Land Rover Defender. My Converted Off-Grid Vehicle for Outdoor Adventure. Poweroak AC50 Power Unit.
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- Опубликовано: 1 сен 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 👍
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.
Other RUclipsrs 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!
Landrover 110 served the Australian Army brilliantly for decades. Could go anywhere and universally loved by soldiers.
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
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."
You say thanks for watching. I say it's a pleasure and thanks for making such fun and interesting videos. Cheers Simon!
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 .
I drove my family from London to Capetown in 1972/73 in a 1972 series lll. Never a problem.
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 😂
Ive had my 96 defender 130 for 13 years and ive never needed to fix a thing. Its never let me down
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!
The love and hate for Land Rovers... Yes....🙄😏 And that sound and smell..... In the end I love them!
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.
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.
Love the not so subtle comedy at the start of the video. Brilliant stuff!
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!
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 👍😎😎
I love the sarcastic "why landrover".... Hahahah made me laugh.
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..
Love the hammock sleeping arrangement, the curtains and outdoor cooking!!👍😉🇨🇦
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
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
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.
Simon is truly a jack of all trades💙
I think you are a true gem brother.I really like your videos. Truly Superior to the huge amount of worthless videos on RUclips.
Very good conversion to the 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! 😂
What a sweet set up. Everything you need. Amazing work and ideas. Love it.
Love it … “Keep it Land Rover Simple”
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.
😂😂😂👍👍👍
With your wonderful videos Simon you have just made me proud to be British even though I'm American
Hahaha - thank you!
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.
Wow. All I can say is just, 'wow'.
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! 😁
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!
Nice one Simon. Got to love a Land Rover. And admire anyone who's still sane who owns one.
😂😂😂
I can appreciate your Land Rover. I had a 1970 Toyota FJ55 and it had many similar qualities.
Simon, you are a very clever man. Man of many skills. Love the Landy 👍
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
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.
Simon, what a perfect camper Land Rover. 👍
Love the inside hammock, hmmm something to do in my troopy 🤔👍
When you said 'thanks for watching' I started reading the comments. if you're not quick RUclips 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.
Thanks for sharing these customisations and the challenges of maintaining a Landy!
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.
Welll.... to each his/her own. I’ve admired the Land Rovers for decades but . My first 4-wheel drive vehicle was a Toyota Land Cruiser FJ40, bought new in 1967. The ONLY thing besides routine maintenance ever done to the vehicle was a 15 minute trip under the hood to put in high-altitude jets in the carb. Put on 310,000 miles/499,000km, of mixed highway and off road miles, finally traded it for a sedan due to having a wife and child to transport more comfortably. I take it back; I did lift the fiberglass roof and replace the rubber gaskets to keep things watertight at 190,000 miles/306,000km. Loved the “iconic British engineering” of the LR, but in the western parts of the US, it’s entirely possible to be four wheeling in the mountains where the closest paved road is 50 miles away, the closest town a hundred or more. Another great bit of video production, thanks as always. Great outfitting.
Loved watching this, you get them for the drama that comes with running them, would not have it any other way.
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. 🇺🇸👍👍🔥🌲🔪
This guy is the best. Wish he was my neighbor!
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.
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 RUclips video I’ve watched in months. 👍
Thank you Richard!
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!
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.
the hammock is brilliant
Love it! Im living in a 90 in the summer haha i know all about the struggle and the freedom it bring us!
Having owned a beautiful (well in my eyes anyway) 1968 Series 2A 21/4 petrol 88 with a tropical roof and a 1978 Series 3 109 diesel I too love a landy and hate them in equal measure! Many years ago after taking the 109 to Sainsbury's my wife returned knackered after trying to park in a tight space and said now here's the deal - either that bloody land rover goes and you get me a proper car that doesn't rain on the inside and I can park without arms like Popeye or I go ....
Sometimes I really miss her :)
Actually, she was right, we ditched the landy and because we couldn't afford a Disco or a Defender back then we went the proper car route ..... Still dream of doing what you've done though, love the videos. All the best from South West France
A labor of love with skills at work. Awesome Simon.
Your woodworking shop makes me jealous i would kill for it,another super video.
Nice set up Simon. The hammock inside was genius.
Great little set up. Love the hammock idea. The only problem with the Landrover is exactly as you say lots of work.
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!! 😄
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.
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.
Hi Simon! I watched your video twice in a row. That's a first for me.. Simon the most practical bloke in the woods - ATB Marc - Belgium
Simon, I lust over the old land rovers. Lucky you!
Awesome video. Thanks Simon! The perfect zombie apocalypse battle wagon. All you need are the guns and rocket launcher. Seriously though, great job and great video. Thank you for the hard work and good information.
I couldn't stop smiling for that entire video. Your Defender updates make my 17 year relationship with a Golf TDI seem a dalliance.
Great video as ever, The Defender is the perfect vehicle to experience the great outdoors as most of the time the great outdoors is coming in through the roof ,the floor and the doors😁
Keep up the good work fella
No cellar in the Land? Wine, beer,....😁🤙
😂😂
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 👍🙂🏴
Hi Simmon,
Brilliant vid, I'm building a Defender trailer to go with the 90, you have just solved all my power issues, fantastic, thank you. I'm not an election and the poweroak solves everything. Love the hammock as well. Slamming doors is a way of life 😂😂
Wow SImon you are amazing..the LAndrover is my favorite too..this DEfender is lovely
I used to make bespoke bulkheads for the series 3,4 and V8's! Great video I'm binge watching them all 👍
Go go gadget Simon! You deliver a lot of content that shares your ingenious tinkers and creations. Very enjoyable watch again man! Cheers, John.
Most American thing I have seen you do. Great work on your rig!
Another great video. I have a Defender DCPU and wouldn't change it for the world.
Love watching your videos here in South Carolina.
Awesome vehicle! Part of the enjoyment comes from tinkering on something you love and keeping it running . From looks of it you certainly love your Land Rover. Thanks for all the effort you put forth in making your videos..really enjoy them!
Thanks Michael!
Good no nonsense video Simon thanks for sharing your adventures and ideas with us.
Dave B. Thailand.
Nice setup - like the hammock in the Landy - saves on space !
Love the time lapes! Watching you use a saw at that speed is a little unnerving but very cool segment.
Don't you just love the air conditioning on that Land Rover? No wonder the Japanese 4x4s became the vehicles of choice!!! 😀
A lot of work, but looks well worth it. Brilliant!
Brilliant! Love the defenders. It looks as though Andy has some catching up with his vehicle.
I am 100% going to enjoy this pre-liked video that I'm commenting on before the opening sequence is even complete.
Very impressed, thats a good setup Simon. Functional and complete.
Handsome cameo appearance!
😉 hahaha.
Wow, using that $200 One Tigres tent replaces both a $300 awning and a $1000 roof top tent, all while not being totally vehicle dependent, takes up less room when stored, and also could even be made at home. Well done, I'm definitely stealing that setup idea for my own Jeep!
I hadn’t thought about that -big saving!! 👍
Great and fun video. I especially loved the vehicle description between 2:12 to 2:45!🚙 You have such clever projects. Your designs and craftsmanship are superb.
Another classic episode showing your mobile HQ 😁👍
Love this! Great to see the Landrover from the inside. Now I want one, too ;)
Not being mechanically gifted I'd have to be the bloke that pays someone to fix it 🤣. Absolutely love what you've done though
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.
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. :)
They really are great vehicles...brilliant mate! 👊🏻
Good idea using thr cupboard door as a table. I might steel that idea for my campervan.
Love the hammock , that'd work good in my van.
That would be the perfect vehicle for the forest service roads in Washington State