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My D4 “Overland” Project
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ronp
 


Member Since: 29 Nov 2006
Location: North Yorkshire
Posts: 15208

United Kingdom 2014 Discovery 4 3.0 SDV6 HSE Auto Corris GreyDiscovery 4
My D4 “Overland” Project

OK so I’ve had all the bits since around Christmas ready to start the work, but it’s been too cold, wet & windy to start.
But now with the Spring weather I’m ready to crack on.

Main installations:
Dual battery Split Charge system with Inverter and a fixed roof mounted Solar Panel.
I’m also going to install twin [new] Defender Side Boxes.

Minor installations:
Rear window vents with thermal blind cut outs, Interior roof cargo net, Rear wing attached table/shelf, Roof rack mounted jerrycan holder.
Awning with side and front panels & powered led strip light, Old Defender style mudflaps.

Already completed installations: [but for tidiness will show in this thread]
Upper rear boot basket with twin interior lights, blacked out pano roof & sunroof sections, iPad mount.



My D4 setup:
To be used for off-grid overland touring & camping trips ….. mainly off the beaten track.
I’ll be doing this primarily solo, and effectively “living in my D4” ….. a la Kasper Høglund

Majority of my kit will be carried in weather proof trunks and “wolf” boxes mounted on the roof rack.
By day - use the D4 rear section & drop down tailgate for food & kitchen essentials & preparation.
By evening/night - to live & sleep in the rear section.
This will be supported by a utility tent when pitched up to move items to/from storage.


This thread is for my documentation, but more than happy for your comments, questions and tips.
I’m in no rush to complete and I’ll be switching between jobs as I fancy and as access to certain areas allows.
So watch this space.


Pic of my first outing last Sept was to get the feel of how my set-up would work.
Lesson I learnt from that was: don’t pitch-up under trees !!
= bird sh!t (especially pigeons …. like flying cows!), falling acorns/twigs drumming on the roof and it still rains, even when it’s stopped!
Click image to enlarge
 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿  
Post #233140126th Mar 2023 5:45 pm
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ronp
 


Member Since: 29 Nov 2006
Location: North Yorkshire
Posts: 15208

United Kingdom 2014 Discovery 4 3.0 SDV6 HSE Auto Corris GreyDiscovery 4

OK, thread intro over.

The start of the project ... strip out the rear side panels, lower tailgate flap and make some templates.

Click image to enlarge


Click image to enlarge


Click image to enlarge


Click image to enlarge
 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿  
Post #233140426th Mar 2023 5:54 pm
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Lightwater
 


Member Since: 21 Oct 2018
Location: Sydney NB
Posts: 96

Australia 

Depending on your style of camping, if moving every 3 or 4 days you may not need solar. Our last 3 month trip we didn't use the solar once (custom built portable panels). The DC-DC chargers (2 x 9amp Victron in parallel) charged up easily between camping sites.

Some links to threads which you are welcome to plagiarize for idea.

I use 10L fuel containers on the roof, 20L are too heavy. 30kg of second spare wheel is unfortunate but no other option, at least it is not a regular event moving.
https://www.freel2.com/forum/topic31435.html

Don't forget tyre compressor & tyre repair kit.

https://www.freel2.com/forum/topic30454.html
 Visitor - Freelander owner  
Post #233141226th Mar 2023 7:34 pm
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DJEwen
 


Member Since: 19 Apr 2017
Location: Cairn o’ Mount
Posts: 51

Scotland 2005 Discovery 3 TDV6 HSE Auto Zambezi SilverDiscovery 3

Following! I can’t wait to see the twin defender side boxes!
 2005 Discovery 3 HSE Zambezi Silver 56,000mls  
Post #233141926th Mar 2023 8:27 pm
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dc130john
 


Member Since: 08 Sep 2015
Location: Somerset
Posts: 69

England 2010 Discovery 4 3.0 TDV6 HSE Auto Galway GreenDiscovery 4

following with interest👍
 D4 3.0 TDV6 HSE Galway Green Black Leather Adaptive Xenons Logic 7 TV Pre-heater
IID BT
Discovery 5 HSE R Dynamic 3.0 Ingenium Carpathion Grey
Devon & Cornwall 4X4 Response
Dorset & Somerset Air Ambulance
2EODZT Amateur Radio Call Sign 
 
Post #233144327th Mar 2023 8:21 am
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ronp
 


Member Since: 29 Nov 2006
Location: North Yorkshire
Posts: 15208

United Kingdom 2014 Discovery 4 3.0 SDV6 HSE Auto Corris GreyDiscovery 4

Got the airline rails [for the Defender boxes] already made up .... now just need a dry day to drill & fit.

Click image to enlarge


Positioning of rails marked out, along with alignment [& holes] of the box supporting alu straps.
Click image to enlarge


Fitted the cargo net to the ceiling [also showing my thermally blacked-out glass roof sections].
By day will probably use this for my sleeping bag, pillows etc, by night to put my clothes & other stuff.

