Mick's Blog • My thoughts, findings and rants.

Under Pressure – Armoured Vehicle Tyres

Published April 8, 2021 By Mick Farmer

It’s not a good day when you have to drive on a run-flat ring. So, minimise risk by ensuring the tyres fitted are up to the job. … [Read more...]

Still got split rims on your 70 Series Landcruiser?

Published April 8, 2021 By Mick Farmer

Make sure that the tyre is suitable to take a tube. Most modern tubeless tyres are not finished internally and will damage a tube over time. … [Read more...]

Managing Available Traction

Published July 31, 2019 By Mick Farmer

Wheel printing and the ability to identify when to drive as slow as possible but as fast as necessary. … [Read more...]

Low Traction Road Surface

Published February 11, 2019 By Mick Farmer

Unsealed roads, particularly when dry, need to be treated as a low traction surface. … [Read more...]

Anticipating Hazards from a Distance

Published February 4, 2019 By Mick Farmer

This is a photo I took a while back and highlights the importance of identifying /anticipating hazards from a distance. In this case, change in road, weather and light conditions. … [Read more...]

Tyre Max Pressure Ratings for Armoured Vehicles.

Published July 12, 2018 By Mick Farmer

Ensure that the tyres fitted to Up Armoured Vehicles have the correct pressure rating. These tyres (photo below) have a max pressured 44 psi where the tyre pressures have to be 55 front and 60 rear. … [Read more...]

Has Your 4wd’s Approach Angle Been Compromised?

Published July 31, 2017 By Mick Farmer

Whenever you fit something to a 4wd vehicle, there will be a trade off. Understanding this compromise is essential to managing not only your off road capability but also for driving defensively. … [Read more...]

If You Have Free Wheeling Hubs; Consider Pro-active Operation

Published May 17, 2017 By Mick Farmer

Just to add on a few points to an earlier article I wrote about the purpose of free wheeling hubs and my thoughts on them. Lock and Go … [Read more...]

Up Armoured Vehicle Recovery Consideration: Fitting a Winch

Published April 6, 2017 By Mick Farmer

Is it Worth Fitting a Winch to An Up Armoured Vehicle? It's considered standard that recovery equipment should have a safe working load/working load limit of 1.5 times the weight of the vehicle. … [Read more...]

My Thoughts on Using Synthetic Shackles

Published October 27, 2016 By Mick Farmer

Recently purchased some synthetic shackles (Gator-Jaw) from Bubba Rope in the States. I had gotten one of their kinetic energy ropes through someone that was leaving Uganda and was very impressed. … [Read more...]

A Look Around Blind Spots

Published July 28, 2016 By Mick Farmer

Blind spots are anywhere where we can't see without moving our vision. Most common ones which everyone is (or should be aware of) are the ones to the side of the vehicle. … [Read more...]