Land Rover Defender. My Converted Off-Grid Vehicle for Outdoor Adventure. Poweroak AC50 Power Unit.

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Evening folks! Thanks for watching. I have put a few links in the description box below the video if you are interested in some of the items I talked about in the video. Take care and see you soon!

[@desmondbroad1305]

You people and your modern fancy luxury vehicles make me I'll.you big show off.coil springs .wind up windows instead of manly sliding ones . A turbo and you only need slam the door 3 times with one hand.. you be telling us you've got a warm heater and power steering next it's not on .then the wife tells me your a teacher my God no surprise there always had the flash cars them teachers..🤣🤣🤣🤣 top bloke just subbed

[@jeanetteswalberg6166]

Sooo many great ideas here! I bought a minivan a while ago. Not quite a Land Rover, but #lifegoals, right? I haven't made any permanent mods to it yet, but I have taken it out car camping and learned LOADS each time. Thanks for sharing your all of your kit. Cheers

[@__cypher__]

Pray tell. What is a twisty thumbstick for?

[@StevenKeery]

@@__cypher__ : It is a walking stick, the thumb fits between the V shape at the top.

[@shal7321]

Living the dream. I'm one of those pay less of money to keep it going defender owners. What is a spanner? Still the best truck ever. Great vid. I'm shamelessly copying some of those ideas 👍

[@sarkybugger5009]

Other KZbinrs would have made a six month series on converting a Land Rover into a camper van, Simon makes a two minute time-lapse. Nice work, as always, Simon. Hats off to your attention to detail.

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Hahaha - thanks mate!

[@davidhill9938]

You say thanks for watching. I say it's a pleasure and thanks for making such fun and interesting videos. Cheers Simon!

[@ClintThrust-e8r]

That Hammock really is a Land Rover solution, for a Land Rover problem. This is a great setup.

[@MrFlyingguy]

never need to worry about parking on level ground with a hammock gravity is your gyro.

[@stevewhite8263]

Wow way too easy just a person a bloke in the woods

[@neil1150]

Unless it's raining 😂

[@MrPianoKnee]

What a fine craftsman; including the video production too. No better way to drive over to Dover. I agree with your approach, completely. Thanks for the tour.

[@Rick_Bagnall]

Hahaha! I know I'm in the States, but you just reminded me of my 2 brothers who have the same love/hate relationship with their own Land Rover Series 2's & 3's. One of them had a friend who said "That's not your truck, it's your Hobby!"

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

That is so true! 😂

[@mesmogruvinski]

Your films are so professional. Thankyou for all your hard work.

[@terryarnold2516]

Simon, you are a very clever man. Man of many skills. Love the Landy 👍

[@ajc7166]

Nice one Simon. Got to love a Land Rover. And admire anyone who's still sane who owns one.

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

😂😂😂

[@kjh789az]

Thanks for sharing these customisations and the challenges of maintaining a Landy!

[@xfmrman1682]

Simon, while you were talking about the vehicle and showing the repairs, it sounded like a great advertisement for Land Rover. I was expecting to see a new model drive by you. Defenders are great vehicles, I have only been associated with the 90 but so much fun. Thanks for another awesome video.

[@YaknTackle]

The only thing I find even remotely odd about this channel is that Simon doesnt have 500,000 subs...great video!!!!

[@stevewhite8263]

I was thinking 5 mill.. and he will just wait and see....

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Thank you!!

[@ClintThrust-e8r]

Probably because most people don't know what a bloke is outside of the UK. Maybe they think it's a slang word for a tree or something. 😂😂

[@stevewhite8263]

Okay maybe my profile picture is a little alarming but if mine is yours is also

[@stevewhite8263]

Mine is based on a British author known as Michael moorcock picture of that is Elric of melnibone

[@bertkelly7650]

Nice set up Simon. The hammock inside was genius.

[@SeKlasaChapo]

Love the not so subtle comedy at the start of the video. Brilliant stuff!

