This section will show a compilation of blog posts and some additional information and pictures.
When I bought Brutus, it was pretty basic, for a Land Cruiser. Except for an additional fuel filter, it had no real overland or offroad options. For it to suit my wishes as a home for 8 to 12 months, it could use some additions and upgrades.
This is the list of essential extra’s (green has been realized):
- All weather/season tires
- New rear brake disks
- Place to sleep
- Drawer system in the back
- Jerrycans (4x)
- Roofrack (to hold a spare tire and diesel)
- Dash cams
- Window isolation mats (for -50 in Russia )
- Lightweight tent (2/3 persons)
This is the list of possible extra’s:
- Bull bar (with winch)
- Diesel heater system for engine and compartment
- Solar panels / additional battery
- Awning and wind screen(s)
Rooftent- Snorkel
Interior
A decision had to be made as where to sleep. On the roof, outside in a tent, or in the car. Since roof tents are quite pricey, and in a tent outside is only a good option with reasonable weather, the decision was to (at least be able to) sleep inside the car. To realise this, I started by measuring up the back and to build a plateau with a drawer system.
Before the build, I needed some measurements and material. I scavenged som wood together and made some drawings with dimensions and form a clear picture of what was needed. Basically I collected some scrap wood here and there, and started building.

If you don’t know where to begin, just start sawing.

Things started to look like something.

Plateau finished. Now only the drawer(s) left to make.
Exterior
Some more additions are described in the blog