What did you do to your Defender today?
#491
#492
They're really very good as steps - wide enough to stand on comfortably and safely (the ball of your foot at least), but not so wide that you brush against them every time you get into the car.
The following 3 users liked this post by Mike_F:
#493
First 6 months of ownership saw all my time spent working or doing house projects.
Spring sprung this weekend in the PNW so I took the time to install all the stuff I have been accumulating.
Installed new hood graphic
New "signature graphic" I like the topo map theme and considered getting a custom one done featuring the island I live on, but this was 10% of that price. Chose the clear topo lines allowing the Godwana Stone to show through.
Ignore the lack of detailing... That's for the next nice weekend.
In the rear I installed the PUK reverse lights, chequer plate corners, and classic mudflaps.
Not pictured, but represented by the hitch - Redarc brake controller.
Front flaps are on hold until I can order some replacement clips since even the LR instructions say you're going to break the clips pulling the trim off.
Extended wheel arches are on hold. The second aftermarket kit I bought looks to be first quality, but it's "Jet Black" which means it's shiny like gloss but textured like matte. That's not gonna work, so I'm exploring my options again.
All in all it was a good weekend and nice to finally put some personal touches on it.
Spring sprung this weekend in the PNW so I took the time to install all the stuff I have been accumulating.
Installed new hood graphic
New "signature graphic" I like the topo map theme and considered getting a custom one done featuring the island I live on, but this was 10% of that price. Chose the clear topo lines allowing the Godwana Stone to show through.
Ignore the lack of detailing... That's for the next nice weekend.
In the rear I installed the PUK reverse lights, chequer plate corners, and classic mudflaps.
Not pictured, but represented by the hitch - Redarc brake controller.
Front flaps are on hold until I can order some replacement clips since even the LR instructions say you're going to break the clips pulling the trim off.
Extended wheel arches are on hold. The second aftermarket kit I bought looks to be first quality, but it's "Jet Black" which means it's shiny like gloss but textured like matte. That's not gonna work, so I'm exploring my options again.
All in all it was a good weekend and nice to finally put some personal touches on it.
The following 5 users liked this post by Husky44:
GavinC (03-17-2024),
Mike_F (03-17-2024),
Ratledge (03-23-2024),
RogueRover (03-17-2024),
WAFOX (03-17-2024)
#494
#495
It is a Prospeed Expedition Aero rack. It is low profile and I really like it. Here is a link to a thread I started on a different site that initially was to look at roof rack options. Near the end I show the install. Also a link to a similar thread here as well. As for the sunroof I actually have the cloth top which can’t be opened with the rack in place. I believe if you have the glass sunroof you would be fine but the cloth roof folds up above the roof and there is not enough room. I knew that going in but did not care as I don’t use the roof in the open position anyway.
https://www.defender2.net/forum/topic89709.html
https://landroverforums.com/forum/20...ispreloading=1
Here is Propspeeds web page.
https://prospeed.co.uk
Scott
https://www.defender2.net/forum/topic89709.html
https://landroverforums.com/forum/20...ispreloading=1
Here is Propspeeds web page.
https://prospeed.co.uk
Scott
#498
Mounting and routing an Anderson plug for Trailer charging to the rear bumper.
I am about to do this and still planning it out. Surprisingly there are not a lot of posts on this topic. I bought a Black Bean teardrop and it has 4 Lithium batteries and solar charging but I want an Anderson plug to charge while I drive.
I need 6 or 8 ga wire depending on who I trust. Redarc says 8 but the wiring charts say 6. I think because Redarc only pulls 30 Amps but the Anderson plugs are 50 Amp. so if I assume 30 A the 8 guage should be enough. I expect this to be mostly unused as with 4 batteries and solar I was able to keep things pretty well topped off. But I am an over planner like many of us here.
Do you have any photos of running that wire out the hole on the left?
You did not have to secure the mounts from the back or could you reach your hand back there to add a nut?
Would you add a plate behind that to make it stronger?
I need 6 or 8 ga wire depending on who I trust. Redarc says 8 but the wiring charts say 6. I think because Redarc only pulls 30 Amps but the Anderson plugs are 50 Amp. so if I assume 30 A the 8 guage should be enough. I expect this to be mostly unused as with 4 batteries and solar I was able to keep things pretty well topped off. But I am an over planner like many of us here.
Do you have any photos of running that wire out the hole on the left?
You did not have to secure the mounts from the back or could you reach your hand back there to add a nut?
Would you add a plate behind that to make it stronger?
Today I decided to relocate the trailer 7 pin tow harness. The standard location is a real pain to get to if you are hooking up trailers a lot. You basically have to get on the ground to do it. So I moved it to the back bumper to the right of the license plate. It does ruin the aesthetic a little but it is so much easier to get too. And I didn't even have to take the bumper off and was able to reuse all the same parts. I also moved my anderson plug to the same location.
New location.
New location.
The following users liked this post:
richmeyer (03-23-2024)
#499
So I would go with 6awg because the anderson plug is rated for 50a and you never know in the future what someone may try to plug into that plug and assume everything is rated for 50A. It is not that much more cost or wire size and will give you some wiggle room and less voltage drop. Is the redarc device you are referring to in the trailer? If so that means you will have at least 10ft of wire. That is another reason to go with 6AWG.
Not sure if you are doing this, but I didn't like the fact that the anderson connector would be live anytime the car was on. So I added a relay and 12vdc switch to only power the plug when I wanted too.
As for routing the wire from inside the car, I connected to the positive wire from the MHEV and then found a rubber plug near the trailer control module on the rear driver side of the cargo area. I drilled a hole through this and routed it over to the area I wanted to mount the anderson. Now I did all this when I had the bumper off for a different reason but you should be able to do it with out removing the bumper
To attach the anderson plug I used some screws with a speed nut https://www.homedepot.com/p/8-32-Pla...7278/323370577
The trailer 7pin piece I reused the hardware, bolts and nuts. I was able to get my hands up behind there. It was tight but I was able to make it work.
Not sure if you are doing this, but I didn't like the fact that the anderson connector would be live anytime the car was on. So I added a relay and 12vdc switch to only power the plug when I wanted too.
As for routing the wire from inside the car, I connected to the positive wire from the MHEV and then found a rubber plug near the trailer control module on the rear driver side of the cargo area. I drilled a hole through this and routed it over to the area I wanted to mount the anderson. Now I did all this when I had the bumper off for a different reason but you should be able to do it with out removing the bumper
To attach the anderson plug I used some screws with a speed nut https://www.homedepot.com/p/8-32-Pla...7278/323370577
The trailer 7pin piece I reused the hardware, bolts and nuts. I was able to get my hands up behind there. It was tight but I was able to make it work.
#500
The install took a little longer than expected but overall pretty do able for the novice DIY’er .
The only downside is that you need to remember to clear.any snow and ice to properly close the door as it’s a tight fit with the door .