Defender 110 width

[pwc]

My truck is currently in the shop and I'm having trouble getting an accurate measurement. What I'm looking for is the width between the roof gutters. Not the absolute width (which I think include the wheel flares), but just how wide a rack would be if mounted directly to the roof gutters instead of the safety cage.

thanks!

[gjackson]

I can let you know when I get back to Colorado at the end of the week unless someone else get there first.

cheers

[Andrew Walcker]

On my 97 D-90 it appears to be about 55 inches from middle of gutter to middle of gutter, mind you it's night, freezing cold, windy, and I'm in my PJs perched on my rack with a tape measure:confused:

[Z O O R O P A]

Are you thinking the safet devices full length? I'd go with Rovers North before that

no worries pwc, its a Rover, it'll be in the shop again as soon as you can afford it! :Mechanic:

[pwc]

Andrew, thanks for the fortitude!! 55" would mean the best Eezi-Awn tent would be a 1400. Hmpph. I was hoping the 1600 would work as that makes it easier for 3 people to sleep (especially when one is a 5 year old who thrashes around a lot).
Currently I'm not thinking of a full rack, just mounting either directly to the cage or to singular gutter mounts.

[Andrew Walcker]

PWC, I went up against the same thing w/my rig. Being in a 90 w/ three little kids I went the Adventure Trailer w/ Tent on top of the trailer route. If I had decided to put the tent on top of the Defender, I had it worked out in my mind to remove the Safety Devices basket and fabricate cross bars that tied the front bars into the rear ladder and than mount the tent to the cross bars. I have seen a set-up on D-90 Source where somone cut a side out of the SD basket so that the tent could open to the side. It wasn't my cup-of-tea and I've seen how much $$$ the SD baskets go for:confused: Good luck!

[Andrew Walcker]

PWC-
OK, I feel like a complete bisquit :smilies27 ! Upon having my wife help hold one end of the tape, it isn't as cold tonight, the wind is not blowing and I'm not in my PJs and magically my Defender has increased in beam to 57.5" wide from rain gutter to rain gutter. Sorry for the bad information last night, but at least it's getting wider and not narrower! Hopefully that will get you to the 1600.

[pwc]

LOL!! Never trust a man in his PJs, I always say. :wings:

57" makes it the perfect width for a 1400, which is 57" wide according to the pages. the 1600 is 6" more. Maybe I'll try blocking off 6" of our queen sized bed and see how that works one morning. Or I could possibly have my daughter sleep side ways along the top (front) of the tent and my wife and I can fit on the rear 6.25'. That might work. Just gotta come up with some simple way to stop my daughter from flailing over and knocking us both in the head.

As much as I'd like a trailer, it's not in the cards this year.

EDIT: and not to be outdone in the inability to measure things accurately, our queen bed is only 60" wide, so the 1400 is only 3" less than that. That's entirely doable in either configuration. Ahhh....I can sleep well now. thanks again!

[Dmarchand]

PWC, I went up against the same thing w/my rig. Being in a 90 w/ three little kids I went the Adventure Trailer w/ Tent on top of the trailer route. If I had decided to put the tent on top of the Defender, I had it worked out in my mind to remove the Safety Devices basket and fabricate cross bars that tied the front bars into the rear ladder and than mount the tent to the cross bars. I have seen a set-up on D-90 Source where somone cut a side out of the SD basket so that the tent could open to the side. It wasn't my cup-of-tea and I've seen how much $$$ the SD baskets go for:confused: Good luck!

Let's see some pics of the trailer!

I went the route of having a separate basket made up that accomodates the tent and awning. Tent opens up the front and I can move the awning o either side or buy another and have both sides covered. The nice thing about the new basket is it has a standing platform of 5-bar aluminum by the ladder so you can pack, unpack or hang out up there. Makes a nice pee platform at night too.
http://i5.pbase.com/u18/dmarchand/large/43088778.IMG_0486.jpg
http://k43.pbase.com/v3/67/467967/2/47404625.RooftoptentsatOuray.jpg
http://i5.pbase.com/v3/67/467967/2/47404627.SnowatEngineerPass.jpg

Wish I had an Eezi awn though.

