Land Rover Defender 130 Camper Conversion - Start to Finish!

We are a family of four travelling around the world for almost 6 years in our Land Rover Defender 130. After circumnavigating South America and crossing the Americas, we decided to convert the Land Rover into a camper so that we could work and live comfortably as we travel.
A few facts about the rebuild:
1. It took almost three months of working 6 days a week
2. The entire project was designed by us and all the work was done by us
3. We started the project in Florida, USA and completed the project in the UK and Germany and we still have some final touches to make to the interior
4. The weight of the vehicle fully loaded is 3,500kgs approximately
5. The camper was designed to fit in a high cube shipping container
6. The entire build cost us approximately USD20,000. The panels, extrusions, windows and most of the adhesives were supplied by Total Composites
7. The camper can sleep 4 adults and has open access from the cabin to the cab
➡️Find Out More
ABOUT US: www.a2aexpedition.com/
FACEBOOK: / a2a.expedition
INSTAGRAM: / graeme.r.bell
TWITTER: / arg2alaska
@falkentire @bearmach @melvillandmoon@totalcomposites @cibexspain@snomasterusa @[e-mail]
For collaborations and business inquiries, please contact via email.

[@tombrooks8565]

I hit the like button when I saw you cut in access to the fuel pump. American engineers haven't provided this on any cars that I know of. I have seen this on thirty year old Japanese vehicles. I am also excited to see the versatility of this Land Rover design. Well done!

[@GraemeBellOverlandingMan]

We had fuel issues in Spain and Turkey and had to access the pump a few times. really happy that we took the time to cut in that hatch. The long term plan is to further modify the camper as the kids grow up and move on, therefore we built it to be modular and versatile.

[@pickupwpodrozy4131]

OK.....SUPER ....GRATULUJĘ POMYSŁU

[@aleksandrartamonov4189]

молодцы , очень рад что есть такие люди как вы

[@alansmith2203]

that was a great design and you executed it beautifully. People who have never undertaken a serious project like this have no idea how much time, money, and sweat goes into the execution. I really liked how you cut the back off the LR cabin and made the inside of the camper and cab accessible to one another ....brilliant and so worth the effort. One of the things about doing these things is the new skill sets you end up with afterwards. Marvelous work, mate!

[@GraemeBellOverlandingMan]

Thank you Alan. It is true, we learnt so much during this build and it was a full on labour of love, nerve wracking! But she has since taken on West Africa and passed the toughest test with flying colours. What a relief!

[@cedarcanoe]

What a great build Graeme and family! Greetz from Sweden

[@GraemeBellOverlandingMan]

Greetings from Mexico!

[@dougharker9913]

UNCLEDOUG HERE IN BOONE NORTH CAROLINA AMERICA /// DAMN DAD YOU DO GOOD !!!!!!!!!!!! I OWNED A VAN SHOP FOR 20 YEARS IN ASHEVILLE N.C. WE DID LOTS OF CUSTOM WORK ON VANS AND 4X4 TRUCKS BUT YOUR TRUCK IS OFF THE HOOK !! LOOK GREAT AWESOME !!!!!!!!!!

[@GraemeBellOverlandingMan]

Doug Harker Thanks! Hope all is well in NC - beautiful part of the world.

[@cloud9847]

That's a family that has their priorities in order. Might not be priorities you or I would have, but that's the great thing about personal priorities. Have fun, be safe and explore as much as you can!!

[@Reaper4367]

Brilliant use of the 130's ample wheelbase. Great build, cheers for sharing.

[@GraemeBellOverlandingMan]

Thanks so much! 4 of us live very comfortably in it daily.

[@josef5675]

I like it very much how the women are involved in this project. Really very adorable 😻 You are a lucky family!

[@GraemeBellOverlandingMan]

Thanks! A family that works together, grows together 😀

[@roddy46198]

NOT just another "Brilliant Build", I would have liked to see you put in air bags in the rear as the benefits are awesome, levelling for camp site, keeping the headlights with the same focus not to mention if you have a varied load, the system adjusts accordingly. I have used the Accuair and BOSS airbags in the rear of my Defender for five years, never had a problem. Now I'm trying to find a 130 wreck for this very style of overland... great work!

[@GraemeBellOverlandingMan]

Thanks for the appreciation. We did install rear airbags during our trip through Turkey in 2017 and the improvement in handling and leveling was significant. We still have not found the suspension "sweet spot" but will address that soon.

[@tonydownunder5703]

Great stuff !! Looks great 👍 Love the way everybody jumped in and helped. (Great job girls). Well done all..

