been a quiet rainy day ever since (praise God). I just want to know if you have a game plan should Blue ever be attacked by another dog, pit bull or otherwise. I think it would be a good idea if you had an electrified bug racket. You will have to make some quick decisions but I think it would break it up instantly and you could retreat quickly. Blue’s just so sweet… He’s just definitely not going to be the aggressor but you need to be his defender should such a situation ever arise. 😉 Probably the other dog will be yelping but totally fine, but not know what the heck happened and how the heck it went south so quickly when they certainly were having the better bite… Best to be prepared! Anyway, I hope people can also be prepared if they think a dog attack situation may arise. The dog will typically run home, because the most basic of fireworks scare the living daylights out of most dogs. BUT NOT MY CAT, JAX!! lol. He was doing the scary Halloween cat pose at me-showing me how scary HE is. Like, the dog should be scared of HIM. 😂 He’s so funny, anyway. That’s just something he does on the daily but it was timed right after I came back in from throwing some out front and scaring it home to be a couch potato (hopefully permanently for the rest of its life-it can be scary out there). 😅🐾💨🏠 If it wasn’t rainy, I would’ve taken the vacuum cleaner to the driveway. That’ll probably scare all the neighbors off, too! 💀

I had an inkling that you might be getting a rooftop tent, but I didn't think that you'd be turning Poe's entire rooftop into a tent! Congratulations on the addition! Your utter joy over this change is infectious; I was smiling almost as much as you were as I watched the video.

Please don't stop smiling Maria. 😊

Wow, sweet ride, eh?! What are you reading? The gratitude is a beautiful thing. I am learning to cultivate more gratitude in my life for the goodness and faithfulness of the Lord.

Awesome setup!!! Try using a ratchet strap or some type of crank winch to help with closing that thing so you don’t hurt yourself 👍🏼

That's awsome. Nice to see you living your best life.

Best quote ever, you have your whole life to work a 9 to 5. Wish someone like you had said that to me in my younger years. My course in life may have changed.

Oh man, that conversion looks sick. If I'll ever get a Land Rover I know what I'm going to do with it now...

2 Parts that completely cracked me up. The first part when you tell Blue to stop being pushy and he does it again.😂😂😂Like mom stop putting my business on RU-vid 😅😅. The next when the camera tumbles from second floor to first. And you say sorry 😂😅😂😅

You could get one of those little shelf type luggage racks that clip on to a trailer hitch. I think they make ones that can pivot out too so you can still open your back hatch.

Drive that thing back home to the UK !! Built about 65 miles from my home ! Be safe !!!

Your life has gotten so good bc you deserve it ? You have many people in your corner as parents and friends that want to help you do everything you want to do and have a great time camping . You are so cute when you get excited.

Happy too that you are moving up and enjoying your life and adventure with Poe & Blue.

Maria - So beyond thrilled for you my friend. Maybe the company can give you some ideas to opening and closing the addition by yourself easier. There has to be some way. It is so awesome. So very happy for you. Blessings - Judith 🎭🎵

Awesome channel. It's so pleasant to see a beautiful woman with a great down to earth personality. A small idea might help you. See if the shop can install 2 hydraulic shocks on a switch to make the top go up and down electronically. All you would have to do is lock it once it's lowered. Space can be your happy place. 😊

CHANNEL IS BLOWING UP😊NICE!! YOU& Blue go

That is really sweet Maria. Congrats on the upgrade

Congratulations Maria and Blue 👍🐕Good Luck on the upgrade. You now need Air Conditioning !! To keep Blue comfortable and safe and you too. Good Luck 🍀 again. Your welcome for the support of your channel.

This type dog needs space too. ❤️🇺🇸🐕🙏😇🙏🐕🇺🇸❤️

appreciation for a dad is so old school, like were taught these messed up values, men dont matter. the greatest thing in a childs life is a father as seen here obviously.

aw congratulations on the conversion of Poe your joy brings me joy you looks so happy! you are truly blessed. not sure if you are a believer but God sees the good in you and that's why you are blessed with the things you are able to accomplish. God bless you always! I cant wait to see a video of how you are going to organize your things!

WOW ! Another fantastic video ! The "House" that is Poe looks Awesome ! The cool points have now gone up by at least another thousand ! Talking of new level's ! Your filming and editing skills are next level ! Well done 👍✅ Love and Blessings to You and Yours 🤗🙏🐾 PS : A ratchet strap at the back, would help with closing the roof ! It might not always be possible to climb on the roof, due to the weather. OK ! Enough waffle ! So nice to see you so happy 😁 You deserve it 👍

I don’t usually get caught up in emotions. But I gotta say this was awesome. It was amazing seeing your joy and appreciation. I truly wish you all the best. May Peace Health and Happiness follow you and yours

A bit of fatherly advice (my daughter is 24 at UNC WILMINGTON) You can get a small electric motor installed to raise and lower the top. It should be fairly inexpensive. Please check into it. You could injure yourself very easily straining your back like that.