[@sharonbeckett721]

We had a land rover Disco called Dolly and me and my late husband had so much fun in her. The memories of the grandchildren loving it is very special.

[@marianfrances4959]

Love the hammock sleeping arrangement, the curtains and outdoor cooking!!👍😉🇨🇦

[@michaelbarton3530]

Love watching your videos here in South Carolina. Awesome vehicle! Part of the enjoyment comes from tinkering on something you love and keeping it running . From looks of it you certainly love your Land Rover. Thanks for all the effort you put forth in making your videos..really enjoy them!

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Thanks Michael!

[@Scotty-gg4gc]

Great and fun video. I especially loved the vehicle description between 2:12 to 2:45!🚙 You have such clever projects. Your designs and craftsmanship are superb.

[@davidf7481]

Brilliant video - thank you so much. It's so refreshing to watch a channel where you know that everything thst is done has a purpose and is done to be functional rather than for the showmanship or to show off. Thanks again - keep them coming!

[@MikeFarnhamGalaxysEdgeGroup]

From Florida here and I never miss a video - this was amazing! LOVED IT!! Stay Safe! Say hi to Maggie!

[@northernembersoutdoors1045]

It's interesting, Simon's reach goes far, I've seen bigger channels with more subs but they have fewer views, he's extremely popular, glad people in other countries are watching to 👍😎😎

[@TAOutdoors]

Haha I can relate to wearing the headphones when driving!! Great video, enjoyed that Simon.

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Thanks Mike, helps only marginally with the tinnitus haha. The joys of owning a tractor!

[@ronprince1478]

Try wearing a motorcycle helmet, works wonders and gets you some second looks.

[@marks-0-0]

I've started wearing headphones sometimes to listen to podcasts. In a van its really hard to hear the phones speaker.

[@JazzFunkNobby1964]

@@ronprince1478 A Balaclava get's more looks.

[@northernembersoutdoors1045]

You can build, you can sew, you can fix landrovers, is there anything you cant do, subscribing to this channel is a regret I will never have, thanks for the run thorugh of the old girl..

[@goranpocina9628]

I couldn't stop smiling for that entire video. Your Defender updates make my 17 year relationship with a Golf TDI seem a dalliance.

[@clutchpack1969]

The commentary about owning a land rover had me spitting my drink. As a former LR technician and RRC owner i can relate. Carpentry skill = epic Excellent build Simon!

[@mikebusby1471]

When you said 'thanks for watching' I started reading the comments. if you're not quick KZbin starts playing the next video.Was only reading the comments I realised i'd missed the build and went back and watched til the end. Glad I did. Great build. Love your videos.

[@Kathy_Is_Blessed]

Just FYI...if you click on your picture icon to get in your account, then click settings, then scroll down and there is a toggle to turn on or off AUTOPLAY the next video. I have always had mine off, I like to decide when I’m watching the next one, lol.

[@mikebusby1471]

Yes but sometimes you do and sometimes you don't.

[@ladybug4762]

Oh! I ♥️Landrovers! My dad had ond of those when I grew up. Loved joining him on trips on bumpy roads, and most when we got stuck almost on top of a hill, bcause I knew we then had to try to reach the top again. - and he had to drive even faster 😄 Thanks for sharing!

[@jellybean3731]

Hahaaa, thanks for that. I'm clenching my kitchen chair at the thought!

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Haha, and the careful reversing back down the hill to get a run up!! 😂

[@ladybug4762]

Funniest ever!! 😄

[@wandacintron9131]

I most said ,you are an amazing human being , i personally enjoy every video you post. I have learn a lot on what to do in emergencies , feel relax with all the beautiful scenes you visit. Your wife and kids most be so proud of you. May God brings many BLESSING UPON YOU AND FAMILY. It is a privilege to see your channel.THANK YOU .

[@ronpark3539]

Simon, I lust over the old land rovers. Lucky you!

[@timec2002]

You have to love a Land Rover even when they are being a pain. I had an ex-RAF series 3 in the late 80’s, great vehicle….until the gearbox went. In hindsight I should have hung on to it. I’ve had a Disco more recently, again great utility vehicle.