[@DENMONKEY]

excellent build. great to have the family involved. must be proud of the outcome.

[@64maxpower]

I'm impressed. You all did a wonderful job. I love that you built it on a Landrover chassis

[@Mr_Gil]

minute 16:20 You visited portugal, how fantastic! I loved to have crossed with you, to meet you and have a coffee. Have a good trip, have fun, be happy

[@GraemeBellOverlandingMan]

Obrigado Gil, we will be back in Portugal soon for some sardinha and Sagres :)

[@wertu_USA]

У тебя хорошая семья , вы молодцы ! Все супер . Желаю удачи.!

[@totalcomposites484]

This turned out very nice! I love seeing our products travelling the world :-)

[@TypHenC]

Супер 👍👍👍 8) Good luck ✊🏼

[@felixcat9318]

You have created a compact, insulated, ridged Travel Cabin outfitted with all of the necessary life support equipment and enhancements to ensure safe, comfortable and happy travelling and camping! Your superb designs and choice of structure, together with your light, airy, spacious and ergonomic interior with it's lightweight aluminium furniture framing is something I find to be elegantly simple and simply elegant!

[@GraemeBellOverlandingMan]

Thank you or the kind words. We had no idea how difficult this project would be but it consumed my thoughts day and night for two years. Eventually it all came together and we could not be happier with the end result. We are now able to travel safely and in comfort which means we will travel further and experience more. When the kids leave eventually we will rebuild the interior into something out of this world.

[@rs3370]

I'm not sure which I'm more envious of, your rig, or your dancing skills!

[@GraemeBellOverlandingMan]

Haha, I don't know why Luisa included the dancing in the video.

[@slowshop]

Love it! Absolutely brilliant. Btw, your dance moves are top notch. 👌

[@chrisbreiner5205]

Absolutely beautiful

[@hh1h_334]

beautifully built rig.. so glad you and your family will be able to enjoy a rig so fresh and well thought-out!

[@GraemeBellOverlandingMan]

Thank you. We love her, all we have to do now is put the finishing touches to the interior

[@richardcheatham9490]

Very, very nice. Many wishes for unending 'Happy Trails to You' all. Best to you. Richard.

[@everyone5724]

This is so cool. Very well thought out! I love seeing builds like this where a whole family is working on something like this so that they can go out and adventure. Coolest ever. :)

[@GraemeBellOverlandingMan]

Thanks Poots! We have explored 20 countries since the build and the camper is perfect! Almost :)

[@canyonhaverfield2201]

amazing project.. congrats for such persistence ... and to think how cool it is that folks are going this far out to provide a way for being closer to nature ! I will second your due praise for the SnoFrost fridge.. I too find it the coolest fridge out there. Well designed for ease of approach to contents, smooth and quiet running.. beautiful stainless construction .

[@faddddyyyy]

I simply love it. A pleasure watching the build and the utilitarian outfit to it. If I plan to make a camper in a Rover one day, it'll be exactly like this. Absolutely love it.

[@GraemeBellOverlandingMan]

Thank you so much. You will be happy to know that the camper performs excellently off road as well as being incredibly comfortable.

[@lawesosah9214]

Great job guys!!!!!!! I like "Mafuta's" new makeover A definite must do if i ever get a Landy 130!

[@LangebaanSunset]

Love it - well done folks - added to our favourites channel !!

[@marioneto50]

That's a brilliant convertion. Congrats mate

[@misery8264]

Thank you so much for this video, its hard to find information on how to convert a defender, and I'm thankful for every bit of information I can find. The motivational dancing has been an especially nice touch.

[@GraemeBellOverlandingMan]

I need to find a way to edit out that dancing! Working with a Defender is much easier than working with other brands, I believe. It is lego!

[@1950harleycharley]

An amazing build...well done and not the high dollar camper the expedtion builders make...thanks for sharing this...now to see some newer videos.

[@GraemeBellOverlandingMan]

I need to do a follow up video. We have made some changes after the West Africa journey and she is better than ever.

[@rjl110919581]

THANK YOU FOR DETAIL VIDEO AND WISH BEST IN TRAVELLING FROM AUSTRALIA

[@juanmanuelferrand]

Beautiful Camper! Beautiful ladies too. Saludos desde Argentina

[@user-uw3fi2zg4t]

pervert

[@coadyg]

Great build guys I'm looking at similar conversion this has given me some good inspiration and ideas.

