Fit a fold down table

Need to know

Time: 1 hour
Difficulty: 1 out of 5  
Models: 2020-on Defender L663.
Tools: Torx and Allen bits or keys, spanner and socket set, tape measure or engineer’s square.
Parts and costs: Defender L663 folding table (TF8000), £TBA
Work safely: Wear safety glasses and steel-toe capped boots when lifting and moving heavy parts.
Thanks to: Terrafirma4x4.com.

Sometimes it’s the simplest things that can make the biggest difference to the everyday useability of your Land Rover. These upgrades don’t entail taking half the vehicle to bits, getting tangled up in wiring or breaking out the grinder and welder – they’re straightforward Saturday afternoon projects that will put a smile on your face both when you first stand back and admire your work for the first time, and every time you put the item to use from there on out.

A perfect example of this type of modification is this new Terrafirma folding table for the L663 Defender. Whether you use your Land Rover for work, play, or both, you’ll know that maximising storage and useable space inside is really important, which is exactly what this all-metal flip-down shelf does. It’s easy to fit, still allows easy access to the Defender’s standard door pocket, and folds down to a strong, flat work area which is ideal for making hot drinks, preparing food, reading maps, making repairs and pretty much anything else you can think of. It’s even better when combined with a rear awning – that way you can do any of the aforementioned things, but with the guarantee of staying dry.

While this particular item is designed specifically for the taildoor of 2020-on Defender 90, 110 and 130, Terrafirma also offers a universal one (part no. TF978) which can be attached to any flat surface.

Simple but effective: The Terrafirma folding table is clever because it’s such a neat way of adding usefulness while taking up very little space. The back part attaches to the taildoor, and the table folds down on hinges, supported by adjustable webbing straps. Locks keep it stowed when not in use.

Remove four fixings: Start by opening the Defender’s taildoor and removing any items from the door pocket. Using a T30 Torx bit or driver, loosen and remove the two outermost screws each side. The top and bottom ones can stay in; there’s no need to remove the door trim.

Set the straps: Place the folding table on a flat surface, pull the sprung locking knobs back and open it. Loosen the two 8mm Allen screws and nuts that secure the tops of the webbing straps, then use a square to ensure the table base sits at 90 degrees to the back, and re-tighten.

Start the screws: Keep the table open, and offer it up to the back door. Slide the new, longer screws through the four holes in the table and fit the plastic spacers, then start all four screws in the threaded bosses in the door. It’s fiddly, so employ the help of an assistant if available.

Nip them up: Once all four screws are started, nip each one up to secure the folding table to the rear door. Tighten them enough to sandwich the plastic spacers, but don’t overdo it or you risk stripping the threads or damaging the spacers. Make sure they are all evenly nipped.

Check the angle: Open the taildoor fully with the Defender parked on level ground, and check the table is sitting as flat as possible so that things won’t fall off it when in use. If needed, slightly loosen the 8mm Allen screws and nuts and adjust the straps using the slotted holes if needed.

Locked and latched: Pull back both knurled plastic plungers and close the table. Apply light pressure and let the sprung pins slide through the holes in the table back, locking the base in an upright position. The rubber buffers should be compressed slightly when stowed, to prevent rattling.

An able table: There we go! In just a short time, the Defender’s basic rear door panel has been transformed into a much more functional piece of equipment. The original pocket is still useable, but now you can drop the table and use it for working, preparing food or even having a good old brew-up at the side of a greenlane.

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