Click image to enlarge


Hinged upper roof basket already fitted with [switchable] heat sensing light to cabin area ....
Click image to enlarge


.... and led strip light to tailgate area.
Click image to enlarge
 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿  
Post #233157928th Mar 2023 4:26 pm
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pwheeldon
 


Member Since: 14 Jan 2020
Location: West Yorks
Posts: 1436

England 2005 Discovery 3 TDV6 S Auto Bonatti GreyDiscovery 3

Looking good! I currently have the boot shelf, but I'm tempted to get the basket as the shelf isn't very deep, not a priority though.
 Discovery 4 GS 2009 Auto Stornoway Grey
Discovery 3 s 2005 Auto Bonatti Grey Gone
Discovery 3 SE 2005 Manual Zambezi Silver Gone
Range Rover Sport HSE 2006 Black
Aston Martin DB7 VV 
 
Post #233160628th Mar 2023 7:17 pm
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pwheeldon
 


Member Since: 14 Jan 2020
Location: West Yorks
Posts: 1436

England 2005 Discovery 3 TDV6 S Auto Bonatti GreyDiscovery 3

By the way where did you get rails and where have you got the Defender lunch box from?
 Discovery 4 GS 2009 Auto Stornoway Grey
Discovery 3 s 2005 Auto Bonatti Grey Gone
Discovery 3 SE 2005 Manual Zambezi Silver Gone
Range Rover Sport HSE 2006 Black
Aston Martin DB7 VV 
 
Post #233160728th Mar 2023 7:18 pm
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Chris Hagain
 


Member Since: 14 Mar 2020
Location: Halifax
Posts: 160

England 2006 Discovery 3 TDV6 HSE Auto Java BlackDiscovery 3

Like the cargo net idea, is it just a standard load area net?
 Prospeed Roof Rack & Ladder
Rear mounted spare wheel carrier
Altox remote FBH
High level boot storage
Shire's Rock sliders & compressor guard
D4 Heated steering wheel
Solar panel charging system 
 
Post #233161128th Mar 2023 7:49 pm
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ronp
 


Member Since: 29 Nov 2006
Location: North Yorkshire
Posts: 15208

United Kingdom 2014 Discovery 4 3.0 SDV6 HSE Auto Corris GreyDiscovery 4

Upper Basket is via Brendan at 4x4 Overlander
Airline rail is RaceFoxx, Germany, but bought through Amazon.
Side boxes via eBay, but at more competitive price than I’m seeing now.
(Pm me if you need to know the supplier and I’ll dig it out.)

Cargo net isn’t the standard one (too small), sized it up an bought via Amazon.
 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿  
Post #233161328th Mar 2023 7:55 pm
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pwheeldon
 


Member Since: 14 Jan 2020
Location: West Yorks
Posts: 1436

England 2005 Discovery 3 TDV6 S Auto Bonatti GreyDiscovery 3

Cheers I'll have a search and let you know of I need more details.
 Discovery 4 GS 2009 Auto Stornoway Grey
Discovery 3 s 2005 Auto Bonatti Grey Gone
Discovery 3 SE 2005 Manual Zambezi Silver Gone
Range Rover Sport HSE 2006 Black
Aston Martin DB7 VV 
 
Post #233161628th Mar 2023 8:05 pm
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DJEwen
 


Member Since: 19 Apr 2017
Location: Cairn o’ Mount
Posts: 51

Scotland 2005 Discovery 3 TDV6 HSE Auto Zambezi SilverDiscovery 3

ronp wrote:
Positioning of rails marked out, along with alignment [& holes] of the box supporting alu straps.
Click image to enlarge


You’re a braver man than me! I’ve not seen any of these kits without drilling yet. Watching the Powerful guys drill then rivet in the rivnuts in their option looked painful. I guess once you’re fully committed, that’s it and I will likely be doing it myself soon I had just expected someone to come up with a suction cup lower section or even some tails that come out and are formed to pick up behind the rear light and inside the rear doors somewhere. I’m looking forward to seeing your finished efforts none the less, it’s all looking fantastic.
I hope you get the weather soon, I feel like it’s been cold forever… or at least much longer than the last few years. 2 weeks ago this time last year it was 19°, I rode my motorcycle to Cullen. Today it was 3° and snowing.

