2105 Land Rover LR4 (Discovery 4) SCV6 slow build

[rgallant]

I have started figuring out how to setup my LR4 for overlanding and camping. I am moving away from my RTT, as the LR4 has plenty of room for me and my kit inside. I do travel solo which makes a difference.

Currently has an Eezi-Awn Swift free-standing awning, which I have had for years now.
Running Toyo Open Country AT3 255/60/19 - tire choice is very limited, as is any selection of 18 inch rims due to the very beefy brakes

And I should have a picture



The LR4 load space is 6 feet long by about 48 inches wide if you stay under 16 inches in height drops to 43 over that.


1st up inside sleeping for this I use the following :

100.00 CDN Cot from Amazon (72 inches long)
100.00 3.5 inch foldable mattress 100.00 CDN at JYSK 72 inches long.

The images below are test fits
Cot in place, driver's seat in its normal position, as I have seat memory, I can easily move forward a bit



Mattress added



Space below

 

[rgallant]

Next up is a change made to the spare tire winch; for some unknown reason, LR put the winch access under the rear-most seats with no outside access.
The fix is simple, on older models you use a socket and 1/4 extension, my LR4 uses a hook system, but there is an aftermarket adaptor which solves the problem.

The only alternation to LR4 is the removal of 2 plastic trim pieces on the rear seats, all in all, this is a 15 minute install.

Cost is 45.00 US with shipping in the lower 48, from TuffAnt USA A big shout to Jake there who worked with me to get a decent shipping price to Canada.
It is basically an adaptor that takes a 1/4 inch socket extension.


Removing the plastic trim requires T-15 torex screw driver.
Pop the plastic surround off from around the winch hook
Insert the plastic bushing into the winch hook
Drop the adaptor in place
Insert the bolt, this is the hard part it is a bit fiddly to get in place. 13mm wrench to tighten
Replace the plastic surround, warming it up and gentle pressure with a screwdriver fits it in place
Lower your seats
Insert a 4 inch 1/4 extension, you can do this before lowering the seats. But it is very tight fit.
The extension fits flush to the floor
I use a 3/8 to 1/4 socket adapter and short sliding breaker bar to operate the winch. You can add extensions if required.


The adaptor kit



Stock tire winch access



Adaptor in place




Simple sliding T breaker bar, works fine. I can add as much extension as I need




Sits flush with the seats folded down

 

[rgallant]

Next VHF radio this is the primary method of communication used here in on the trails. The issue is that there is no good way to get a cable from the engine bay to the cab.

However Land Rover put an actual cigarette lighter in the LR4, which is a 30 amp circuit, well over what my radio draws on Medium power and under what it draws on high power. As Medium is the default I was good to go.
The radio is a Kenwood 710, and sits happily in Pelican case knock off.

Left to do

The case needs a couple of 5 volt USB fans, so it can run closed and still have airflow
GPS puck Cable routing needs to be better sorted out.

Everything in the case



I use APRS to transmit my position, the little blue box is the power converter for the GPS Puck
2.5 inch Audio to radio
And USB to power the GPS puck - uses the rear accessory port



The radio head sits on an extendable Cellphone holder, that uses a cup holder for placement. Please excuse the mess. This was my 1st trial run, to confirm functionality



Radio in place behind the drivers seat

 

[rgallant]

Next up sleeping inside requires ventilation :

These were cheap at about 50.00 CDN, one for each side.

The downside is stitching quality is not good very hit or miss. The hood lacks a center support which means it can fold up.

However they take 5 minutes to put in place or remove