Defender Camping
#1
Defender Camping
Hi all
Wondered if people had any Defender camping recommendations, I came to the forum originally looking for 110 blackout window covers (the ones I've found so far are for the older Defender models) however wider recommendations would be great or maybe even some picture inspiration (ones I've found so far such as this were great). I've searched through the existing threads (eg. I wanted cheaper and more effective alternatives for a roof tent), however for now I'm thinking of using an inflatable mattress in the boot. Mostly looking to camp around Spain/Portugal this year.
Does anyone have any recommendations around the below? First time owning a Defender and really want to make the most of using it as a road trip hub and base for surfing / dingy sailing / hiking trips.
Blackout Blinds
Air Mattress designs that work well in a 110 (reading previous threads, it seems its different for 7 seat versions?)
Camping Stove
But also anything that people who use their Defender to camp in would recommend (I saw the Nakatanenga Panels mentioned a few times)
Thanks in advance
Wondered if people had any Defender camping recommendations, I came to the forum originally looking for 110 blackout window covers (the ones I've found so far are for the older Defender models) however wider recommendations would be great or maybe even some picture inspiration (ones I've found so far such as this were great). I've searched through the existing threads (eg. I wanted cheaper and more effective alternatives for a roof tent), however for now I'm thinking of using an inflatable mattress in the boot. Mostly looking to camp around Spain/Portugal this year.
Does anyone have any recommendations around the below? First time owning a Defender and really want to make the most of using it as a road trip hub and base for surfing / dingy sailing / hiking trips.
Blackout Blinds
Air Mattress designs that work well in a 110 (reading previous threads, it seems its different for 7 seat versions?)
Camping Stove
But also anything that people who use their Defender to camp in would recommend (I saw the Nakatanenga Panels mentioned a few times)
Thanks in advance
The following users liked this post:
Bjs1234 (01-02-2023)
#2
I can help with the "window shades" --> check out https://newdefendermods.com/collecti...h-suction-caps
#3
We regularly camp in our 5 seater P400 100. Here's our list of gear around the areas you mentioned. We're in the US, so I'm sure there are better EU sources and options.
Shades:
https://www.weathertech.com/land-rov...-110/sunshade/
These are OK but sometimes don't stay in well in certain windows. I've seen versions with suction cups linked elsewhere but can't find them now.
Air mattress:
Exped MegaMat Duo 10, medium double size - this is cozy for 2 people but fits fine. Some considerations are how you'll make the cargo area flat. We remove the rear seats so it folds flat and then use plastic cargo boxes in the foot wells to extend the "platform". You can also just reverse the head rests and use those as support. If you need to have the seats in there for passengers, then your mattress will be at an angle. We've slept like this and it's not the worst, but it's a personal preference.
Exped offers a number of sizes/thicknesses
Storage boxes that fit in the rear passenger foot wells (x4):
https://www.frontrunneroutfitters.co...-cub-pack.html
Camping stove:
Coleman, simple and cheap
https://www.target.com/p/coleman-cla...e/-/A-52600132
Ventilation:
This is very important. We rigged up some small PC fans to the metal vents you mentioned. Ours were from here:
https://www.seriesdefender.com/rear-...nder-2020.html
with 2 sets of these:
Not super strong, but enough to keep the air flowing.
If you have a sunroof, there are many home made solutions to venting thru there and keeping the bugs away. Check Youtube, for example:
Hope this helps.
Shades:
https://www.weathertech.com/land-rov...-110/sunshade/
These are OK but sometimes don't stay in well in certain windows. I've seen versions with suction cups linked elsewhere but can't find them now.
Air mattress:
Exped MegaMat Duo 10, medium double size - this is cozy for 2 people but fits fine. Some considerations are how you'll make the cargo area flat. We remove the rear seats so it folds flat and then use plastic cargo boxes in the foot wells to extend the "platform". You can also just reverse the head rests and use those as support. If you need to have the seats in there for passengers, then your mattress will be at an angle. We've slept like this and it's not the worst, but it's a personal preference.
