Our classic Land Rover Defender has been working hard since the day it rolled off the showroom in South Africa 23 years ago. “Mafuta,” as she is lovingly known, worked as a farm truck for six years before being rebuilt into our overland vehicle with a large rooftop tent for a family of four, a basic drawer system, and a few carefully made modifications. Mafuta then carried my family around Southern and East Africa before being shipped to Uruguay, circumnavigating South America, and driving from Argentina to Alaska. We were tired of the rooftop tent, and as the family grew, the decision was made to convert Mafuta into a camper—the best decision we ever made.
Now that the kids are out of the camper, it is time for my wife, Luisa, our little pooch, and me to embark on new adventures. Reliability, capability, and increased power were at the top of my priority list when I started planning the vehicle’s upgrade almost two years ago. We have invested in the following products to take our travels to the next level. My Land Rover is powered by the five-cylinder TD5 motor.
Allisport Intercooler
The Td5 Land Rover, much to the dismay of the purists, has one single ECU and can thus be “chipped,” essentially reprogrammed for greater performance. While I am not averse to the idea of one day remapping the ECU for a slight power increase, I have always been a firm believer in subtly modifying an engine, hoping that it will retain its reliability. AlliSport intercoolers have an excellent reputation and function by cooling the compressed air from the turbocharger before it enters the engine’s intake manifold. This cooling process increases air density, allowing more oxygen into the combustion chamber, which in turn enhances engine performance and efficiency.
AlliSport’s intercoolers feature their proprietary Louvered Internal Fin Technology (LIFT) Hi-Flow core design, which improves heat dissipation and airflow. This design ensures optimal cooling efficiency, leading to increased power output and reduced thermal stress on the engine.
AlliSport intercoolers offer significant performance gains by incorporating these advanced features, especially when paired with suitable electronic tuning and other modifications. I might talk myself into having the Td5 guru, Jose from Td5 Inside, remap the Landy for me remotely soon.
Nanocom Evo
Before you ask, José will remap the ECU from his base in Portugal via the Nanocom Evolution. The Nanocom Evolution is a diagnostic tool designed for Land Rover vehicles, supporting both legacy and CAN bus models. It allows users to read and clear fault codes, adjust settings, monitor live data, and perform system calibrations. Key features include fault code management for troubleshooting, real-time data monitoring, and modifying ECU settings. It also enables output testing of components like actuators and relays, along with advanced functions such as ECU reprogramming and service interval resets. With its user-friendly interface and extensive capabilities, the Nanocom Evolution is a valuable tool for Land Rover owners and professionals aiming to optimize vehicle performance. TD5 owners should consider purchasing a Nanocom essential; we would never leave home without it, even to pop down to the store, let alone cross continents.
General Tire Grabber X3
Finally, after installing the current set of X3s in South Africa back in 2019 and exploring Southern and East Africa, Canada, the USA, and Mexico, we are “upgrading” to a new set of X3s. The Grabber X3 is an all-season, mud-terrain tire engineered for SUVs and light trucks, emphasizing extreme off-road performance, as proven by us across West Africa and in the deserts of the US. Its aggressive tread design ensures exceptional traction across challenging terrains, including mud, dirt, and rocky landscapes.
Despite its rugged capabilities, the tire maintains a quiet on-road experience, balancing off-road prowess with daily driving comfort. This tire has never let us down and will remain our go-to for all-season, all-terrain travel.
ELECTRICAL UPGRADES
Over the years, we have struggled to find an electrical system that fulfilled our needs as intercontinental digital nomads. Finally, we found the electrical holy grail: a compact and robust system that allows us to be off-grid for days without solar input and indefinitely, even when the sun isn’t shining. We are liberated!
Zamp Solar
We visited Zamp Solar’s (a division of Dometic) headquarters in mid-2024, after the Overland Expo PNW, and the team of whiz kids installed a new set of solar panels on the camper’s roof. What a difference! The Zamp Solar Obsidian Series 200-watt solar panel kit consists of two 100-watt panels. Each panel delivers an output of 5.01 amps and an open-circuit voltage of 26.15 volts. Designed for small to mid-sized projects or rigs such as ours, this kit is compatible with any 12-volt battery system.
The panels feature an ultra-aerodynamic profile and a sleek black anodized aluminum frame, combining durability with aesthetic appeal. The durability has been proven over the last year; even old Mesquite limbs couldn’t harm these powerful solar panels.
Battle Born GC3 270 amp-hour 12-volt LiFePO4 Deep Cycle GC3 Battery
Why install a bank of heavy batteries when one battery has all the power a mid-size overland rig will ever need? The Battle Born 270 amp-hour 12-volt LiFePO₄ deep cycle GC3 battery is a high-capacity lithium-ion battery designed for various applications, including RVs, marine vessels, and off-grid systems. Its unique form factor allows for versatile installation in limited spaces, and the battery can be installed upside down if that’s what you need. Equipped with a built-in battery management system (BMS) rated for 300 amps of continuous current, the battery is protected against extreme temperatures, voltage fluctuations, and short circuits. Weighing approximately 80.8 pounds and measuring 22.83 inches long, 7.09 inches wide, and 13.15 inches tall, it packs a lot of reliable power into a relatively small package.
