Has anyone done it.. are there any plans diagrams available?
I was thinking I can sell all the parts I don’t need to pay for the conversion..
What are peoples thoughts on chopping the front off at the bulk head to make the trailer, or would that make a front heavy trailer?
Basically keeping the dash but without the front seats, steering wheel etc….
Would it be better to cut at the rear door pillar? And weld a panel to cover the hole……..
At the moment it’s an idea…. Need to know pitfalls and whether it’s worth it…
Any thought…advice…tips….cash….skill….welcomed…..
I have seen a mention of one on one of the FB groups but no pictures.
17th Aug 2022 5:07 pm
Harry365
Member Since: 25 Aug 2018
Location: Lincoln
Posts: 382
It's definitely been done. I saw it drive past my house a couple of years ago and found it on Facebook afterwards. I think it was chopped at the b pillars but not 100%.
There are pics out there.
17th Aug 2022 5:19 pm
DIY Ace
Member Since: 06 Feb 2019
Location: Hampshire
Posts: 971
If often wondered whether an A-pillar backwards chop would produce a nice overnight camper / overland trailer. If my D3 ever gives up the ghost entirely I might have a go.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: 15 Apr 2020
Location: Ch630ju
Posts: 12
That was my thought… nice large sleep area at the back and still extra room up front..
17th Aug 2022 5:40 pm
waterbuoy
Member Since: 26 Oct 2013
Location: Argyll
Posts: 2921
Frankly I think it is fraught with pitfalls - so crack on!!
Getting brakes and suspension to work properly, type approval, could you possibly find a heavier donor vehicle for a trailer etc etc.......Currently 2009 Disco 3 SE, 2013 MY D4 HSE and 2016 D4 SE
Previously:
TD5 Defender 110 CSW (230k miles)
300TDi Disco 1 (289k)
4 RR Classics (300-350k each, 2 manual, 2 auto)
110 V8 CSW (220k)
S3 109 hi cap pickup (ex RN)
S2A 88 Safari SW with lpg conversion (bloody lethal)
17th Aug 2022 5:43 pm
SHALL
Member Since: 15 Apr 2020
Location: Ch630ju
Posts: 12
The link is to a possible donor…. I just paid 850 for trailer. But 1k for a donor car and trailer and parts sale… seems a good plan… till I’m left with a bucket of parts and an empty wallet…😂
17th Aug 2022 5:43 pm
SHALL
Member Since: 15 Apr 2020
Location: Ch630ju
Posts: 12
waterbuoy wrote:
Frankly I think it is fraught with pitfalls - so crack on!!
Getting brakes and suspension to work properly, type approval, could you possibly find a heavier donor vehicle for a trailer etc etc.......
I was thinking of switching to springs on the back and some how getting the epb to work off the tow hitch.
In uk I don’t need type approval as long as it’s braked above 750 kg
17th Aug 2022 5:45 pm
Moo D3 Decade
Member Since: 13 Aug 2010
Location: UK
Posts: 14389
I always think the things look daft and wonder why people spend time and money doing it, but hey ho, we're all different.New Defender L663 110 SE (known as Noddy!)
Sold Volvo XC90 R-Design (known as Basil)
Sold - D4 HSE (Known as Gerty)
No longer the Old Buses original owner
231,000 miles and counting
05 S manual owned from March 2005
D4 Face lifted
Still original injectors and turbo
V8 Front brakes
BAS Remap, Allisport Intercooler and deCat
EGRs blanked
T-Max split charge
Hanibal Expeedition rack
Prospeed ladder
Duratrac tyres
IID BT
BAS FBH control
17th Aug 2022 5:58 pm
NC500
Member Since: 18 Sep 2017
Location: On the NC500
Posts: 541
Unless you get the trailer type tested and approved it won’t be legal to use on the road and will also invalidate the insurance of the towing vehicle. If you get it type tested and approved then alls well but it’s mega expensive!!
17th Aug 2022 7:51 pm
NC500
Member Since: 18 Sep 2017
Location: On the NC500
Posts: 541
17th Aug 2022 7:54 pm
yellowbelly
Member Since: 16 Oct 2013
Location: Lincolnshire
Posts: 151
Type approval only applies to manufacturers. Individuals building a trailer need to undergo the IVA test which is much easier and only costs about £70 for light trailers below 0.75 tonnes.55 Plate Disco 3 HSE. EGR blanked, Decat exhaust, AMK Compressor, bought 20 Dec 13. Watch this space for future upgrades. - Disco 4 front cup holders, D4 Bluetooth, Brembo 4 pot front V8 rear brakes, front diff breather mod, BAS FBH controller, fixed towbar, D4 heated washer jets
Silicone intercooler hoses, RS 500 Intercooler, decat exhaust, remap
IID tool used to enable 3 flash indicators, clock on dash, reverse follow me home lights, snotm, AMK compressor update and still learning
18th Aug 2022 8:03 am
NC500
Member Since: 18 Sep 2017
Location: On the NC500
Posts: 541
I stand corrected. Useful to know, not that I’ll ever build one!
18th Aug 2022 8:38 am
DIY Ace
Member Since: 06 Feb 2019
Location: Hampshire
Posts: 971
yellowbelly wrote:
Type approval only applies to manufacturers. Individuals building a trailer need to undergo the IVA test which is much easier and only costs about £70 for light trailers below 0.75 tonnes.
That said I do expect an A-pillar backwards D3 camper trailer would be a lot more than 0.75t2022 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 Oct 2018
Location: Worcestershire
Posts: 35
Click image to enlarge
I know this is an old thread but I now have a spare D3 and I am planning to build a camper trailer. Set myself the task to complete by next summer as we are going to the Pyrenees so would be perfect to take.
Cut the old truck at the b pillar already makes it a good length to lie down and look out the back door.
Currently working out the wiring to use the air suspension inline with the main truck, and towing with NATO tow hitch so I can use it green laning too!!
Looking forward to it, and Don't worry I will post pictures too! Interested in others opinions for this build.
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