ronp wrote:

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

Click image to enlarge

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.

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

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!

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