[@able2sail]

I drove my family from London to Capetown in 1972/73 in a 1972 series lll. Never a problem.

[@jamespaterson6550]

As I'm very partial to a proper landrover,having owned a few series ones years ago, may I say nice job sir!,functional not flash,a very tidy useful outdoor accessory to complement all your outdoor adventures 👍🙂🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@ritamilford3129]

My dad had an old red long wheel base Post Office one....until my mother eventually refused to travel in it, as he always chose it rather than his Range Rover. Oh boy, it certainly shook you up the track! Happy days, freezing feet.❤️🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿😷

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

My old series land rovers were like that - stiff leaf sprung suspension - almost threw you through the roof on every bump! 😂

[@chefthom72]

I bet Thomas can't wait to drive it. LOL Growing up my dad had a 1957 Jeep Willy's, I loved that hardy rust bucket. My stepmother hated it and made him park it in the woods to die :( . Then Pop (in 1984) got a 1985 Isuzu Trooper II. Ten years later, that was my first 4x4. My mate (funny, his name was Andy lol) had a 1962 LandRover. Lots of adventure!

[@andrewhoward7200]

That was great. Useful ideas I got from this. Hammock, catch to keep back door open,inward facing chair, portable power, back door mounted stove. Thanks.

[@wolfsmith2865]

My buddy was a Land Rover mechanic. He summed them up this way. "Any British offroad vehicle is designed to spend more time being maintained than on the road, but God you've got to love them."

[@barrywise2773]

I think you are a true gem brother.I really like your videos. Truly Superior to the huge amount of worthless videos on KZbin.

[@estherspekle7850]

The love and hate for Land Rovers... Yes....🙄😏 And that sound and smell..... In the end I love them!

[@prospectorpete]

Ive had my 96 defender 130 for 13 years and ive never needed to fix a thing. Its never let me down

[@1990westfalia]

The thing that I like the most about your Land Rover is how you made a home out of it. The curtains, the back seat and of course your sleeping arrangements. And that you made it, you built it for your needs. I would think that it a beautiful place to take a nap in a rain shower. I little diesel heater would help in cooler weather. Cheers. Skillet

[@marcdewilde518]

Hi Simon! I watched your video twice in a row. That's a first for me.. Simon the most practical bloke in the woods - ATB Marc - Belgium

[@papajeff5486]

My daughter is in love with the Land Rover. My dad had me holding wrenches before I could read. Every vehicle he owned he had to fix. It was like Murphy’s Law...at the worst possible time. That made me absolutely crazy. So, I’ve opted for a Tundra. It’s fine. It starts every time and all systems work, reminds me of my dad, that I love him and remember him with wonderful memories. Yeah, he’s gone. Texas

[@squirrelcovers6340]

Simon is truly a jack of all trades💙

[@Tom_Bee_]

I am 100% going to enjoy this pre-liked video that I'm commenting on before the opening sequence is even complete.

[@pappy1812]

I think the defender is one of those vehicles you love or hate. I spend every weekend working on mine. My partner asked when it will be finished 😂 😂 😂 she couldn't understand when I said never. Tinkering is half the fun and they take you anywhere you need to go. I like your hammock idea I think that will be installed in mine this weekend. Thanks for all the great content

[@Dustypilgrim1]

Loved that quick, 'cheeky', and cheap approach to a modded vehicle. A lot of it could be transferable in terms of a 'guerrilla conversion' of a van. The use of the hammock solves a lot of issues in regard to space in so many potential vehicles. Enjoyed that .

[@littledotti]

What a sweet set up. Everything you need. Amazing work and ideas. Love it.

[@edwardharrington678]

Very good conversion to the Land rover.

[@ggpkgman]

Brilliant! Been wanting to see the Rover for a while. Old vehicles like yours have character, and I’d rather have it than a brand new one. Thanks for the video!

[@raywestwood2900]

Only you Simon " a hammock van " what else could it be. Great.

