G’day I’m Brett. And this is part 6, the final installation of my Land Rover Defender
expedition camper build. As well as carrying a spare tyre on the rear, I’ve decided to
take a spare tyre carcass mounted on the bonnet. I decided not to include the rim in order
to reduce weight. This was mounted by simply using some marine
stainless steel hardware and a 3 way strap from Boab. Due to the additional weight of
the tyre on the bonnet, I’ve installed 2 bonnet latches. These stop the bonnet from
popping open while travelling off road. To charge my secondary battery I’ve installed
a 130 watt solar panel permanently mounted on my roof. This is connected to a 20 amp
regulator. The solar panel mounting brackets I made incorporate 10 watt LED floodlights.
These are controlled by a switch on the dash. I’ve fitted a dual battery voltage meter.
The top shows my primary battery and the bottom shows my secondary battery.
I’ve also made up a simple shovel mount. This utilises a pair of Quickfist rubber clamps.
I’ve installed a new steel winch bullbar from TJM. This model is much stronger than
my previous bullbar and provides a much better approach angle. I’ve installed a 12000lb
winch with Dyneema rope. To connect the winch I ran some 50 mm square 0B&S battery cable
to the front, and then used a busbar to connect the smaller 3B&S cable to the winch. This
allows for much greater amperage and voltage to make it all the way to the front of the
vehicle, thus increasing winch efficiency. Inside my Mulgo Exbox, I’ve fitted a battery
switch in order to cut the power to my winch. This is a Blue Sea Systems 300amp continuous
unit. To protect my steering linkages, I’ve installed an APT Fabrications steering guard.
I made up a couple of mounts in order to install my Hi-lift jack on the rear. I wasn’t able
to install the complete jack as it fouled on my lights, these two lights and stopped
my rear door from opening, and as I installed my rear door kitchen table on the back, I
want to ensure I can open the door fully. So I put the rail on the back and moved all
the moving internals and stored them on the inside. This keeps them all clean and ready
to go the next time I need the jack. It only takes a couple minutes to put the 2 pieces
together and start jacking. To increase my fuel capacity I installed a
Long Range Automotive 65L drivers side sill tank.
Rather than have a second fill point on my vehicle I had my original Land Rover filler
modified into a Y-filler. This allows me to fill both tanks from the one point. The kit
comes with a fuel pump to transfer fuel in to the main tank. It also comes with its own
fuel gauge which I mounted on my dash. The tank protrudes only a few millimetres below
the lowest point of my chassis. I’ve mounted a side awning as well for when
it’s raining or I need some shade. For some privacy I’ve made a full set of curtains
for the inside. These are made out of a heavy duty jute and simply attach by using Velcro
around the edges. For additional storage space I’ve added some netting on the roof.
Now I’ve made the back of my Defender so that I can sleep inside. I made up 2 bed platforms
this top one unbolts slides forward and it gives me a full space area for up to 2 people
to sleep inside. To support the secondary bed platform I simply made up 3 pieces which
fit together and provide a strong support. Once the 2 side beams are in place I simply
slot on the top piece. With the rear mount in place I simply slide
forward the top piece and then fit it securely using
the same bolts. This gives me plenty of area for sleeping. Quite comfy with still plenty
of headroom. Both platforms are made out of 12mm marine ply and use some strong aluminium
stripping around the edges in order to increase the support. It’s plenty strong to support
my own weight. I also installed a second fire extinguisher this can be accessed from the
driver’s seat. In order for me to sleep in the vehicle and
get some ventilation, and not have mosquitos get inside and bite me all night I bought
a set of Window Sox. These are just slip on units with really fine mesh which would stop
any mosquitos or midges getting in while the windows are open.
I fitted a pair of Mulgo side rails for added body protection. For long range communications
I’ve installed an HF radio. These are capable of transmitting something like 2500 kilometres
so that if I need help I can always get it. I’ve mounted the very large antenna on the
rear. This will protect it from any impacts. I also installed a Sensatyre tyre pressure
and temperature monitor. This alerts me if my tyre pressures or temperatures go outside
the set range. On the rear door I installed a fold down table to use as my kitchen. This
includes 2 pouches to store my utensils and my camp stove is nearby.
I upgraded my suspension with a pair of Land Rover heavy duty front springs and a set of
Koni Raid 90 shocks. Some rear dislocation cones were also added. Due to my gearbox and
transfer case going BANG I was forced to replace them with a pair of Ashcroft Transmissions
reconditioned units. My new transfer case includes 2 modifications to increase reliability.
The first is a steel bush which supports the head of the intermediate pin. In the long
term this will reduce oil leaks and transfer case whine. The second is a heavy duty cross
pin in the centre diff which increases strength. I’m installing a Detroit Truetrac limited
slip differential in the rear axle. I chose this unit as it is a simple design using gears
not clutch packs. It has no electrics or air lines, and doesn’t need special diff oils.
The unit requires no maintenance. If one of the wheels begins to spin it will transfer
up to 3.5 times more torque to the wheel with greater traction thus helping to maintain
forward motion. Compare that to the standard open diff where if one wheel begins to spin
all power is transferred to the spinning wheel and the vehicle can stop.
And to complete my expedition Defender my website address so people can follow my progress
along the way. Thank you for following me over the last 3 years during my Defender expedition
camper build. Please follow me on my website RoamingTheOutback.com while I travel around
Australia over 12 months. Also please subscribe on youtube, like my facebook page and join
my mailing list. Thanks.