When we were looking for an overland truck to purchase in South Africa, our choices were a Toyota Hilux or Land Rover Defender. Toyotas are known for reliability, the Defender is full of character and passion. When given the choice, Erin didn't hesitate when she opted for the Defender. We chose a 2006 Td5 130 dual cab for the longer wheelbase and storage, the double cab for comfort and space, and the Td5 for it's mid-range of age vs technology.
We've made a lot of modifications over the years and we've certainly had our share of problems - we love Vifaru, which translates from Swahili to White Rhino
Available for Sale - final mods and videos here
V 1.0: Oct 2015, Pickup purchased in Cape Town, South Africa @ 142,000km
V 2.0: 2015, Kitted with metal canopy, Roof Top Tent, 270 awning, 72L Fridge/Freezer, 55 litre water tank, and 55 litres of spare fuel under the seat.
V 2.1: 2016, Added bonnet (hood) box, more storage boxes in/out, 2nd fridge between front seats, moved tent back for more aerodynamics, added custom kitchen in canopy, and seat covers (branded) @ 154,000km
V 2.2: 2017, Added 2 more rear shocks (4 total), exchanged Defender A/C system to upper cabin, and engine work in Nairobi, Kenya @ 168,000km
V2.3: 2018, Added LED bar and loud horn in Spain @ 185,000km
V 2.4: 2019, Moved steering wheel from Right to Left in Lisbon @ 198,000km
V 3.0: 2019, removed RTT and rear tub/canopy (SOLD), paint chasis in Lisbon
V 3.1: 2019, installed camper cabin from Globe Camper in France @ 200,000km
V 3.2: 2019, upgraded suspension, turbo, headlights in Budapest @ 210,000km
V 3.2.a: 2019, added Rhino and animal graphics on camper @ 211,000km
V 3.2b: 2020, adopted our foster puppy/mascot @Mr. Cool @ 215,000km (May 4)
V 3.3: 2020, added Thule awning in Narbonne, France @ 220,000km
As of November 2021:
- 20 African Countries
- 22 European Countries
- 1 Asian Country
- 94,000km
When we were looking for an overland truck to purchase in South Africa, our choices were a Toyota Hilux or Land Rover Defender. Toyotas are known for reliability, the Defender is full of character and passion. When given the choice, Erin didn't hesitate when she opted for the Defender. We chose a 2006 Td5 130 dual cab for the longer wheelbase and storage, the double cab for comfort and space, and the Td5 for it's mid-range of age vs technology.
We've made a lot of modifications over the years and we've certainly had our share of problems, but we love Vifaru, which translates to White Rhino from Swahili.
