2020 Defender Talk about the new 2020 Land Rover Defender
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:

Defender Camping

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
  #1  
Old 01-02-2023, 11:22 AM
Gibraltar's Avatar
3rd Gear
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jan 2023
Posts: 3
Received 3 Likes on 3 Posts
Default 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



 
The following users liked this post:
Bjs1234 (01-02-2023)
  #2  
Old 01-02-2023, 11:42 AM
nashvegas's Avatar
Pro Wrench
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Pacific NW
Posts: 1,762
Received 1,129 Likes on 610 Posts
Default

I can help with the "window shades" --> check out https://newdefendermods.com/collecti...h-suction-caps
 
The following 3 users liked this post by nashvegas:
Bjs1234 (01-02-2023), Gibraltar (01-02-2023), GrouseK9 (01-03-2023)
  #3  
Old 01-02-2023, 11:55 AM
Bjs1234's Avatar
Mudding
Join Date: Jan 2021
Posts: 115
Received 46 Likes on 26 Posts
Default

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:
Amazon Amazon

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.
 
The following 3 users liked this post by Bjs1234:
Gibraltar (01-02-2023), GrouseK9 (01-03-2023), mopadzi (01-05-2023)
  #4  
Old 01-02-2023, 12:12 PM
Gibraltar's Avatar
3rd Gear
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jan 2023
Posts: 3
Received 3 Likes on 3 Posts
Default

perfect thank you - I feel like there's a few bits from this site worth picking up so appreciate you sharing it
 
The following users liked this post:
Bjs1234 (01-02-2023)
  #5  
Old 01-02-2023, 12:19 PM
Md-dave's Avatar
Drifting
Join Date: Jan 2023
Posts: 32
Received 20 Likes on 12 Posts
Default

+1 on the Exped Mega mat. I have a Falcon Pro RTT and use the Exped in it. Super comfortable!
 
The following users liked this post:
Bjs1234 (01-02-2023)
  #6  
Old 01-02-2023, 12:22 PM
Gibraltar's Avatar
3rd Gear
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jan 2023
Posts: 3
Received 3 Likes on 3 Posts
Default

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?
 
The following users liked this post:
Bjs1234 (01-02-2023)
  #7  
Old 01-02-2023, 12:33 PM
inater's Avatar
Rock Crawling
Join Date: Jul 2021
Location: Austin, TX
Posts: 381
Received 417 Likes on 171 Posts
Default

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.
Amazon Amazon



 
The following 3 users liked this post by inater:
Bjs1234 (01-02-2023), cfw3rd (01-03-2023), Gibraltar (01-02-2023)
  #8  
Old 01-02-2023, 02:31 PM
Bjs1234's Avatar
Mudding
Join Date: Jan 2021
Posts: 115
Received 46 Likes on 26 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by Gibraltar
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?
I have the picnic table from powerfulUK. Works great! I like that it has metal stays instead of a wire.






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  
Old 01-03-2023, 05:36 PM
Keedan's Avatar
Overlanding
Join Date: Aug 2022
Posts: 15
Received 8 Likes on 5 Posts
Default

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  
Old 01-09-2023, 03:15 PM
Dan Hairy's Avatar
Three Wheeling
Join Date: Oct 2021
Posts: 78
Received 57 Likes on 31 Posts
Default

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


 
The following 4 users liked this post by Dan Hairy:
ficklma1 (01-10-2023), GrouseK9 (01-10-2023), MattF (01-09-2023), WMN (01-10-2023)


Quick Reply: Defender Camping



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 04:16 PM.