Top 7 Land Rover Defender accessories you didn’t know you needed.

The new Land Rover Defender was introduced to the world via a virtual launch on during September 2019, and finally landed in South Africa in June 2020. While most observers enjoy the new design's look and feel, some understand that they wouldn't want to risk damaging such an expensive vehicle - even when specified with either the Explorer or Adventure packs. While the jury remains out on whether many owners will test the Defender's capabilities out in the wilderness, one thing is certain: Land Rover didn't hold back on creating accessories to enhance the ownership experience, regardless of how or where the vehicle will be used.

Related: All-new Land Rover Defender finally launches in South Africa

1. Chequer Body Protection Kit

Even when you only do some light off-roading, the chances are that some of your exterior panels are going to make contact with trees and bushes. This can easily scratch the paint, and leave you regretting going out into the wilderness with your new Defender at all. Land Rover considered this issue, and offers an optional Chequer Body Protection Kit in response. The kit adds chequer-plate panels to the vehicle's exterior, for protection in conditions most likely to scratch or damage it (such as when driving through the bush).

2. Integrated Air Compressor

Although plenty of accessories are fitted as standard with the Adventure pack, you can optionally specify an add-on air compressor. This is fitted in the luggage compartment of the vehicle, and can then be easily accessed if you want to inflate vehicle tyres, bike tyres, airbeds and other inflatables.

3. Inflatable Waterproof Awning

One inflatable item that will come in handy is the optional awning. While traditional vehicle fitted awnings are cumbersome and unsightly, this optional extra can be fitted to either side or the rear of the vehicle. It is also very easily deployed, as you merely need to inflate it to take shape. When you are done hiding from either pelting rain or scorching sun, it folds into a compact shape, and is then easily stowed away.

4. Luggage Roof Box

One of the most underrated features of a vehicle is its luggage capacity, and although the Defender 110 comes with up to 1946-litres of cargo space, that applies only when the seats are folded flat. Should you want to use the rear seats and still have enough space for luggage, the 410-litre roof box will be a good option. The roof box can be opened from both sides and features an integrated mat to keep its contents from sliding around.

5. Wheel Mounted Bike Carrier

While most bicycle carriers are fitted to the rear of vehicles, this carrier is fitted to the roof rails, giving you full access to the tailgate and tow bar. The carrier mounts the bicycle via its wheels, and is capable of carrying a bike of up to 20kg. 

6. Electrically Deployable Tow Bar

A tow bar always comes in handy, but seldom improves a vehicle's appearance. Land Rover offers owners a few options when it comes to tow bars. Firstly, owners can opt for a multi-height tow bar, which allows the owner to easily adjust the height of the tow hook but which remains a permanent fixture at the rear of the vehicle. Another option is a detachable tow bar, where the tow hook can be removed and stored away. The third option is an electrically-deployed tow bar, which neatly folds away when you do not need it, but can become available within seconds, should you require it. 

7. Pet Care & Access Pack

The pet care and access pack is designed to make traveling with your pet more convenient. This optional feature comprises a full-height luggage partition, a quilted liner to protect the luggage floor, a clever pet access ramp to make loading and unloading your pet easier, and a portable rinse system for when you either need to rinse the mud off your pooch or fill those water bowls.

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