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Ordered my Defender to be an exploration rig. Once I got it I ordered a bunch of stuff from Front Runner (love it) and built out a raised platform bed. Finally have it done and hit the road.
This trip I will be leaving Austin for Moab for a week
Then to San Diego to surf the coast up to SB
Then Up through SF and then back across to Crested Butte
And then home to Austin
So far I slept a night in Pagosa in -3 degree weather and was totally comfortable. Of course I was worried about the car not starting or something but it didn't care at all! No I am in Moab working and playing for a week. Here are some pics so far
The Last Resort RV park in Pagosa. One of my favorites.
Awesome set-up and itinerary. I’m in SF and hope to go to Moab in the spring, sort of opposite of this itinerary. Can you share any details of the sleeping platform?
Are you doing anything for ventilation or heat? -3 is serious.
We just use an Exped and stow bins in footwell and up front, but it’s not elegant. I have tried to build a cargo shelf for over storage but the plastic is not very strong. Have thought about raised platform and storage underneath but worried about headroom.
Awesome set-up and itinerary. I’m in SF and hope to go to Moab in the spring, sort of opposite of this itinerary. Can you share any details of the sleeping platform?
Are you doing anything for ventilation or heat? -3 is serious.
We just use an Exped and stow bins in footwell and up front, but it’s not elegant. I have tried to build a cargo shelf for over storage but the plastic is not very strong. Have thought about raised platform and storage underneath but worried about headroom.
Heat - I am not doing anything for heat. Pagosa was just one night and now in Moab the low is in the 20's which isn't bad for car camping and I have stayed warm. I am at an RV park though in a tent site that has water and electric so I am running an extension cord into my car for my fridge and charging devices. If you're going to be staying somewhere with electric you could do the same but run a heater. For ventilation I just have my windows barely cracked.
The bed - I build this platform bed originally 6 inches high so that I could get over the seats when folded down to allow for my room length wise. Once I did that I realized that I couldn't fit a camping chair or bins underneath so I raised it to 8 inches and now can fit pretty much anything I want underneath.
Headroom - I am 5'10 and am comfortable inside to sleep and read etc before bed. I can sit up at an angle against the passenger seat no problem. I can't however sit straight up, which wouldn't bother me in spring/summer time but with it being cold and wanting to spend time in the car isn't super ideal. I'd say for sleeping there is plenty of room but not enough headroom to hangout in there.
Here are some pictures of my setup and I posted a kinda how to on this thread here https://landroverforums.com/forum/20...rm-bed-109361/ .
I since added some carpet to the wood using gorilla glue spray. Feel free to dm me if you have more questions. Learned a lot building it and would be happy to provide more detail on how to build it right the first time haha.
Haha! I agree, didn't want to do anything permanent and also didnt really want anything hanging off my car. This ladder is perfect and I can use it for other things as well!
How are you powering the portable fridge? We’re just starting to dip our toes into overnight camping with the Defender. Didn’t know if the cigarette outlet (can we still call it that?) or the other outlet in the rear provide enough power. Looks like a fun trip!
How are you powering the portable fridge? We’re just starting to dip our toes into overnight camping with the Defender. Didn’t know if the cigarette outlet (can we still call it that?) or the other outlet in the rear provide enough power. Looks like a fun trip!
I have the outlet in the rear that I am using to power it and its kept it at 40 degrees no problem the whole trip so far. Then I just plug it in at night via the extension cord. If you were fully remote camping you would have to get something like the dometic batteries but those are pricey....
I have the outlet in the rear that I am using to power it and its kept it at 40 degrees no problem the whole trip so far. Then I just plug it in at night via the extension cord. If you were fully remote camping you would have to get something like the dometic batteries but those are pricey....
Awesome setup! Thanks for sharing. As a long term camper, I only have one Pro-tip for you that most don't think of: beware condensation... When camping in a vehicle they are VERY closed. It helps with the vehicle maintaining AC/Heat/noise/etc. However, when camping in them Condensation can be a big issue. You wake up and all the windows are coated on the inside and then it's hard to see thru them. The longer, colder, more humid it is - the more it will be an issue. You definitely want to keep a window or two cracked even if it loses heat. A knit hat will do wonders to help you keep warm in your layers of blankets/sleeping bags/quilts. I've camped at some cold temps and I'll tell you, snuggled in a bunch of layers is a LOT more enjoyable to me than a hot, humid night!
Rig Done and Road Trip Starting
