INTRODUCTION
This Land Rover Discovery 3 is from the year 2005 (although you wouldn't say that from the inside and outside!) and has been completely converted to an "Overland Vehicle". The "Disco" has been our loyal companion several times when we traveled through Europe! The driving comfort of a car, supported by a powerful engine, which can take you to the most beautiful places (off-the-grid)!
CHARACTERISTICS CAR
The car has been converted to a gray license plate, which means that there are 2 seats in the car. In the spacious cargo box you will find a fully built-in (attached directly to the car) and extendable cupboard system. In the bottom drawer you will find all camping necessities:
- Foldable gas cooker (see photos)
- Work shelf (foldable) with sink (see photos)
- 2 gas bottles (of which 1 is always fully filled, so you never run out)
- Pots, pans, cutlery, plates, etc.
- 2 luxury camping chairs
- Table
- Tool box (just in case)
- External solar panel
- Road plates
- Jerry can
- Etc.
In the upper chest of drawers (also extendable) there is more than enough space to store your clothes and other belongings.
ROOF TENT & AWNING
A roof rack is mounted on top of the car (installed by the specialist Jansen Laro Parts in Udenhout). A very spacious (4 person) roof tent from the brand "Dare to be Different" has been placed on top of it, plus a 270 degree awning which ensures that you can sit dry and/or in the shade AND cook. The roof tent is set up within 5 minutes, while the awning only takes a minute of your time! Folding takes just as much time.
CURRENT
A camping battery is mounted in the car (out of sight, but accessible), which is charged while driving. You can also connect the car directly to the campsite power, if necessary. When fully charged, this battery provides the cool box (with both a cooling and freezing compartment) and your other devices with power for about 2-3 days. When you are connected to the camping power, you can connect all 230v equipment directly to the car (sockets are built in for this). You can also charge your phone via the specially installed connection. You can see how much power is left in the battery via an app. In addition, there is an external Lithium-ION to which you can connect the cool box (and your other devices) (this provides the cool box and your devices with power for about 24 hours).
DRIVING PROPERTIES
There is an automatic gearbox in the car. It is a 3 liter V6 diesel that is praised for how flexible it is, and despite its weight it still pulls smoothly. Because of its powerful engine, going up a mountain is no problem at all; here the car comes into its own (especially compared to campers). It is also possible to hang a trailer up to 3500 (!) KG behind it. The consumption on the highway (at 100km/h is 1:10 and in city use or in the mountains about 1:7).
There is also a "low-gear" on the car, which you should use when you go off the beaten track. This makes the car twice as strong (with a maximum speed of about 40 km/h), and you can drive up the steepest slopes without any problem. When you choose a Land Rover as a camper, it is definitely advisable to go into nature! Here you will find the most beautiful places, where you can enjoy peace and quiet (and possibly wild camping).
To support off-road driving, the car has the following accessories:
- MAXTRAX ramps (for when you get stuck in the mud or sand)
- A compressor to inflate your tires (you can deliberately deflate these to get more support and therefore grip on the beach or in the mud, for example)
- A military shovel
- A tow rope
LAND ROVER DISCOVERY VS. LAND ROVER DEFENDER
We were also initially more impressed by a Land Rover Defender compared to a Discovery.
But after further research, and a test drive in both cars, our choice came out on a Discovery. This car simply drives a lot more comfortably than a Defender. The cabin is a lot quieter in comparison, and the seating position is "just" arranged for the left side (while this is not the case with the Defender). The Defender is purely an off-road vehicle, where the Discovery distinguishes itself both on and off road. Especially for longer distances (and taller people), a Dsicovery is a lot more comfortable and user-friendly.
BREAKDOWN ASSISTANCE
The car is equipped with the most extensive breakdown assistance package of the ANWB. In the unlikely event that you come to a stop somewhere, they will arrange a possible overnight stay (free of charge), and ensure that the car is taken to a garage. In the event that the car cannot be repaired immediately, they will arrange replacement transport.