Best mods for long distance motorway drives in a defender?

Or looking at this more rationally.

People travelled 1000's of miles in Series Land Rovers


Exploring Africa, Australia, Asia, South America and other parts of the world. Often or usually on un-paved roads and extreme heat or cold.

They managed fine.

So a trundle across the UK on tarmac roads in a Defender really shouldn't be any bother at all.

If you're looking to have an overnight break, consider Tebay services, which has it's own campsite and is a nice place - good food.

My old lightweight had a 2.25 diesel in it and drove all the way to Aberdeen from Gloucestershire with no issues, as said before take your time with plenty of stops on the way. Enjoy and have fun.

300bhp/ton said:

Or looking at this more rationally.

People travelled 1000's of miles in Series Land Rovers

Exploring Africa, Australia, Asia, South America and other parts of the world. Often or usually on un-paved roads and extreme heat or cold.

They managed fine.

So a trundle across the UK on tarmac roads in a Defender really shouldn't be any bother at all.

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But they had breaks pulling jeeps out of the mud

oh and i dont have a stereo......

For long journeys,
A Jerry can of diesel.
A tub of oil.
Bottle of coolant.
Small tool kit.
Lots of coffee and fill the back with peanut m&m's
Mike

Did Cumbria to Brittany return last year in a 2.5TD 110 with 4 kids aged 4-7 in the back, no sound proofing, no stereo and a roof rack fully loaded for 3 weeks camping. All was fine with plenty of stops.
Taking the same to Switzerland this year!
Devon to western isles in a TD5 should be a walk in the park.
Just make sure the basics are well maintained and working before you set off.

lightning said:

I guess that compared to a canvas roof non-soundproofed 200tdi, our 2005 TD5 CSW is going to be fairly refined.

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Compared to older defenders a wheel barrow on a cobbled street is refined

Skinny Mike said:

For long journeys,
A Jerry can of diesel.
A tub of oil.
Bottle of coolant.
Small tool kit.
Lots of coffee and fill the back with peanut m&m's
Mike

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Peanut m&m's they make anything bearable

As for where to go, my choice would be to travel around a bit on Skye and then take the Uig ferry to Lochmaddy and then spend a couple of days up and down the Uists and Benbecula. Then the Ferry from Berneray to Leverburgh for a couple of days on Harris and Lewis and then the ferry from Stornoway to Ullapool.

Patience and a relaxed attitude. Find the cars speed sweet spot and just relax. CB radios can make travelling in convoy fun too.

We regularly do long trips. Take it easy and enjoy the journey.

Share the driving if you can, and go for a kip when you're tired.

Fit a cruise control to the TD5. A fairly easy DIY job for the home tinkerer. Cost under £10 in bits from Maplins. I fitted one to my last TD5 and it worked a treat, and gives your right foot a rest.

My original 2 litre, 1954 Series I used to take me from Halifax to Glasgow and back twice a week for 3 tears, and she never missed a beat, so why worry?

Oldseadog said:

My original 2 litre, 1954 Series I used to take me from Halifax to Glasgow and back twice a week for 3 tears, and she never missed a beat, so why worry?

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Tears?
We all know a series or defender is quite capable of the journey, I think we we are just trying as he asks to make life more bearable. we don't know if the trip includes the ladies, if it does keeping them happy and comfortable would definately be required for a pleasant trip!!

TheQ said:

Tears?
We all know a series or defender is quite capable of the journey, I think we we are just trying as he asks to make life more bearable. we don't know if the trip includes the ladies, if it does keeping them happy and comfortable would definately be required for a pleasant trip!!

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Defo, you wouldn't have been able to convince my other half to drive to Portugal in my 90 in standard form!

Yes, defenders are capable of going long distances, but why not make them more comfortable so you can actually enjoy the journey? I have problems with my back and wouldn't have go 20 miles on the standard defender seats

Thanks for all the great advice guys I should have probably mentioned earlier that my girlfriend is comibg with me! Sadly I'm in the 200 while my friend and his girlfriend are in the td5! Both girls are fairly new to land rover life and while I'm sure the outer hebrides will more than convince them, the journey may well leave a bitter taste so I'm trying to make it as comfortable and enjoyable as I can!

Scatter cushions and scented candles?

zeaphod said:

Scatter cushions and scented candles?

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Unfortunately, You will not be able to hear the "sounds of the forest" soundtrack due to the 200tdi rattling away.

Cheers