How Much Did Our DIY Defender Camper Build Cost? Cost Breakdown For Building an Overlander.

We've always dreamed of owning and overlander and exploring the paths less travelled. So, after buying a stock standard Land Rover Defender we have spent the last 7 weeks converting it into our dream overland camper and putting it to the test! Today we share how much that dream has cost us! In this episode we go through a break down of the costs for building the vehicle and share our tips for saving money on camper builds. We have the full spreadsheet detailing every cost so if anyone would like a copy, we will happily send it to you, just pop us an email to: [e-mail] (sorry its way too long for the desciption!).
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00:00 Intro
00:20 Base vehicle
00:55 Alu Cab roof conversion
02:08 Exterior modifications
03:06 Interior fit out
03:47 Awning
04:02 Electrics
04:58 Plumbing
06:00 Consumables
06:19 Linings
07:03 Money saving ideas and tips
#vanbuild #vanconversion #selfbuildcamper #adventure #alucab #alucabadventures #overlandevolution #overlander #overlanding #4x4 #offroad #offroading #offgrid #camping #campingcar #campervan #campers #adventureawaits #tinyhomeonwheels #tinyhome #landrover #defender #expedition #defender110 #landroverdefender #4wd #expeditionvehicle #shadowawn #270awning #icarus #camper #vanlife #travelcouple #homeiswhereyouparkit #homeonwheels #vanlifestyle #coupleswhotravel #builttorove #alucabicarus #adventureisoutthere #overlandbuild #camperbuild #overlandbuild #landroverbuild #defendercamper #defenderconversion #adventurecouple #landroverjourneys #rooftop #rooftoptents #vanbuildseries #costbreakdown

[@stuartguy4479]

If you’ve got the budget then the vehicle you’ve produced is worth every penny, yours is stunning and will outlast any transporter out there that won’t be much cheaper

[@truebluetravellers]

Cheers mate, hopefully she does us proud 👍

[@Jabber-ig3iw]

16.5k for that Defender is an absolute steal. It looks in fantastic condition. A well know Defender conversion company was selling a similar 110 with a top top conversion for 36k Your conversion cost just slightly more than the 130 conversion we bought last year. It’s a full bespoke body conversion with bespoke pop top, the conversion was done 20 years ago by a Land Rover conversion specialist, I’ve added a side table and 270 awning so it’s probably about the same as yours. Obviously it hard to put a value on your labour costs. We didn’t really want to do a full build, no time or workshop space was a big factor but also we just wanted something we could get out and start using straight away. In 1 year of ownership we have visited 13 countries including trips to Morocco and Albania. I’m slowly doing things here and there to modify to our needs, the side table is one of the best things we have down, I’m not completely sold on the 270 awning, I’ve also re decorated the interior and that makes a big difference.

[@truebluetravellers]

Sounds brilliant send us a pic over on insta or Facebook as I’d love to see it, Now that’s what a campers for 13 countries in 1 year is what I love to hear, Albania I keep hearing so much good about, apparently its so good for wild camping etc

[@shane555]

The fact you do all the work yourself can't be understated, and it's the area I'd inagine most camper builds get out of hand, labour costs! You obviously have the skill and intelligence/creativity to find solutions where others would see problems and you've got the tools (the tyre fitting machine was a shock to me 😂) to be able to turn your ideas into a reality, so fair play to you guys 💪 Now all you need is more subscribers, cos this channel needs a bigger audience, it's quality 😊👍

[@truebluetravellers]

You are the man with words Shane, so lovely of you to say and it means allot, we are so happy with how the channel is going and it looks like we have a lot of great people following along, 😁

[@DaleReubin]

Fantastic build! Well done guys, I’ve really enjoyed following along. Can’t wait to the adventures ahead.

[@truebluetravellers]

Cheers dale, could of done with your video of things for under £100 to be longer so we could of kept the costs lower 😂

[@triplex86]

Finding your channel has been wonderful. I just binge watched your defender build series and, once again having already watched your sprinter van build series , I am just blown away. A fantastic build. Thanks for posting the videos - very enjoyable to watch.

[@truebluetravellers]

Thanks very much for watching 😁👍

[@IvoryDustBug]

Fantastic build! Love how you keep track of the expenses. One saves quite a bit when doing things by yourself and looking for bargains.

[@truebluetravellers]

Thanks very much Liesl 💙

[@TheOneNOnlyChubnut]

Excellent! Thanks for doing this vid. It does put everything in perspective.

