Escape

You're right, they wouldn't fit the return at the bottom, they're more aimed at fittings like the feed line on top.

I found a cut open ring spanner typically loses too much strength, so doesn't work if you really need to tighten something. The crow foots are a good suggestions, I've been thinking about getting a set for some time. Something like this would be perfect: Advertised as sockets for injectors and oil pipes. 😉 I'd go for a 6-point and not a 12-point to reduce the risk of rounding the nut.

This! Anything up to the axles (say 1ft) doesn't really matter because a Defender will only displace the water in front of the tyres. It's only when the level reaches the bumper that you want to go deliberately slow. You don't want to make a splash, just a gentle bow wave as that creates a lower water level behind the bumper, so keeps the engine bay somewhat less flooded. On a paved road, there is no need to build speed, just steady progress will do. When traction is likely to be lost in off road crossings, it's a different story, but then you'll want a properly prepared vehicle so you don't need to worry about water getting everywhere.

FTFY 😉 Never thought I'd be calling a Defender modern, even if it is a TD5. On my classic cars, I can tell when the thermostat opens as the needle will drop a bit and then rise again and stabilise.

That's just lovely! I've always had a soft spot for the 6X6 Scammels with their walking beam tandem. Didn't Bill Van Snorkle have a similar 6X6 back in the day, based on a Series and also with walking beams?

It would take some planning from our side, but I'm definitely up for it! And I know a mate who's been talking about for some time as well.

Very true! I always try to be polite to the drivers and you can see some really appreciate a kind word in a no doubt very busy schedule. Like the lady (from DHL I think) that turned up around 19h and was very happy to find me still open, the only one in the industrial estate. That saved her a trip back next day. But being friendly only works if they take the trouble of actually delivering in person and not just throwing it out of the van.

I've used DPD a couple of times to collect a pallet from me (to send to UK) and that worked out fine. I booked through cheaprcargo.com and DPD came out cheapest I think. They're the ones causing the least trouble delivering stuff as well, unlike others that leave parcels out in the rain or even just throw them over the fence when you're not home. Guess you've had bad luck or possibly a lot depends on the local branch in question. I haven't needed to contact them, luckily, so can't comment on customer support.

Even if the relay clicks, doesn't mean it's getting enough current to the starter. As in the reply above. So definitely worth substituting for another one. It can't hurt to look at the connectors either of course.

Always nice when a problem has an easy fix. 🙂

When you tried the 12V straight to the starter, was that directly from the battery or from the ignition switch? If it wasn't from the switch, I'd suspect that. The contacts can burn to the point they wont even power the starter relay reliably.

I agree with @elbekko, our tri axle Ifor has served us very well for all kinds of jobs. Some points could be improved, such as the locks for the tilting bed (already upgraded those) and the addition of more lashing points and hooks. It's 16.5ft (5m), which means even a 130 can be loaded where you want it. Extra length is rarely a problem, but if the trailer is much wider than the towing vehicle that does mean extra care is needed on narrow roads. My previous trailer was 2.25m, this one is only 2m and that makes a big difference squeezing through traffic etc. And still plenty wide for cars or to fit 2 pallets side by side. It can tilt, but the bed does have reinforcement beams so localised loads are not really a problem. I was hesitant to chose a tri axle when buying it, but haven't regretted it. It only weighs 50kg more than the equivalent double axle and because of the smaller wheels the center of gravity is lower. I do need to replace the tyres soon, that will obviously cost more. I wouldn't be surprised if the price per tyre is higher as well, because the size is not as common. For maneuvering by hand I tend to use the tilt function, so it rides on 3 instead of 7 wheels. Loaded is a different proposition. The Range doesn't really mind but as above on uneven ground the turning point can vary a bit so you need to be on top of things if space is limited.

Knowing WD, I wouldn't be surprised if they used the later one sided nuts but put them on backwards to make it look original. Or they just didn't know any better. I don't rate them at all!

Nope, still can't see it. Maybe it's only visible for a specific group?

Thanks @Bowie69. It's been a year or so, I haven't heard from him since so I guess he found a solution.

I was looking for one for a first gen RRS last year, and none of the usual suspects could offer it. So he had to make do with his detachable one, don't know if he's still using it.

Old tractors are cool and can be a lot of fun! 😎 We bought a 67 Deutz a few years ago, that had been sitting for many years. We got it running within the hour, after which is was used to move cars around the Workshop etc, no real tractor work. I couldn't justify keeping it (lack of space) so it was sold of with a bit of a profit. We did have a great time getting it back into shape and guaranteed a big grin whenever it was started/driven. I fancy another one, don't really car what brand, as long as it's a classic. A mate has a Ferguson, not sure of the type, he uses at the farm of his dearly departed granddad for light maintenance duty like mowing the edges of the fields. He actually drove it the 60-odd km from the Workshop to the farm instead of trailering it!

As above, the boots may offer some protection but can fill up with dirt and trap moisture (especially the rubber ones), but are definitely not safety critical. Most shocks are mounted with the body down, which helps to keep the rods out of the dirt as they will be higher. On rear shocks or P38 ones, that have a pin one side and an eye the other, you don't have a choice but to mount the body down. I'd say the dealer is taking the p!ss hoping to make an easy buck (no surprise there!).

Last time I looked, the fixes ones for RRS/D3/D4 were no longer available, neither LR or aftermarket...

Most of the RAVE copies are best run from the executable, though you should be able to access the .pdf files directly as well. I don't really do modern tech so can't help you with specific Mac issues. But if you search for 'rave on Mac' or similar, you're likely to find some pointers.

Glad to hear it all ended well, apart from a proper scare. As above, my first reaction was why the brakes didn't activate. I always try to attach the break away cable to the chassis, but have noticed a lot of hitches have the loop welded to the tow ball, so that would be of no use if the ball worked lose... I do get a lot stories of play in the removable tow balls on RRS/D3/D4 and even a FL2 that tows regularly. Which over here can be an MOT failure, if they bother to look. Reading this story, I'd say rightfully so. One easy solution is to just weld it in, though that's not legal without a certificate as it involves welding to the chassis.

Wouldn't a 4.5ton GVW mean it needs a different drivers license? As well as some other limitations in use, including parking etc. It would over here, which is why many heavy vans are plated as 3.5ton instead of 4.5ton (at least that means it's not so bad if they're overloaded).

There is more potential in Wallonia than Flanders, simply because there are less people and more woodlands etc. But as @elbekko said, the rules are pretty strict regarding driving of the paved roads, so it's far from easy to find a legal route. France is a lot better, around Verdun everything that looks like a maintained road can be driven. This is mainly gravel tracks, tracks for forestry etc are of limits. As are water crossings, unless there is no alternative.

There are some lanes in Northern France that pass some battlefields and memorials. We did some around Verdun last year. If you go through with this, do keep us informed. We'd be happy to help and/or join you on part of the trip. 🙂