Land Rover Defender - The ultimate Camper conversion

Land Rover Defender - The ultimate Camper conversion built by Alu-Cab. A spectacular modification to a land Rover Defender that turns it into a two-person camping truck. This vehicle was built in Cape Town South Africa and can be ordered from the company that built it. This is Andrew St Pierre White's review of this vehicle. But is it better than the similar Toyota Land Cruiser 78 built for me? Find our here.
If you enjoy Andrew's videos, click here: / andrew_stpierre_white
Land Rover vs Land Cruiser

[@sanatandharma4435]

Hi there, as a 54 year old who has owned 4 Landrover's over the years. An 88 inch hard top that took our family from Uk to Brittany, a 109 safari (lovely but horrendous fuel consumption), and 2 88 inch diesels, that i flogged daily, on the beach at Southport collecting firewood and just messing about, I have to say that I love them to bits. I have never once broken down, and even though they are noisy, and were heavy to steer, i could modify them how i wanted, using a drill and some elbow grease. The other day I sat in an ex United Utilities 110 Defender and fell in love again. These vehicles get in you blood! I sat there and a voice in my head said. 'you are a thing of beauty.' I do not think i have psychosis! Any how sir, your reporting and objective narrative is refreshing. I am totally aware that a defender is not the best at everything, but one man's meat is another man's poison! I intend to buy a 110 defender in the nest few months, and will take my time doing so. I have a lot of respect for Toyota's Landcruiser having lived in the middle east for nearly 5 years, but they always left me a little cold. I have 'surfed' in the deserts of the UAE and understand that even Lancruiser's can overheat, and get bogged down and break. It's a machine! Thank you for your great reporting, I wish you health and happiness, o'h and great adventures. Mark

[@thebestSteven]

That intro was worthy of being a Top Gear intro.

[@4xoverland]

Bill Soucess. I agree and understand you completely! I do. I owned a Defender for 8 years. I owned a Range Rover for eight. But my guess is that you are from the UK. In the UK, a Toyota is an ordinary mass produced family car, many of which are very dull. But in South Africa and Australia they make the most reliable and best overland 4x4 trucks - and they also make some quite good cars as well. As for me, I get EXACTLY the same thrill I once got at a lonely camp site when I looked at my Defender - now with my Land Cruiser. So our perspectives are different, and I assure you, while you find it difficult to understand, a Toyota can also make you feel that way. A Land Cruiser is a fantastic vehicle, and like the Land Rover, gives sincere pleasure to many owners that love them. No difference whatsoever on how you feel about your 130.

[@jayh3691]

I love your stuff, I work for a company in Western Canada that makes backroad mapbooks. I have a 1972 Series Land Rover I am currently building into an camper (it was once and has a well documented trip from Spain to South Africa to South American before ending up in Vancouver where it was sold) however the old set-up was not good for my climate as it was all aluminium and water condensed on it and it was got very cold to touch! I feel I have the best of both worlds with a 1976 Toyota B diesel mated to my Land Rover gear box. My only problem is that there are not many companies set up to do roof conversions (like alu-cab), and things like that, here in Canada. Most people throw campers in the back of pick-up trucks. So I may be doing a lot of the stuff myself. Anyways I love your videos and people will always argue what is the best 4x4. I've always been a Land Rover guy but I bought a Jeep Rubicon in 2012 and it is pretty awesome and goes everywhere...I never thought I would be a Jeep guy but each vehicle has it's strengths and it is really hard to argue which is truly the best...

[@siobhanginty7849]

Ncis

[@ninety85]

4xoverland i really love your shows... best 4x4 channel on KZbin... love from Australia

[@ayyeeitsshaz3121]

4xoverland yay. I'm from South Africa

[@prepperjonpnw6482]

4xoverland DEFENDER!!!!!!

[@expert244]

Land Rover owners are naturally drawn to each other so they can swap parts for repairs in the field.....

[@abdelrahmansaid844]

Finally a Non-Marketing expert view. you are the best on youtube please keep going and never go corrupt as other viewers! Please

[@4xoverland]

Thank you. Keep watching. I post a new video every week.

[@BeardedCoffeeMonkey]

That looks AWESOME! I love the idea of having a self sufficient and compact camper that can get you ANYwhere.

[@thedefenderfamily]

Ha, just re-run into this video! It's one of the inspirations we had back in the day. Cheers from a fellow Defender Overlander!

