KGH's LR4 Light Build Thread

[Kgh]

We picked up a 2012 LR4 HSE LUX a few weeks ago. Traded in the DII, more of a donation to one of the dealer techs. I have been travelling a lot for work, and driving through the Everglades with halfassed AC was tedious.

While I am keeping an eye out for 18"s, started some other stuff.

Removed the Bright finish full length roof bars, replaced with shorted black version, and removed the "pontoon" sized running boards. Shorter ones are to accomodate Voyager Racks roof rack. Also getting Sliders and a ladder from them, it is a three hour drive to their shop, and on my way north to Tampa.

I also found a mounted but never used (still has fuzz from manufacturing and trimming) Tepui Autana and annex on C-list, from a Forum member who shall remain nameless. I paid a good price, and wife cannot wait to sleep in it.

Probably will remove center 2nd row seat and see how ARB fridge fits.

Will be ready for Overland Expo East.

 

[Kgh]

Gotta love that she lets me wash parts in the sink. In reality it is the downstairs kitchen...but still.

 

[zelatore]

Nice looking rig you've got there.

I'm a huge fan of having the fridge in place of the center 2nd row seat. Super convieneint and doesn't take up storage room in the back. Since I don't haul a bunch of kids around I certainly don't miss the seat. My only comment would be to be sure you don't cover the fridge vents when mounting it. I don't use an ARB, so i don't know how/where the vents are. I'd also recomend adding some power poles out from under the back of the center console to power it instead of just relying on the cig outlet already there. Far more robust connection than a cig plug.

 

[Ray_G]

I'll second Don's comments about the fridge; location there is optimal in my opinion both for road trips so the passenger can grab stuff and also as a divider between rear seat passengers (i.e. kiddos). The ironman 40L is about the same size as the comparable ARB if I'm not mistaken and I think the compressor vents are in the same place which will end up venting behind the seats into the 3rd row seat floor board-I've had no issues with mine overheating there.

For mounting I just used the existing seat bolts, grabbed four bolt plates (bolt plates) and used the ARB kit which holds it in place well. As Don mentioned its worth running full time 12v power back there and upgrading the connection too.

Nice looking truck!

 

[zelatore]

hmmm...maybe I should have used something like those bolt plates. I made a simple plywood piece with some eyebolts in it and bolted it down to the stock points then used straps to hold my fridge down. I'm running a 60(?) qt Dometic - perfect and the compressor is forward so lots of venting.

 

[Kgh]

Dedicated power is good idea. For ExPo East, think the lighter socket will work as long as we don't leave on 24/7. Will eventually go dual battery. I have a leftover NatLuna dual battery kit that I may try to install, other LR4s seem to mainly use another kit, name escapes me. And mounting is paramount! Hate to be killed by a fridge missile.

Kids are out of house in college, so no worries on that.

 

[BearHammerMountain]

I'll be interested to hear your thoughts on the Voyager rack. I've read mostly negative "reviews" and comments. I'm only a couple of hours away from them so it would be very convenient to buy from them.

 

[Kgh]

Voyager bits

Late posting this, but a few weeks ago I drove over to Port Charlotte and hooked up with Voyager Offroad. Rack (camper version), ladder, and rails.

Had planned on throwing rack on roof, sliders and ladder inside truck. Andrew and his boys were very helpful, said they would just install all of it since I was there!




Need to install skid



Dogs love Rovers



Load carefully...wish I had this roof...


I now need to replace roof glass once duct tape fails...

 

[Kgh]

Rack and Rails, rear tow point.

The Voyager rails saved my sheet metal.

No rods, stock 20"s and street tire at URE12. I hit HARD a few times, like teeth chattering hard. No damage to truck, and a credit to rails. One trip alone paid for them.

I like the rack, but am going to have them fab me a custom job. I need better clearance for RTT zipper access, would like a notched rear for antenna assembly, and may do double rails on sides for awning/quick fist for maxxtrax or other light items.

I can locally source LR3 rims for about 450-500. I keep looking at other options (Compo's too pricey) and figure the HAS to be another wheel in production that fits without spacers. I have spacers, but hesitate to jump because as soon as I do, I will find someone has other options.

Found best price on rear hitch and wiring, took to dealer, they matched price. Easy install.

Southeast Overland gave me a deal (while at Uwharrie) on a receiver hitch D-ring assembly.

 

[Kgh]

Glam shots:
View attachment 312409
View attachment 312410

 

[unseenone]

I like that front lower skid, where did you get that one.

 

[morrisdl]

Looks wider than the mantec. Any pics of that skid plate installed?

 

[Kgh]

Skid

Stock VPLAP0094 (1.5)

When looking at large, or heavy items, picking up when I am near my dealer at Land Rover South Dade seems to be a good bet.

I google the tar out of pricing, and they usually match whatever I can prove is lowest. IIRC I got that, the hitch and wiring connectors for under $1200. And they are all warranted by LR.

It is not installed yet, a buddy want to CAD measure it for some reason 

 

[Kgh]

LR Seat Covers for LR4

Installed the Genuine seat covers, DVD headrest versions. Great fit, easy to install, comfortable in FL heat. Keep my butt off of hot leather nicely.

Dog rides shotgun when wife not in truck, they are a little slick on dog paws. A towel keeps her footing.

 

[Kgh]

LR3 wheels

Went to a local boneyard and grabbed a set of four LR3 18" five spoke wheels. Finish is a little faded, and the wheel insides are just caked with brake dust.

Will probably get wheels powder coated, then add a set of Cooper AT3s in 265/60-18. Nothing too extreme, but enough to get off the beaten path, and back.

Looking at a gunmetal gray, will go nicely with Santorini black, and hide some brake dust.

Still need to source a spare five spoke, or devise what 19" spare tire (rim is 19") will get me to same diameter.