Land Rover Defender. My Converted Off-Grid Vehicle for Outdoor Adventure. Poweroak AC50 Power Unit.
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- Опубліковано 1 вер 2020
- In this video, I present to you my chosen vehicle for outdoors adventure. My trusty (not so trusty) Land Rover Defender, converted for off grid vehicle based camping and a rugged work horse to get me and my gear across all terrains.
Old Land Rovers are not renowned for their reliability and this old girl is no acceptation. However, the beauty about the simple design and old time mechanical engineering, makes it ideal for overland adventure as it can easily be fixed in the field with just a few basic tools and a big hammer.
I have had several old Land Rovers over the years and I absolutely love them (when I’m not busy hating them). Once bitten, forever smitten.
It is a lot of fun, can go almost anywhere, has a huge payload, pulls like a train even with a heavy trailer in tow, and is robust.
I made a simple conversion to my Land Rover - some storage cupboards, a simple method of cooking, an off-grid power system and a comfortable place to sleep - it might not be all .
‘bells and whistles’ but it works for me.
The cost of the conversion was very low as I used cheap shuttering ply and recycled scaffold boards for the cupboard units, made handles from foraged twigs and used up-cycled materials wherever I could, even the worktops were made from a recycled table top.The lining carpet and adhesive was the most expensive material in the whole build.
I hope you enjoy the video.
Thanks for watching!
Links
Headlining carpet fabric
www.vanliningcarpet.co.uk/sho...
Ear Defenders
www.britishmilitarysurplus.co...
Haynes Manual Land Rover Defender
www.amazon.co.uk/Land-Rover-1...
Poweroak (Maxoak) Bluetti AC50 Solar Power Generator
UK
www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B08168PGXF
£40 off with code W8JHWNJV
US
www.amazon.com/dp/B07Z7BFRYX/
$42 off with code MAXOAK100
DE
www.amazon.de/dp/B07ZR9DQ45
€40 off with code POWEROAK5
Poweroak (Maxoak) Bluetti SP120 Solar Panel
UK
www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B08DY2DC5Z
£27 off with code AJV8KIVC
DE
www.amazon.de/dp/B08DXR7BRY
€30 off with code POWEROAK 21
Global
igg.me/at/ac200
OneTigris Tigersden Baker Tent
www.amazon.co.uk/OneTigris-TI...
Contact me at:
simonablokeinthewoods@gmail.com
Or by mail at:
Simon, a bloke in the woods
PO Box 384
Diss
Norfolk
IP22 9DB
UK
Facebook - Simon, a bloke in the woods
Simon-a-blok...
Instagram - simon_a_bloke_in_the_woods
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Music:
Crawdad Stomp. By John Kirsch
The Engagement By Silent Partner
Evening folks!
Thanks for watching. I have put a few links in the description box below the video if you are interested in some of the items I talked about in the video.
Take care and see you soon!
You people and your modern fancy luxury vehicles make me I'll.you big show off.coil springs .wind up windows instead of manly sliding ones . A turbo and you only need slam the door 3 times with one hand.. you be telling us you've got a warm heater and power steering next it's not on .then the wife tells me your a teacher my God no surprise there always had the flash cars them teachers..🤣🤣🤣🤣 top bloke just subbed
Sooo many great ideas here! I bought a minivan a while ago. Not quite a Land Rover, but #lifegoals, right?
I haven't made any permanent mods to it yet, but I have taken it out car camping and learned LOADS each time.
Thanks for sharing your all of your kit. Cheers
Pray tell. What is a
twisty thumbstick for?
@@__cypher__ : It is a walking stick, the thumb fits between the V shape at the top.
Living the dream. I'm one of those pay less of money to keep it going defender owners. What is a spanner? Still the best truck ever. Great vid. I'm shamelessly copying some of those ideas 👍
Other UA-camrs would have made a six month series on converting a Land Rover into a camper van, Simon makes a two minute time-lapse.
Nice work, as always, Simon. Hats off to your attention to detail.
Hahaha - thanks mate!
We had a land rover Disco called Dolly and me and my late husband had so much fun in her. The memories of the grandchildren loving it is very special.
That Hammock really is a Land Rover solution, for a Land Rover problem. This is a great setup.
never need to worry about parking on level ground with a hammock gravity is your gyro.
Wow way too easy just a person a bloke in the woods
Unless it's raining 😂
You say thanks for watching. I say it's a pleasure and thanks for making such fun and interesting videos. Cheers Simon!
My buddy was a Land Rover mechanic. He summed them up this way.
"Any British offroad vehicle is designed to spend more time being maintained than on the road, but God you've got to love them."
I most said ,you are an amazing human being , i personally enjoy every video you post. I have learn a lot on what to do in emergencies , feel relax with all the beautiful scenes you visit. Your wife and kids most be so proud of you. May God brings many BLESSING UPON YOU AND FAMILY. It is a privilege to see your channel.THANK YOU .