[@truebluetravellers]

No worries , thanks for watching 👍

[@user-yo4tv5cv6m]

Thanks for all the info. You guys are awesome. Love all your hard work. And all the laughter

[@truebluetravellers]

Thanks very much 😁👍

[@andresteenkamp3288]

I AM FROM SOUTH AFRICA AND WATCHED YOUR VIDEOS FROM THE BEGINING TO THE END IN 2 DAYS. LOVE THE GREAT WAY YOU DID IT. JOKING ALL THE TIME AND STILL GETTING EVERYTHING TO WORK. BUSY DOING THE SAME THING AND WITH YOUR HELP, IT IS SO MUCH EASIER

[@truebluetravellers]

Thanks very much, it’s much appreciated 😁👍

[@Bushtravellers]

Cool clip guys. Thanks for sharing.

[@truebluetravellers]

Thanks 👍👍

[@lvarro]

I love your style, People. Down to earth, happy, willing to share. Thank you.

[@truebluetravellers]

Thanks very much 😁

[@SpokyDoodles]

It looks absolutely amazing guys, hats off to you! Can’t wait to see it in action

[@truebluetravellers]

Thanks Sean 👍

[@Lee_Proffit]

That's a lot cheaper that I was imagining, but then as you say, there is no labour costs - and she looks good too 🙂 You need to go back and add the link to the "Buy me a coffee" link to all of these old videos to catch latecomers like me who are just discovering you and playing catch up ☕☕

[@truebluetravellers]

Thanks Lee, another great idea 👍 I’ll get on it

[@pamelarothwell1320]

Absolutely super video, really am enjoying them, especially TTT and Jon's fashion tips! I am really looking forward to seeing you on your trip. Safe travels and have a fantastic Christmas, all the best... Pamela

[@truebluetravellers]

Thanks very much Pamela 😁💙

[@stevestott1514]

What a fun build out of a Land Rover defender . And the Best By a country mile cost break down I’ve seen yet on a over landing rig set up . Well done you two . Thanks again for sharing your wonderful build videos with us all your over landing friends . Cheers from Steve Stott in Sutherlin Oregon U.S.A. :) :) 🍻😁👍🏼

[@truebluetravellers]

Cheers Steve, we went to the landrover owners show here in the uk this weekend, what a show, more defenders than u can poke a stick at 👍

[@stevestott1514]

@@truebluetravellers now that sounds like my kind of fun 😎

[@traceyhill7784]

Such a beautiful build it is well worth that money. We have zero skills and I found this fascinating. Well done both of you.

[@truebluetravellers]

Thanks very much Tracey, it’s lovely of you to say 😁

[@carlfogarthy6508]

bravissimi! I love the description of the base vehicle (Def) which has a lot of cons but..... it takes you everywhere! Long live Defender!

[@truebluetravellers]

😂😂 Thanks Carl, it was so funny at the Land Rover show, we talked to lots of die hard defender fans and they all said, there’s so many things about them that are absolutely rubbish but they love them and you just can’t beat them 💙

[@67iconn]

Watched the whole camper build today (12/11/23) amazing. Good luck on your adventure ✌️

[@truebluetravellers]

Cheers mate 👍

[@kensoutham6828]

I have enjoyed your build videos. We have built out a new full size Ford Transit AWD van in Canada in 2020 and we have been frugal on the build like yourselves. It does add up quickly even if you have the skills like we do, to do all the work ourselves. I can do everything except the welding; I haven’t taught myself yet how to do welding but I did teach myself how to use a sewing machine! The mechanical, carpentry, electrical and plumbing, I have been fortunate to learned when I was much younger with my early jobs in life. We have traveled both North America over many years and South America 2018 in vans. Traveled Southern Africa with a Toyota Land Cruiser and a rooftop tent originally planned for 2020 that became 2022. Also traveled Australia, New Zealand by car and the Silk Road by motorcycle. We feel that the pop-top truck like a Landi or Toyota Troopie are the perfect vehicles for not too big world travel. Sure we like the room in the bigger expedition trucks however they are very expensive to buy and run and cannot get into the places the vans and the small trucks can go. Shipping a van requires RORO but you open so many more options when your vehicle can also fit in a container. Congratulations on your new truck. Thank you for sharing and perhaps we will meet on the road someday. Our next trips are England and specific parts of Europe. My wife is British and we are just now planning our European/British trips in the next couple of years after she retires. Brexit is giving us some unique challenges with the 90 day rules in the EU (we had hoped to have our truck in Europe for a year and then Britain for a year but looks like we will have to hop back and forth between Britain. It’s all part of the adventure. Love your build, only thing I would have done different is a solid surface countertop. Solid surface (plastic) is way more forgiving with the water that splashes on it. Otherwise most everything else is very similar in our builds (Renogy, fridge, water purification, plumbing). May you have many happy memories in your new truck ❤.

