Exterior Rebuid

Embarking on a global journey with our Land Rover Defender, we encountered the financial challenge of high road taxes in The Netherlands. Seeking a practical solution, we delved into the options of converting our Defender’s registration from a standard vehicle to a commercial one. This imposed the need for an extended roof, prompted by regulations specifying a height 5 cm taller than a standard Defender 110. Acquiring a second-hand extended roof, painted into a  matching color of our Defender, not only satisfied the requirements but also provided valuable extra interior space. 

Concerns about the Land Rover’s original spare wheel construction prompted us to upgrade to a heavy-duty spare wheel carrier. The swing-away carrier, equipped with a piston mechanism, redistributed the spare wheel’s weight from the back door to the car’s chassis. This innovative solution not only eliminated potential damage and rattling during off-road ventures but also contributed to the overall longevity of the back door.

Our decision to retain the existing roof rack highlighted its robust construction and functionality. In subsequent sections, we provide an extensive overview of the strategically stored items on this dependable structure.

For increased storage capacity, we installed two identical aluminum storage boxes on the roof. Crafted from sturdy 1.5 mm aluminum checker plate material with stainless steel hinges, these boxes withstand extreme conditions. Each box, equipped with a key-lock mechanism and additional toggle clamps, ensures secure closure and minimises tension on the lock. Solar panels on the box lids enhance our self-sufficiency, efficiently harnessing solar energy for our needs.

The addition of two jerrycans, securely fastened to the roof rack, addresses the need for extra fuel during remote journeys. The color-matching of the jerrycans and carrier reflects both aesthetic cohesion and functional design.

Further enhancements include aluminum sandladders, strategically positioned and secured with foldable brackets for accessibility and versatility. Recognizing the necessity of replacing rusted side steps, we invested in the same model for practicality and seamless integration, prioritising functionality over cost considerations. 

Completing our exterior rebuild, we added a snorkel. While it contributes to reduced dust intake and engine preservation during dusty terrains, its true advantage lies in river crossings. Although not our primary focus due to the Defender’s design, the snorkel provides a valuable backup for unforeseen overlanding challenges.

In essence, our exterior rebuild is a testament to thoughtful upgrades, strategic solutions, and a commitment to functionality and aesthetics.