Description
This unique Land Rover 130 Camper 300 Tdi was originally a British military communication vehicle based in Germany. It was stored in a warehouse and only used for NATO exercises, hence the very low genuine mileage of 41, 102.
We purchased the Land Rover 4 years ago with the plan to prepare and build the ultimate Land Rover Defender to travel overland around the world.
This Land Rover Defender Camper 130 300Tdi is the perfect vehicle for overland travel throughout Africa.
We wanted to be able to sleep and live comfortably inside the Land Rover and be self sufficient to allow us to be off-grid for as long as possible. It has a rust free bulkhead and chassis and to preserve that, the first job was to have the vehicle professionally rust proofed to ensure it stayed rust free. Amongst the first jobs carried out was to replace the timing belt, steering arms, swivel seals, reseal the sump, rear axle brake pipes, rocker cover gaskets and adjust tappets, replace rear 'A' frame ball joint and replace door seals plus any other jobs required.
The plan was to carry out any preventative work that may be required in the future to ensure, as much as possible, complete reliability.
This is a serious off-road vehicle designed for long distance overland off-grid travel in all conditions. Of course it can be used for shorter trips or as a weekend camping vehicle in the UK or Europe.
It has had 4 previous owners (including UK Military) and I purchased it on 21. 03. 21. The previous owner removed the roof mounted air condition unit and all the external telescopic radio masts and the interior radio equipment fixings. He then built a basic but functional camper conversion in the accommodation box and travelled around Spain using off-track roads. Photos are available of the Land Rover with the Military equipment attached and being removed and in Spain.
Since then we have had it professionally converted into an overland camper and carried out the following work as follows:
INTERNAL
- Original interior stripped out, steel frame cleaned and rust proofed.
- All wood framing removed from the interior to ensure a wood free interior.
- New steel frame constructed to support the new elevating roof.
- Bespoke Drivelodge elevating roof fitted with a clear rear panel for star gazing at night and two side windows fitted with insect nets. All windows are fitted with zipped canvas covers that can be rolled up. The internal roof is fitted with wired LED lighting, the exterior roof is fitted with a 150W Solar Panel.
- New wiring system installed linked to a 105 Ah Lithium leisure battery charged via the alternator and a 150W Solar panel on the roof. Incorporating a REDARC BCDC Dual Input Multi-Stage In-Vehicle Battery Charger plus a SARGENT PF-200 Fixed Voltage Battery Charger.
- Various Internal lights in roof, and internal walls, bed reading lights and external awning light.
- External shore power connection linked to an internal fuse box when connected to mains electrics.
- Wallas XC Duo Diesel multi-device combustion heater and stove.
- Wired in Dometic Fridge/ Freezer on slide out shelf.
- Small composting toilet.
- All internal fittings and cupboards made from lightweight aluminum and powder coated.
- Slide out kitchen drawer and worktop.
- All walls are fully insulated and covered with coloured Composite Aluminium Panels to match the cupboards.
- The floor was fully insulated and covered with hardwearing Altro flooring.
- Internal, fully insulated 100 litre fresh water tank linked via a SHURflo water pump to the internal sink unit and external shower connection.
- Bespoke seating area which easily converts within two minutes into a very comfortable double bed . The mattresses are made from 15cm medium/ firm/ memory foam and are very comfortable. The mattress is covered in a lovely tartan plaid covering. There is additional storage underneath the seat, next to the water tank.
- Internal/ external ventilation fan.
- Two Dometic S4 opening windows with fitted blinds and insect nets.
- Substantial cupboard storage throughout the interior including handy net storage for small items.
- Fold away internal dining table for use when dining inside.
- The original side door is retained and fitted with an external galvanised step that also doubles as a security device.
- The rear doors were retained to allow an alternative entry/ exit and are great when left open to watch stunning sunrises/ sunsets while sitting in bed with a coffee. This Land Rover Defender 130 Camper has a unique presence on the road and attracts a lot of attention both on/ off the road. When parked up there is often a great interest in the vehicle.
Externally it looks very different to other Campers and has managed to retain much of it's Land Rover character. Despite all the work carried out on the vehicle is still drives very much like any other Defender with no additional body roll. This is due to the heavy duty chassis, suspension and rear 'help springs' and careful design of the weight distribution on the vehicle.
EXTERNAL
Externally the Land Rover is fitted with the following:
Drivers side:
- Lockable Front Runner stainless steel full sized table. This is designed to be removed from the side of the camper and used as the main camping table.
Passengers side:
- Folding down stainless steel table with fitted MaxTrax's. This table can be used when making quick stops for a coffee break or snack by the roadside. There is a shower outlet for use when washing up, filling a kettle or using in the external shower.
- Fiamma F45s awning This can be self supporting and is also fitted with supporting legs which have the ability to also be fitted to the side walls of the vehicle. The necessary parts will come with the vehicle but have not been fitted. Additional side walls could also be fitted to make this into an external room when the weather is not so good.
- A BUNDUTEC BUNDUCUBE Shower/ Toilet tent is fitted to the side of the galvanised roof rack above the cab. It has also been fitted with a shower roof for additional privacy. This gives a large space for showering or use as a toilet when outside camping. It is very well designed and the walls are not affected by strong winds, which on cheaper versions can cause the walls to be blown against you while showering.
Rear:
- Galvanised and lockable rear jerry can holder for the portable grey water waste container.
- Two rear cameras are fitted, one is for reversing and the other acts as a rear view mirror.
Front:
- New high quality LED headlight conversion fitted. This transforms the driving experience at night and enhances safety considerably.
- Both headlights are fitted with fixed light guards.
- New Old Man Emu Steering Damper.
Roof Rack:
- A Galvanised roof was specially designed for this build and allows for storage of larger lighter items such as camping chairs, shower accessories, floor mat and other such items.
- Lockable Fiamma Ultra Storage box which is very lighweight and practical.
- Two lockable dust and waterproof Australian storage boxes.
- Two jerry can holders for additional fuel. The two jerrycans will also come with the vehicle.
Single Cab Interior:
- Standard seats replaced and fitted with new Exmoor Trim Puma deluxe seats with a breathable black fabric. They are much more comfortable than the standard seats. The seats are covered with canvas seat covers to protect them.
- New Kenwood DAB radio with full connectivity, Bluetooth and phone connection.
- Camera console with connectivity for 3 colour cameras. The 3rd camera is fitted on the passengers dash side. This is essential when driving in Europe and also reversing out onto a road with a blind side.
- A Suunto compass is fitted to the top of the dash but not wired in.
- Vehicle security devices are fitted.
SUMMARY
This is a unique Land Rover 130 300Tdi Camper designed for serious overland travel with an ability for extended off-grid camping. A considerable amount of time and effort has gone into the design and build to ensure it lasts a lifetime.
Please contact me if you have any questions, would like further information or to see any more photos. Thank you for your interest.
