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htdar



Member Since: 06 Feb 2023
Location: London
Posts: 10

United Kingdom 
Drivelodge or Dormobile Pop-top for overlanding?
Hello,

I was considering a drivelodge pop-top for a Europe/Africa/Asia overlanding trip I want to begin relatively soon.

They are about £1750 which is significantly less than the competition, but has anyone done a serious overlanding trip in one? Last thing I'd want is for something to go wrong on the road!

Would also be interested in opinions on the Dormobile ones too - the extra space from the sidewedge is appealing!
Post #981526 6th Feb 2023 6:25pm
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htdar



Member Since: 06 Feb 2023
Location: London
Posts: 10

United Kingdom 
Post #981527 6th Feb 2023 6:26pm
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camelman



Member Since: 27 Feb 2013
Location: Peak District
Posts: 3373

United Kingdom 
My 130 has just had a drivelodge fitted by LR Bits. Only had a couple of nights in it but happy so far. As you say, significantly cheaper than other options out there. Tbh, I prefer the look of it to the others as its much more subtle.

I believe a 110 supply and fit can be had for around £2.5k


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Post #981529 6th Feb 2023 6:43pm
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TexasRover



Member Since: 24 Nov 2022
Location: Paris
Posts: 1059

France 2002 Defender 110 Td5 DCPU Chawton White
Maybe i sound completely ignorant, but i did not know they made a 130 station wagon? I've only ever seen the 130 pickups.

Nice, must have a load of space inside!
Post #981546 6th Feb 2023 8:09pm
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camelman



Member Since: 27 Feb 2013
Location: Peak District
Posts: 3373

United Kingdom 
It was a double cab from the factory but then immediately converted to an ambulance for our mountain rescue team. Full thread here.
https://www.defender2.net/forum/topic73701.html


Its great being able to stand up in there now. I've also gone for the full opening canvas option.


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Post #981547 6th Feb 2023 8:15pm
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wyvern



Member Since: 13 Dec 2009
Location: Cornwall
Posts: 2109

United Kingdom 2012 Defender 110 Puma 2.2 XS CSW Firenze Red
There are several different pop tops on the market and some are discussed here -

https://www.defender2.net/forum/topic82129.html

The choice is wide and depending on your use will depend on the suitability of the top you buy.

Thumbs Up Poppy - TDCI (Puma) 110XS 2.2 - Camper conversion - see the build here - https://www.defender2.net/forum/topic56530.html
Elgar -TDCI(Puma) 110XS Dormobile - now sold
Devon & Cornwall 4x4 Response - DC126
Post #981554 6th Feb 2023 8:37pm
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J12Engineering



Member Since: 06 Jun 2020
Location: Edge of the Cotswolds
Posts: 30

United Kingdom 
htdar wrote:
Drivelodge: http://drivelodge.co.uk/portfolio-item/land-rover-defender-110
Dormobile: https://dormobile.co.uk/defender-elevating-roof/


There’s a significant delta in price between the two… You’re into Alucab cost territory with the Dormobile conversion.

The Drivelodge is fantastic alternative to a regular roof tent, but offers greater flexibility and longevity.
Post #981592 7th Feb 2023 2:24am
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camelman



Member Since: 27 Feb 2013
Location: Peak District
Posts: 3373

United Kingdom 
Just spent the night in my drivelodge. Was -7c at 6.30am this morning Shocked



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Post #981600 7th Feb 2023 7:10am
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white Landy



Member Since: 03 Mar 2015
Location: Mayen
Posts: 16

Germany 2015 Defender 110 Puma 2.2 SW Fuji White
Run the Drivelodge since last June. So far so good. Price is maybe the best on market. No experience with the Doormobile, actually never saw one. For our needs (2person) perfect. fits perfect to the shape of the roof. If you fit a checkerplate you can still put some luggage on top.



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Post #981694 7th Feb 2023 5:36pm
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andy2111



Member Since: 17 Oct 2021
Location: Kent
Posts: 365

United Kingdom 2002 Defender 110 Td5 HT Bonatti Grey
One consideratons is perhaps where you want to sleep e.g. "up top or down below" - not sure if the Drivelodge bed boards fit in the roof of a Defender like some of the other poptops?

I pulled together a list of the various roof options from several threads onto this post which might be of use

https://www.defender2.net/forum/topic82412.html TD5 hardtop to Puma inspired Poptop - my build thread

2002 110 TD5 Hardtop ¦ Full Puma interior ¦ Carpathian grey / Santorini black ¦ X-Vision-X poptop
Post #981695 7th Feb 2023 6:31pm
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camelman



Member Since: 27 Feb 2013
Location: Peak District
Posts: 3373

United Kingdom 
I've had the drop down bed fitted in the drivelodge. It's on seperate gas struts and the whole bed folds up.into the roof when not in use


When folded down, it gives the full length of the roof as bed space

We can sleep 4+ dog, 2 up and 2 down


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Post #981699 7th Feb 2023 6:41pm
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J12Engineering



Member Since: 06 Jun 2020
Location: Edge of the Cotswolds
Posts: 30

United Kingdom 
andy2111 wrote:
not sure if the Drivelodge bed boards fit in the roof of a Defender like some of the other poptops?


The Drivelodge roof can have a 2 piece pull down bed incorporated, or simple bed boards you layout to use as a bed; they stay in the roof, and are cheaper, but are more faff than the pull down bed.
Post #981728 8th Feb 2023 7:54am
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Bowbearer



Member Since: 12 Aug 2022
Location: Norfolk
Posts: 173

United Kingdom 1985 Defender 110 200 Tdi SW Auto Baltic Blue
Looking at the Drive lodge it seems a bit narrower than other Roof Opening tents.

On my 110 I have a Safety Devises Cage, external front, internal rear as per Camel 100s.

Dismissed the opening roof as I thought it wouldn't fit.

Do you think it is narrow enough to accommodate the cage? What width length is it?

Would solve many problems.

Thanks,
Post #981741 8th Feb 2023 10:28am
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camelman



Member Since: 27 Feb 2013
Location: Peak District
Posts: 3373

United Kingdom 
I believe LR Bits have fitted one to a vehicle with a roll cage. Give them a shout. https://www.lrbits.co.uk/pop-top-roofs 
Post #981742 8th Feb 2023 10:34am
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Bowbearer



Member Since: 12 Aug 2022
Location: Norfolk
Posts: 173

United Kingdom 1985 Defender 110 200 Tdi SW Auto Baltic Blue
Thanks,
Post #981750 8th Feb 2023 11:39am
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