Landrover 110 served the Australian Army brilliantly for decades. Could go anywhere and universally loved by soldiers.
I drove my family from London to Capetown in 1972/73 in a 1972 series lll. Never a problem.
Brilliant video - thank you so much. It's so refreshing to watch a channel where you know that everything thst is done has a purpose and is done to be functional rather than for the showmanship or to show off. Thanks again - keep them coming!
My daughter is in love with the Land Rover. My dad had me holding wrenches before I could read. Every vehicle he owned he had to fix. It was like Murphy’s Law...at the worst possible time. That made me absolutely crazy. So, I’ve opted for a Tundra. It’s fine. It starts every time and all systems work, reminds me of my dad, that I love him and remember him with wonderful memories. Yeah, he’s gone. Texas
I love the sarcastic "why landrover".... Hahahah made me laugh.
Ive had my 96 defender 130 for 13 years and ive never needed to fix a thing. Its never let me down
The only thing I find even remotely odd about this channel is that Simon doesnt have 500,000 subs...great video!!!!
I was thinking 5 mill.. and he will just wait and see....
Thank you!!
Probably because most people don't know what a bloke is outside of the UK. Maybe they think it's a slang word for a tree or something. 😂😂
Okay maybe my profile picture is a little alarming but if mine is yours is also
Mine is based on a British author known as Michael moorcock picture of that is Elric of melnibone
You can build, you can sew, you can fix landrovers, is there anything you cant do, subscribing to this channel is a regret I will never have, thanks for the run thorugh of the old girl..
Haha I can relate to wearing the headphones when driving!! Great video, enjoyed that Simon.
Thanks Mike, helps only marginally with the tinnitus haha. The joys of owning a tractor!
Try wearing a motorcycle helmet, works wonders and gets you some second looks.
I've started wearing headphones sometimes to listen to podcasts. In a van its really hard to hear the phones speaker.
@@ronprince1478 A Balaclava get's more looks.
From Florida here and I never miss a video - this was amazing! LOVED IT!! Stay Safe! Say hi to Maggie!
It's interesting, Simon's reach goes far, I've seen bigger channels with more subs but they have fewer views, he's extremely popular, glad people in other countries are watching to 👍😎😎
You have to love a Land Rover even when they are being a pain. I had an ex-RAF series 3 in the late 80’s, great vehicle….until the gearbox went. In hindsight I should have hung on to it. I’ve had a Disco more recently, again great utility vehicle.
Simon is truly a jack of all trades💙
Love the hammock sleeping arrangement, the curtains and outdoor cooking!!👍😉🇨🇦
Love the not so subtle comedy at the start of the video. Brilliant stuff!
Very good conversion to the Land rover.
When you said 'thanks for watching' I started reading the comments. if you're not quick UA-cam starts playing the next video.Was only reading the comments I realised i'd missed the build and went back and watched til the end. Glad I did. Great build. Love your videos.
Just FYI...if you click on your picture icon to get in your account, then click settings, then scroll down and there is a toggle to turn on or off AUTOPLAY the next video. I have always had mine off, I like to decide when I’m watching the next one, lol.
Yes but sometimes you do and sometimes you don't.
My dad had an old red long wheel base Post Office one....until my mother eventually refused to travel in it, as he always chose it rather than his Range Rover. Oh boy, it certainly shook you up the track! Happy days, freezing feet.❤️🏴😷
My old series land rovers were like that - stiff leaf sprung suspension - almost threw you through the roof on every bump! 😂
Your films are so professional. Thankyou for all your hard work.
The love and hate for Land Rovers... Yes....🙄😏 And that sound and smell..... In the end I love them!
I bet Thomas can't wait to drive it. LOL Growing up my dad had a 1957 Jeep Willy's, I loved that hardy rust bucket. My stepmother hated it and made him park it in the woods to die :( . Then Pop (in 1984) got a 1985 Isuzu Trooper II. Ten years later, that was my first 4x4. My mate (funny, his name was Andy lol) had a 1962 LandRover. Lots of adventure!
What a sweet set up. Everything you need. Amazing work and ideas. Love it.
The commentary about owning a land rover had me spitting my drink. As a former LR technician and RRC owner i can relate.
Carpentry skill = epic
Excellent build Simon!
The thing that I like the most about your Land Rover is how you made a home out of it. The curtains, the back seat and of course your sleeping arrangements. And that you made it, you built it for your needs. I would think that it a beautiful place to take a nap in a rain shower. I little diesel heater would help in cooler weather. Cheers. Skillet
Love the inside hammock, hmmm something to do in my troopy 🤔👍
Love it … “Keep it Land Rover Simple”
I can appreciate your Land Rover. I had a 1970 Toyota FJ55 and it had many similar qualities.