Exped offers a number of sizes/thicknesses
Storage boxes that fit in the rear passenger foot wells (x4):
https://www.frontrunneroutfitters.co...-cub-pack.html
Camping stove:
Coleman, simple and cheap
https://www.target.com/p/coleman-cla...e/-/A-52600132
Ventilation:
This is very important. We rigged up some small PC fans to the metal vents you mentioned. Ours were from here:
https://www.seriesdefender.com/rear-...nder-2020.html
with 2 sets of these:
Not super strong, but enough to keep the air flowing.
If you have a sunroof, there are many home made solutions to venting thru there and keeping the bugs away. Check Youtube, for example:
Hope this helps.
#6
This really does help, thank you for both the quick and extensive reply.
Your Cargo area point is a good one so appreciate the flag and the suggestion. Will take the seats and have a play around as they'll be two of us. Didn't think of fans on the vents which would be a good addition thank you, will have a look at the ventilation via the roof also although for now the side windows seem the first step.
Do you have something similar to https://newdefendermods.com/collecti...updated-design (from the site linked by nashvegas above) for the stove? or just use an external table?
Your Cargo area point is a good one so appreciate the flag and the suggestion. Will take the seats and have a play around as they'll be two of us. Didn't think of fans on the vents which would be a good addition thank you, will have a look at the ventilation via the roof also although for now the side windows seem the first step.
Do you have something similar to https://newdefendermods.com/collecti...updated-design (from the site linked by nashvegas above) for the stove? or just use an external table?
The following users liked this post:
Bjs1234 (01-02-2023)
#7
If you're going to be sleeping in it a lot and using it as a home base I would recommend building a bed platform that way you get the full length of the interior and can use foam mattresses instead of an inflatable. I think this works way better when doing a month-plus. The main downside is you can't get access to your seats on the road if needed and it takes up more room. Two of these mattresses fit perfectly in the back of the defender when on a platform bed (over the front folded states). You can also just go with one if you want to take a fridge etc. I swap out the configuration based on the trip and if I am alone or not etc.
#8
This really does help, thank you for both the quick and extensive reply.
Your Cargo area point is a good one so appreciate the flag and the suggestion. Will take the seats and have a play around as they'll be two of us. Didn't think of fans on the vents which would be a good addition thank you, will have a look at the ventilation via the roof also although for now the side windows seem the first step.
Do you have something similar to https://newdefendermods.com/collecti...updated-design (from the site linked by nashvegas above) for the stove? or just use an external table?
Your Cargo area point is a good one so appreciate the flag and the suggestion. Will take the seats and have a play around as they'll be two of us. Didn't think of fans on the vents which would be a good addition thank you, will have a look at the ventilation via the roof also although for now the side windows seem the first step.
Do you have something similar to https://newdefendermods.com/collecti...updated-design (from the site linked by nashvegas above) for the stove? or just use an external table?
https://www.powerfuluk.com/tailgate-...nder-l663.html
I do also have a cheap portable table as a lot of camping is in bear country and I want to keep the cooking away from the vehicle.
Last edited by Bjs1234; 01-02-2023 at 03:52 PM.
The following users liked this post:
Gibraltar (01-03-2023)
#9
I think the rear cargo door switch from PowerfulUK is a good add-on if you plan to sleep in the back. It was a quick and simple install. https://www.powerfuluk.com/rear-door...nder-l663.html
The following users liked this post:
Bjs1234 (01-03-2023)
#10
I have a set of window blinds that I got direct from China for a fraction of the price that others were charging https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005...290d1802zCcR3E
I also have the Nakatanenga window vents which I ordered from MUD Stuff here in the UK https://www.mudstuff.co.uk/collectio...r-window-vents I didn't feel I needed fans but that was camping in the UK in Autumn
I have also fitted a cheap Amazon "jeep" rear door table with modified fasteners and I also fitted the Powerful UK internal rear door switch and also they supply a power take off wire for the rear door to which I have added some extra power connectors as seen in this short video
I also have the Nakatanenga window vents which I ordered from MUD Stuff here in the UK https://www.mudstuff.co.uk/collectio...r-window-vents I didn't feel I needed fans but that was camping in the UK in Autumn
I have also fitted a cheap Amazon "jeep" rear door table with modified fasteners and I also fitted the Powerful UK internal rear door switch and also they supply a power take off wire for the rear door to which I have added some extra power connectors as seen in this short video