INTRODUCTION
This Land Rover Discovery 3 is from the year 2005 (although you wouldn't know that from the inside and outside!) and has been completely converted into an "Overland Vehicle". The "Disco" has been our faithful companion several times when we traveled through Europe! The driving comfort of a car, supported by a powerful engine, that can take you to the most beautiful places (off-the-grid)!
CAR FEATURES
The car has been converted to a gray license plate, which means that there are 2 seats in the car. In the spacious loading area you will find a fully built-in (attached directly to the car) and extendable cupboard system. In the bottom chest of drawers you will find all camping necessities:
- Fold-out gas stove (see photos)
- Work shelf (fold-out) with washing up sink (see photos)
- 2 gas bottles (1 of which is always fully filled, so you never run out)
- Pots, pans, cutlery, plates, etc.
- 2 luxury camping chairs
- Table
- Tool case (just in case)
- External solar panel
- Road plates
- Jerry can
- Etc.
There is more than enough space in the top chest of drawers (also extendable) 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, plus a 270 degree awning which ensures that you can sit dry and/or in the shade AND cook. The roof tent can be 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, 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 approximately 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 designed 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 supplies the cool box and your devices with power for approximately 24 hours).
RIDE FEATURES
There is an automatic gearbox in the car. It is a 3 liter V6 diesel that is praised for how smooth it is, and despite its weight, it accelerates smoothly. Thanks to its powerful engine, climbing mountains is no problem; This is where the car really comes into its own (especially compared to campers). A trailer of up to 3500 (!) KG can also be attached behind it. The consumption on the highway (at 100 km/h is 1:10 and in city use or in the mountains it is approximately 1:7).
There is also a "low gear" on the car, which you should use when you leave the main roads. This makes the car twice as strong (with a maximum speed of approximately 40 km/h), and you can drive up the steepest slopes without any problem. If you choose a Land Rover as a camper, it is certainly advisable to go into nature! Here you will find the most beautiful places, where you can enjoy yourself in peace (and possibly camp in the wild).
To support off-road driving, the car has the following accessories:
- MAXTRAX road plates (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, for example, the beach or in the mud)
- 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 ended up being 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 "normally" designed for the left side (while this is not the case with the Defender). The Defender is purely and solely an off-road car, where the Discovery distinguishes itself both on and off the road. Especially for longer distances (and taller people), a Dsicovery is a lot more comfortable and user-friendly.
BREAKDOWN HELP
The car is equipped with the ANWB's most comprehensive roadside assistance package. If you unexpectedly come to a standstill somewhere, they will arrange an 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 alternative transport.