Dream Land Rover Defender truck camper Overland Conversion. GrizzlyNbear Overland

Рет қаралды 24,021

2 жыл бұрын

Hello friends
Recently we received a question asking what major modification would we make to our Land Rover Defender and truck camper if we were given an unlimited budget.
Of course this is just a hypothetical dream and most probably will always remain a dream but we can all have a dream I reckon.
Please let us know what you think of my idea in the comments, share your own idea of the ultimate overland set up.
Thanks heaps for watching, please subscribe and share if you have the time and if you're feeling really nice head over to our Patreon page if you would like to help ensure these videos continue. The support of our awesome patrons is what makes this all possible.
Thank you so much, Stephy and Leigh
If you would like to support the work we do in creating these videos please consider joining our Patreon team by following the link below or at the end of the video.
We'd be so grateful for the support. Your generosity helps ensure that the content we hope you enjoy can continue.
/ grizzlynbear
For those that would like to support us through another means we have a PayPal account that others have chosen to support through.
www.paypal.me/GrizzlyNbear
Join us as we travel the world overland, exploring the cultures and traditions of all the countries we visit.
In our Land Rover Defender camper which is our full time home we will take you rock climbing, hiking and exploring across all the continents on this planet.

Пікірлер: 121

@GihanAnuradha 2 жыл бұрын

It would be a dream come true for Leigh if a fabrication company in australia to sponsor this modification. Just sayin. Somebody take the hint.

@Couscouskiller Жыл бұрын

It seems the dream is about to become true ;)

@foryoutosee6997 2 жыл бұрын

Be convinced: within the next 3 years you'll have your dream Landrover camper! The actual one is kind of a "christmas tree": wherever there's an empty branch you have added and attached something: a shower, a box, a compressor, a shovel, another box, a gas tank, etc. Pair up and collaborate with a manufacturer, create a prototype, test it, and then it will go into production. Shouldn't be a big problem!

@wernerwiedon1331 2 жыл бұрын

I'm retired and watching you the last 5 jears from Germany your Go Pro movies are awesome 👍😎😘👍 love it , very much appreciated 👍

@rcholden5480 2 жыл бұрын

Hi Leigh (and Steph if you want to join in the D130 chat?) You have just almost exactly described our D130 extended single cab + FWC Keystone. The FWC Keystone is huge (length, width and height) and just fits between the 6.5 inch wolfs running BFG KM3 255s and it does not need packing up to fit over the cab. Started building years ago, finally a few shake down trips last year and the concept works really well. The flatbed is the reinforced base stripped from a D110 Hicap tub and I have another complete tub to fit back on when the camper is off. The storage gap between camper and cab is sized for 4 x 20litre containers + a bike above or 8 x 20 litre containers in two rows of four. The spare wheel/tyre is still sitting above the cab. The side storage pods are the current project and will hang from the camper, because we need a diesel tank for our Wallas XC Duo heater/stove and so the pods need to stay with the camper. Loads of trips to the weighbridge and still 200kg under our plated weight of 3500Kg. If you want pictures, let me know how to send them to you? Your video just made my day/week/month/year! Thanks, Rob

@fritzintroopy 2 жыл бұрын

Bloody awesome design. It would definitely look slicker and that storage locker in the centre would be fantastic. Definitely the ultimate touring combo!

@Oz_Men_Life_Style 2 жыл бұрын

Land Rover UK has the moral obligation to gift you a brand new Defender and fund the conversion after what you have achieved with the old defender. Write to them please. They will.

@patrickangier3919 2 жыл бұрын

Three thoughts. 1) take out one side of rear seats and build a storage looker in the rear cabin. Keep one rear seat for guests. You could have spare wheel in there. 2) in the current tub you have quite a bit of space either side of the camper. Add in some side access lockers - also gives access to compressors etc. 3) put the spare wheel on the bonnet - where it should be on a Land Rover, giving you back roofspace to store other toys.

@axelcordes 2 жыл бұрын

Hope some potent viewer will bring your dream come true - not sure but I think "la vagabonde" had that luck - I like your positive approach - good luck and cheers axel

@NasTimeAdventures 2 жыл бұрын

Wicked dream buddy. Fingers crossed for ya. I'd love to see that set up.

