Overland with Kids

Vehicle Preparation

We bought a 1998 Land Rover Defender 110 CSW 300TDi - 12 seater bench seat standard base vehicle with no modifications during November 2007.

We thought long and hard about our chosen vehicle before buying and then about how we wanted to modify to suit us, our children and the more longer-term trip to Australia. We only wanted to do this once so for us, it was important we got our mode of transport right first time without making any costly mistakes.

Although we did a tiny bit of work ourselves we opted for Foley Specialist Vehicles for all major fit out and servicing required:

Seating, Child Comfort and Cargo/Load Divider
We noticed that our kids sleep with their heads tilted forward whenever they have fallen asleep in any car we’ve been in. They are still relatively young and we felt that for any long trips that we really needed to address this. Comfort would be king and would make or break the bigger trip for the children in our view.

We were quite happy with the front passenger and driver’s seats but removed all the bench seats ourselves, replacing 2nd row only with hi-back reclining Trakker seats from Exmoor. This was the first ever project undertaken by us and although willing and eager to become more able (we did get there but did struggle a bit):

Observations we made once we’d fitted the seats was that, while you can get these seats to recline so far back that the children could actually lie down, this couldn’t be part of the long-term plan else, we’d have no adequate load space or ability to separate load from the children during the journey and, that lacking time and expertise, we realised very early on that having someone who knows what they’re doing (i.e. Foley’s) for the major elements rather than amateurs (i.e. us) who could put ultimately put the vehicle at risk, would become a major consideration. Even with excellent advice from members of forums and threads we had joined, we would need to be careful.

Given the new seats and the load space consideration, additional work we did take on ourselves included a full length cargo divider/dog grill which was placed behind the children’s seats but allowing only some recline flexibility (5″ to be exact) - enough to enable the seats to remain upright but at a slight gradient backward. This way, when the children slept, the theory being, their neck and head would tilt back and rest more comfortably.

We could have set the cargo grill back further but again would start to compromise much needed load space. See also Internal Roll Cage and Fridge sections as all had a bearing on combined seating, fridge, divider and load space configuration.

We also invested in relatively inexpensive children’s booster seats with reclining hi-back and neck rests - to provide added comfort, support and height while in vehicle.

Verdict following shakedown: Children loved it and were really happy, comfortable and never complained. The slight recline worked a treat and the additional boosted height for vision meant the children were always involved and part of whatever we were doing - whether chatting, arguing, looking at views etc. As a family, we felt very much together in the vehicle and never segregated - something afterwards we especially thought was very important and counted toward a major success on a long trip duration.

Costs: Exmoor Trim 2nd row reclining kit (recliner frame kit) @ £295.00, Classic low back Rayleigh seat x 1 £97.75 and Classic high back Rayleigh x 2 £199.50, plus shipping £23.48. Total charge: £612.23 including VAT. Mail Order 4×4 Full Length Wire Mesh Dog Guard £99.88 incl. VAT.

(NB. Above costs may be slightly less during 2009 as VAT reduced to 15% since we bought though set to increase again to 17.5% during 2010)

Engel 40ltr Fridge
We bought this fridge not long after buying land Rover with little contest in terms of which manufacturer/size etc. But, it took us an era to decide where to put it -maybe we should mount on shelf in the rear of the vehicle? maybe in the front with the adults? Or, maybe use to replace existing 80L fridge in caravan - this way we’d keep the land Rover completely clear? - We also liked the idea of leaving it free and portable rather than fixed so we could move it around between vehicles as we liked. And so the debate went on, we couldn’t agree.

Given at this stage that there were now 6 seats in Land Rover - 3 in the front and the 3 x new in the 2nd row we’d just paid for, sweated to install ourselves and loath to lose from our first attempt and successful, new and happy configuration.

We thought the seat left free in between the kids would be ideal for guide/guest along the way. Also, we had visions of being able to climb into it ourselves - i.e. one of us climb in the back with the kids while driving if they were sick, any fights or just to chill with them. However, after much tossing and turning and seeking advice - the need for a sensible, easy to reach location for the fridge won out.
We also decided that to have the fridge on board in the Land Rover rather than the caravan was essential - in case separated from it (caravan) anytime during our trip - and in case countries or areas where we couldn’t stop - quick, easy access essential.

