Member Since: 05 Feb 2012
Location: Itinerant !! (Scotland/Donegal)
Posts: 192
I've slept full-length in back of both a 109 Series 3 (soft-top) and a Disco3, on FAIRLY cold nights.
I'm 6ft exactly, no problem with length or width.
Hassle was not so much temperature but lack of headroom and lots of condensation in the D3, I actually slept BETTER in the old 109.
I suspect CLAMMY conditions inside make you FEEL the cold more than you would in cooler but drier air of a draughty car or a tent.
I think clamp-on-the-back tent is best and using the disco tailgate as a kitchen worktop, with the option to retreat into the car if weather becomes completely crazy.
Of course you can run the engine and AC all night to keep a D3 warm and dry but I rate that as anti-social and a LITTLE bit cheating !!!
Cheers, Kevin ))
8th Nov 2023 4:40 pm
ronp
Member Since: 29 Nov 2006
Location: North Yorkshire
Posts: 15269
Post edited out:
Apologies for overload of content.
Happy camping. ...... always on the road less travelled 🚧
< ‘tis but a mere scratch …….. it’ll polish out.
Last edited by ronp on 9th Nov 2023 7:59 am. Edited 1 time in total
8th Nov 2023 6:17 pm
DIY Ace
Member Since: 06 Feb 2019
Location: Hampshire
Posts: 971
Interesting write-up, thanks, it sounds like you've honed your usage through plenty of practice. I'll certainly get a leisure battery installed and an Inverter etc, as I'll need to be able to charge the laptop and run lights when parked up. I've thought about a roof basket but I'll be using the rear-most seat as my lounge so I'm worried about headheight there.
I suspect you're carrying a lot more cargo than I'll ever do, mine will be more of a day van or short overnight van. I'll be travelling light and don't envisage much need to take lots of cooking equipment for example. Likewise just a couple of changes of clothes. For me it'll be somewhere comfy to sit inside, and then rest for the night, between being out walking or cycling. Whilst the idea of a storage tent sounds helpful, frankly if I had to think of putting something up and down and then cleaning it in between, I'm the sort of chap who'll use that as a 'can't be bothered' excuse for not going at all. I need something where I can merely pick up the key on a whim and stay out for the weekend, minimum fuss. I'll keep a spare change of clothes in there, some walking boots, the loo and a good sleeping bag.
Hopefully a mix of ease of use, comfort and flexibility will give me a sense of freedom that my 40-something midlife crisis mind and body is craving!!
Eg I'm heading to Salisbury in three weeks for one night in the city to see my three brothers, it would be lovely to be able to head out the day before, enjoy some walking and kip in a cheap campsite somewhere without the bother of set up and set down.
Thanks again to all, it is great to hear all of your experiences.2022 BMW i4 M50. Bought Oct 2022. 10,200 miles and counting...
2014 BMW 435d convertible. Bought July 2021. 58,000 miles and counting...
2005 Discovery 3 HSE Auto. Bought Feb 2019. 169,000 miles and counting...
2009 Freelander 2 XS Manual. Bought Sep 2013. SOLD Aug 2021 (already regretted!)
Member Since: 04 Oct 2016
Location: Hampshire
Posts: 2607
Or just buy a VW California.
And yes I went to the NEC and will never again go on the Sunday / last day!
8th Nov 2023 11:51 pm
DIY Ace
Member Since: 06 Feb 2019
Location: Hampshire
Posts: 971
The show was great though, hope you enjoyed it despite the busyness. I went on the Thursday and it was comfortably busy. Saw shed loads of amazing campers with equally amazing price tags. I have my eyes on a CV80 withvpop-top.
In the meantime the VW Cali is awesome but it's too pricey for a one-person occasional van yet too small for a 4 berth holiday van. Neighbour has one and I love it.
I suppose I could switch the D3 for a small panel van and then do a cheap conversion on that. A 5 year old transit can be had for about 5k and would make a great base vehicle, but then when it's being used with the family I need 4 seats with belts.2022 BMW i4 M50. Bought Oct 2022. 10,200 miles and counting...
2014 BMW 435d convertible. Bought July 2021. 58,000 miles and counting...
2005 Discovery 3 HSE Auto. Bought Feb 2019. 169,000 miles and counting...
2009 Freelander 2 XS Manual. Bought Sep 2013. SOLD Aug 2021 (already regretted!)
Member Since: 03 Feb 2020
Location: Cheshire
Posts: 76
Wild camped in the D3 down at Nant y Moch reservoir and also Bovington ranges no issue, just ensure you have the right kit with you to keep you comfortable.land_rover_owner_cheshire
9th Nov 2023 10:26 am
AL_P
Member Since: 17 Feb 2017
Location: London
Posts: 162
Once you have your leisure battery, grab a small 12v dehumidifier, pop it in the front whilst you sleep. It makes a massive difference! I sleep in mine frequently and it makes all the difference!