@gofaroverland7854 2 жыл бұрын

Why do I get the impression that it may not be all hypothetical? wink wink. I think you guys can definitely pull it off!

@mamyranavoson7399 2 жыл бұрын

You're awsome guys. You're inspiring me. Stay safe. Take care

@brianellis2274 2 жыл бұрын

Learn to weld and go for it Leigh. If you believe you can, you probably can. But if you think you can't, its almost certain you wont.

@thejackofalltravels8267 2 жыл бұрын

That off white Cab Over is cool much better for sightseeing. Great ideas all around.

@TheOverlandLegend 2 жыл бұрын

Sounds like a great idea. Who know what can happen in future right?

@1sheinz 2 жыл бұрын

Leigh , you should check out Mortons on the Move channel. They have taken a ford 550 4X4 and fitted a tray and poptop camper on the bed, made fitted storage boxes to fill in the bed sides , it is quite a beast and fitted with massive solar and lithiun batterys and 12V AC . You may find some more inspiration for your dream rig. CHEERS AND SAFE TRAVELS Steve h.

@jamesb8467 2 жыл бұрын

Dream conversion: “converting” my 80 series to a 70 series tilt roof top troopy

@stevestott3652 2 жыл бұрын

Awesome idea. Cheers from Steve Stott in Sutherlin Oregon U.S.A.

@yingkuotsai2082 2 жыл бұрын

Hope next video you start this dream modification^-^

@francoisehollender_franeuro 2 жыл бұрын

Very sensible dream of yours, Leigh. I perfectly understand why you designed it that way and i fully share your vision of the ultimate overlanding vehicle!

@themartiandefender2128 2 жыл бұрын

Makes a lot of sense for what you guys get up to on your travels to make those changes and would look cool too ! Defenders are in my opinion the ultimate transformer ! My 110 has had 4 different iterations over the years and is constantly transforming !!

@rossjackson7134 2 жыл бұрын

Just a bit of lateral thinking mate, in stead of cutting the body, how about an internal wall giving the required space behind the seats then with the rear seats removed there would be space for the spare etc internally. That would be far cheaper than body work.

@equestrianalways6132 2 жыл бұрын

Awesome idea you're definitely in the right country for a cute chop

@Simonandisla 2 жыл бұрын

That would work 👍👍

@Gnarloo 2 жыл бұрын

Defender looks so much cooler with the tub

@badgerpa9 2 жыл бұрын

Nice video Leigh, be safe.

@rjl110919581 2 жыл бұрын

thank you for the great detailed video of dream build as think a great idea my 4x4 is dream tour is Isuzu crew cab 4x4 300 NPS 75 2010 model replace 3m steel tray with alloy the tray and side on camper on the back love set trip around Australia

@power17 2 жыл бұрын

wish you good luck

@wernerwiedon1331 2 жыл бұрын

Yes Sir, first before having Dreams. .... ! Going slowly back to work you getting older boddy so I think from Germany I also did before I stardet my Travel - Australia & New Zealand 1985 / 86 - after this immidiatly was going back to work and did helicopters 🚁 1988 and 1990 - no matter two working together all is possible.

@rickwatkins8914 2 жыл бұрын

Sounds like a great idea. It's a pity that money is such an obstacle. I know lack of money is the bane of my existence. I hope that you can find a way to make these changes someday Leigh.

@212caboose 2 жыл бұрын

This dream conversion is pretty much what I dreamed up for my truck- though my vehicle is larger. It's a '97 F250 extended cab long bed truck.

@Jabber-ig3iw 2 жыл бұрын

My favourite thing about grizzlynbear is your ability to drop your accommodation and use the 130 by itself. It’s interesting after 5 years you don’t want to go with something bigger like a unimog or Daf 244.

@mrcvry 2 жыл бұрын

It would limit the roads you could take and if an unimog gets stuck you have a big problem. 😉

@Jabber-ig3iw 2 жыл бұрын

@@mrcvry yeah that why I’m basing my camper on a 130 as well, pretty much get anywhere a car can, easy to park, but can still tackle the rough stuff. Smaller living accommodation that a converted truck and more compromises but smaller footprint.

@totalcomposites484 2 жыл бұрын

Never say never! Would be more than happy to talk this through with you guys. Give us a shout.