[@grahamjackson3388]

Love the presentation. It’s like a mix of David Attenborough and Jools Holland.

[@RCCrawlerWorkbench]

They are both super cool. That bush package is off the hook.

[@alexk.8715]

The flip top is so beautifully made.

[@cLoKK3058]

79 Landcruiser all day! But I must say, that defender looks mighty tuff 💪

[@johndemello8802]

Why is this guy so good??? Love his channel !!!

[@bernardbullock2920]

For a person who live in the States I love the outfit of this beast. Just imagine living on time square. I need one of these puppies.

[@joelfisher3438]

This guy's voice just makes me smile I don't know why either 😂

[@edidermawan7205]

Fantastic...this is the ultimate adventure car. i wish i could have....LRD it's awesome !!!

[@RanggaDjati]

Thank you for your honesty. I drive an FJ40 with swapped 13B diesel engine, and it's a beast! and I rode Land Rover Series occasionally too..

[@ForemanAndWilmsAdventures]

Great video. I'm a defender man myself yet agree word for word on your closing speech. Cheers.

[@GreatToastMigration]

That has to be one of the coolest Defenders that I have ever seen.

[@asvpapi]

Thank you for a through and unbiased explanation.

[@ghaliabba4472]

FRsi

[@mileswelton5094]

Nice to read other people's points of view.. I own your book on 4#4 in southern Africa... For me range rover classics are the best! Andrew, you're a legend! some more videos please

[@4xoverland]

+Miles Welton There are 212 videos of mine on my channel. And new ones every week.

[@TebakGambarAI]

So far the coolest overland vehichels ive ever seen

[@GringoDoc]

Fascinating ! Thoroughly enjoyed this honest evaluation.

[@EdoDijkgraaf]

At the end of your beautiful edited video you forgot to say: "This video was brought to you by Toyota."

[@4xoverland]

You could not me more wrong. I have no sponsors. It's just my opinion.

[@EdoDijkgraaf]

4xOverland Didn't I say your video is beautiful edited? It's just my way to handle the fact that you pick the Japanese product to be your favourite. I enjoyed your video.

[@4xoverland]

Edo Dijkgraaf I understand better now. I'm often accused of being biased whenever I give an opinion, particularly when it refers to something about a Land Rover, and its often assumed my opinion has been 'bought'.

[@EdoDijkgraaf]

That's not so strange. Most people in their right mind would choose Land Rover. (Please don't take it to seriously!)

[@EdoDijkgraaf]

I am - by the way - most thankful for showing me the All-Cab alternative. The thought of having a flip-roof conversion on my late series 2a makes me feel all warm inside!

[@sawdustandsurvival]

That looks like my dream car!

[@umbertogubert]

THIS IS THE BEST VIDEO THAT YOU DO !!!!!! IM FROM ITALY VENEZIA

[@lifeisgood12341]

That raising bed is very clever

[@justchilling9442]

So the answer is buy this and then take it to Twisted and make it more reliable! Job done. It has to be one of the coolest Defenders I have seen in ages!

[@chipledhungaman]

I drove a 3 series long wheelbase landrover with roof tents etc around Botswana and Zimbabwe for 5 weeks and had no problems with reliability at all.

[@TrailsTrailsTrails]

Thanks for sharing. For someone who build 3 touring vehicles himself (1x Pajero, 2x Patrol GQ) I enjoyed watching this. Even though that Defender looks a bit too macho for me but hey, that's what happens if you bolt everything on it and keep it all in dark grey. ;) I'd have liked to see some of the details when it comes to the conversions though.

[@harrycarlin6360]

Never had engine problems with my 96 Defender, broke a rear axle years ago and that is it !! sure they rattle and roll, but for a dedicated Deer Hunter they are the ideal vehicle for the Victorian Bush. A couple of days back we headed up a clay covered bush track, scouting for deer. and with my truck in 1st gear, low range I crawled slowly uphill at walking pace, with NO 'slippage' or wheel spin. Whereas my mate in his Toyota had to rev his engine hard and tear up the track to attain the same outcome. Defenders remind me of donkeys (and I've owned and used both) They may not look that flash (and certainly mine no longer does with over half a dozen Roo strikes to it credit) but they GET-THE-JOB-DONE !!