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

It just had to be hahaha. 👍

[@ianadamson1241]

@@simonablokeinthewoods I wonder if Simon will ever think he might like a tent on top of his Land Rover aswell. In that case he will probably build a trailer to take his canoe.

[@YerluvinunclePete]

Dude! That's a sweet ride! Simple and versatile setup that's frugal but not cheap. No stupid tile or fake panelling. Just needs a winch bumper and an auxiliary heater.

[@christurner68]

Love the inside hammock, hmmm something to do in my troopy 🤔👍

[@fookdatchit4245]

This evenings viewing has been, bald&bankrupt, salvage rebuilds uk, kent survival and simon a bloke in the woods. That is what I call quality, no wonder people don't watch tv any more

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Thank you! 😁

[@deplorabled1695]

Landrover 110 served the Australian Army brilliantly for decades. Could go anywhere and universally loved by soldiers.

[@michaelbevan3285]

the joys of Landrover maintenance.....if you want to go somewhere, buy a Landrover. If you want to get back, buy a HiLux. Nice video, as always, Simon.

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

😂😂😂👍👍👍

[@jasonaffeldt7838]

Great job on fixing up your land rover. Your smarter than the average bear my friend. You take care and I look forward to your next video. 🇺🇸👍👍🔥🌲🔪

[@highdownmartin]

Just spent four nights in my 109 on a trip to Wales ( 850 miles ) I didn’t want any permanent sleeping conversion so had a 18 mm ply board strapped down at tub top height behind me. Bedding on top stove spare wheel etc below. It was hinged across the vehicle so I could swing over the back bit of the bed, leaving three feet by the rear door free and placed another hinged boardfrom the front of the tub to the bulkhead shelf ( series 2) so my head was next to the passenger window. After driving around 170 miles a day I slept bloody well. When it was folded the stove could sit on it and you had room to cook. Excellent video of yours, less is more , certainly. Always interesting to see a likeminded approach, always stuff to learn from or copy a bit. Top marks sir

[@carolleenkelmann3829]

That sure is wild music at the opening scene. Yep. Depicting typical Landrover heavy bush tracks and engineering comfort and those who never experienced that, let me reassure you, there is nothing, repeat, nothing to compare. But, Simon, you have a very unique and luxurious Landrover "Ausstattung". - conflicting terminology but oh so nice! Very enviable but practically, absolutely indispensable. Bravo and thankyou for giving the humble workhorse and Battlezone, a well deserved "makeover" and sharing with us - me, Another Landrover fan.( In it's appropriate environment) - Roughing it! (Ouch, ouch. - those bumps!) Better slow down a bit!

[@edwardmilsom4760]

Hi Simmon, Brilliant vid, I'm building a Defender trailer to go with the 90, you have just solved all my power issues, fantastic, thank you. I'm not an election and the poweroak solves everything. Love the hammock as well. Slamming doors is a way of life 😂😂

[@lewismanning2659]

Simon, I wouldn't normally post, your previous videos have been fantastic. But come on. That Land Rover is newly kitted out. Don't kid a kidda.

[@clh917]

Thanks Simon you didn't disappoint. Great to be shown around your Defender. I have the same affliction as you with Old Land Rovers , love hate is very true (5th one now, can only manage a few years without one before the insanity returns) I have watched this video 3 times now. 😀I like the curtain rail, that is one I need to copy.

[@ian-c.01]

That is probably the best set up Land Rover I have ever seen ! I've had a few friends that owned them and they were always saying how versatile they are and that they can be set up well for al kinds of uses but nobody that I know ever did more than use them as 4 wheel drive vans. I really liked the little montage at the end that shows quite a bit of the work you have done to it but it was running way too fast, luckily YT gives the option to slow it down and at 1/4 speed it is much easier to follow. I particularly like the use of natural bent sticks from the hedgerow which you used as handles, nice touch !

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Thanks Ian. 👍

[@abefrohman1759]

I can appreciate your Land Rover. I had a 1970 Toyota FJ55 and it had many similar qualities.