@porcobene_media 2 жыл бұрын

The never ending dreaming of a new or different set up… that’s what keep us going. Thanks for sharing yours. I totally can understand it, because i only would go for an extra cab to have more space and a better balance on the back of the vehicle - as long as you are not more than two people. And for my personal dream camper i guess it would be (despite all advantages of the removable cabin you have) for a 4x4 Sprinter Van of the last generation with proper 3 L Engine, reduction and Diff-Locks as i really like the opportunity to jump from the living area to the drivers cockpit. Not only in case of emergency, but also at very bad weather conditions or if i have to change the parking lot by night. Which might be all more possible cases in Europe than in not so crowded places. Cheers to you guys.

@leroyeadon378 2 жыл бұрын

Keep buying that Lotto ticket. Love for your dream to become a reality.

@nbrettoner 2 жыл бұрын

Well thought out guys, and yes I agree. Now how to make it happen!. :)

@jonam7589 2 жыл бұрын

I am glad that it is only a dream! So, your big dream is only to modify your camper?

@dimitristsagdis7340 2 жыл бұрын

If you are willing to swap your defender, you could get a ute with a space cabin that makes the rest (e.g. relocating the tire and gear storage), much easier/less costly. That's one of the designs I'm pondering about. I wouldn't go for a defender anyway as I'd like a more fuel efficient engine and more modern things from the ute like cruise control for highway driving, airbags, etc.

@Spunky.sparks 2 жыл бұрын

Awesome idea would love to see it built 👍

@joelletendre1011 2 жыл бұрын

Break out the saw. I know you can weld ( sort of). LOL

@lauramartin4899 2 жыл бұрын

Guys.. Just get a military vehicle in Australia and crate your dream overland home on it... it seams that, that vehicle would be better!!

@karl4834 2 жыл бұрын

sounds like a well thought out plan specific to your needs. Reckon many others may see the merit in your design as it is both a generic need (for perhaps just a couple) as well as being specific (OK, for a couple with particular needs...but many couple pursuits could be accommodated by your considered/dream efforts 👍

@hinsonberger 2 жыл бұрын

Interesting concept! The only possible downside I could see would be with your side storage boxes built into the tray deck. They would make the Land Rover quite wide, so that when you take the camper off, your width remains the same as the camper, whereas at the moment when the camper is off, your Defender returns to 'normal' Defender width & is better suited for a bit of light 4WDing.

@DriftaholiC 2 жыл бұрын

Mine is a Pinzgauer 6x6 radio truck 718K with a pop up roof.

@gail9906 2 жыл бұрын

Love it! I hope your dreams do come true Leigh and Steph. What a transformation that would be. ❤🇦🇺🦘

@TrevorFraserAU 2 жыл бұрын

I dream of taking a 130 and turning the tray into a 110 style wagon with an Alucab Hercules style roof conversation. Not as much space as yours, but would be aimed towards long overland outback trips rather than full time living like you guys.

@jofher007 2 жыл бұрын

Lee , you have gone nuts.. no more Unimog driving. ok

@RogueCorps 2 жыл бұрын

Hi guys! Safe travels!!!

@unimog404 2 жыл бұрын

My dream overland truck that doesn't make sense? 😁 Unimog 2450 6x6 crewcab with 5 seats. And then a camper box with roof full of solar. Trailer hitch and a trailer to carry a smaller Unimog to play off-road. 🤩 Dreams ❤️

@peterbullen3347 2 жыл бұрын

Not sure where you are based but loads of military unimogs for sale in Australia,. Pickles auctions

@unimog404 2 жыл бұрын

@@peterbullen3347 steering wheel is wrong in Australia 😅

@camptours 2 жыл бұрын

Cool.....thats my Dream to. 👍 Best Regards, Alfred.

@stupidmonkeykev 2 жыл бұрын

All sounds good - maybe Patriot will see the video and build you a tray while you are there :)

@davidmoore7303 2 жыл бұрын

Good one

@kalgart 2 жыл бұрын

Very cool design & setup. I do like the way your thinking there. Some of the elements remind me of various trays & canopy setups I've seen on other channels. 4xoverland with Andrew's Dream tourer '79 had a flat tray that has the draw built in. It wouldn't take much to add the saddle boxes to that? Hopefully this does get some notice from overland builders to develop further.