[@gregparrott]

Excellent video. I also appreciate your listing of facts. It would be interesting to see a rough breakdown of the $20k cost in categories such as panels, fixtures (e.g. door, windows, etc.), flat bed frame, shipping, and costs for any interior work you have done that may be covered in the $20k estimate. Your project gives me some ideas as well. Thanks!

[@JamesDailyTV]

If you take a long stretch of bungee cord and make a big loop and wrap it around that canvas, it'll automatically tuck in as you lower the top. That's how I solved the issue on my popup tent and it works great.

[@GraemeBellOverlandingMan]

Thanks, we have the chord waiting to be installed, just need to sew in some guys loops.

[@JamesDailyTV]

@@GraemeBellOverlandingMan Good stuff! Great build..

[@ofrisingstar3579]

I think you made the maximum of this car, very great. Right words that everybody can life allover, what you need is money. Have a nice time, Greetings from germany.

[@somavilla33]

Amazing! We wish you some great adventures!! Best wishes from Sheffield England!!!

[@GraemeBellOverlandingMan]

Thank you! Give the UK a hug from us :)

[@J.A.S.E.alaventure]

it looks great and that you all built it is even better :) knowing your vehicule inside out is so satisfying :)

[@Kyletransit]

Excellent craftsmanship and and creative ideas on that build and what a superb vehicle choice 👌

[@GraemeBellOverlandingMan]

Thank you, I wish we had had more time to do the interior perfectly, that will come as we travel and experience the build.

[@yalebrozen1349]

Love the can do attitude.

[@MrBrentles]

Very epic build. Well done. Hats off to you.

[@Bugoutvehiclesuk]

I like the upside down window blind idea. Thanks.

[@LinoFazio]

Bug out vehicles UK Torn Apart self sufficiency. .hggghhhjkolok.

[@glip]

Nice build. Looking forward to seeing your adventures in the LR Cheers from Australia :)

[@POVDrivingTour]

Very interesting to watch, it takes sheer determination to get up 6 days a week to work on it. Your video was in the YT recommendation for Land Rover Defender, as I'm in the process of converting a 110 to 6x6 electric. The process has started and should take 6 months for the 6x6 conversion, and another painful 6 months for the EV conversion.

[@GraemeBellOverlandingMan]

Good luck with the project, don't let anyone rush you!

[@garthhayward9581]

What a great vid. Thanks for putting this together guys, most informative.

[@GraemeBellOverlandingMan]

Thanks Garth! If you have any questions, let us know

[@gasgiant7122]

Very well designed and built.

[@SeregaSVDKSK]

Хорошо, когда руки растут из нужного места. 👍👍👍

[@tompinion4138]

Looks great. Happy travels!

[@Alan62651]

Absolutely fantastic job...

[@offingtheroad2246]

I know this LR 130... Photos you've taken are among my bests... Cheers...

[@GraemeBellOverlandingMan]

Thanks! Luisa is our photographer and she is getting better every day.

[@nwmgnoe316]

Great job , love it , sure to get many more miles from your camper !

[@easy_man_0460]

it's just amazing

[@danwhiteman2529]

Awesome build!

[@TheTravelingTogetherJournal]

Creative solutions to your unique needs. Nice build. I found it very interesting since I am planning a similar style of construction on my next build.

[@user-ux3zx1wc5q]

The Traveling Together Journal

[@user-ux3zx1wc5q]

The Traveling Together Journal

[@user-ux3zx1wc5q]

The Traveling Together Journal ㄛ

[@dutchonwheels]

Really like your new landrover? What a space. Have a nice time in morroco

[@GraemeBellOverlandingMan]

Yeah for sure! Loving the space and freedom to still go off the beaten track

[@REDCLAYHOMESTEAD]

Really sweet build and I love the sneaky can of bugler.

[@GraemeBellOverlandingMan]

Dig that Bugler :)

[@gadgetphilosophy8290]

Good work guys. Labour of love. Hope you enjoy it.

[@GraemeBellOverlandingMan]

Thanks so much!

[@DustyKorpse]

I just came here for the dancing! You heartbreaker you! ;) nice landy conversion too.

[@GraemeBellOverlandingMan]

Dusty Korpse Thanks :)

[@deerjen313]

Awesome work! I wish you guys enjoy your trip with this truck.

[@GraemeBellOverlandingMan]

We have really been loving it so far. Still capable off-road and fantastic to live in!

