G’day I’m Brett.
Imagine you’re out on your dream overlanding adventure and you’re late pulling up to
camp.
It’s dark it’s raining and there’s a pride of lions outside.
The last thing you want to do is mess about trying to pitch a tent, or having to climb
out on your roof rack to deploy your roof top tent.
So I’ve found the perfect solution to this here in Sydney Australia, at the Expedition
Centre.
Check this out.
First undo 2 latches Next push the roof up
Your camp is ready for the night.
A pop top conversion allows you to set up camp wherever you are in seconds, without
having to leave your vehicle.
The 2 strong gas struts raise the roof with minimal effort.
By incorporating the camper into the roof it reduces excess weight and size and minimises
drag when compared to a roof top tent.
This also minimises any change in fuel efficiency of your vehicle.
Due to its low profile the converted vehicle remains container shippable, which is perfect
for international transport to your travel destination.
There is enough room inside the roof cavity to leave all your bedding and mattress set
up, so it’s just a matter of popping the roof and climbing into bed.
It comfortably fits 2 people.
The lower bed platform can be raised allowing you to stand inside your Defender.
This is great for when you want to get dressed in the morning or if the weather outside is
poor, you can move around safely inside.
The tent section is made from high quality canvas to stop leaks with fine mesh for air
flow.
I have here Daniel from the Expedition Centre and he’s going to tell us a little more
about the pop top roof conversion.
Daniel.
Thanks Brett.
So I’m touching more on the technical side.
It’s a full aluminium construction.
We’re building a lower frame to reinforce the car and a top frame to reinforce the roof
itself.
In total we’re adding 160 millimetres to the height of the vehicle.
According to the engineer the vehicle is three times stronger in both length ways and side
ways impact after the conversion.
In terms of roof load which is a question I get asked often you can put a normal roof
rack on it.
We guarantee normal standard Land Rover weight that you can put on the roof.
So that’s about it.
Cool thanks Daniel.
Thanks Brett.
There are several manufactures of Defender pop top campers around the world with similar
designs.
The only downside of conversion is the price which starts around the $10000 Australian
mark.
But if you intend to go traveling for a year or more, the additional comfort and convenience
may be worth every dollar.
For a pop top conversion of your Land Rover Defender or Land Cruiser Troopy in Australia
visit Mulgo.com.au.
And a special thanks to Daniel and the Expedition Centre for allowing me access to their vehicle
and workshop today.