Sleep Above. Stand Below. Go Further.
Transform your Land Rover Defender 110 into an integrated two-person camper with internal sleeping access, genuine standing room and a purpose-built aluminium pop-top that becomes part of the vehicle.
The Camper That Becomes Part of Your Defender.
A conventional rooftop tent sits above the vehicle. The Icarus replaces the Defender's factory roof and integrates the sleeping area directly with the interior.
Raise the roof and lift the sleeping platform to create substantial standing room inside. Lower the bed when it is time to sleep. Because access is internal, you can move between your bed, clothing, storage and vehicle interior without climbing an exterior ladder or stepping outside.
Sleep above when the bed is lowered. Stand and live below when the sleeping platform is raised.
A Bedroom Above. Living Space Below.
With the sleeping platform raised, the Icarus opens the Defender interior vertically. You can stand up, change clothes, organize equipment, reach cupboards or simply get out of the weather without immediately leaving the vehicle.
That internal access is what separates Icarus from a conventional rooftop tent. The camper and the Defender become one connected space.
A Proper Bed for Two.
The Icarus includes a mattress measuring 2370 mm long x 1250 mm wide x 70 mm thick (approximately 7 ft 9 5/16 in x 4 ft 1 3/16 in x 2 3/4 in).
Suitable bedding can remain stored inside the conversion when packed neatly, making camp setup a matter of releasing the roof and preparing the sleeping platform rather than unpacking an entirely separate tent.
- Designed to sleep two people
- 70 mm high-density mattress
- 400 gsm UV-resistant double-layer rip-block canvas
- Closed-cell foam insulation and insulating quilt
- Fast one-person roof setup
A Camper When You Stop. A Defender When You Don't.
Closed, the Icarus follows the Defender's lines and adds approximately 180 mm (7 1/16 in) to the vehicle's original height.
The result remains unmistakably Defender. The vehicle still feels like an expedition truck on the move, rather than a conventional RV carrying a sleeping box on its roof.
Not a Tent Bolted to a Roof.
Icarus is designed around the Land Rover Defender 110 and replaces the original roof with an aluminium conversion engineered to follow the vehicle's shape.
- Aluminium roof-conversion structure
- Available in Black or White
- 400 gsm double-layer waterproof rip-block canvas
- Polyethylene closed-cell foam insulation
- Insulating interior quilt
- Integrated cargo tracks
- Two adjustable stalk reading lights
- Three diffused LED interior lights
Transform the Defender Without Giving Up the Original Vehicle.
The Icarus conversion is designed to be reversible. The original Defender roof can be retained, allowing a qualified installer to remove the Icarus and professionally return the vehicle to its original roof configuration later.
The Icarus may also be transferred to another compatible Defender, subject to vehicle condition and professional fitment.
For owners of classic Defenders, that reversibility is significant. The vehicle can be transformed into a genuine integrated camper without permanently eliminating the possibility of returning it to its original configuration.
The Roof Still Works.
Integrated cargo tracks allow compatible load bars and selected expedition equipment to be mounted above the Icarus. That can include solar panels, recovery equipment and other appropriately mounted gear.
Added cargo affects opening effort, vehicle height, handling and centre of gravity. Always respect the lowest applicable rating across the conversion, load bars, mounting hardware and completed vehicle.
Made for Weather That Doesn't Read the Forecast.
Rain, cold mornings and long shoulder seasons are exactly where the integrated nature of Icarus becomes more valuable. Your sleeping space, standing area and vehicle interior remain connected, while the insulated roof and double-layer canvas help create a more complete all-weather travel setup.
Turn the Roof Conversion Into a Complete Camp.
Icarus is the foundation. Compatible Alu-Cab accessories can add seating, workspace, shelter, privacy and rooftop carrying capability.
Backrest + Interior Table
Create a proper interior seating, eating and working area beneath the raised sleeping platform.
270° Shadow Awning
Add fast wraparound shelter beside the Defender for shade, rain protection and a covered camp living area.
Shower Cube + Load Bars
Add privacy at camp and use the integrated roof tracks for compatible carrying systems and solar equipment.
See an Icarus Defender Built by Cap-it.
Adventure Guys brought this Defender 110 to Cap-it in British Columbia for an Alu-Cab Icarus conversion before taking the vehicle into its next chapter of overland travel.
Their full walkaround shows the completed Defender as an entire expedition system and gives a useful owner's perspective on how the Icarus fits into the finished build.
Stand Inside One Before You Build Yours.
Cap-it's own Defender 110 is equipped with an Alu-Cab Icarus Roof Conversion at Alu-Cab Canada in Langley Township, British Columbia.
