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...]
A Few Points about Armoured Glass and Maintenance
I recently visited IAGs new factory in UAE. As I got shown round the unit that produces the armoured glass (amazed to see the process first hand) I got to confirm and get new information.A new set of windows, including front screen, costs anywhere between 10,000 to 20,000 US dollars, … [Read more...]
UAV /CPVs: Consider Armour Overlaps
Up Armouring Process: TestingWhen a vehicle has gone through an up-armouring process, the prototype should be independently tested to ensure zero penetration for its blast and ballistic rating. … [Read more...]
Failed Hill Climb Recovery – 200 Series Land Cruiser
At OnCourse, we teach a failed hill climb recovery technique that requires the driver to do a "key start" (this only relates to manual / stick shift vehicles). Over the years of instruction this technique is the only one we have confidence in. … [Read more...]
Free Wheeling Hubs: Even Toyota Dealers Seem Confused.
It seems even Toyota dealers are confused about the benefits of Free Wheeling Hubs. I guess I will not be coming off this soap box any time soon. … [Read more...]
Examples of Modifications Which Affect Off-Road Capability: HR Radio
HR Radio Modifications.Unfortunate modifications some organisations are making to mount HF radios. Off-road capability, pedestrian safety (MVCs) and /or forward visibility are compromised. … [Read more...]
My Take on the 200 Series Toyota Landcruiser (review)
The 100 SeriesI think that the 100 series Land Cruiser is one of the best 4wd vehicles ever built. The GX part time 4wd version is great.It has the best compromise available of all time for off road capability, on road handling and executive luxury appeal. It is the only large 4wd vehicle that could be armoured without any modification to the chassis and still maintained quite good handling capabilities with only up rated brakes and suspension.Organisations throughout the world bought … [Read more...]
Considering the double cabin pick up (dcpu)
When talking of the double cab pick up (dcpu), most of us in this region automatically think of the Toyota Hilux. The first 4x4 double cab version was made available in South Africa in 1984. I’m sure that any 4x4 enthusiast remembers the original leaf sprung model. Its robust reliability spoke for itself. It was a good, strong, simple vehicle. This made it popular with UN and other humanitarian organisations and commercial enterprise. This is the model that the gang on Top Gear tried to kill … [Read more...]
Armoured Vehicle Modifications – Part II
Help, how do I get out?Central locking system in this one failed. Seems that some systems cannot take the rigours of African road conditions. Or they may just be poorly refitted/fitted when the armouring was carried out. … [Read more...]
Armoured Vehicle Modifications – Part I
Over the last few years of doing armoured 4wd training I have come across some good modifications, but mostly bad. The bad ones mainly affect the off road capability, and therefore, the ability to pass through the environment that the vehicle is supposed to.The following is a gripe about having free wheeling hubs fitted. In general, they are pretty much a waste of time in an environment where you cannot cruise safely at highway speed. And 80% of the roads are still unsealed. … [Read more...]
About Buying a 2nd Hand 4wd Import in Uganda
Buying a second hand vehicle (in Uganda) can be a bit of a gamble at the best of times, but throw in vagaries of this environment and you could have better luck taking the money to the Kampala Casino -- and that's saying something!Having been round the second hand and Japanese import depots over the last few years, I am not that surprised these days at what I see. But recently I went to look at a vehicle for an organisation and the battery was flat. Not surprised; but what happened next did … [Read more...]