[@DamonYUJIA]

Amazing 4x4. Thanks

[@awolmallorca6327]

Great build

[@johndoe-wh6td]

Wow

[@LiveWorkWander]

Well done, kids! Looks super comfy and rad

[@GraemeBellOverlandingMan]

+Live Work Wander - Thanks! Definitely a lot more comfortable than a rooftop tent and being able to cook inside when the weather is foul

[@LangebaanSunset]

Awesome guys !!!

[@joseorlandolopes3224]

Que projeto lindo nunca tinha visto gostei

[@richardburke3004]

Awesome job! Well done.seems well thought out from the get.

[@fap9620]

Nice pick from Portugal

[@protaviotoutonge9744]

its amazing man, congratulations

[@demofactory]

Great camper and a great team!!!! Nice work!!!!!!

[@GraemeBellOverlandingMan]

demofactory Thank you!

[@gonewiththewind8072]

GORGEOUS

[@75willo]

Beautyful!

[@chanpengchen]

You have an enviable wonderful family.

[@GraemeBellOverlandingMan]

Thanks so much!

[@jamessveinsson6006]

That seems like the Aussie can do spirit!!

[@GraemeBellOverlandingMan]

Thank you! I'll take it :)

[@diachinnisoares1559]

Woooou amazing! from now on i am here with you! directly from Brasil!

[@GraemeBellOverlandingMan]

Obrigado amigo.

[@diachinnisoares1559]

#tamojunto

[@quintincairncross1088]

Hey, nice build and nice to see another Landy with a CX plate.

[@GraemeBellOverlandingMan]

Thanks and hopefully we'll meet you on the road!

[@emilevanessen1680]

Thanks for sharing! nice work

[@cabovercamperdarrenthomas1286]

beautiful job👍🏼

[@techbasta]

Great work!

[@anthonybaiocchi3028]

Very lekker. Come up to Scotland and I'll show you around. Miss my TD5 I had in Cape Town but my Cruiser has taken me all over the UK and Ireland so no complaints as I'm man alone and the space is enough for me.

[@gustavochagas5128]

Great job! Congratulations!

[@GraemeBellOverlandingMan]

Thank you so much 😀

[@egor3539]

Это круто, молодцы ребята...

[@HappyHappy-oz4yh]

Love it

[@DavidMGKiza]

Very nice build.

[@user-zo7br5yq4q]

Молодцы, хорошо получилось )))

[@malcookie]

Excellent!! Well done 👍👍👍

[@aidantimmins8441]

You've done a fantastic job guys well done ☺

[@GraemeBellOverlandingMan]

+Aidan Timmins Thanks!

[@ogplboogiemangonzo7129]

Slot of hard work out into your dream driver home .💯💯Looks very good and comfortable .👍🏼🥃🍾

[@GraemeBellOverlandingMan]

Thanks, we're still loving the rebuild!

[@bababiba1147]

Молодцы! Крутой проект!

[@user-ed6gu6yj7k]

Красавцы умеют люди жить как люди👍

[@user-qv4jh6ox1t]

very good!good luck!

[@GediSpock]

Nice work.

[@moobaz8675]

Cool set up. I think the four of us in my family would murder each other, but I like what you've done. Only thing I will say is, you have no rhythm 😂 Happy travels. I wish you well.

[@honzachlan]

This is AMAZING!!!! You inspired me and now I HAVE A DREAM. Dream to build something like you did. Many thanks and I wish you great time in your nice camper!

[@GraemeBellOverlandingMan]

Thanks Burny! We will soon post a follow up video of us putting the camper to the test in the Pyrenees :)

[@juliankinda8126]

Cool dance moves

[@markusw484]

It's a great video and a fantastic car. It's great to see what is possible with passion, work and a dream that comes true. Besides the car the dancing parts are highlights. ;-) Regards from a german Tdi Driver. Markus

[@GraemeBellOverlandingMan]

Thank you Markus. Graeme has some sweet moves

[@bahamasking2063]

Lovely, good job.

[@GraemeBellOverlandingMan]

Many thanks!

[@pickbilewanderlust2628]

Meraviglioso....COMPLIMENTI......

[@ericmassin6678]

Félicitations...très belle réalisation. :)

[@ihmesekoilua]

Oh sweet, finally the whole story. This is actually one of the reasons my thinking-planning-dreaming -activity has started slipping from a Sprinter or Iveco or Fuso platform towards a rover... seems you can get ALMOST as much space on a 130 with the added benefits of... well... a Defender.

[@GraemeBellOverlandingMan]

Check out the Pulse ambulance based on a 130 chassis. Or you can build your own like we did.