Protecting a Defender 2011, 110 from the elements without a garage

Hi folks - Sometimes in this forums we ask questions to validate something we have already decided on, but this is more about asking help so I can work with what I got or rather the lack of something (storage/garage).

Really keen to invest in a 2011 , Defender 110 XS, the dream is to put a roof rack, tent, etc and go in many adventures in the future but I don't have a garage. My plan is to of course maintain and protect from rust and weather elements.

Are there any suitable car covers that can help with avoiding rust, especially during the wet winter months, has anyone done this?

I don't plan to do crazy muddy off roading and will invest in proper chassis steam clean and anti-rust protection etc but concerned about the long term given maintenance given that car won't be stored inside.

If any one has kept their landy outdoors, please shout! thanks!

With a roof rack and roof top tent I doubt that a landy would fit in most garages.

Just keep it clean and let it air out regularly will be the biggest thing,

i would invest in a proper chassis treatment with raptor/kent if you plan on keeping it and its good to start with. but cleaning the chassis inside and outside (some people add extra drain holes as you dont want any dirt/water pooling inside)

Ours live outside, I'm more concerned about water getting inside rather than the chassis getting wet.
Keep the chassis clean from any build up of mud and you should be ok.
Chassis treatment is, unfortunately, a never ending job. You can get it done by a pro and top up any areas yourself each year.
Make sure they use a proper treatment like Dinitol or Bilt Hamber, not paint some raptor type product on it.

This is a pro, check some of his work on the link he provides.

One has to be very careful with outdoor car covers as they have to breath under the cover or whole of panel micro blistering will occur. Halfords, yes Halfords, sell a range of outdoor all weather covers that are low cost and work very. I have the XL size for the Ninety when it's outside. They offer an XXL which should fit [losely] the 110. Apart from this do you have enough space for a car tent? You'll need 6.5m x 3.5m for a 110.

landybex said:

<snip> Really keen to invest in a 2011 , Defender 110 XS, <snip>

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This one .... ?


You didn't like our advice then ?

Parking in a garage or under a cover won't stop rust.
Being covered when wet will keep it wet for longer = more time for the rusting process.
Kept in the open / outside in the wind & sun and lower humidity air, will dry-out quicker.
Mud inside chassis will stop it drying out / keep it wet and rusting from the inside out.
Driving on salted winter roads and using muddy tracks/ fields will be the main culprit, not how it's parked.

Once the existing rust has been treated, keep the underbody & chassis clean & apply your chosen protection regularly, to keep the rust at bay.

miktdish said:

This one .... ?

Got my eyes on this 110 XS for sale but concern with rust

Hey folks - looking for advice on whether I should pull the trigger and go for this Defender 110, XS. I am super new to this space, own a range rover but looking for an old, fun & adventure Defender. Been searching for ages and this one ticks all the boxes, but would love your opinion on the...

www.landyzone.co.uk

You didn't like our advice then ?

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All the advice has been great, may not buy that landy due to rust but I still need to know how to look after it

R-Two-D2 said:

Parking in a garage or under a cover won't stop rust.
Being covered when wet will keep it wet for longer = more time for the rusting process.
Kept in the open / outside in the wind & sun and lower humidity air, will dry-out quicker.
Mud inside chassis will stop it drying out / keep it wet and rusting from the inside out.
Driving on salted winter roads and using muddy tracks/ fields will be the main culprit, not how it's parked.

Once the existing rust has been treated, keep the underbody & chassis clean & apply your chosen protection regularly, to keep the rust at bay.

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my thought process was a bit counterintuitive - this makes a lot of sense, cheers!

v8250 said:

One has to be very careful with outdoor car covers as they have to breath under the cover or whole of panel micro blistering will occur. Halfords, yes Halfords, sell a range of outdoor all weather covers that are low cost and work very. I have the XL size for the Ninety when it's outside. They offer an XXL which should fit [losely] the 110. Apart from this do you have enough space for a car tent? You'll need 6.5m x 3.5m for a 110.

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Defo could build a car tent, and will check those covers... thanks a lot!

Look at the likes of Clarke temporary garages. You’ll probably need one of the bigger ones for a 110 with roofrack. It will keep the vehicle dry without trapping in moisture like a cover would. And I’d be flexible on the 2011 defender, especially given the issue’s identified with the one you’ve got your eye on.

Thought about an outdoor carcoon. Has the advantages that it seemingly take the moisture out to stop any issue. However not the best looking thing in the world to have on your driveway