Why spend loads of time and effort up-armouring only to produce a vehicle with poor driveability? Some companies do this better than others, so it’s important that the operator has a clear understanding of the positive and negative effects that the up-armouring process produces.
AV Battery Modifications … Considerations
Over the years, I’ve come across really good Armoured Vehicle modifications — and some really poor ones.
Avoid Fitting HF Aerial Like This
Destroyed the approach angle. I’ve always been of opinion that the aerial on the front creates a forward blind spot.
A Look Around Blind Spots
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.
Beware Nasty HF Antenna Fittings
Why do organisations insist on putting the HF radio antenna on the front? First, the mounting has destroyed the approach angle and increases the chance of damaging the antenna.
High Lift Jack Points: Bad and Good
Modifications Which Affect Off-Road Capability Below are some really bad mods for high lift jacks points. Some bent when used and some are obvious killers if they hit a pedestrian!
Free Wheeling Hubs – Set Screwed to Locked Position
Found this on an up-armoured Toyota Landcruiser. Armouring company had done it. Quite a good demonstration about how free wheeling hubs are a waste of time.
Examples of Modifications Which Affect Off-Road Capability: HR Radio
Modifications which are being made to mount HF radios and which will negatively impact 4wd capability.
Armoured Vehicle Modifications – Part II
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.
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.