[@truebluetravellers]

Hi Ken, it sounds like you have had some absolutely incredible adventures, we would love to hear your stories if our paths ever cross! Your van sounds brilliant too! There’s something that’s hard to describe about travelling in a home you’ve built yourself isn’t there! Brexit is such a pain! I’m sure you’ve looked into it but there are some beautiful countries that aren’t in the Schengen zone like Bosnia and Herzegovina which might help with managing your days. We absolutely loved Bosnia and Herzegovina and have heard lots of great things about Montenegro and Albania so they are high on our list to visit! Thanks so much for your kind words, we really appreciate them and for the little part of your story, we love hearing about others adventures 💙

[@austendallaston3537]

Love it, thanks for the entertainment and knowledge, it's great seeing peeps with a sense of humour, keep it up 😂

[@truebluetravellers]

Thanks very much 😁😁👍

[@tomlee261]

Well I've just sat and binge watched this whole build series in an evening. I've broken my leg in three places and can't get out. So this always cheers me up! Now for the Morocco videos!

[@truebluetravellers]

Thanks very much mate, hope your on the mend soon, sounds like a nasty one 👍

[@tomlee261]

It is but all things get better!

[@kizzyp2735]

Simply outstanding build .

[@truebluetravellers]

Cheers kizzy 👍

[@Chester1975]

This has to be one of the best I’ve seen 😎👍

[@truebluetravellers]

Cheers Ashley, much appreciated 👍

[@user-yd9wc7lz2b]

You two are a true inspiration we have an old talbot express harmony that needs some work. Your videos are spurring me on to get it done now. Xx ❤❤ liz.

[@truebluetravellers]

Thanks liz 😁💙

[@Scrambler85]

Very impressive build and you did it far cheaper than I thought you could. You are 2 very talented people. 👍

[@truebluetravellers]

Thanks very much mate 👍

[@wilbearworks]

Great, thanks. The more I see the way John sees things the more you could be talking about me. I always buy in bulk and have many storage boxes in the sheds. go well.

[@truebluetravellers]

As much as it pains me to admit it is really does make a huge difference always having a stock of things. Don’t tell him I’ve admitted it twice though! 😂😂

[@leecurry14]

Looks like I'm watching the landy build in reverse order 🤣 just watched your first wild camp in it, it's such a stunning unique build. Yes it's cost you a punchy bit of money to build, but it's worth more for sure, nothing you build ever looks cheap regardless of how you source bit's. Best channel on KZbin for quality banter and knowledge, you guy's are absolutely down to earth and so knowledgeable with such a great spirit. Thanks for these videos guys it's what makes KZbin so good viewing Cheers Lee

[@truebluetravellers]

Cheers lee, much appreciated, can’t wait to go traveling in the beast 👍

[@lewisjudd1153]

Outstanding build as expected 👏👏👏 well done

[@truebluetravellers]

Cheers mate 👍

[@ChrisHudsonVlogs]

Just binge watched landy build and Sainsbury’s van build, great videos and keep up the work! That defender must be worth over £50k now it’s incredible!

[@truebluetravellers]

Cheers mate, it’s much appreciated, £50k I’d love it if it was, can’t wait to get out in the beast 👍

[@stephenbland7461]

Well done. Your Land Rover has got to be one of the best Land Rover overland conversions I have ever seen. And it’s so satisfying to have done all the work yourself rather than paying someone else. Admittedly, the final cost is a lot, but then I’ve seen 4x4 sprinter conversions come in at over twice that price and I’d know which I’d rather have….yours. Looking forward to your adventures in the Land Rover. Have you give the truck a name yet? I’ve got a land rover 101 forward control that I use for boondocking although the inside is not as sophisticated as yours. Btw, I noticed a few motorcycles in your workshop. Maybe a vid about those one day?

