2020 Defender 110 Eiger Grey overland build

[soflorovers]

Keep it up! Love to see what you've got to say about this new platform. Other than the blowout, any issues? Finally...as someone who owns multiple LR from multiple generations, how does this stack up for your intended use?

 

[spikemd]

Took the new defender to the Land Rover Experience in Carmel. Great day and saw lots of new owners learning the capabilities of their trucks. Was even a $200k+ Long Wheel base full size SV Autobiography edition out there. I let my wife drive the trails and it gave me a chance to get some pics. We set up the roof top tent and awning for owners to see.

 

[spikemd]

Some fun sections and a couple challenging obstacles to play on.

 

[spikemd]

This Pangea green 110 had a killer factory matte wrap. It's a clear wrap that goes over the paint giving it the matte look. Looks awesome in person but costs like $4k.

 

[spikemd]

Planning to head to Baja in 2 weeks with the new defender. Won't be any hard-core wheeling but always fun to get south of the border.

 

[TexasTJ]

How are you linking the 4 cylinder? I am back and forth on a P300 90 or a Bronco 2 door.

 

[spikemd]

I think the P300 has plenty of power. Comparing the 300hp of the defender vs the 300hp of my LR3 is very different. The 8 speed transmission I think makes the difference and the turbo spools up early. It feels much quicker than than LR3. On the Mojave Road, the 4 cylinder sips gas compared to the V8 as you aren't on the throttle much. Of course the P400 has more hp and u can feel it, but I dont need it and wanted the 18 inch rims. Also didn't want the extra burden of LR electronics to go wrong in the field. Mine is as basic as can be with no sunroof, sliding seats but still the offroad packages.

Ironically, talking to the guy who runs the Land Rover Experience in Carmel, they had a P400 with electric seats. The electric seats stopped working one day and dealer couldn't figure out why so the defender was sent back and never returned...

 

[JackW]

I agree - the P300 has plenty of power and lower differential gearing so it should be better off road in low range. Like you I wanted it to be as mechanically simple as possible with 18" wheels and no sunroof.
I did opt for an upgraded interior with the heated and cooled seats along with all of the off road goodies.
When you compare the horsepower ratings to my three other Land Rovers its a rocket! '66 109 diesel - 54 HP, 67 88" petrol - 77 HP, 85 Tdi powered D90 -112 HP

 

[Howski]

Spike, what’s the new tire (and size) that you went with? These continue to grow on me...

 

[Arjan]

Nice vehicle and thanks for the write up - it gives a much better feel than the magazines etc.

Love the pics.

Thanks !

 

[DieselRanger]

This Pangea green 110 had a killer factory matte wrap. It's a clear wrap that goes over the paint giving it the matte look. Looks awesome in person but costs like $4k.

View attachment 647403

It's a self-healing wrap like a smartphone screen protector...curious how durable they'll be in high altitude sun, but perhaps a good investment if you tend to get veggie pinstripes where you offroad, or you drive where they drop pea gravel on the roads for winter traction as they do here in Colorado.

 

[Todd780]

It's a self-healing wrap like a smartphone screen protector...curious how durable they'll be in high altitude sun, but perhaps a good investment if you tend to get veggie pinstripes where you offroad, or you drive where they drop pea gravel on the roads for winter traction as they do here in Colorado.

That's pretty slick. I wonder if that tech could be applied to windshield to help prevent chips etc?

 

[spikemd]

Spike, what’s the new tire (and size) that you went with? These continue to grow on me...

Tires are General X3, 265/70 R18s. Stock is 255/70 r18. I've heard of 275s fitting, but I didn't want to trim or rub on access height.

 

[spikemd]

Finally got the front skid plate. Wanted it for the exposed recovery point and thick aluminum. Watch the PowerfulUK videos for taking things apart. Technically, u don't need to pull the whole bumper off, just the lower sections loose. But it is a pain and challenge to line things up. I needed to hone out the front holes as they didn't line up.

 

[spikemd]

Also bought the fake chequer plate for the rear corners, mirror and rear step. They are actually functional as I have already scraped my mirrors on the Mojave trail. The rear corners looks nice with my color scheme. It's a little disconcerting pulling it off and cracking all those clips! For the sticker parts, alogn everything with masking tape and then start pulling the red ends of the tape and it stays in place. Easy install.