Redarc TVMS Rogue RedVision System
With great power comes the need for great control. One ring to rule them all! The Redarc TVMS Rogue RedVision system is an advanced power management solution tailored for RVs, campers, and trucks. By combining the TVMS Rogue control module with the Manager 30 battery management system, users can monitor and control multiple onboard devices from a single interface. The system features 10 output channels, each rated at 10 amps, for controlling fridges, fans, and accessories, with dimming capabilities for controlling lights. It also includes eight inputs for integrating physical switches. Built-in smart fuses enhance safety and simplify installation by eliminating the need for separate fuse boxes.
When paired with the Manager30, users can access real-time battery status, power input, output levels, and temperature data through a RedVision display or mobile device. It also supports monitoring up to two water tank levels. (My next big project is an in-frame water tank.) Redarc has a reputation for excellent, reliable, and innovative products; the RedVision system is the brain that controls our power and has never let us down.
Starlink Gen 2 (Modified)
Starlink, as we all know, has been a game-changer. We purchased ours in Mexico in late 2023 and immediately headed to our favorite secluded beach in Baja to celebrate the New Year, while still staying in touch with our kids, family, and friends and attending to our work projects. The standard mobile setup was great, but we soon discovered that the unit was bulky, cumbersome to transport, and power-hungry. We made the decision to modify the Starlink and hard mount it on the roof of the camper in a 3D-printed box, paired with an aftermarket 12-volt router. We now have the ability to run Starlink constantly, and thanks to our excellent new power system, we’ll never run out of power.
This is a game changer, especially for remote travel, as not only can we work while on the go, but we also have the security of being online and are able to communicate with the outside world in case of an emergency or breakdown.
Dometic CFX3 55IM Fridge
The Dometic CFX3 55IM is a high-performance, portable electric cooler with a 53-liter capacity, capable of holding up to 83 cans. Its robust ExoFrame construction, featuring fender-protected edges and aluminum alloy handles, ensures durability for outdoor adventures. The cooler utilizes advanced VMSO3 compressor cooling technology, efficiently reaching temperatures as low as –7°F while consuming minimal power. A notable feature is the Rapid Freeze Plate, accompanied by silicone ice trays, which enable ice production within hours without affecting the main compartment’s temperature. Users can monitor and adjust settings via a high-resolution color display or remotely through the CFX3 app, which connects via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. The cooler operates on both AC (120 volts) and DC (12/24 volts) power sources, offering flexibility for various scenarios. A 3-stage dynamic battery protection system also prevents vehicle battery depletion, ensuring uninterrupted operation during extended use.
Dometic Go Hydration Water Jug and Faucet
The Dometic Go Hydration water jug is a portable water storage solution designed for outdoor enthusiasts. With an 11-liter capacity, it efficiently utilizes space, allowing two jugs to fit within the footprint of a standard 20-liter jerry can. Constructed from BPA-free, food-grade LDPE, the jug ensures safe storage of water. It features dual openings for easy filling, dispensing, and cleaning, and includes a spigot and quick-connect fitting for attaching accessories. Removable webbed carry handles and built-in tie-down guides enhance portability and secure placement during transport.
Complementing the jug, the Dometic Go Hydration water faucet converts any water container into a running water system, eliminating the need for an external power source. This self-powered faucet dispenses water at a rate of one liter per minute and can deliver up to 150 liters on a single charge. Its simple touch operation includes an automatic shutoff feature to conserve water, and an integrated LED light makes it easy to use in low-light conditions. The faucet has a magnetic base and puck for versatile placement, making it a practical addition to any camping setup.
Together, the Dometic Go Hydration water jug and faucet provide a convenient and efficient water management system for outdoor activities, ensuring easy access to water while minimizing waste.
Rhino-Rack Heavy Duty RL210 Black 2 Bar Roof Rack
The Rhino-Rack heavy-duty RL210 black 2 bar roof rack is a robust and reliable solution for transporting gear on your vehicle’s roof. This system includes two overhang-style, heavy-duty bars, each measuring 59 inches in length, providing ample support for various loads. The RL210 legs elevate the bars to a height of 210 millimeters, ensuring sufficient clearance between the roof and the rack. Designed to withstand demanding conditions, this roof rack is suitable for heavy off-road use and has been rigorously tested to meet the Australian Standard AS1235- 2000. Its compatibility with a wide range of accessories enhances its versatility, making it a great choice for both commercial and recreational uses.
HONORABLE MENTIONS
Tern Overland Classic Arctic Windows
The 450×900-millimeter Classic Arctic Tern window by Tern Overland is a high-quality window designed for overland vehicles and campers. It features dual-pane European acrylic, known for its durability and thermal insulation, which ensures comfort in various climates. The window opens awning-style, supported by struts allowing multiple opening angles—20, 40, and 60 degrees—providing adjustable ventilation options. Push-locking handles enhance security and offer a semi-lock position for additional airflow. The window includes a fine mesh insect screen and a blackout blind with a reflective exterior, both integrated into a single assembly.
These components can be used independently or together, offering varying levels of privacy and ventilation. The window is lightweight yet impact-resistant, 17 times more resilient than glass, and complies with European ECE and DOT standards. Its UV-resistant acrylic ensures long-term clarity, losing less than 2 percent over a decade of exposure to full sun. Available in multiple wall thickness options and with either black or white blind and screen assemblies, this window offers versatility to suit different installation requirements.
Nimbus Oleo-Pneumatic Shock Absorbers
We have tested the Nimbus shock absorbers across a wide variety of terrain and will likely never use another shock absorber. You can read our long-term review here.
Read More: Sena Technologies Talkie Mesh :: Field Tested
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