A conversion like this makes much more sense once you have opened the roof, stood inside the Defender and seen how the sleeping platform, canvas and internal access actually work together.
For an Icarus build, seeing the system in person is worth the trip.
This Is a Roof Conversion, Not a Bolt-On Accessory.
Installing an Icarus involves removing the Defender's factory roof and fitting the new structural roof assembly in its place. Correct preparation, alignment, sealing, wiring and final adjustment are critical.
Cap-it can review the vehicle, confirm compatibility, plan accessories and coordinate professional installation for the completed build.
Vehicle condition, previous repairs and earlier roof modifications should all be inspected before scheduling the conversion.
Icarus Roof Conversion Specs
| Vehicle Compatibility | Land Rover Defender 110, from 1984 onwards. Vehicle condition and previous modifications must be reviewed before installation. |
|---|---|
| Available Colours | Black or White |
| Construction | Aluminium roof-conversion structure |
| Sleeping Capacity | 2 people |
| Exterior Length | 2815 mm (9 ft 2 13/16 in) |
| Exterior Width | 1440 mm (4 ft 8 11/16 in), or 1470 mm (4 ft 9 7/8 in) including gutters |
| Closed Height | 370 mm (14 9/16 in), or 390 mm (15 3/8 in) with rails |
| Additional Vehicle Height | Approximately 180 mm (7 1/16 in) |
| Mattress | 2370 x 1250 x 70 mm (7 ft 9 5/16 in x 4 ft 1 3/16 in x 2 3/4 in) |
| Approx. Conversion Weight | 125 kg (276 lb) |
| Static Roof Load | 200 kg (441 lb) |
| Dynamic Roof Load | 150 kg (331 lb) |
| Supported Load With Roof Open | 50 kg (110 lb) |
| Canvas | 400 gsm UV-resistant, rip-block, double-layer waterproof canvas |
| Insulation | Polyethylene closed-cell foam and insulating quilt |
| Lighting | 2 stalk reading lights and 3 diffused LED lights |
| Roof Cargo | Integrated tracks for compatible load bars and selected roof-mounted equipment |
| Installation | Professional roof-conversion installation required |
Built to Travel. Maintain It Like Expedition Equipment.
Dry the canvas thoroughly after rain, snow or heavy condensation. During extended storage, periodically open and air the conversion and inspect the mattress, canvas, seals, hinges, latches and mounting hardware.
Keep roof cargo properly secured and check load-bar and accessory fasteners regularly. Confirm the roof is fully closed and latched before driving.
Icarus Questions
What vehicles does the Icarus fit?
Alu-Cab lists the Icarus for the Land Rover Defender 110 from 1984 onwards. Vehicle condition, previous roof repairs and earlier modifications should be reviewed before installation.
Is the Icarus a rooftop tent?
Not in the conventional sense. It replaces the Defender's factory roof and integrates the sleeping area directly with the vehicle interior.
Does it provide standing room?
Yes. With the roof open and the sleeping platform raised, the Icarus creates substantial standing room inside the Defender.
How many people does it sleep?
Icarus is designed as a two-person camper and includes a 2370 x 1250 mm mattress.
Can bedding stay inside?
Yes. Suitable bedding can remain inside when kept neat and within the available closed-roof clearance.
Is the conversion reversible?
Yes. Alu-Cab describes the Icarus as 100% reversible. A qualified installer can remove it and return the Defender to its original roof configuration, or transfer the conversion to another compatible Defender.
Can I install it myself?
Professional installation is strongly required. The conversion replaces the Defender's factory roof and requires correct structural fitment, sealing, alignment and electrical integration.
Can I add load bars and roof equipment?
Yes. Integrated roof cargo tracks accept compatible load bars and selected equipment, subject to the roof-load ratings of the complete system.
Can I add a Shadow Awning, Shower Cube, Backrest or Interior Table?
Yes. Alu-Cab lists the Backrest, Interior Drop-Down Table, 270° Shadow Awning, Shower Cube and Load Bars as optional Icarus accessories.
Does Cap-it arrange installation?
Yes. Contact Cap-it to review the Defender, confirm compatibility, choose the roof colour and accessories, and plan the professional conversion.
Build Your Icarus With Cap-it.
Cap-it is Alu-Cab's exclusive Canadian distributor, with Canadian inventory, experienced retail locations and hands-on knowledge of complete Alu-Cab vehicle systems.
An Icarus build requires more than choosing a part number. We can help review the Defender, plan the roof conversion, select compatible accessories and coordinate the installation as one complete vehicle project.
Built in South Africa. Professionally installed and supported in Canada.