@andreazampieri5513 2 жыл бұрын

Wow! It would be a great job guys! But… now that you are in Australia, why don’t you meet Andrew White and make all these changes or others under his supervision? Even if he’s a Toyota guy 😉!

@EPcleaner 2 жыл бұрын

Mate! I love the ideas and it’s very doable. Get an engineer to draw up the actual design and finish concept. Then send it to some customizer shops to get an idea of cost. Once you have done that see if you can get a sponsor to help fund and market the build. Your KZfaq channel with all the followers should be a favorable marketing platform. Ideas turn into dreams that turn into goals which turn into reality 😉

@EPcleaner 2 жыл бұрын

Pros- gives you and your partner a break, refreshes your look, capabilities, comforts, revitalize your channel and most of all your nomadic life style…

@mack86523 2 жыл бұрын

My goal is to convert my (insert any vehicle available in the US) into a 70 series Land Cruiser 😁

@KevIsOffGrid Жыл бұрын

You have to have a dream eh :)

@mysterioanonymous3206 2 жыл бұрын

What you want is a Sherptek flatbed... just youtube it up, you won't be disappointed.

@NextMeridianExpedition 2 жыл бұрын

Great design idea, i think your dream may come true at some point, and we'd love to help out :D Havn't thought about what our dream car would be, i did notice dream spacing and new conversions to our car to what is already existent. I get so excited just like you do on how to re-model, re-package the car while seamlessly adding accessories like storage boxes that'll make your set up just that much cooler or more efficient :)

@dazzashed 2 жыл бұрын

cool idea here is an idea for the box behind the cab britannica restorations on you tube its on a 110 but would look good on a camper. great content as always

@mapleleafdrifters 2 жыл бұрын

Sounds and looks awesome! You know better but at this point we would be hesitant to lose the back seat, we hope to have friends and family come visit us on the road (maybe wishful thinking :). Moving the tire off the roof would be nice, in a few years you may have to make that change, you'll be too old to drag those things up and down 🙂

@leighdearle5965 2 жыл бұрын

We left the rear seats for just that reason thinking we'd have friends or family visiting us along the way... In 5 years nobody has visited yet 😜 We figured if one day somebody does come to visit there is always a rental vehicle. We need to think about the best set up to suit us 😉

@zingaman101 2 жыл бұрын

Telsra used to have space cabs on their 110 flat trays. You might find someone parting out their ex-Telstra cab. No cutting no fuss.

@hughbatchelor8599 2 жыл бұрын

Sounds like a plan but you do quite often use the additional seating you currently have with the double cab. Decisions decisions. God Bless.

@steinar.offroad 2 жыл бұрын

I’ve been looking at trays on defenders, but I think they usually don’t look to great (except the comp trucks). Wouldn’t you worry about losing the third seat when chopping the cab? I agree with getting the weight off the roof, awesome ideas!

@benni.rosinante 2 жыл бұрын

👍 super cool! I would like have something in that direction for my Rosinante as well. Did you ever see something like the storage places in the sides of the tray back? I’m dreaming of those…

@francoisrossouw1656 2 жыл бұрын

Need you guys to come to S Africa mate

@olsi636 2 жыл бұрын

Jamais pensé à fonder une famille? Là vous allez regretter d'avoir converti le quatre porte en "space-cab"😉

@Daniel-pv8jl 2 жыл бұрын

I love the idea and if we could discuss it further I think my wife and I could help make this happen for you if you really want to do it.

@Gmaillorraine 2 жыл бұрын

Norweld is in Australia..

@lauramcnally9434 2 жыл бұрын

I'm sure theres some shops out there willing to do the chop and tray in exchange for being shown off around the world

@eyeswideopen7450 2 жыл бұрын

I always thougt the storage boxes are there to bring the csmper in order to compensate the high roof of the defender? But maybe this is a win ein situation at the moment?

@geoffgold6773 2 жыл бұрын

You could get Andrew White to build it for you,it might take a few years but I don’t know if he likes defenders because he definitely doesn’t like Nissans

@carolyndavis4517 2 жыл бұрын

the forward control 2b now has a camper body on it a toyota motor and gearbox . i cut my 110 wagon nad made a walk through camper with a pop up roof . i am really happy except that i have to carry my tire on the bonnet. besides the restricted vision the bonnet hits the top of the engine on rough roads but i have nowhere else to put it

@mikerodas1 2 жыл бұрын

Just my 2 cents here, when you do a tray back conversion, look into what we call here in the US, a utility bed with all the side and rear storage you can think of PLUS the ability to slide the camper into it. Many sizes and configurations and not that overly expensive.