[@truebluetravellers]

Thanks very much 😁, No she hasn’t got a name yet, will have to think of one, I love the 101s loads at this landrover show, apparently they are not the best on fuel though 😂😂, yeah we are hoping to chick some motorcycle adventures in too which should be good

[@cichygc8666]

Well done absolutely amazing job 😍

[@truebluetravellers]

Thanks mate 👍👍

[@ashleym4887]

Great build Arthur and Grace. Big outlay but one you will always get back and more £££. Love the channel. Keep em coming. 👏🏻👊🏻

[@truebluetravellers]

😂😂😂😂😂 Arthur and grace, love it, Jess is puffing her chest with that one

[@chrislathangue556]

I’ve just binge watched your Landy build. Very impressive fabrication skills and teamwork throughout. I’m not aware of your back story or financial position but you could easily start a company building such vehicles. (I would happily buy the Landy if I was in the market for one!!) P.S. I love the workshop…. It look like you have all the tools a person would want or need!!

[@truebluetravellers]

Thanks very much Chris that’s much appreciated, I think I love the building part of the vehicles as much as the travelling part 😂👍

[@allegrosotto2126]

Never enough tools😀

[@Ibdrekly]

Makes what I'm selling mine for on eBay look justified thank you. Great video explains how much work and money goes into building these vehicles 😊

[@truebluetravellers]

👍 glad it’s of some use, I don’t think some people realise how much money they cost to build hey, and depending on spec can be £10k £20k £30k more

[@Ibdrekly]

@@truebluetravellers yeah off to the adventure overland show next weekend get some tips for my sprinter delivery truck build 😁

[@MrTerryb1956]

The best van build I've seen

[@truebluetravellers]

Why thanks very much 💙😁

[@paulmcneill2692]

Can't believe how much the rooftent cost 😮 Brilliant video keep up the good work

[@truebluetravellers]

I know, they are ridiculous, but I have to say are very good quality, they should be but sometimes that’s not the case hey, thanks for watching 😁

[@allegrosotto2126]

Great summary 👍 can’t wait to see it in real action - will the fridge be large enough 😁

[@truebluetravellers]

😂😂😂 I think jesses plan is to get as much food as she normally does, and then go, oh look all the food won’t fit in the fridge, I guess I’ll just have to eat a load now 😂

[@user-xg5io7kg6q]

You say Defenders are overpriced cause they are uncomfortable (...) BUT they get you everywhere you want - well that's why they are expensive cause they can do that! Yes, as a comfy road trip ride it's for sure too much lol. I own a Puma2007 and although they are uncomfortable they brought me/us places we would've never imagined with or without a car! Love your vids and Defender fellas!

[@truebluetravellers]

Thanks mate, your so right the best tool in the box for sure the old defender 👌

[@Mecurial_Meanderings]

I just love your positivity and encouragement, and the quality of your work. I would pay £50,000 for that lovely vehicle.

[@truebluetravellers]

That’s such a lovely compliment thank you 💙

[@whippetsadventuresandoneman]

Worth ever pennnie if you have the budget ❤ looks a great build ❤

[@truebluetravellers]

Thanks 😁💙

[@DefenderCanada]

We did our popup roof custom for less then 4500$ CAD (~2600 GBP) but it did involve way more work of course. The aluminium itself is quite cheap. The welding is not that complicated and we hired a welder that came with his machine and gaz. All the structure was assembled in one day (with good preparation though) The most expensive part of the build was the canvas. This cost even include the purchase of a waling foot sewing machine to be able to handle the thick fabric.

[@truebluetravellers]

Yeah I’ve seen a few diy roof jobs which look brilliant, and I did think about giving it a go myself as love a diy project, saying all that I am really happy with the alucab, even tho it’s sooooo expensive, but next build, we will give it a go I recon 👍

[@joseaubesosierra6323]

Si hazlo porque la camperizacion que habéis hecho es muy bonita y está muy bien hecha. Gracias.

[@truebluetravellers]

Thanks very much 👍

[@shaunmoller2997]

Your Defender is an epic oveland vehicle a beast

[@truebluetravellers]

Cheers mate 👍

[@Nenette.Rintintin]

Well done …Wonderfull build ! Realy ! Brilliant ! 💪🤣🇫🇷

[@truebluetravellers]

Thanks very much 😁

[@setildes]

Wow, I thought our pop-top was expensive at $11,500 AUD, you got better deals on the hardware than we did, good for you, our bull bar, rear bar, side steps and bash plates cost over $10K

[@truebluetravellers]

😅😅😅 I think as soon as it’s for a 4x4 they double the price 😂

[@daveyboy5961]

Great build and love the videos. I’m just starting fitting out a 2006 110 hardtop and you have given me sooo many ideas. Did you make the Jerry can holders yourself and how did you attach them to the air cargo rails?