[@megantaylor6565]

Harry Carlin my dad's got a defender county had it for all its life just the chassi went rusty at the back and the fuel gage

[@ericsandrin8123]

i had a 1955 land rover 86 the short model...and i can tell you ...youre right about climbing hills..slow and steady ..no revving the engine...the power at low end is its good point...my partner had to rev that toyota to make it up the hill..a long 40 degree climb... spinning as he went...

[@alanmay7929]

@@ericsandrin8123 nonsense

[@lluvbullet]

no surprises as the low range ratio on a defender is 3.31:1 vs Land Cruiser’s 2.4:1 Toyota relies heavily on engine power and a stronger drivetrain but neglected the low range. LR does the opposite

[@grainster]

Fantastic videos! Well done guys

[@gc857]

Rover owners like myself cant explain the joy we get on being an owner, so far my D2 has no issues at 182,000 miles and she has been to Ausie land and back to USA and all that is done is the regular needed maintenance and what a joy to upgrade as parts wear out. Plenty of parts on the used side from grocery getters that were sent to rover graveyards and here in north America we have an unlimited supply of good used parts. Rover vs the others will only have one conversation as always “oh rovers are unreliable” and I dont agree coz ours have been reliable. Rovers do not need HD swaps to make it hardcore off road worthy as per design (built to be serviceable out in the bush and heavy duty bits from OEM already) but other manufacturers need modifications to be called HD rigs. I own both rovers and Toyotas and know better. Now Jeep owners will argue with you relentless coz they are another breed. Jeeps are like Harley Davidsons, never ending bling bling items one can buy and add. :) Love em all !

[@bnblasercleaning]

My 1980 Landrover S3D2.25 is very reliable, it still hasn't had an engine overhall, I frequently drive it on the highway at ~>90kph, I haul ass over rough terrain (happily over 40kph), It's the roomiest vehicle I have ever been in, Easily 30-40% more cab space than a Cruiser. (I know it will sound egotistic) but you have to been very confident and tough to drive my particular land-rover, it'll be the hardest thing you'll ever drive (as repeated by truckies that reckon otherwise), at times even I don't feel like the effort to drive it. So I do agree that a 70+ cruiser is much more cosy (although not as comfortable, and yes there is a difference). This landy has done the clock repeatedly (at least until the speedo cable broke) (the reason why my landrover isn't cramped like the modern defenders is due to the fact I remove the original dash and redesigned one based off a s2, but about 50% of the s2 dash size, heaps of room)

[@skykarga9292]

Beautiful mini beast.

[@panzerKO]

awesome! cheers from São Paulo, Brazil!

[@kaneroche9774]

Awesome way to go exploring! Love the defender!

[@adventureswithtourettes5174]

Im an Australian and i love the land rover defender and o like the land cruiser but i like the land rover better.

[@aaron___6014]

Andrew, your presentations and coverage or things is superb! You really know overlanding and most of all you understand people and how the two tie together. This is great stuff.

[@Wonkabar007]

Great looking vehicle, it oozes testosterone.

[@steinwaygrande3971]

Troopy is prone to rolling over where as the Landrover Defender will go places that a troopie wont go. I live in Australia and talk from personal experience. Hence the reason I will continue to use my Landrover 110 series over a Toyota Troopie

[@patterdale4332]

The 110 engine is bullet proof if it's looked after that's why theres so many old ones and they hold there money very well

[@perigotube]

Seen this video many times, awesome machine and awesome review but I only now noticed that Andrew calls it a Land Cruiser at 2:03

[@philfish6619]

A very honest view i liked that my sort of person. i agree with you with what you say about defender. yes you get more notice in one.

[@ZondaF355]

I would like to see ICON do an overland version. They build the best 4x4 in the world IMO. New chassis, body, engine, etc. I really love this vehicle if it were crossed with ICON.

[@4xoverland]

I agree with you! It would be truly spectacular.

[@walteraah]

I love the Defender.. in a way, it old design it's what makes it a attractive

[@YYCRCFabricationz]

Plain & simple it's personal preference as the Land Rover vs Troopy arguements are never ending. We have the same situation here in North America, Ford vs Chev vs Dodge, the arguements & pros & cons have been going on since I can remember & show no signs of stopping. Bottom line imo, buy whatever is best suited to your personal needs & preferences, maintain it & it will be the best truck there is...for you! Convincing anyone else is just akin to beating your head against a brick...after awhile all you've gotten in a dam big headache. Great review video!