With Foley’s now in charge, centre 2nd row (centre only) seat was quickly dis-charged and the fridge located in place between the children. It was also then hardwired to a second battery also supplied and fitted by Foley’s alongside a new main battery.

The vehicle now finally a 5-seater in configuration (3 front, 2 back - 4 are hi-back with front row centre seat a slightly lower back - but available to accommodate additional human cargo when required)

Verdict following Shakedown: It just so happened that we picked up a hitchhiker on our trip and A) it was better for him to be up front with us so he could give us directions about where to eventually drop him, B) we could chat and find out more about him without boring the kids to death and he could find out about us. C) We could keep an eye on him in terms of security and level of dodgy-ness etc. D) Was a bit of a squeeze having 3 adults in the front, but we managed as not travelling in this fashion for long periods and was a welcome bit of excitement for us first-timers. E) We realised from this experience - while the guy was lovely - we would never want to place a stranger at any point in the back with our children. F) Was also probably better for the hitchhiker as maybe uncomfortable for an adult to sit in the rear with two noisy, inquisitive children to contend with.

The fridge’s location behind us and in between the children meant we never had to get out to access while on the move. Both front passengers and children could reach very easily. Also acted as headrest for children on long journeys and became basecamp for toy soldiers, books and pens etc. Only thing we had to be careful about was the kids leaving the fridge (front closing) lid open when getting a drink out while on the move as it sometimes banged back on their heads. This would happen for example if vehicle jolted while driving or when suddenly stopping/starting - we soon learned to be more vigilant! The other area of care was the temperature gauge - sometimes we got frozen supplies instead of just cold if the kids accidently brushed/knocked the gauge with their arm or elbow while helping themselves to something or playing. We got around this by taping a large plastic bottle top lid to the gauge to cover/protect it. This way, our dial was still accessible when needed (just lift tape off and reseal again afterwards) but we normally left fixed and untouched at the same temperature setting throughout trip. Having the fridge wired to a second battery meant fridge always on even when vehicle stationary for long periods.
Fridge quality itself - without question - excellent, robust and very reliable. Highly recommended. The 40L size perfect for a frequently hungry family of 4 and meant we could easily get wine, beer, milk, water, fresh food stuffs all stored comfortably - this was especially important as the weather was incredibly hot and the need for regular cold drinks a frequent one. Any smaller a sized fridge would have been uncomfortable - the 40ltr roomy and ideal for our needs. We couldn’t put a week’s fresh food shopping in it (not that we would have done) but we could stock up at a supermarket en-route in preparation for moving on without worrying for a couple of days if we had enough supplies for regular nibbles or ravishing hunger bouts. We also had dried foods such as, rice, pasta, bread, long-life milk, cereal etc. stored separately.

The fridge also came in handy in the centre between the children seats as provided each child their own personal space but they could still share and access each other when they wanted. Handy barrier also to make keeping them apart easier when any serious fights or arguments ensued.

Costs: Engel 40L fridge £480.00 incl. delivery and 17.5% VAT (MPS). Split Charge, 2 batteries incl. labour and fitment of 500w x 3 inverters & 3 pin plug socket point £730.25 incl. 15% VAT (Foley’s), Fridge fitment between 2nd row seats 142.60 incl. 15% VAT (Foley’s).

Internal Roll Bar
Internal roll bar - This was always a high priority on our list with children on board. Again, a lot of deliberation spent veering between external roll bar as well as just fitting rock-sliders but in the end opted for a Safety Devices Internal Roll Bar on seeing it and others in the flesh and finally upon hearing Foley’s advice. Factors included - cheaper and much less complex to fit than external version, rock sliders would not do the job of strengthening the upper body (though we argued vigorously about side vehicle impact likely being lower rather than as high as the cage reached - until lorries were mentioned though we’d probably be goners by then anyway!). There was also the matter of rolling and stability and finally, the internal version we were looking didn’t compromise internal space as we had initially thought it would from other versions/makes we had seen. (Another thought factor we had about installing roll bar was because we felt that while we would unlikely cause Land Rover to roll, the caravan might pull us over if crossing dodgy terrain).

Foley’s had to be extra careful when fitting to ensure allowance for the reclining seats, fridge and load divider all considered - more a bespoke rather than standard set-up. Outcome was successful with the solution being load divider finally fitted at a very slight angle behind children and the seats then slightly given into even less of a recline gradient than we started, but still there - all to combine new cage, seat, fridge and the uncompromised load space requirements.