[gcec-uk]

A 1.4m tent is the widest you would went to put on a Defender. If you need the space of a 1.6m, mount it sideways at the front of the vehicle so it deploys over the passenger door. If you were to get a Hannibal tent with the All Weather/Jumbo kit you'll also benefit from a fully enclosed 1.6m x 2.2m room under the tent.

I have a Defender 110 with a 1.4m mounted in this way. I put two in the tent at night, and two (when necessary) on cots in the enclosure. Added bonus is when we sit down to breakfast one cot converts to a table, one becomes a bench. Aadd two chairs and everyone stays dry at breakfast :)

[pwc]

Steve and Dave, thanks!

I plan to put it out the back as I'll be getting a T-Top most likely. It sounds the same as the jumbo addition for the Hannibal and I'd like it for the same reasons you note. However we won't be bringing cots as those dang, clunky, space hogs are one thing I want to get rid of (my wife and daughter use one, I don't).

I do plan to make some kind of platform for the front like you did, Dave, as a patio and photo platform.

[Dmarchand]

Sounds like a great plan Peter. Having the tent further back will make the 110 drive less like a toaster. Any strong gust of wind at highway speed and the 90 is all over the place.

[Andrew Walcker]

David-

Great looking set-up! Really like the position of your tent in realtion to how it sits closer to the front of the vehicle and am jealous of your spacious porch out back! You went the right route by making a new basket for the tent instead of trying to get it to sit in or on top of the SD basket. Did you notice much difference after installing the tent with the CG? Are you still running the rear anti-sway bar?

Actually, my trailer was a Christmas present and the only pictures I could post would be it sitting in the driveway. I'm taking it out at the end of the month for her inagural voyage and will than post some action shots!:jumping:

[Andrew Walcker]

David-

Not to high-jack the thread, but what's up with the forward gas filler opening? Obviously you are running dual gas tanks, or maybe that is a water tank? Really cleanly done as it appears to be the stock opening and matches the rear gas filler opening perfectly.

[pwc]

And what's the address for the pictures of your 2.8 install? I can't find it and have a need for pictures. :)

[Andrew Walcker]

2.8 under the bonnet:Wow1: I think we need a thread for David's 90:coffee:

[Dmarchand]

Thanks Fellas. Peter, here it is:http://www.pbase.com/dmarchand/28tdi_and_restoration Or just pbase/dmarchand. Did you need some info? Can't wait to see your finished project!

Adam, driveway pics are just as good! Thanks for the compliments. The COG has definitely changed. But I attirbute it more to the 3 inch lift, no sway bars and SG 3 link. The weight up top only further contributes to it. No matter what, adding 100+ pounds up there changes your COG for the worse. You just have to change your driving style and remain cautious (I don't feel abashed about taking the strap to the roll cage to stay upright (or dampen the pucker factor)). Anyway, I'm keen on the whole trailer thing as I see it being best of both worlds.

The forward tank is my aux fuel tank. It is a custom aluminum tank that is plumbed into the main tank. It doesn't cut into the seatbox in any way. I might have a few pics of it close up. It is a real piece of work.

[gjackson]

Dmarchand,

Very cool pics of your 2.8 install. Thanks for sharing! How's the galvanized chassis holding up?

cheers

[Dmarchand]

Thanks Graham, the chassis seems to be just great. I'm currently working on a galvy bulkhead to swap out next winter. Given the high salt and damp content in the northeast, I'm trying to go all galvy on anything I can. I feel it is worth the extra trouble.

Now Peter needs to share some more pics of his install... :bike_rider:

[pwc]

Hello???? there's a link in my sig line. :) I know, you already found it and there aren't a lot of pictures there. B ut I did update it yesterday to include the fact that it has been shipped off to a good mechanic to be finished. I just ran out of time (how you can run out of time after a year, I'm not sure) and would rather have my weekends free to enjoy life.

