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The words and opinions expressed here are my own, and do not, in any way, represent the views of my employer (OnCourse).
You are here: Home / Archives for modifications

A Look Around Blind Spots

Published July 28, 2016 By Mick Farmer

HF Antenna Fittings and Visibility - Exterior View

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...]

Filed Under: Rants and Raves Tagged With: HF Radio, modifications, road safety

Beware Nasty HF Antenna Fittings

Published October 16, 2014 By Mick Farmer

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.   … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Equipment Tagged With: HF Radio, modifications, winch

High Lift Jack Points: Bad and Good

Published July 21, 2014 By Mick Farmer

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! … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Equipment Tagged With: Equipment, modifications

Free Wheeling Hubs – Set Screwed to Locked Position

Published May 19, 2014 By Mick Farmer

Free Wheeling Hub - Riveted in 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. … [Read more...]

Filed Under: 4wd Operation Tagged With: 4wd, armoured vehicles, free wheeling hubs, modifications

Examples of Modifications Which Affect Off-Road Capability: HR Radio

Published March 24, 2014 By Mick Farmer

HR Radio Modification-2 - Front View

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...]

Filed Under: 4wd Vehicles Tagged With: 4wd, Equipment, HF Radio, modifications

Armoured Vehicle Modifications – Part II

Published July 1, 2008 By Mick Farmer

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...]

Filed Under: 4wd Vehicles Tagged With: armoured vehicles, modifications

Armoured Vehicle Modifications – Part I

Published January 20, 2008 By Mick Farmer

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...]

Filed Under: 4wd Vehicles Tagged With: armoured vehicles, free wheeling hubs, modifications

Recent Posts

  • Managing Available Traction
  • Low Traction Road Surface
  • Anticipating Hazards from a Distance
  • Tyre Max Pressure Ratings for Armoured Vehicles.
  • Has Your 4wd’s Approach Angle Been Compromised?
  • If You Have Free Wheeling Hubs; Consider Pro-active Operation

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