Verdict following shakedown: Definitely got there. Roll cage very neat and unobtrusive without reducing internal space inside either the passenger or rear load area in any way. Very happy with it. Anne managed to knock her head against (she’s tall anyway) the side rolls a couple of times initially when sorting children into their seats from the side doors but she soon got used to this. Might not be as comfortable for larger adults in the rear but we found it fine and was perfect for the kids due to their size and height and we (adults) had no problems ourselves. Apart from the safety aspect and peace of mind the roll bars have become a welcome addition to the vehicle for hanging stuff - i.e. hanging towels etc. to drape as curtains over/from bars to keep light and prying eyes out and when sleeping. Top bar in front of children houses DVD player with bungee cord for the kids when they wanted to watch - could attach and detach as we liked - perfect! Children kept their favourite toy each side of them in stowage, just above their heads in roll bar crevices each day when travelling.

Costs: Internal Roll Bar £914.25 incl. labour and 15% VAT (Foley’s)

External Security Grilles and Window Tint
We fixed external security grilles and window tint to all rear load area windows ourselves using Halfords self adhesive tint and the cheapest, lightweight, most robust grilles we could find on the internet. We thought about tint for children’s windows but decided to leave as is.

Verdict following shakedown: All good, no issues except maybe the fact that we have grilles fitted externally rather than internally may invite potential thieves to wonder what we have inside in longer term. Meantime, we’re happy enough as maybe better chance of limiting any smashed glass at outset from chancers. Downside is that we can never clean windows but as blacked out anyway, who cares. We could hose down if really desparate. Glad we didn’t tint children’s windows as kept light, airy and open on the road. If they were asleep or leaning back and an unwanted stranger peered in, hardly notice them as they recline and disappear into the back slightly so no issues for us.

Costs: Approx. £200 total

Wolf Rims, Tyres and Swingaway for Spare
We bought the vehicle with alloys so they had to go and were replaced with wolf rims.
Vehicle was already fitted with BFG All Terrain tyres and we were happy with these. Tyres all checked and balanced before leaving with one replaced. The replaced tyre along with original spare (making two spares) were mounted on vehicle - one on roof, the other on rear door. We reluctantly invested (more money!) in a swingaway (didn’t want to be spending any more cash than really essential as costs were adding up and we still hadn’t finished fit out yet!).

Verdict following shakedown: No issues. Only one observation we’d make is that if towing something, make sure you know how much new swingaway protrudes into hitchlock area from having had spare simply bolted to the door previously. Swingaway doesn’t add incredibly but dependant on what’s being towed and how it hitches to main vehicle (protruding/suspended rods or whatever) - you might want to check you can open rear door adequately into available space left. We experienced minor limitation but nothing overly concerning.

Costs: Wolf rims x 5 £333.50, New BFG AT 235 Tyre £135.70, Spare wheel secure fixment to roof rack £34.50 (2nd is fixed to rear door swingaway), Tyre Balance & Re-fitting x 6 £103.50, Rear Swing Away £393.30 - all incl. 15% VAT and labour ( all Foley’s).

Rear Shelving System
We saw several very smart shelving systems, some with drawers, locks etc. by all kinds of suppliers but couldn’t justify spends and not really knowing exactly what we wanted, needed flexibility and time to decide.

Andrew being a carpenter (tools, equipment, wood) was thinking about the longer term (when vehicle a workhorse and not a travel mobile) and the fact that now and again there is a need to use for dumping larger than average items into our space. Ideally, we needed a shelving system that could quickly disappear again when not needed, change heights and still be strong and rigid. With not much time before departure date, we ended up using several removebale ply planks with batons fixed to sides (Andrew cut and fixed) to make into two removeable shelving bases - job done!

Verdict following shakedown: Not perfect but worked a treat for us and cost us nothing. Heavy items stored in base and we kept others dotted around edges to save too much pressure on the weak ply centre areas. Even when we did load central areas - bore up well. Upside, fully adjustable according to needs as Andrew can adapt and change as quickly (he brought a couple of tools along just in case - saw, wood blocks, lightweight tools - he couldn’t leave home without them!).