We had a problem with bad drips when we went to put it in. So the last work party mostly involved pulling everything back out, removing the tranny and finding that the adapter plate had just barely pushed against the oil pan enough to break the seal and let oil come out ever so slowly. It was rather comical at first because we didn't find the drip until we had the motor sitting on its mounts in the truck. We feared that anything, even a new non rover engine, put into a rover would make it leak. :) But alas, we got it back in.

the straw that broke the camel's back was the power going out shortly after midnight as the engine was tipped in and 2 inches from the mounts. That was about the 5 full day of power being out this winter and the garage was cold. we're wimps. the next day we got it mounted and hooked some other stuff up then called a truck and had it rolled to the garage.

Besides the blog below that has a few photos, some pictures of the install day back in December can be found at http://thecareyadventures.com/2006-engine1/index.htm .

And thanks again for the photos. I've sent them to the garage to help out with any questions about how to route things.

[Dmarchand]

Peter, good call. Sometimes a project like that owns too much of your time. Especially with family and more important things. I feel that way about my dash rewire and compressor install at the moment. My interior has been disassembled in the garage for months.

I'll take a look at the new pics. Can't wait to see the finish product. Sounds like you have had a heck of a time. Always feels like you are inventing the curve with these...

I may have asked already. Have you figured out your cooling and intercooler setup? That had been my most difficult issue to date.

[pwc]

I went with the HD unit from M&D. I know some Caly people mention problems here and there, but I'll give it a try for my uses and see how it works (since it's already here). I might also see about tying in the engine oil cooler to the spare nipple on the radiator. I think there's one anyway. I bought pyro to be installed to keep an eye on it and see how it goes. We make some trip East of the mountains and things can get hot so....
I might see if I can fit in a switch to kick on the AC fans up front without the AC being on as a first step.

[pwc]

And as to those who helped with the measurements, I have put in an order for an Eezi-Awn T-Top 1400. I'll either get it Wednesday (to the shop where the truck is) or pick it up if I can swing a trip to Utah. Depending on when the 110 is ready, it might get it's first use on a Suburban. :smileeek:

[Dmarchand]

I went with the HD unit from M&D. I know some Caly people mention problems here and there, but I'll give it a try for my uses and see how it works (since it's already here). I might also see about tying in the engine oil cooler to the spare nipple on the radiator. I think there's one anyway. I bought pyro to be installed to keep an eye on it and see how it goes. We make some trip East of the mountains and things can get hot so....
I might see if I can fit in a switch to kick on the AC fans up front without the AC being on as a first step.


I'll be interested to see/hear your experience. I went with the HD unit too and still had problems. I attribute more to the ZF than the engine. I highly recommend cooling the oil no matter what. Even with tweaking the pump, I haven't had issues with EGT's. All my issues came from cooling. The AC fan idea is a good one. Never thought of that.

[pwc]

When you say problems, do you mean with the water temp? (as you mention EGT hasn't been a problem)

The M&D kit came with a T for the engine oil coller to connect to the line to the coolant expansion tank. That's a lot of 'to's in one sentence. Pendy suggested connecting that instead directly to the unused nipple on the radiator itself to help with engine temps some.

I also have a new intercooler for the transmission (ZF as well) and hope that never becomes a problem, which it shouldn't.

I also wonder if these numbers (http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=3831&highlight=intake)work out, a snorkel may be of some help, not sure in the summer though.

I also wonder how much the cooler for the AC hinders things. Obviously if the coolant temps start rising I'd shut off the AC to stop moving hot fluid in front of the radiator, but it would be cool to keep those fans going.

I'm lastly considering, if this becomes a problem, of just putting the radiator on the roof like some have. In a tastefull way. Throw a fan on it hooked to a solar panel (if it's REALLY hot out, the sun is shining) for when you're not crusiging the highway and be done with it.

But maybe I'm putting the cart before the horse. Maybe I just need to run the heater while climbing long grades like we had to when I was a kid in my parents' station wagon. I'd laugh if that does the trick.

[Dmarchand]

I should have clarified. It was water temps. And I'm definitely familiar with driving in the summer with the heat on, I had to do it many time initially. I'm sure Pendy can give you his insight into it.