[@mrsteel10213]

YYC Designz RC Creations Ford really dissapointed its true diehards followers since the first new 2004 150 and on. Ford is made to be repair after repair money pit

[@simonmillett5605]

great video, you've cracked it by and doing what you love while being married! Good work

[@michaelthompson5692]

I love your channel man. I wouldnt trade my FJ for 5 Landrovers.

[@ushittyuglylc5037]

ur fj is shit compare to a refine LandRover

[@2idolon]

Thankyou , I have just recently started looking and comparing these two vehicles , indeed Defender character ,;; Troopy reliable and bit more up to date . cheers

[@4Him4u2]

100% agree, and props to you for stating an honest opinion. Great production on your video too.

[@nopretribrapture2318]

REMEMBER THE OLD HAIFLINGER ANYONE??? AUSTRIAN I THINK? MY LATE STEP DAD HAD ONE WHEN I WAS A CHILD! SUCH GOOD ADVENTURE TRAVELING MEMORIES! WE WENT OFF ROAD THROUGH HILLS/FORDS ETC ! HAIFLINGER! HOPE IVE SPELT IT CORRECTELY!!? :)

[@ranteraptorkiller]

The Legend car, for all terrain, no road no problem.

[@johnwanjala4311]

I don't have one but it is my favorite and dream car in few days to come

[@Memovox]

Nice review, Nice Landcruiser. I had a 110, loved it. But now I drive a VW t5 Calfornia Seikel. If you get the chance to test a VW Seikel, a new world will open up. At least it did to me.

[@SR81K9]

Land Rover all day. Great video

[@alanmay7929]

Land cruiser

[@rogermellie8068]

Love watching these vids, you sir are the David Attenborough of the 4x4 world 👍😁

[@SuperButch888]

a very honest review...kudos!!!

[@mariaburford5803]

Who's with me ? Defender! Defender!

[@MaximusHeden]

Lovely land rover and a good video 😊

[@smacdiesel]

Very honest and fair comparison, it would be very difficult for me to choose. But, if it were a matter of survival, I would take the Toyota with that Alu-Cab tent.

[@brianwhite4090]

There’s only one Land Rover! There’s only one Defender! Toyota’s LC is a great car. Personally I run a Discovery. But my dream is to own a Defender!👍🇬🇧🙏

[@peterdefreitas5936]

Best Motor on the road, love them.👊🔥🔥🔥

[@timjones1863]

The is a company in Ft Lauderdale, S Florida that does Land Rover conversions. They can do anything you can imagine. They do it right first time. For 25yrs they know everything you need to know. Strongly recommended, they make your LAND ROVER dreams a reality. I know, cause I'm a customer. I have a tricked out Defender and a Disco.

[@aspret]

What is the name of the company Tim?

[@timjones1863]

aspret The Rover Shop. 711 W,Broward Blv, Ft Lauderdale.

[@aspret]

Tim Jones Thanks Tim. Do you have an email address or webpage address for them?

[@DJGodaryD86]

Gorgeus vehicle and I love your review.

[@chimera104]

Brilliant video! Very good to see honest opinions

[@christianadventure]

Very cool looking vehicle!

[@The1966yoga]

Both Landy Defender & TOYOTA Landcruiser ARE the Best 4x4 in the World Period!

[@pernohazimat4164]

Funny where is Nissan patrol/pathfinder lol

[@selebalotsiu7139]

I agree...

[@spacemanjoe7074]

The ford raptor, Unimog, and G wagon would give them a run for their money

[@patrickanderson3551]

@@spacemanjoe7074 the Ranger or 150?

[@happninmojo]

Generally when people say best that means one.

[@PFinty]

Incredible machine ,, land rovers rule

[@douglasbaylin512]

Defender without a doubt. for the character and the charisma.

[@alanmay7929]

Nonsense which charisma?!

[@STYLEHUAHINONAIR]

I Love Land Rover.

[@ellicopter1]

Man, That thing is awesome,

[@exalism]

Very, very good review!

[@swimmer8585]

I like Toyota. I personally have my heart set on a Tacoma someday, but the Troopy looks cool too

[@cuebj]

Knew people who had one of these Landrovers in mid 1970s. Based in Austria, they spent a lot of time in remote areas in that region of Europe

[@STYLEHUAHINONAIR]

very nice.

[@emiliotucci2917]

Como me encantaria poder tener un Defender asi para poder revivir mis dias de campamentos y disfrutar el off road aca en Argentina donde existen unos paisajes espectaculares.

