TOP 5 TRADE STANDS

Offroad 4u

Swiss founder Stefan Wermelskirchen really impressed me with the canopy he built on the back of his Defender 130 pick-up. The detail and quality of his work were out of this world. I love how his fridge and table slide out from the canopy. For more see offroad4u.ch.

Genesis Import

The company stocks various quality brands such as Lazer Lamps, Ironman 4x4, T-max and Snomaster, but one of its biggest sellers has to be the South African Alu-cab, which make some of the best canopies, awnings and rooftop tents in the world. Alu-cab launched a few new products at the show, including a slimline rooftop tent, smaller awnings and loads of cool accessories for rooftop tents such as a coffee table and mattress with a backrest option. For more details go to: genesis-import.de.

Tips for first-time visitors

• Arrive at the campsite (there are three to choose from) when it opens on Wednesday and get yourself a spot with shade that is not near the entrance or tracks, or else you’ll eat dust all weekend. • Study the list of exhibitors before the show and make a note of those you must see and more importantly where they can be found.

• Take a water bottle, sunblock and sunnies. It is the middle of summer and you’ll be doing lots of walking. • Take cash, because for some strange reason not everyone takes a credit or debit card.

• Brace yourself for poor mobile reception at the show.

• I know this is not a Land Rover show, but believe me there are loads about.

• Do take a stroll around the three massive campsites – you’ll be blown away by the variety of overland vehicles.

• Take along wood and ice as you won’t find any at the shops near the campsite.

Offroad Monkeys

Fabian Muller is the founder of this super-cool Bavarian Defender accessories maker. His fast-growing business currently employs 20 people and they remind me a bit of UK’S Optimill. The company’s high-strength aluminium products include door hinges, bonnet hinges, adjustable mirror arms and many more. Definitely worth checking them out. For more visit offroad-monkeys.de.

Rolling Space

Rolling Space claims it makes the most flexible and slimmest roof rack system in the world. I love the fact that its rack uses a modular system and you can easily move the panels to where you need them. Its hammock stand, which can also be fastened to the rack, got loads of attention. Point your browser at: rolling-space.de.

Rough Parts

Founder Markus Rauh was not happy with the quality and workmanship of some of the Defender accessory suppliers, so he started his own company called Rough Parts. Markus is an engineer on a Formula 1 team and he has taken those skills and created some top-quality products for Defenders. I love the fact that the window on his rear door flips up for easy access into the back. That was just one of the many great products he makes for Defenders. Go to rough-parts.com for further details.