I agree with other comments about the correct kit, a slim foam mattress with a good quality sleeping bag.BT Gap IID
11th Nov 2023 8:56 am
pwheeldon
Member Since: 14 Jan 2020
Location: West Yorks
Posts: 1509
What about an awning with a room / walls? Leave the awning attached and have the walls in a box with sleeping bag and bed etc.
Another quick option is the Howling moon Wiz tent or Oztent Rv4, I recently got the Tuff Trek version and no exaggeration from lifting out of the car to fully pegged down was 5 minutes on my first use.
If the van option is viable, look at the Merc Vito Traveliner, available as 6, 5 or 8 seat, the back rows are removable, slide back and forth, fold down and can be rotated. My last 'car' was a Vito and it really didn't feel like a van, I had the 8 seat with the 2 back rows facing each other with a removable table in between. Added bonus when both back rows are folded an 8x4 sheets sits on top for transport, so you could put a bed on top on problem.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
11th Nov 2023 9:39 am
Worms
Member Since: 24 Sep 2023
Location: Highlands
Posts: 415
AL_P wrote:
... grab a small 12v dehumidifier...
Can you recommend one? Most of the ones I've found online would struggle to work at lower temps and many state a working temp range of 20-40C! I need one that will work between -5 and 10C.Previously:
2010 FL2 TD4e GS
‘93 Defender 110 200TDi CSW - still got this, non-runner on SORN.
‘87 Defender 90 4 cyl Petrol
‘83 110 CSW V8 - best ever!
Range Rover 2-door V8 (not sure of year - 4-speed box and vacuum diff switch)
Series III SWB Diesel
11th Nov 2023 12:25 pm
AL_P
Member Since: 17 Feb 2017
Location: London
Posts: 162
Isn’t perfect but is very good for the price and the fact it’s 12vBT Gap IID
11th Nov 2023 9:00 pm
Worms
Member Since: 24 Sep 2023
Location: Highlands
Posts: 415
Thanks. that's interesting. The ad doesn't actually say it's 12V, which is part of my problem in finding one that is! But it only claims to collect 125ml per day at "lower" temperatures, so that would be perhaps 50ml overnight, which isn't a lot for a night's-worth of breathing, so I wonder if it is actually the fan circulating the air across the windows that makes the difference?Previously:
2010 FL2 TD4e GS
‘93 Defender 110 200TDi CSW - still got this, non-runner on SORN.
‘87 Defender 90 4 cyl Petrol
‘83 110 CSW V8 - best ever!
Range Rover 2-door V8 (not sure of year - 4-speed box and vacuum diff switch)
Series III SWB Diesel
12th Nov 2023 7:44 am
KevinD3
Member Since: 05 Aug 2020
Location: Sutton Coldfield
Posts: 1277
DIY, just PMd you something, could be of use if you’re quick, good price2008 HSE Stornoway Grey
My Wife thinks the D3 is a hobby, The D3 thinks the wife is 💕
12th Nov 2023 9:07 pm
DIY Ace
Member Since: 06 Feb 2019
Location: Hampshire
Posts: 971
I've enhanced the design and mocked it up as here. My plan is to remove the middle row of seats and leave in place the sixth rear seat, I can use that to lounge in and work from, with a fold down table fitted.
Click image to enlarge
2022 BMW i4 M50. Bought Oct 2022. 10,200 miles and counting...
2014 BMW 435d convertible. Bought July 2021. 58,000 miles and counting...
2005 Discovery 3 HSE Auto. Bought Feb 2019. 169,000 miles and counting...
2009 Freelander 2 XS Manual. Bought Sep 2013. SOLD Aug 2021 (already regretted!)
Member Since: 06 Feb 2019
Location: Hampshire
Posts: 971
Further updated CGIs today. The Z-shaped bed looks more aggressive in the CGIs than it is in real life, I've laid out in the space and actually quite roomy. The shape of the bed gives me best options for tall storage to the middle row door on the offside, meaning space for a 'garage' style space Under the wardrobe.
Click image to enlarge
Click image to enlarge
2022 BMW i4 M50. Bought Oct 2022. 10,200 miles and counting...
2014 BMW 435d convertible. Bought July 2021. 58,000 miles and counting...
2005 Discovery 3 HSE Auto. Bought Feb 2019. 169,000 miles and counting...
2009 Freelander 2 XS Manual. Bought Sep 2013. SOLD Aug 2021 (already regretted!)
Member Since: 05 Aug 2020
Location: Sutton Coldfield
Posts: 1277
Think the second plan looks better, out of habit most people sleep in these (including me) with head up towards the front seat, the idea of having the toilet at head level doesn’t feel the right place for it 2008 HSE Stornoway Grey
My Wife thinks the D3 is a hobby, The D3 thinks the wife is 💕
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))
I have my eyes on a CV80 withvpop-top.