[@arsalanjamalfar]

thanks for the video. as far as I'm aware 2015 is the last year of production for the Defender (maybe to do with its lack of reliability) so guys no need to fight over which is best lol

[@Moonface00z]

I WANT TO buy this NOW!!!!!!!! Why is this kind of inventions never exist in ASIA??????? FOORKK!!

[@sethers775]

4xOverland, your reviews are very well detailed, filmed and spoken! Great videos and vehicles.

[@bernardkavanagh3528]

An Aussie saying.... "If you're goin' to the outback.... bring a Land Rover.... If you're thinking of coming back....bring a Landcruiser"....

[@slowandsooty8009]

Bernard Kavanagh too true mate

[@jacopotgieter725]

Andrew how far you have come with your videos. I started to follow you 3 years ago and just wow the growth you went through. Amazing. Btw funny to watch this video when you just bought your old Landy. Keep it up

[@albanoluissbardellati544]

Nice review dude!! Very complete :)

[@TheAbsoluteZ33RO]

Land Rover looks great, and is very good off road but at the end of the day I personally like the Prado as well.

[@patricklr2839]

ca c'est de la balle..du tres grand Mendes!!!!!plus sérieusement ,il en jete ce Land Power.il a tout pour faire le tour du monde.amicaleland

[@timjones3154]

Couldn't help yourself Andrew - another dig against Pajero's. Reminds me of Gareth Cliff who always called Port Elizabeth a hole and could never let it go - you cut me deep :)

[@4xoverland]

Tim Jones I won't let it go because it's fun!

[@timjones3154]

4xOverland Chuckle - now you got me worried I live in PE and own a Pajero :)

[@javierechevarria1548]

Congratulations for the assessment of the car. You nailed it. Thank YOU!!!

[@4xoverland]

The Land Rover Troopy 75 and 78 has an interior cab capacity of 4,5 cubic meters, whereas the Defender is about 4,2. I'm not guessing. "The roomiest vehicle". That's quite a statement. The S3 is without question the most cramped vehicle I have ever driven. I've also driven the S3 on sandy desert tracks - and it is really hard work. Only for the tough.

[@yerzhany.j.5090]

what is installed on the door ?

[@yerzhany.j.5090]

i would like buy

[@4xoverland]

A piece of aluminum that serves no purpose at all.

[@yerzhany.j.5090]

+4xOverland. where are buy ? I like esthetic design, please say me,

[@queenbeebabybees2349]

alluminium doesn't rust, rust is a BIG problem in some areas, ie near the sea.

[@gregrobins5078]

Love these videos.

[@kyledean6659]

How can you take reliability out of the equation of course you'll meet more people you're broke down bonding together...?BAHAHAHA

[@simpleasliam657]

So glad it's a right hand drive and not a left hand abomination

[@manothewoods6759]

What a brilliant video review. Subbed!

[@Gods_Patriot]

Toyota equals the best vehicles made on Earth. Its pretty difficult for anybody to argue that. From quality, ruggedness, ease of ownership, business practice, Toyota is at the top. From economy cars to trucks, suv's to performance vehicles. Simply the best

[@Porteladohomem]

Hello Andrew, just to say that your channel is the best 4x4 youtube channel. Thanks for your videos, and looking forward for some more new videos. Best Regards from Portugal and good in Australia.

[@BeerTroopy1]

Desirable it is!

[@jpdrsn33]

Love the land rover looks, but couldn't my own money on one.

[@cesardanielgb]

The Land Cruiser and Land Rover are the ultimate camper conversions. The subscriber bait is real.

[@BillSprague]

Thanks for an honest, experienced assessment. Sadly, neither vehicle is readily available in the States. I'd have a Troopy variant tomorrow, if only we could get the diesel.

[@dirtydaddy21]

+Bill Sprague move to Australia you will get the whole range and in V8 diesel too.

[@Ken19700]

Import one.

[@quentonmillstid850]

Bill Sprague ehhh

[@alexanderrosales7675]

Ken MacMillan Can't I tried they're illegal due to emissions standards the U.S has.

[@gowannlee]

Thank you for your honesty really enjoyed and I don't know if your right or not , my last landrover kept driving with the head gasket gone for 7000 km it had gearbox failure ect , you know I think it's they never really let me down , noisy uncomfortable yea your right .

[@jadam4031]

We had like this we drove from Nairobi Kenya to Pretoria South Africa

[@dylanmcdonnell5353]

Im British and i love a good British defender