@diab01us 2 жыл бұрын

This is what I was thinking. I've seen a few campers done this way.

@noregomez 2 жыл бұрын

In a less expensive way it would be a space cab F250/350 or RAM 2500/3500. Pros and cons you would get more GVM but also a much heavier truck, lose solid axle and the well known worldwide LR community. Heaps of torque would be nice tho, above 1000 lb-ft from factory in some configurations. Less expensive is arguable, as CR and AU have very high prices for brand new cars.

@peterreinhardt4658 2 жыл бұрын

Can You please set up and patreon account (or similar), where it is possible to pay into Your saving for such an endeavour. I'd love to follow Your dream camper build, and I'm ready to contribute to it ;-D

@outbacknomad9939 2 жыл бұрын

So wene do u start the conversion lol . Do them models still bolt together like the old ones .did a wagon to ute conversion on a series 2 about 28 years ago was basically like bolt together. I think your idea is great .

@bispal172 2 жыл бұрын

Hope it becomes reality

@bobw9297 2 жыл бұрын

Buy some loto tickets , they can make your dream come true ,,, eh

@israelsoriano6116 2 жыл бұрын

I'm always wondering where to store things on my little camper. Where do you keep your kayak?

@vicchen8093 2 жыл бұрын

Planning any seats for future kids?

@hermancedurand5491 2 жыл бұрын

Bonjour à vous deux, nous sommes tout juste en train de choisir notre cellule pour aller sur notre 4x4 et toutes les infos que vous donnez sont hyper intéressantes mais mon anglais ne me permet pas tjrs de tt comprendre quand ça devient un peu "technique".... est-ce que ce serait abusé de demander des petits sous-titres en français ? merci et bonne continuation !

@hank1527 2 жыл бұрын

Several questions: what are you using your 2nd row seats right now? Can you remove the seats and make storage out of it? Can your truck handle extra weights if you make your conversion? Finally, can The Outfit help you with your dream? 👍👍👍

@mogxplorer8788 2 жыл бұрын

Hi Leigh, thanks for sharing your thoughts. I swapped my Unimog U1300L to a smaller and lighter Unimog U100L Turbo a year ago and have now a tray of 290 x 190 cm to build our new offroad-camper. Just thinking of doing a similar design with two larger storage boxes right and left as well as behind the drivers cab to store the spare tire, tools and extra tank. Just out of curiosity: what is the tray length / width of your Defender? And what is the interior height of your camper with the roof lowered down? Greetings from Germany!

@gregsheridan 2 жыл бұрын

@MogXplorer I used to have a U100L Turbo. Always considered narrowing the tray to the cab width. It was 2100mm wide. The 2900mm length was great.

@alanedwards6491 2 жыл бұрын

Look at tommy camper slide on

@bertplank8011 2 жыл бұрын

Easier to get a bimobil AND a reliable vehicle....land cruiser or G wagon if youre loaded. If you put Steffi on the roof youd have even more room.....but her departure angle would probably be on a jet to France.

@chrisworsnop7805 2 жыл бұрын

Your picture is pretty good mate but the whole idea will never work, doesn’t matter how much money you spend, it will never go anywhere , it has no wheels 🤪

@boymeetsbush8232 2 жыл бұрын

How much will it cost? I am not a big fan of chopping 4x4.

@peterbullen3347 2 жыл бұрын

Hope I didn't violate the links policy? Just sent to inspire anyone looking for dream build. Ex military defenders are for sale now in Australia, pickles auctions, check them out,.

@RevN3 2 жыл бұрын

Don't Defenders come in a space cab? Or can you only get them in double and single cabs?

@grahameroberts8109 2 жыл бұрын

Do you carry one, or two, spare wheels and tyres?

@gdlerner 2 жыл бұрын

Your dream will cost you at least in Europe 60000€.I also wanted to convert my Defender 110 cut it and build a cabin and just let it go ...some dream stay dream they wanted from 60000€ to 100000€.I am keeping it with my pop up roof and spending the money for travel