Dave
 2005 Discovery 3 HSE Zambezi Silver 56,000mls  
Post #233162528th Mar 2023 9:58 pm
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ronp
 


Member Since: 29 Nov 2006
Location: North Yorkshire
Posts: 15208

United Kingdom 2014 Discovery 4 3.0 SDV6 HSE Auto Corris GreyDiscovery 4

Had given suckers some serious thought, however as the side box sits on the window, stand-off height is critical and not sure if a sucker can offer a definite dimension ... also concerned in case of a side knock that it loosens and distorts the frame.
But a good thought Dave. Thumbs Up

Today, cut out the centre of the rear N/S panel, as this is where the control panels and main socket will sit.
This is a bit of wasted space, though this is where I did house my fire extinguisher & blanket.
Looks like I've also got a new kidney shaped tray to put stuff in.
[the tape marks are approx where the brackets will sit for securing the new facia]
Click image to enlarge


Also drilled out and fitted the usb & power sockets.
Was going to put them in line at the top, but concerned that a power plug in the socket could foul the rear boot roll cover.
So sighted them under the "shoulder" which in hindsight is a better position as the plugs will angle downwards rather than horizontally outwards.
Click image to enlarge




Lightwater wrote:
Depending on your style of camping, if moving every 3 or 4 days you may not need solar. Our last 3 month trip we didn't use the solar once (custom built portable panels). The DC-DC chargers (2 x 9amp Victron in parallel) charged up easily between camping sites.


Thanks for that LW ...... as I don't know how much power I'll need or use for my requirements, I took the plunge on getting a solar panel system ....... just because I could!
I've got the space, and in doing so, it can only be a bonus.
Also got the compressor thanks Thumbs Up

So this turned up today, although it will possibly be the last item fitted.
However I need the control unit and cabling in order to fit in to the facia panel I'm making and route the cables up to the roof.
I'll certainly have time to paint the frame black and work out brackets in order to mount it to the PS roofrack.
Click image to enlarge


It's another day tomorrow!
 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿  
Post #233168129th Mar 2023 7:39 pm
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Lightwater
 


Member Since: 21 Oct 2018
Location: Sydney NB
Posts: 96

Australia 

Put the controller near the battery, hope you got an MPPT.

If you need to theoretically work out how much power the solar panel is producing depending on angle of sun in relation to panel.

Type in your smart phone calculator (this example 150 watt panel, sun at 25° in relation to panel) Panel output in 63.39 watts.

Click image to enlarge

Any small shadow will effectively stop the panel producing anything so be careful the direction & where you park the car if desperate for solar power.

If bored to tears there is plenty of info here on my setup:
https://thegreynomads.activeboard.com/t652...with-mppt/

Typically a compressor fridge will use about 2/3 amps of its rated output (my Waeco fridge is 6.5 amps, when running about 3.8 amps. I have got my fridge down to 15AH per 24 hours with additional insulation).
 Visitor - Freelander owner  
Post #233170430th Mar 2023 4:57 am
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RogB
 


Member Since: 15 Jun 2018
Location: Mansfield
Posts: 1637

United Kingdom 
Re: My D4 “Overland” Project

ronp wrote:
OK so I’ve had all the bits since around Christmas ready to start the work, but it’s been too cold, wet & windy to start.
But now with the Spring weather I’m ready to crack on.

Main installations:
Dual battery Split Charge system with Inverter and a fixed roof mounted Solar Panel.
I’m also going to install twin [new] Defender Side Boxes.

Minor installations:
Rear window vents with thermal blind cut outs, Interior roof cargo net, Rear wing attached table/shelf, Roof rack mounted jerrycan holder.
Awning with side and front panels & powered led strip light, Old Defender style mudflaps.

Already completed installations: [but for tidiness will show in this thread]
Upper rear boot basket with twin interior lights, blacked out pano roof & sunroof sections, iPad mount.



My D4 setup:
To be used for off-grid overland touring & camping trips ….. mainly off the beaten track.
I’ll be doing this primarily solo, and effectively “living in my D4” ….. a la Kasper Høglund

Majority of my kit will be carried in weather proof trunks and “wolf” boxes mounted on the roof rack.
By day - use the D4 rear section & drop down tailgate for food & kitchen essentials & preparation.
By evening/night - to live & sleep in the rear section.
This will be supported by a utility tent when pitched up to move items to/from storage.


This thread is for my documentation, but more than happy for your comments, questions and tips.
I’m in no rush to complete and I’ll be switching between jobs as I fancy and as access to certain areas allows.
So watch this space.


Pic of my first outing last Sept was to get the feel of how my set-up would work.
Lesson I learnt from that was: don’t pitch-up under trees !!
= bird sh!t (especially pigeons …. like flying cows!), falling acorns/twigs drumming on the roof and it still rains, even when it’s stopped!
Click image to enlarge


is that a Coleman 'pop' up tent you have there in the background ? Ive got one of them and they are great, So quick to set up, plenty of room and almost enough room for me to stand up. The only problem ive found is that being single skin it gathers condensation like crazy and found it needs a good reproofing as the stitch seams leak when it rains continuously.
 2011 D4 XS 305 MY12 - gone but not forgotten  
Post #233171030th Mar 2023 6:39 am
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