Costs: N/A

Additional 40L Fuel & 40L Water Tanks
While Foley’s doing the work, we figured it would be a good move to get additional fuel capacity sorted. The one we had fitted is essentially an add on under the rear fuel arch which just integrates direct to main tank so when you fill up at service station and you hit full indicator - the pump just keeps going until additional tank also full. You can tell if the additional tank is empty when the full indicator on the main tank starts going down. Sits under the wheel arch somewhere hidden out of site (so well we can’t see it ourselves) so has not made any difference whatsoever to the space inside our vehicle.

The water tank is situated in exactly the same place but on the other side under rear wheel arch area. Again hidden under vehicle so no space impact. Have to open back door and reach inside to unscrew cap to refill, no problem. Tap externally toward bottom rear of vehicle to wash hands etc.

Verdict following shakedown: Nice and simple with no impact to any visible space in rear load area. The only thing we noticed was that there was a very slight fuel leak now and again - seems to be where the additional fuel tank meets the main tank connection. We haven’t really checked in any great detail but we’ll speak to Foley’s about this. We constantly used water tank to wash hands and the additional fuel tank was always utilised and invaluable on our trip - meant we could go longer without stopping, go off road into unknown territory, less worrying about likelihood of running out of fuel. With heavy caravan in tow, also meant fuel consumption was high so again additional fuel to keep us on the road very useful. We haven’t drank out of water tank though in theory you could as aluminium but not recommended without boiling/treating.

Costs: 40L Fuel tank £488.75 & 40L Water tank £270.25 - incl. 15% VAT and labour (both Foley’s) 

Hi-Lift Jack
Fitted on floor inside vehicle in front of children’s feet. Easy to access and out of the way. Causes no issues and we haven’t needed to use as yet. Not just for Land Rover but possible caravan use also (though no jacking points currently).

Costs: Hi lift jack and fitting kit incl. labour to fix to floor in front of 2nd row seats £129.95 (Foley’s).

Sand Ladders
Fitted to side of roof rack - not used yet.

Costs: £148.35 incl. fitting kit, labour to fix to roof rack side and 15% VAT (Foley’s).

Heavy Duty Suspension
To cope with caravan. Happy with this and seemed to cope with the weight of the caravan without any issues. Fittings included 4 new springs and shocks and twin rear shocks.

Costs: New heavy duty springs and shocks x 4 £556.60, twin rear shocks £304.75 incl. 15% VAT and labour (Foley’s).  

Bull Bar, Electric Winch and Heavy Duty Bumper
Inexpensive winch fitted in case any arising issues with caravan rather than Land Rover. Deliberated for ages on whether to get or not. Heavy duty bumper to support. Bull bar fitted in preparation for Australia.  

Verdict following shakedown: Not used as yet. We have heavy duty Tirfor hand winch but felt ease and speed of electric winch might be much more beneficial. Glad we have it. Meantime, adds weight to front to balance overall rear load and suspension also. 

Costs: Winch and heavy duty bumper £902.75, Bull bar £327.75 incl. labour and 15% VAT (Foley’s).

Invertors and 13amp plug socket
One either side of the children, one front passenger seat, 13 amp socket mounted underside of one of the children.

Verdict following shakedown: Inverters used all the time for charging/playing gameboys, using DVD, charging mobile phones - invaluable. 3 pin socket in funny place on floor under one of the children’s seats - not easy to get odd shaped plugs into - need to see if we can get an adaptor. Didn’t use as a result and would have been handy now and again for items we didn’t have inverter attachments for.

Costs: See Fridge costs

Additional Driving/Spot Lights
Fitted to front bumper - not used during shakedown as un-needed though we could have done with using a couple of times but worried about blinding on-coming traffiic. Come on automatically with driving lights but have plastic covers which we left on. Might be worth bringing a couple of spare plastic covers as if one falls off/gets lost could be an issue to recover lights when not required at night.

Costs: £201.25 incl. 15% VAT and labour (Foley’s).

Catalytic Converter
Removed

Front Anti Roll Bar
We had one on the rear but the front was missing. Fitted to assist balancing.

Costs: £189.75 incl. VAT and labour (Foley’s)

Diff guards

We decided maybe some protection in order.

