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!

[@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!

[@deplorabled1695]

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

[@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.

[@exiletsj2570]

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 😂

[@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

[@able2sail]

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

[@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

[@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!!

[@exiletsj2570]

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

[@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 .

[@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 👍😎😎

[@marianfrances4959]

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

[@littledotti]

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

[@squirrelcovers6340]

Simon is truly a jack of all trades💙

[@prospectorpete]

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

[@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.

[@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! 😁

[@mesmogruvinski]

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

[@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!

[@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! 😂

[@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.

[@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.

[@edwardharrington678]

Very good conversion to the Land rover.

[@robertstevens4697]

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

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Hahaha - thank you!

[@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!

[@abefrohman1759]

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

[@leemanyau1449]

Simon, what a perfect camper Land Rover. 👍

[@ajc7166]

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

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

😂😂😂

[@terryarnold2516]

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

[@SeKlasaChapo]

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

[@michaeldixon8817]

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

[@kjh789az]

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

[@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.

[@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

[@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.

[@the-nomad]

My father used to be an mod vehicle inspector working at the land rover plant, on school holidays I used to eagerly wait for him to pop home and take me for a drive. I particularly liked the forward can design vehicles. Years later,in the military, I was driving these vehicles all over the place. Great wagons. :)

[@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.

[@jaykay8570]

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

[@marcosavio1749]

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

[@linuxleica]

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

[@estherspekle7850]

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

[@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."

[@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!

[@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.

[@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..

[@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! 😂

[@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.

[@garethpugh8629]

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

[@nicholastheuma2743]

Love it … “Keep it Land Rover Simple”

[@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

[@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.

[@martasztahura934]

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

[@michaelpepper7230]

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

[@davidmoore2699]

That would be the perfect vehicle for the forest service roads in Washington State

[@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!

[@christyler5722]

Very impressed, thats a good setup Simon. Functional and complete.

[@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.

[@ronpark3539]

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

[@bertkelly7650]

Nice set up Simon. The hammock inside was genius.

[@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.

[@strawman3059]

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

[@jaffcat]

Best KZbin video I’ve watched in months. 👍

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Thank you Richard!

[@seamus-xi7hz]

Thanks for the tour. Innovative, and skillful craftsmanship, to be sure. Stay well & safe...Cheers.

[@davidbarnfield9849]

Good no nonsense video Simon thanks for sharing your adventures and ideas with us. Dave B. Thailand.

[@bendonaldson1734]

Really liked this episode. Hope you include your Land Rover in more vids.

[@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!! 😄

[@christurner68]

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

[@mingthemerciless6855]

Brilliant! Love the defenders. It looks as though Andy has some catching up with his vehicle.

[@momobadilak]

the hammock is brilliant

[@terrylecheminant7435]

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

[@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.

[@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]

😂😂😂👍👍👍

[@benf3607]

Nice setup - like the hammock in the Landy - saves on space !

[@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

[@douglafferty7688]

What an absolutely brilliant concept!! Thankyou for sharing.

[@kjonesy4142]

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

[@andrewforrest8641]

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

[@Ronin6069]

Great video. Thoroughly enjoyed it. Love the skill in making all those cabinets to fit. Super job right there.

[@PeterPeadar]

Love the time lapes! Watching you use a saw at that speed is a little unnerving but very cool segment.

[@KimKim-oo2up]

Thats just like a Pajero. Aka Shogun. Gen 1,2 and 2.5. Excellent car and build.

[@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

[@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 !

[@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.

[@Tom_Bee_]

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

[@richardbosson8597]

Land rovers are fantastic vehicles. I even worked in the land rover plant. Body in white through to the production line

[@RSmith-td4ty]

Loved it. Tried to watch this before. Hope you and Andy had a Great trip.

[@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.

[@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.

[@barrywise2773]

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

[@wainedodd8055]

Cheers Simon. Second vid. Off to check out that bug out bag.

[@michaelharris1455]

simple, straight forward,, no nonsense build, love it!

[@TheMudDiver]

Awesome vid , Great ideas!!! Motto: keep it simple! Love the hammock thing!!! Thx for sharing and uploading!!ride on!!!

[@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

[@johndifrancisco3642]

A lot of work, but looks well worth it. Brilliant!

[@brianhoskins1979]

You have such a cool setup inside. Obviously not the most polished of setups - but practical and functional. Exactly how it should be on a Land Rover. I am somewhat limited with mine as _my_ Land Rover serves the additional purpose of leisure for the family, including a small child. So I am currently struggling with ideas about how I can strike the balance between functional stealth camper and useable family tourer. I do have the roof tent for general camping and it's absolutely great. My Son _loves_ it. But you have to be careful where you use a roof tent. Unlike the van life guys, who we all know are staying the night, but most people turn a blind eye due to their inconspicuous presentation, the roof tent on a Defender totally advertises what's going on and attracts a lot of attention. I only feel comfortable in the roof tent if it's a paid site or if I'm far enough away from society to make it work. So a stealth camp option is really quite important.

[@denaredford6701]

👍🏻 Very efficient operation . I liked time lapse videos.

[@03bonneville]

Over the top......Outstanding job.

[@jno5]

Love it; so many of these builds are over complex, this is simple and works..... As for water, I’d keep that simple and just get yourself a 10L / 20L Jerry and like your battery it’s movable.....

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

That’s what I was thinking too - Lifesaver do a Jerry can filter that would work pretty well I reckon - fill up from rivers etc. Gravity fed tap, sorted. 👍😁

[@jno5]

Simon, a bloke in the woods - Yes I think they do, but expensive; if I remember correctly it’s about an 18L Jerry (the size of a 20L, but the filters take the extra space) or you already have a water filter so you could always just use that (if you have it with you).