If you can avoid fuel (or anything else) on the roof, do. Roof loads are seductive, because each item is so easily manageable,but it mounts up really fast. Even 150kg up there makes a big difference to the centre of gravity.
Driving carefully makes the problem seem to vanish, but an astonishing number of expeditions end in tears when the driver loses control after a sudden swerve.
Incidentally, a 70 series TLC has a narrower track than a Defender, but track is not really the most important factor. Raised and long-travel suspension, poor shock absorbers, and high-profile, low pressure tyres all make roof loads more dangerous.
However, the real problem is simply the physics of the tyres changing direction suddenly, and a few hundred kilos up top deciding not to follow suit...
As Tom Sheppard and others point out time and again, the plan should be for massive loads like fuel and water to be packed low down (and between the axles).
If only it were that simple!
Michael...
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