When you see a Land Rover Defender, the immediate desire is usually to take it somewhere to get it dirty and pull out all the stops to see what it can really do. The mud or sand is usually a preference as thrashing a classic Defender through those environments is reminiscent of the Land Rover Camel Trophy excursions. But the go-anywhere vehicle begs to be driven in all kinds of different terrains and temperatures, including snow! Here are three builds that can rough it through winter drives and terrains and possibly inspire your custom Defender built for winter weather.

Project Viking

While this build’s final landing place is in the heat of Texas, it has one rather huge factor that makes it perfect for taking on slippery slopes and snow-covered hills — its lift/tire combo. Sitting on 37-inch Maxxis Trepador mud-terrain tires with Icelandic-style wheel arches and a 2” lift, Project Viking stands at a staggering 7’4” tall. The tires alone offer a maximum level of traction for most terrains and conditions. The build’s stature and use of such monster tires have made it a fan favorite amongst E.C.D. followers and is definitely a build that can take on just about any terrain that comes its way.

Project Alpinist

Although a nimble and agile D90, Project Alpinist is a build that is straight out of any doomsday prepper’s dreams. The post-apocalyptic-looking build has a much softer purpose than what it looks like, but that doesn’t deter its features from making it a build that’s ready for anything. Alpinist sits on a 2” Lift with 18” VBS Encore Black wheels and Nitto Ridge Grappler tires. It is fully specced from its upgraded E.C.D. Air Ride Suspension, Brembo Brakes, and LS3 engine to its fully capable bull bar bumper, multiple LED spotlights, and roof rack roll cage. Built to usher the family pups around the ranch, Alpinist is also a build that can take on snowy winter terrain at a moment’s notice, even with the pups in tow.

Project Force

Rounding out our builds ideal for winter with a D130 just felt right, so we’re finishing with a bit of force, Project Force, that is. E.C.D.’s Project Force is a Fuji White D130 with a range of add ons that make it perfect for handling a wintery mix. The build sits on custom 20” wheels, BFG tires, and an upgraded Fox suspension with a 2” lift kit. Upgraded performance big brakes, Spectre style wheel arches, two extra fitted gas canisters, and the dual sand-tracks on each side of the build make it perfectly equipped for slippery situations. The rear bed adds to its ability to haul any additional gear needed from skis to hauling a snowmobile if needed.

Of course, all of these builds come with the important stuff such as heat that’s hot, roll cages for safety, and modern engine power to pull through the terrain. All of our custom Defenders hold the title of being go-anywhere vehicles, but these three are a great source of inspiration for anyone looking to take their build north for the winter. Start your winter build by getting in touch at [email protected].