Very cool Maria, so happy for you.

Maria, That is such a great addition to your wheels, love what you are doing and glad you are having a great time !!! Awesome!!!! Be careful out there ...

You're Such An Amazing Woman! Glad I found Your channel! Love the Defender and your dog! I'm a fan forever

That topper is super awesome!!!! I need one for my trailblazer.❤❤❤❤🎉🎉🎉🎉

Love watching the energy you bring in this journey.

Your happiness is contagious! Super thrilled for you and your upgrade, it is pretty dang cool. Well deserved.

that rig is nice! to get the rooftop closed a bit easier , a hand winch attached to the rear bumper and the rope to the handle of the rooftop, should make it a bit easier getting it down. keep on trucking!

The Alu-Cab struts get easier after using the tent some :) Great addition to the truck.

Not that I'll ever get the chance, but my 6' 4" self could actually stand up straight inside Poe without hitting my head on the ceiling. I think that all of the videos you've made so far, this one made me feel so happy for you seeing you so geeked. I remember how cramped you and Blue were in Ru and wondering how you could not be claustrophobic. Look at you now... you're travelling in a 5-star palace! The rest of your 50 state journey will be such a joyous and memorable experience.

Nice to see you so happy!! Enjoy!

Its so funny to watch you and blue together because we have a mini ausie named Blue as well and the similarities are crazy. They are identical behaviors. Great upgrade!

Omg dog hair!!! Defender looks great. We'll done.

Maria, it's so great for you and Blue . It will be cooler for you in warm areas. I was so concerned about the heat. 🎉 Congrats. Blue will get used to it and Im thinking closing will get easier with continued use. Your gratefulness acknowledging your blessings is so sincere. May you and Blue be blessed everyday.

Congrats on your upgrade! 🎉Love it! It’s a tiny home on wheels😊

Hey Maria, love your new set up. Just some thought's to know. Some of these Top Units have bungle cords inside to Pull the sides toward as it closes. Remember never force it to close because you do not want to pinch your tent fabric & damage it. Always check to make sure the sides pull in fully as it closes. 🍀🍀🍀🍀🍀🍀🍀🦮

I'm so happy for you, Maria! Your energy is beautifully contagious. Congrats on your upgrade and your life blessings. You deserve it.

Recently I slept 9 days in a stock Scion IQ. I was fine, i found a way to kind of stretch out. What you have there my friend is pure luxury. Congratulations!!!

Happy for you and Blue pupperloo! Love love love the rig.❤ Love ya kiddo.

Wow this girl is so inspiring. What a wonderful life. :)

Just a suggestion , but right at the back of the top of the door. you should mount a boat which one of the hand crank boat winches... that way you can Crank it down instead of hanging on it trying to pull it down.... like you have to do ....you just be able to crank it down, and you can put an electric winch on there if you wanted to. but I would just stick with a hand crank they cost about 20 bucks😂.....

What you need is a hitch storage rack on the back of your 4x4 or a small 2 wheel jeep style gear storage hauler. Love your channel.

Your second story addition is so cool. Your excitement and energy is so refreshing to watch you grow in your channel. You did this. You created this channel full of people who support you and are rooting for you as you continue your journey. I still love how Blue keeps his eyes directly on you when you get on that roof. You guys are lucky to have each other.

Watching you on your life's journey has been a great pleasure. You look so happy now and much more confident in yourself. Just remember the more room you have the more stuff you get. I for one sure thought it was oatmeal but steak instead. Anyway you and your pup have a great wonderful weekend and the best of life to you both. Peace out

I wish my Aussie could go on road trips, she gets car sick as soon as we start moving. Love your setup.

Absolutely stunning! The vehicle is nice too.

I swear I literally kept smiling and laughing this whole video! Seeing you so geeked out over your upgrade literally just made my whole day! I'm sure you'll figure out a solution for bringing the top down soon, maybe get a strap that you can grab ahold of while on the ground, clip it to the handles? Just my thought, anyway, super super happy for you!! I can't wait to see the many adventures to come! Stay safe! 🤘🏼🤘🏼

You know you've made it when your mobile home has an atrium :) Love it!

Your personality is such a ray of sunshine

i love your dad too! And you! And Blue! hahaha yall are just the best. I wish we could be best friends!!!