Costs: £189.75 incl. 15% VAT and labour (Foley’s)

Heavy Duty Lock fitted to rear door
We supplied own padlock and additional security

Costs: £68.42 to fit door lock anchor incl. 15% VAT and labour (Foley’s). Supplied own padlock and keys.

Board Roof Rack

Andrew had done but a rough quick job using cable ties. As Foley’s needed to anchor spare to roof they re-supplied a better board and fixed properly. Really we should have done this ourselves.

Costs: £109.25 incl. supply, 15% VAT and labour (Foley’s).

Full service
You name it, it was changed/addressed including cam/timing belt:

Driver door lock button & plastic trim, Brake servo, Wiper adaptor, Drop arm ball joint, Track rod ends, Steering damper bushes, Front radius bushes, Front brake discs, water pump, Leaking tri-pod gasket, Flange kit & seal, A frame bushes, Rear lower arm bushes, Rear disc brakes, Split rear breather pipe, Rear half shafts & drive members, Clutch master, Rear brake pads, Front brake pads, radiator, EGR exhaust removal and new down pipe replacement, Cambelt - was due for replacement, Oil leak from rear of engine - manifold gasket, anti freeze/consumables, New track rod tube, Manifold Gasket plus labour to carry out all.

Verdict following shakedown: Unfortunately, our shakedown trip didn’t go without serious and expensive vehicle issues occurring. This was due to new timing-belt mis-alignment on fitting, causing us huge knock-on effects. See shakedown trip section (vehicle issues, observations, conclusions) reports. We were extremely unlucky as it shouldn’t have happened and caused several trip route plan and accommodation changes. Foley’s in true professional style have taken full responsibility for the problem and provided excellent support while we were on the road (or should we say ‘off’ the road). They have also credited us with initial repair costs incurred. Although the cam-belt was a big deal, other than this, we had no issues and were overlal pleased with the work and service provided. NB - Foley’s have an excellent reputation from our perspective and research - to date this view remains unchanged - speed and response to help us resolve excellent, Foley’s are an excellent company. We unfortunately got unlucky - the knock on effect causing us to go a massive 60% over our planned budget. As a result, as a mitigation for the future, we would recommend driving vehicle before departure maybe 500 miles to check all is well with any changes, new fitments/parts etc. to vehicle (especially if a cambelt change involved!!!!!). 

Costs: Full Service incluing all parts, labour and 15% VAT before leaving the UK for our trip £2,738.38     

Spares

Spares pack included Alternator, Water pump, Drive belt, Rear props U/J’s, Wheel bearings, Lock nuts, Lock tabs, Hub seals, Slave cyclinder, Master cylinder, Wiper blades, Mirror glass, Top hose, Bottom hose, Oil filter, Air Filter, Fuel filter, Fuel pump, Transfer output seals, Hazard switch, Flasher unit, Drop arm ball joint kit, Panhard bushes, Light units, Head set, Inner tubes, Tyre levers, Fuses, Bulbs, Hub spanner, Fan spanner, Nuts & Bolts etc.

Verdict following shakedown: We did use several fuses for reverse lights which seemed to keep failing (fuse blowing?) but otherwise spares kit largely unused due to newly serviced and relatively short overland period.  Any vehicle issues experienced were not problems we could have fixed ourselves or supplied via on board spares. We had a fuel pump issue but garage sourced replacement same day so we retained ours. We did have peace of mind though knowing we had spare kit to fall back on. Meantime, happy in the knowledge that we can learn and become more familiar and confident with our spare items and no doubt these will come into own for the bigger trip.  NB. Kit didn’t include liquids (e.g. oil etc.) which we bought en-route.

Costs: £575.00 incl VAT (all supplied by Foley’s) .

Total Foley’s Costs

Including new hitch fitted to caravan plus all parts and labour we spent a whopping £10.5K with Foley’s alone - easily the price of another vehicle!

Overall verdict: Alot of money! But fit out - excellent- we are really happy with overall configuration. Servicing good except unfortunate serious issue with newly changed cambelt. Kitting out and servicing a Land Rover Defender via a specialist is not a cheap business but we were not prepared to compromise due to our own lack of experience.

 Photos

We have included some photos which ii you hover over provides some description. Let us know if you want more of anything in particular not already shown or require more information. We’ll be glad to provide.

 

Diary (Blog)
Vehicle Preparation