Defender 110 Td5
Convert a Land Rover 110 so that we could live in it and realise our dream.
Introduction
In 1999 we purchased a Land Rover Defender 110 Td5. Converted the roof
to a pop-top and built the interior so that we could live in it on our
big trip. In this car we travelled from Switzerland
to Australia (2000-2003).
On the 13th of July 2003 this vehicle was involved in a tragic accident
in Outback Australia where we lost my brother and dear friend with his
young family.
Pop TopTogether with a local mechanic and engineer we replaced the original roof with a custom built pop top. The frame out of aluminium was bolted onto the Land Rover using the original fittings. At the corners the frame was welded. Due to the flexibility of the vehicle these welds started to crack, we overcame this issue with the help of Sikaflex. The roof out of aluminium checkerplate was strong enough for a person to stand on it. This was necessary as for such a long trip we needed the roof to carry some of the load. Two gas struts helped lifting the roof and kept it open. |
 
  |
KitchenOn both sides, behind the front doors we cut two square holes and fitted two doors. Inside the car, between the two holes we fitted a box which we could slide out on both sides of the car. This box contained our Coleman stove as well as other bits and pieces (eg. tent poles). It also served as our kitchen bench. If it was raining we had access to the stove from the inside. |
 |
ShowerThis was probably our simplest add on to our Land Rover. We took a metal bar, welded two hooks on the bottom and one at the top. The bottom hooks fitted into the holes of our sandladders, the top hook carried the shower bag. |
 |
InteriorThe bench on the right hand side had sufficient space for all our clothes and 3 20-litre jerry cans for water. In the cupboard on the left hand side we stored the rest of our stuff in sturdy plastic boxes as well as another 3 20-litre jerry cans for water. The doors of the top two compartments also served as tables. |
  |
Other stuff
|