[@tonyanddeb1012]

Having owned a beautiful (well in my eyes anyway) 1968 Series 2A 21/4 petrol 88 with a tropical roof and a 1978 Series 3 109 diesel I too love a landy and hate them in equal measure! Many years ago after taking the 109 to Sainsbury's my wife returned knackered after trying to park in a tight space and said now here's the deal - either that bloody land rover goes and you get me a proper car that doesn't rain on the inside and I can park without arms like Popeye or I go .... Sometimes I really miss her :) Actually, she was right, we ditched the landy and because we couldn't afford a Disco or a Defender back then we went the proper car route ..... Still dream of doing what you've done though, love the videos. All the best from South West France

[@BaBaR84]

I love the sarcastic "why landrover".... Hahahah made me laugh.

[@robertstevens4697]

With your wonderful videos Simon you have just made me proud to be British even though I'm American

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Hahaha - thank you!

[@leemanyau1449]

Simon, what a perfect camper Land Rover. 👍

[@stewartsetter3921]

Not being mechanically gifted I'd have to be the bloke that pays someone to fix it 🤣. Absolutely love what you've done though

[@andrewforrest8641]

Your land rover looks good covered excellent job Simon well done nice one 👍👌

[@pmjd42]

Awesome LR. Mine, 1958 S2 88" (SMR 892), 1973 S3 88", 1984 90 (C YJT 892) converted from 4cyl 5sp manual to V8 4sp auto, a 1994 LR Discovery and an ex-military 109 V8 FFR in New Zealand.

[@MadGingerCat]

I have plans along similar lines. Love your therapy sessions... I mean content, Simon.

[@antonycrow1657]

I love the fact you can't tell it's a conversion from the out side. The hammock is a great idea.

[@marcosavio1749]

Loved watching this, you get them for the drama that comes with running them, would not have it any other way.

[@Taffwildmanofthewoods]

Simon 👍 great video. It took me back to my days in the army driving the troop Sgt Major around on exercise. We had Anderson bins secured to the inside and I was the driver/cook🤭. Nice conversation job👌 Really enjoyed this video atb Taff 🤠

[@EddieBarksdale]

Wow, using that $200 One Tigres tent replaces both a $300 awning and a $1000 roof top tent, all while not being totally vehicle dependent, takes up less room when stored, and also could even be made at home. Well done, I'm definitely stealing that setup idea for my own Jeep!

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

I hadn’t thought about that -big saving!! 👍

[@strawman3059]

I used to make bespoke bulkheads for the series 3,4 and V8's! Great video I'm binge watching them all 👍

[@martinfoy5167]

Is there anything that this maestro can't do 👏👏👏👏👏👏👏 keep them vids rolling simon 🇬🇧🛶🔥⛺👍

[@garydumbauld4212]

Welll.... to each his/her own. I’ve admired the Land Rovers for decades but . My first 4-wheel drive vehicle was a Toyota Land Cruiser FJ40, bought new in 1967. The ONLY thing besides routine maintenance ever done to the vehicle was a 15 minute trip under the hood to put in high-altitude jets in the carb. Put on 310,000 miles/499,000km, of mixed highway and off road miles, finally traded it for a sedan due to having a wife and child to transport more comfortably. I take it back; I did lift the fiberglass roof and replace the rubber gaskets to keep things watertight at 190,000 miles/306,000km. Loved the “iconic British engineering” of the LR, but in the western parts of the US, it’s entirely possible to be four wheeling in the mountains where the closest paved road is 50 miles away, the closest town a hundred or more. Another great bit of video production, thanks as always. Great outfitting.

[@gregphillips.1312]

Another great video Si, made me chuckle many times. I have had plenty of experience of Land Rovers although never owned one. My neighbour has Stables and I've done quite a few Welding jobs on the Chassis of her 1976 series 3 over the years. They are great vehicles, but as you said they need alot of T.L.C. Love how you've kitted yours out. 🙏

[@michaelpepper7230]

Great little set up. Love the hammock idea. The only problem with the Landrover is exactly as you say lots of work.