Simon, what a perfect camper Land Rover. 👍
Hahaha! I know I'm in the States, but you just reminded me of my 2 brothers who have the same love/hate relationship with their own Land Rover Series 2's & 3's. One of them had a friend who said "That's not your truck, it's your Hobby!"
That is so true! 😂
With your wonderful videos Simon you have just made me proud to be British even though I'm American
Hahaha - thank you!
Simon, I lust over the old land rovers. Lucky you!
Wow. All I can say is just, 'wow'.
Only you Simon " a hammock van " what else could it be. Great.
It just had to be hahaha. 👍
@@simonablokeinthewoods I wonder if Simon will ever think he might like a tent on top of his Land Rover aswell. In that case he will probably build a trailer to take his canoe.
I am 100% going to enjoy this pre-liked video that I'm commenting on before the opening sequence is even complete.
Thanks for sharing these customisations and the challenges of maintaining a Landy!
I think you are a true gem brother.I really like your videos. Truly Superior to the huge amount of worthless videos on UA-cam.
As I'm very partial to a proper landrover,having owned a few series ones years ago, may I say nice job sir!,functional not flash,a very tidy useful outdoor accessory to complement all your outdoor adventures 👍🙂🏴
Simon, you are a very clever man. Man of many skills. Love the Landy 👍
the hammock is brilliant
Another classic episode showing your mobile HQ 😁👍
Oh! I ♥️Landrovers! My dad had ond of those when I grew up. Loved joining him on trips on bumpy roads, and most when we got stuck almost on top of a hill, bcause I knew we then had to try to reach the top again. - and he had to drive even faster 😄 Thanks for sharing!
Hahaaa, thanks for that. I'm clenching my kitchen chair at the thought!
Haha, and the careful reversing back down the hill to get a run up!! 😂
Funniest ever!! 😄
This evenings viewing has been, bald&bankrupt, salvage rebuilds uk, kent survival and simon a bloke in the woods. That is what I call quality, no wonder people don't watch tv any more
Thank you! 😁
Nice one Simon. Got to love a Land Rover. And admire anyone who's still sane who owns one.
😂😂😂
What a fine craftsman; including the video production too. No better way to drive over to Dover. I agree with your approach, completely. Thanks for the tour.
Dude! That's a sweet ride! Simple and versatile setup that's frugal but not cheap. No stupid tile or fake panelling. Just needs a winch bumper and an auxiliary heater.
Nice set up Simon. The hammock inside was genius.
Loved watching this, you get them for the drama that comes with running them, would not have it any other way.
A labor of love with skills at work. Awesome Simon.
That was great. Useful ideas I got from this. Hammock, catch to keep back door open,inward facing chair, portable power, back door mounted stove. Thanks.
This guy is the best. Wish he was my neighbor!
I love the fact you can't tell it's a conversion from the out side. The hammock is a great idea.
Loved that quick, 'cheeky', and cheap approach to a modded vehicle. A lot of it could be transferable in terms of a 'guerrilla conversion' of a van. The use of the hammock solves a lot of issues in regard to space in so many potential vehicles.
Enjoyed that .
Thanks Simon you didn't disappoint. Great to be shown around your Defender.
I have the same affliction as you with Old Land Rovers , love hate is very true (5th one now, can only manage a few years without one before the insanity returns)
I have watched this video 3 times now. 😀I like the curtain rail, that is one I need to copy.
Simon, I wouldn't normally post, your previous videos have been fantastic. But come on. That Land Rover is newly kitted out. Don't kid a kidda.
Awesome LR. Mine, 1958 S2 88" (SMR 892), 1973 S3 88", 1984 90 (C YJT 892) converted from 4cyl 5sp manual to V8 4sp auto, a 1994 LR Discovery and an ex-military 109 V8 FFR in New Zealand.
Your woodworking shop makes me jealous i would kill for it,another super video.
Love the hammock , that'd work good in my van.
Nice setup - like the hammock in the Landy - saves on space !
I have plans along similar lines. Love your therapy sessions... I mean content, Simon.
Good idea using thr cupboard door as a table. I might steel that idea for my campervan.
Your land rover looks good covered excellent job Simon well done nice one 👍👌
Very impressed, thats a good setup Simon. Functional and complete.
They really are great vehicles...brilliant mate! 👊🏻
I couldn't stop smiling for that entire video. Your Defender updates make my 17 year relationship with a Golf TDI seem a dalliance.
I used to make bespoke bulkheads for the series 3,4 and V8's! Great video I'm binge watching them all 👍
Great little set up. Love the hammock idea. The only problem with the Landrover is exactly as you say lots of work.
