The new Land Rover Defender L663 (2020+) impresses with its robust monocoque body and panoramic sliding roof, but the classic integrated roof tent that once graced Defenders is gone. In the following lines, we explore why that is, and present tiny conceptual studies of the dream pop-top Defender. And why someone (perhaps Alu-Cab) should make the Land Rover Defender Alu-Cab PopUp integrated roof tent.
“I almost cried when I closed the last panel of the old Defender,” was once heard on the overland forums of the erdvic. With the new, aluminum monocoque construction of the L663 – The new Land Rover Defender, any attempt at a retro pop-top roof conversion has become heresy against the factory design. It lacks – Land Rover Defender Alu-Cab PopUp integrated roof tent. All that remains are tiny sketches, 3D renders and nostalgia – as well as the factory panoramic roof as the only remaining “open-air” option. But it seems that precisely because of this panoramic roof, it is still a very easy possibility to get the Defender Pop-Up Tent modeled after the old one.
Panoramic roof: light, not a camping mechanism that would make it possible – Land Rover Defender Alu-Cab PopUp integrated roof tent
The Land Rover L663 offers sliding panoramic glass with an area of approximately 0.5 m² [≈ 5.4 ft²], with electric blackout inner curtain for optimal shade and sun protection. Also available as an option folding fabric roof manufacturers for those who want a bit of retro charm. However, none of these options add extra height millimeters or an integrated tent – just more light and excellent ventilation.
End of built-in pop-top conversions with the year 2016
Classic Defenders (1984-2016) were a veritable testing ground for innovators like Alu-Cab Icarus Roof Conversion and ORYX Solutions. Icarus incorporated a lifting mechanism into the roof, adding 180 mm heights and 125 kg [≈ 276 lb] dead weight, with internal bearing 2,370mm × 1,250mm [≈ 7 ft 9 in × 4 ft 1 in] (alu-cab.com). The L663 monocoque, however, does not have a detachable roof panel, so any intervention compromises structural rigidity and safety.
Tiny studies of dream pop-top concepts: Land Rover Defender Alu-Cab PopUp integrated roof tent
On Instagram and Reddit, fans share digital concepts:
- Raise the roof up. for additional 200mm [≈ 8 in], reveal a waterproof canvas tent for two people.
- Hidden pockets and LED lights inside the roof, as used to be the case with Westfalia versions.
- Aluminum ring around the opening for added rigidity and security.
These studies remain just a visual fantasy – a practical pop-top for the L663 simply does not exist.
How about a Defender 110 cargo van? Ideal for two-person “Overland projects”
The Defender 110 cargo version also supports a panoramic roof, which would make the Land Rover Defender Alu-Cab PopUp integrated roof tent project even more feasible, while the interior allows for the construction of a small, really handy camper, based on the Alu-Cab Canopy. But the integrated solutions that once combined a roof and tent in one are no more – and it seems they won't be back, as the entry-level price of a new tonneau makes such a conversion too expensive.
Conclusion: Defender Alu-Cab PopUp Integrated Rooftop Tent
The new Land Rover Defender L663 is a premium overland machine with exceptional rigidity, attractive design and a panoramic roof that provides the cabin with plenty of light. But the heart of pop-top nostalgics remains in the past: the almost gone era when the Defender's roof panels lifted to reveal hidden tents. The dream of a monocoque pop-top tip lives only in tiny concepts - before you throw it in the ounce or rather mount it with all the equipment on external rooftop tents.
