Will this work?
 

Hi everyone,
I'm an overland newbie, but I've done plenty of looking around, and have a good idea of what I'd like for an overland camper. Basically, I'd like to convert an ex-MOD defender 110 hard top to a dormobile type jobbie - dormobile roof, fold out bed, kitchen inside ect. I was just wondering if anyone can see any major pitfalls I've missed which might make this a less than ideal vehicle? I can't seem to find many other people who've done anything similar, which makes me feel I've missed a big ol' flaw in the plan.
Many thanks,
Bryn

Try googling landrover dormobile, or defender dormobile, should bring up quite a few , and also there are plenty with raising roofs as well . As long as you inspect and prepare(service/overhaul) the vehicle well its should prove eminantly suitable . Africa Overland .org should give you more info on similar vehicles on journeys , plus those you will find on here and links , hope thats put your mind at rest :thumbup1:

Thanks, I think I've found most of the ones I like the look of on there. I plan to do a good prep on the vehicle, getting it serviced properly ect. I haven't found any dormobiles on africaoverland, must look harder! The only problem that I can't seem to find a way around is storage, although hopefully that'll just force me to buy/bring less crap!
Many thanks,
Bryn

Roaming Yak, aka Darrin, on here, has an ex military 110 hard top.

He swapped the 2.5 NA engine for a 200Tdi, painted it a light shade of green, and fitted the inside out for living accomodation.

don't think he's had a dormobile conversion though.

I have fitted a dormobile to a 1995 defender csw. Its not difficult so long as you can fabricate and work around things.
H

Hi Bryn I see your just down the road from me, welcome to the hubb.!

converting the 110 is relativley straightforward from a dormabile top to a pop top and there are plenty of companies doing it.

the LR110 is a good base as your basically dealing with a box, there are lots of different ways of outfitting the rear, from basic storage boxes to modular ally components that hold everything from a toilet to a sink, you could even adapt some of the units from a VW camper, it's your imagination or abillity thats the factor.

I saw a company on Ebay advertising Pop top conversions the were based in north wales.

regards
Gren

Have a look at Westfalia James Cook "Klassik" MB 310 D / Servo / ABS als Kastenwagen in Nussloch ( Bei Heidelberg )
and see what you can get with a diff locked (diffsperre) Merc 310D. With the diff lock they go most places any of the muddy road 4x4x will go and maybe more in the right hands.

Thanks for the advice everyone, can't wait to get started now! :D lotta work to do :D

Gren, hi, what are those vehicles the interiors of? my plan is fairly similar to the second one :)

RogerM, that is an awesome vehicle, sadly the missus is very against large vehicles :( (I was originally planning a unimog conversion)

Many thanks everyone!

Not a big vehicle, only 5.1m in length and about 2m wide, approx same size as an Landrover 110, Opel or Ford station wagon. Height is 3.1m which only restricts you occasionally.

Hi Bryn sorry for the delay in replying .. been away.!

They were toyota's taken at the Alrad show in germany, its on again in early june great place to plagerise--err i mean get ideas.!:innocent:
sorry did not take any of the LR interiors .. i have one of those :thumbup1:

below are the exteriors of the previous pics, both the interiors feature individual modular aluminium boxes to give storage & provide cooking, sink and also a toilet.!

I think i have the manufactures name somewhere, i'll check when i'm home if I remember.


regards

Gren

Something to consider is height with regard to shipping

A standard 20' container has a door height of 7'6" the next limit is a high cube 40' which has a door height of 8'5" after that you have to flatrack or ro-ro which are a lot less secure , and ro-ro usually means high prob of losing property . A 20 container is more available, as you dont have to part load , so more convenient . Cost wise it can be either way with 20 or 40 . HTSH

Take a look at this one

Defender 110 Dormobile Camper

He ran this on quite a few trips before swapping to a 127

good point on the height thing, if you can keep low do!

there are always a few examples to be seen at the various lr shows, be sure to look in the car parks and camping areas!