[@truebluetravellers]

Yes mate I made the Jerry can holder, if you pop over to our instagram I did a quick reel (our latest reel) showing how I made it, then it’s just bolted to the rails 👍

[@AirbornePirates]

Such a great and honest overview! I’m hunting for a defender myself 🙂 new sub from me 🤘 🐸

[@truebluetravellers]

Thanks very much 😁

[@markburton8303]

You'll never lose on this, and you'll probably find it's an investment. Future classic, if not already, and now even more usable.

[@truebluetravellers]

Thanks mark 👍

[@uptone12111]

What a dream vehicle. That's a lot of money but comparable to what new cars cost these days. I say congratulations well done

[@truebluetravellers]

Thanks very much 👍👍

[@debbie-0206]

I’d say it was worth every penny 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@truebluetravellers]

Thanks very much Debbie 😁

[@thepeoplenavigator]

It really does make sense to use the defender for this quality of build

[@truebluetravellers]

Thanks. They are the best for what they do really, look the part too 😂

[@narrowboatcomfortablynumb547]

Love watching your videos and enjoy seeing how you bounce off each other, wonderful! Great info and looking forward to seeing more of your adventures and builds Though, sorry to sound like a bore, but do you have to tell insurance company that you've converted Land Rover to a camper and does the build need to meet any safety regulation standard or inspection? Cheers Andy

[@truebluetravellers]

Hi Andy, thanks very much 😁, so insurance company yes you just have to tell them that you have converted it to a camper and also obviously tell them what the value is now it’s converted too which the insurance companies are great about, Regarding safety regs and inspection, no you just build what you want and it is what it is, as long as it still passes mot your good, if you wanted tho you could get it checked and get a gas and electrical certificate for it 😁

[@clementvigne5599]

This is one of the best conversion we have seen, we are planning to do something very similar, the wife is very keen on the toilets !! 🤣 Would you have plans on the interior build? Did you guys put any measurements and drwaings down by any chance? Thank you !

[@truebluetravellers]

Thanks very much, Sorry we didn’t I’m afraid but if you wanted any measurements just give us a shout and we will send them over 👍

[@red9zero]

That is a bargain for what you have there. Good work !

[@truebluetravellers]

Cheers mate 👍

[@SindreS]

Thanks! I want to do a re-run of the whole Defender build now! 😍🤩 I also have a question, and maybe a tip. Did you insulate the riveted back door utensils holder, or have a quick way of stashing a puffy jacket between when hanging out in the winter storm? ❄️☃️🌡️ When the temperatures reaches -20°C (even -10°C in a windy gale) you really notice the low insulating qualities of windows 🌬️💨🥶 (and steel and aluminium). I would also recommend having black out curtains or covers made with reflective, a and maybe wool 🐑 and magnets 🧲 Also hanging your puffy clothing over or even in the window blinds will help Another cold weather tip is to consider insulating the plumbing on the outside, those mud-flaps will not help much 🧊☃️❄️ 🥶 Maybe foam insulation is to because it is harder heat it when it inevitably freeze up, or work on when you get a busted pipe or leak 🚰⛲️💦😭 Also consider a back up solution. You will probably find a jerry can that can fit your filtration system.

[@truebluetravellers]

Thanks for all the tips, No we said after we fitted it that we probably should of insulated the back window, to be honest we built it with the international of not really using it in the colder climates, we will be chasing the warmer weather in the defender but the tips will come in really handy for our next build which will be a full on winter vehicle

[@SindreS]

Aha, I might have picked up the info from an earlier video of yours, and mixed the info up in my head 😁🙃

[@kateandjames759]

Awesome work guys! Can you give some details on the water filtration you’ve used please?

[@truebluetravellers]

Thanks, yep we like it that much we are putting it in our van build too, I’ll drop the links below UDPAC water filter: www.directwaterfilters.co.uk/water-problems-18/e-coli-bacteria-and-coliforms/Housing-Ultra-Disruptor-PAC-Nano-Filter-Cartridge_?search=UDPAC 12V UV water filter: www.directwaterfilters.co.uk/private-water-supply/ultra-violet-uv-systems-150/uv-systems/12vDC-Ultra-Violet-Water-Treatment-Systems-16W?search=12+v

[@richardfromcornwall5492]