[Andrew Walcker]

Couldn't bring myself to submit a driveway photo of the AT w/ the Eezi-Awn. Here it is in Northern Death Valley this weekend on it's maiden voyage!:smiley_drive:

[pwc]

That right thar is a nice site.

[gjackson]

Wait! What's with the 'V8' decals!!!!????

:REExeSquatsHL1:

cheers

[Dmarchand]

Very nice rig. Love the trailer as well. Let's see some more shots!

Are you towing off of a modified hitch? Looks like you have the scorpion step bumperettes so I'm assuming so. How did you find it with towing off of that mount? I've always been curious with mine. Just never had the opportunity to tow (yet).

[Andrew Walcker]

Thanks for the compliments!

gjackson, you know the saying about, "Run what you brung" and the Wee8was in there from the factory. Anyways, that is what I keep telling myself to avoid Diesel envy...

Dmarchand, the bumperettes are from $G. I have the passengers side modified to tie the bottom of the tire carrier into the rear cross-member. The hitch is the $G one that bolts to the rear cross-member. Mario at Adventure Trailers hooked up the trailer with a 14" extension bar to move the trailer back away from the spare tire and cans. The set-up is seamless. I put about 5 hours of freeway driving and at least that much through the desert. I barely noticed the difference and the trailer works better than I could have hoped!!!:victory: I was very nervous about going w/ a trailer and it actually took about a year and a half to pull the trigger:REOutShootinghunter , but I couldn't be happier after this weekend! I'll post some more pics this evening.

[Andrew Walcker]

Well, amazingly I don't really have any other pics of the AT in action, I guess a good excue to take it back out camping! Anyways, here are a couple of pics of just my 90 from this weekend. The area is near the Minieta Cabin (sp?) and also near Defense Mine in Death Valley.

[Andrew Walcker]

Found a couple more pics of the ATs, enjoy!

[Dmarchand]

Looks awesome. I would love to see the trailer in "camp" mode.

Kudos on keeping a clean truck. Not many people seem to like to do that... I get grief all of the time here.

[gjackson]

Wow, I really like your jerry can holders. Did you fab those up yourself? Looks like a great solution. The $G mounts (strap) works, but sure isn't ideal.

Got any more detailed shots of the rack with no cans?

cheers

[pwc]

And do yo really use the ladder on the passenger side much?

[Andrew Walcker]

I'll take some pics this weekend in camp mode.

The jerry can holder is a modified EE holder that is bolted to the $G rear tire carrier. I'll take some close up pics and post them as well. Really works pretty good and is an easy modification. The stock $G set-up assumes you can somehow keep two loaded cans in place w/ a ratchet strap? I was never smart enought to figure that one out, so went this route instead.

Hell, I barely use the driver's side ladder, I send my kids up there if I need anything:cool: I actually caught my six year old climbing out the drivers side window and swinging himself up into the basket the other day! Who needs ladders anyways:D

[gjackson]

The stock $G set-up assumes you can somehow keep two loaded cans in place w/ a ratchet strap?

You can and it does work, but isn't the best solution. You have to cross the strap at the back to get a good pull on the rack strap points. I also found you have to face the cans towards the truck. That works better to protect the spouts anyhow.

But I think your way is better. Much better!

cheers

[FourByLand]

Andrew,

Nice set-up, looks very well balanced and thought out.

:26_7_2:

[Andrew Walcker]

Sorry it's taken so long, but here are some shots of it in camp mode in the driveway. Everytime I tinker with the Adventure Trailer I'm amazed at how well built and thought out the whole thing is:bowdown:

[Andrew Walcker]

Graham-

After looking at these pics I need to take some better shots. I'm actually in the process of shifting the can holder a quarter inch to the left to clear the spare tire and wll post some pics when it's wrapped up.

Fourbyland, thanks for the compliment!

[gjackson]

Andrew,

Sweet! Thanks for the pics. That gives me some ideas on what to do with mine. And yes, please post pics when you change it!

cheers

[Andrew Walcker]

Graham-

Picture of the top where the latch and lock is located.