[@jaykay8570]

Wow. All I can say is just, 'wow'.

[@fritz1990]

Awesome video. Thanks Simon! The perfect zombie apocalypse battle wagon. All you need are the guns and rocket launcher. Seriously though, great job and great video. Thank you for the hard work and good information.

[@nicholastheuma2743]

Love it … “Keep it Land Rover Simple”

[@garycates9911]

Your contraption reminds me of my 66 International Scout. A wonredful rig. The take off list was tool box, keys, then drivers licence ; oh , and back then we had our pocket note books with the #'s of our friends. Some times we didn't want to hear from one another when the phone on the wall rang but when it did we moved our feet. Mine had a small solar panel to keep the battery up after about 85 . Didn't have any of this other fopharah . The rear bumper was made from 6" well casing and was an air tank holding 120 lb.s upon pulling out. We made a lot of dust here in the mtn.s of W. Montana. I gave it to the son of a frienf . He likes it.

[@AntSurviveTheNight]

Oh to have all those tools and machinery 🤤. Anyway, another top video from you mate, I wasn’t expecting that from inside the landy at all, it looked very useable indeed and just loved the hammock hung up inside, home from home. Cheers pal, Ant 👍

[@linuxleica]

Love it! Im living in a 90 in the summer haha i know all about the struggle and the freedom it bring us!

[@BourneOutside]

It is really annoying that you are a clever old stick, Simon 😁 Great vid and a lovely old motor there which is so fit for purpose. I'm not jealous 🤥 Thanks for sharing!

[@johnnybushman651]

Just when I thought you had everything in it ,Bam !!!!! You pull out the hammock!! Simon , you are talented at so many levels and you my friend always amaze me to no end. I always enjoy your videos and learn from you as well . I appreciate your hard work to get things done , I’m never disappointed with your videos, your a bushcraft super hero . 😁 The only thing I regret is that I don’t have a neighbor like you . Thanks so much once again for your time. ATB to you and your family. Have a great week , see you soon !

[@andrewking8081]

Great video as ever, The Defender is the perfect vehicle to experience the great outdoors as most of the time the great outdoors is coming in through the roof ,the floor and the doors😁 Keep up the good work fella

[@terrylecheminant7435]

Your woodworking shop makes me jealous i would kill for it,another super video.

[@kearneyfamilylondon68]

Great idea with the hammock. Have not seen anyone else think of that. Best. PEK.

[@davidkidwell736]

This guy is the best. Wish he was my neighbor!

[@michaeldixon8817]

A labor of love with skills at work. Awesome Simon.

[@garethpugh8629]

Another great video. I have a Defender DCPU and wouldn't change it for the world.

[@JRPOutdoors]

Go go gadget Simon! You deliver a lot of content that shares your ingenious tinkers and creations. Very enjoyable watch again man! Cheers, John.

[@gabijones2445]

I watch a channel called Maximus Ironthumper; he is stripping a Land Rover to its frame, and putting it back together again. I don't think he has any intention of making his a camping van, but I bet he'd be just a little jealous of yours. I've never had a Land Rover, so, I don't understand the "charm", lol Great video Simon, nice renovation. Take care, stay well. Give Maggie a hug.

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Thanks Gabi, I’ll check him out! 👍

[@kjonesy4142]

They really are great vehicles...brilliant mate! 👊🏻

[@martasztahura934]

Wow SImon you are amazing..the LAndrover is my favorite too..this DEfender is lovely

[@diannepoteet3933]

Love this. Simon, you are a great "do-it-yourselfer" and adventurer.

[@Georgeolddrones]

Just come a cross your KZbin video excellent . My first Land Rover was a 1966 add it in the 70/80s I was 23y old and i Love it can not beat a Land Rover . If it did not leak it’s not a Land Rover move video please.George in Stoke 👍

[@barrywise2773]

This is a 10 scale rating out of a 10 video. Thanks for what you do.