I’ve only just subscribed to your channel and am at the time of my life where I’m not up to doing all this kind of stuff myself but your channel is fantastic! I love seeing inside the man cave, sorry workshop, and for every job there’s a bit of kit. Above all the humour is my kind of humour! I have 2 questions though: could the Defender water filtration system be used in my touring caravan? And secondly, my mobility is not as good as it was and so would you consider doing a project at some point for a vehicle to be used by someone with compromised mobility - not a Defender style but possibly delivery wagon style? Keep up the good work both of you

[@truebluetravellers]

Thanks Richard, yep the water filtration system could be used in anything mate, as long as u have the space for it you could make it work, I wouldn’t really want to build for other people mate as I love converting campers at the minute but I think if I did it for a job I think I would loose the love for doing it 👍

[@tomassanesson902]

Awesome

[@truebluetravellers]

Cheers mate

[@jamesfin6039]

Great couple

[@truebluetravellers]

Thanks very much James 💙

[@tillyfoxtrotter]

Great looking van. Nice colour to start with, quite big miles on her already - what mods have you done to the oily bits? Suspension will need an upgrade with all that weight at the top.

[@truebluetravellers]

Cheers mate, mechanically she’s spot on mate (for now) high miles but been well looked after, pretty stock standard too, it has heavy duty genuine suspension and weighs in at about 3 tonnes fully loaded so quite good 👍

[@cichygc8666]

Wow 😲 nice

[@truebluetravellers]

Thanks 😊

[@JC-kh1ut]

Well done guys. Awesome job!! Any preventive Landy mechanics planned or was the landy completely sound at purchase?

[@truebluetravellers]

Cheers mate, no the bloke we bought it from treated right, it has full service history with all receipts and every part was genuine landrover parts so we got so lucky, I changed the rear pads as they were a bit low but touch wood all mechanically spot on

[@truebluetravellers]

Cheers mate, no the bloke we bought it from treated right, it has full service history with all receipts and every part was genuine landrover parts so we got so lucky, I changed the rear pads as they were a bit low but touch wood all mechanically spot on

[@tcbgt3rs]

Can you share more detail of how the Pelli style storage boxes are mounted to the side please ? links to the case / mounts / rails etc used really appreciated as I'm trying to do something similar on our !

[@truebluetravellers]

So the rails I had already but they are called unwin rails, they came out of a sprinter I did but you can pick them up on eBay second hand for cheap, All I did was bolt them straight to the sides of the defender, then just drill the cases and and nut and bolt them with an unwin rail bolt, and obviously silicone the thread of the bolt to seal it, boxes are good quality, cheap and are only slightly bigger than a Jerry can so ideal www.ebay.co.uk/itm/304208373948?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0&ssspo=kI3rTCjiTFO&sssrc=4429486&ssuid=h77jMQulRBK&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY

[@chicproduction]

Thank you for so many ideas, time and help! @RROverland

[@truebluetravellers]

Thanks for watching 👍👍

[@BrianDias007]

Fantastic video, would you have considered a vegetable oil conversion to save further fuel cost??

[@truebluetravellers]

Thanks, no I’ve not thought of that to be honest I’ll have to look into it 👍

[@tonyjcurd]

Hello, looks amazing! Where did you get your top and side cases plus the side mounting rails from? Cheers 👍

[@truebluetravellers]

Thanks mate, so the side rails are called unwin rails but I had them left over from a previous build, Side slight cases was eBay, I’ll drop a link below to one similar, And roof boxes are called Plano boxes, again I’ll drop a link 👍 www.ebay.co.uk/itm/375278519907?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0&ssspo=kI3rTCjiTFO&sssrc=4429486&ssuid=h77jMQulRBK&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY www.cadetdirect.com/heavy-duty-plano-military-storage-trunk-3-pack-black?gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjwsaqzBhDdARIsAK2gqndBql5nr3jS5VOhsL7IxQYN64EA75p0zmnKDbYHYaR50VZRCB528W8aAgCCEALw_wcB

[@tonyjcurd]

@@truebluetravellers Brilliant, thank you

[@rogergregory5981]

Its an excellent nice build the alucab is really cool but wow 2 arms and legs get what you pay for though quality gear 👍🏻

[@truebluetravellers]

Cheers mate, oh yeah a kidney too 😂👍

[@arnolftheater1901]

Awesome video!!