Love it! Im living in a 90 in the summer haha i know all about the struggle and the freedom it bring us!
Good no nonsense video Simon thanks for sharing your adventures and ideas with us.
Dave B. Thailand.
Love this. Simon, you are a great "do-it-yourselfer" and adventurer.
Wow SImon you are amazing..the LAndrover is my favorite too..this DEfender is lovely
Simon, while you were talking about the vehicle and showing the repairs, it sounded like a great advertisement for Land Rover. I was expecting to see a new model drive by you. Defenders are great vehicles, I have only been associated with the 90 but so much fun. Thanks for another awesome video.
I think the defender is one of those vehicles you love or hate. I spend every weekend working on mine. My partner asked when it will be finished 😂 😂 😂 she couldn't understand when I said never. Tinkering is half the fun and they take you anywhere you need to go. I like your hammock idea I think that will be installed in mine this weekend. Thanks for all the great content
Love it! Especially the hammock idea too
Love the time lapes! Watching you use a saw at that speed is a little unnerving but very cool segment.
the joys of Landrover maintenance.....if you want to go somewhere, buy a Landrover. If you want to get back, buy a HiLux. Nice video, as always, Simon.
😂😂😂👍👍👍
Cheers Simon. Second vid. Off to check out that bug out bag.
My father used to be an mod vehicle inspector working at the land rover plant, on school holidays I used to eagerly wait for him to pop home and take me for a drive. I particularly liked the forward can design vehicles. Years later,in the military, I was driving these vehicles all over the place. Great wagons. :)
Your contraption reminds me of my 66 International Scout. A wonredful rig. The take off list was tool box, keys, then drivers licence ; oh , and back then we had our pocket note books with the #'s of our friends. Some times we didn't want to hear from one another when the phone on the wall rang but when it did we moved our feet. Mine had a small solar panel to keep the battery up after about 85 . Didn't have any of this other fopharah . The rear bumper was made from 6" well casing and was an air tank holding 120 lb.s upon pulling out. We made a lot of dust here in the mtn.s of W. Montana. I gave it to the son of a frienf . He likes it.
Really liked this episode. Hope you include your Land Rover in more vids.
Nice rig Simon. Loved the Hammock inside 👍
That sure is wild music at the opening scene. Yep. Depicting typical Landrover heavy bush tracks and engineering comfort and those who never experienced that, let me reassure you, there is nothing, repeat, nothing to compare. But, Simon, you have a very unique and luxurious Landrover "Ausstattung". - conflicting terminology but oh so nice! Very enviable but practically, absolutely indispensable. Bravo and thankyou for giving the humble workhorse and Battlezone, a well deserved "makeover" and sharing with us - me, Another Landrover fan.( In it's appropriate environment) - Roughing it! (Ouch, ouch. - those bumps!) Better slow down a bit!
A lot of work, but looks well worth it. Brilliant!
Thanks for the tour. Innovative, and skillful craftsmanship, to be sure. Stay well & safe...Cheers.
Great idea with the hammock. Have not seen anyone else think of that. Best. PEK.
Just spent four nights in my 109 on a trip to Wales ( 850 miles ) I didn’t want any permanent sleeping conversion so had a 18 mm ply board strapped down at tub top height behind me. Bedding on top stove spare wheel etc below. It was hinged across the vehicle so I could swing over the back bit of the bed, leaving three feet by the rear door free and placed another hinged boardfrom the front of the tub to the bulkhead shelf ( series 2) so my head was next to the passenger window. After driving around 170 miles a day I slept bloody well. When it was folded the stove could sit on it and you had room to cook. Excellent video of yours, less is more , certainly. Always interesting to see a likeminded approach, always stuff to learn from or copy a bit. Top marks sir
Best UA-cam video I’ve watched in months. 👍
Thank you Richard!
Another great video. I have a Defender DCPU and wouldn't change it for the world.
Simon, I loved the video. Now if I could only pack my motorcycle with all that gear.
Love this! Great to see the Landrover from the inside. Now I want one, too ;)
That is probably the best set up Land Rover I have ever seen !
I've had a few friends that owned them and they were always saying how versatile they are and that they can be set up well for al kinds of uses but nobody that I know ever did more than use them as 4 wheel drive vans.
I really liked the little montage at the end that shows quite a bit of the work you have done to it but it was running way too fast, luckily YT gives the option to slow it down and at 1/4 speed it is much easier to follow. I particularly like the use of natural bent sticks from the hedgerow which you used as handles, nice touch !
Thanks Ian. 👍
Most American thing I have seen you do. Great work on your rig!
Great job on fixing up your land rover. Your smarter than the average bear my friend. You take care and I look forward to your next video. 🇺🇸👍👍🔥🌲🔪
It's all so perfect!
Loved it. Tried to watch this before. Hope you and Andy had a Great trip.