[@truebluetravellers]

Thanks mate, It took us 6 weeks this one I think but that was full time 👍👍

[@walterricciardi2769]

Hi thank you for the sharing. I 'll look in to your old videos to get inspiration. I'm curious to see how you change the celing with the alu cab. Which is the difference in between this one and the Icarus model? 16.500 pound with less than 200.000 km is a very very good price.You where very lucky. Or may be in UK becaus of the right driving position are cheaper. I'm looking in Italy and whole Europe for a td5, and the average of a Def with 200.000 km is between 22.000/25.000.

[@truebluetravellers]

Thanks 😊👍, so this one is the Icarus model so the roof just lifts up inside the van to give u more space, yeah we did get a steal I think, haven’t seen one anywhere near as good since 😊👍

[@justjames3145]

Think you already did well getting a good condition 110 for 16.5k GBP. Thanks for sharing the build costs. I must admit the alu cab did shock me a bit, but if you're really using it regularly it's probably worth it

[@truebluetravellers]

Thanks James, yeah I think we got lucky on the base vehicle, we looked at a few and there was some right rough ones for still top money, 👍

[@philpryor3152]

My original budget in my head was similar but I’ve just bought one and had to pay way more, so many patched and bashed with tell tale signs of future corrosion issues for early to mid 20’s with many miles. Lots of ‘pimped’ with 4x4 toys for £25k+ but corrosion related mot fails. I ended up paying top dollar but hope to save it in future welding and body bills and to be bolting things to a solid base🤞🏻. 29k mls from new also a factor.

[@truebluetravellers]

@@philpryor3152 yep that’s the thing with buying vehicles hey it’s a proper gamble, and even when u think u have a good one you take it home and then slowly find issues, at 29k Miles she’s practically new and shouldn’t of had people mess about with it too much so should be all good 👍

[@philpryor3152]

Lets hope so! 100% std. made my eyes water tho. Excellent tips on trying it out first, GLA etc. we have arrived in a similar place, I have a sprinter too. My justification is one is about getting somewhere to do a thing and being comfortable to do the thing snowboarding, mountain biking, canoeing in my case, the other (Landy) is about the journey and getting places I wouldn’t try to in the Sprinter if for no other reason than the cost of it going pear shaped (damage/roll etc)! Keep up the good work👍🏻

[@truebluetravellers]

@@philpryor3152 exactly what we think Phil, cheers mate 👍

[@DDLovett]

I bet if you were to buy that vehicle at an overland vehicle specialist dealer, you could triple that price. You got some serious skills guys.

[@truebluetravellers]

That’s a really lovely thing to say, thanks very much 💙

[@jcsheep2359]

Great job! Excellent camper! May I ask where to get alucab in UK?

[@truebluetravellers]

Thanks mate, there’s only 2 companies that sell them and that’s nene overland and tuff trek, we did a video of how we installed the roof too if that is any good to you 👍

[@grahames9228]

Can I ask, did you leave the suspension standard or do you have after market springs and shocks? If so, what sort?

[@truebluetravellers]

No mate, it’s all standard stuff, but standard heavy duty springs

[@kishenkotecha]

Do you have a water heater for the shower and tap?

[@truebluetravellers]

No we decided not to install one as we will only use the vehicle in hot climates 😁

[@analea6531]

I laughed uncontrollably when I heard the price of your defender because I’m here hesitating between a 1999 defender 110 Td5 with 199000 Km for 20K or a 2011 defender 110 td4 with 310000Km for 26K. You got a better deal than I’m going to get😂

[@truebluetravellers]

It’s hard to find a good one hey

[@aiabee]

Is there a video on how they built their composting toilet?

[@truebluetravellers]

Yep it’s over 2 videos tho so this is the first kzbin.info/www/bejne/h3_ClGNqhLZneKcsi=vVsWzdq6BpKo0ykI

[@truebluetravellers]

And this is the second 👍 Defender Camper Build Part 4: Off-Grid, Off-Road, Expedition Ready Home on Wheels kzbin.info/www/bejne/hGKve36PhqmVeNU

[@dianatonkinson4179]

Hi guys great build. Could I ask what is the name of that water filtration system and where did you get it from. Thanks 🙏🏼

[@truebluetravellers]

Thanks very much, I’ll drop the links in below 😁👍 www.directwaterfilters.co.uk/private-water-supply/ultra-violet-uv-systems-150/uv-systems/12vDC-Ultra-Violet-Water-Treatment-Systems-16W?search=12+v www.directwaterfilters.co.uk/water-problems-18/e-coli-bacteria-and-coliforms/Housing-Ultra-Disruptor-PAC-Nano-Filter-Cartridge_?search=UDPAC

[@dianatonkinson4179]

@@truebluetravellers thank you so much 😊

[@truebluetravellers]

@dianatonkinson4179 no worries 😁👍

[@dianatonkinson4179]

@@truebluetravellers oh god so sorry to bother you 🫣but did you buy a flow switch separately, it doesn’t say it comes with one

[@truebluetravellers]

It came with a flow switch but best to ring John when you order it and he will make sure he sends it with one as I’m not sure that it comes standard. If you tell him you saw it on our videos he will know what you mean 💙

[@keithturnbull4854]

Hi guys have you made it to the LRO show ?,sadly everyone is strugglng for internet and wifi 😭 it would be lovely to meet up 😊 i will be at the ardent adventure stand about 12 as i need to chat to russ the owner so if your about we could meet there 😁 catch you soon guys 😎

[@truebluetravellers]

Hi Keith, yeah would be great to catch u, we are probably setting off soon tho so just wondered if u are about any earlier

[@jamiesaunders188]

Nice work mate, do you know how much it all weighs now?

[@truebluetravellers]

Cheers mate, yep we come in at about 3tonne, fully loaded with fuel and water

[@jamiesaunders188]

@@truebluetravellers thanks, that's about normal I think. Happy travels!

[@TheFacilitiesOfficer]

What is the name of the tracking used to hold the fuel and water cannisters, my mind has gone blank (nothing new there 😊)

[@truebluetravellers]

😂😂 it’s called unwin rails 💙

[@TheFacilitiesOfficer]

@@truebluetravellers thank you 😍😍😍 when does the Jess & John travel show start on @Disney+ 😊😊😚😚😉👌 preferably with a two guns arm wrestling against hunky men and the tool & tech corner with special guests 💪🙋😎👌

[@truebluetravellers]

@@TheFacilitiesOfficer 😂😂😂😂 funny u should say that as it previews next week 😂👍

[@TheFacilitiesOfficer]

@@truebluetravellers 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣 about time too 👏👏👏👏👏👏👏

[@mikemorris96]

Your vids are great but 😊

[@truebluetravellers]

Cheers Mike

[@Zeus_1983]

How do you fund this lifestyle?

[@truebluetravellers]

Hiya, we did a Q&A where we explain it all, the videos on our channel. Sorry a bit of a long explanation for a comment 💙

[@davidbarber9892]

Jeepers, think I’ll stay with my 1.5k primastar, spent 2k but done

[@truebluetravellers]

😂 that’s what we love about campers, if u really want to do it you can do it on any budget 👍

[@Stonesns]

Damn if you think 16k pounds is a lot for this, you should come to Germany, I just bought my 2012 TD4 for 29K Euros (23K Pounds)

[@truebluetravellers]

I just bumped into a lady at the Landrover show and she said she just bought a left hand drive one which was allot more money the a RHD, very strange why they are so much more, makes me feel like I got a bargain tho 😂

[@philpryor3152]

Depends if its reached US or canada export age. 15yr for Can, 25 for US. Even RHD makes price higher. As they never really changed its all about condition, corrosion, spec and mileage not age.

[@tomprentice6935]

⚔️💪😎👌👍🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿(stroke)

[@truebluetravellers]

👍👍👍

[@joseaubesosierra6323]

poner subtitulos en español

[@truebluetravellers]

Sorry mate I didn’t even know you could do this, I’ll have a look into it 👍

[@liam4686]

tldr: too much

[@truebluetravellers]

?

[@vantabulouslife5704]

One obvious, very personal question which most vloggers get asked is how you fund your lifestyle. Looking at the amount of tools, equipment and £36000 to throw at a landy im guessing lottery winners 🤣 lol

[@truebluetravellers]

😂😂 so the story goes…. tools and equipment I’ve just got throughout the years as we enjoy diy and projects, during covid we renovated a couple of houses and sold them and with the covid price hike managed to save a little pot of money and basically that’s what we are living off now, we have a little income from KZbin but that’s it, so basically once we have spent all our savings we are back to reality and back to work, but you only live once hey so we best enjoy it while we can 😁

[@twoheadnorth]

Great video, again, Zahra and Paul @twoheadnorth

[@truebluetravellers]

Thanks 💙😁

[@stevenperrin6010]

Great VFM guys and you will make money if you sell it

[@truebluetravellers]

Thanks Steven 😁

[@snoman1999]

Yeah that's defo the "Landy" build dream over 😵 🚐💨❤

[@truebluetravellers]

😂😂😂