Electronic gadgets and equipment can add to a four-wheeling adventure. But careful attention must be paid when installing that equipment. Whether a GPS receiver, tablet, smartphone, or other device, plan well how and where you’ll install the gear.
Safety of driver and passengers is paramount
Safety isn’t normally top of mind when installing electronics. But as you’ll see, it should be – not just for the driver, but any passengers, as well.
Preventing injuries: Improperly mounted equipment can injure in a number of ways.
Anything mounted near or over the steering wheel can harm you if the airbag deploys. The driver is quickly stabbed or smashed in the face or chest by the object. Always keep the area immediately around the airbag clear of equipment. Same issue for the passenger area.
Be mindful of any switches or brackets you plan to mount under the dash. Do any get in the way of leg movement? The sharp edge on a switch or bracket could wreck a knee in an accident.
Notice a theme here? I’m trying to get you to imagine a worst-case scenario. As you plan for the installation, ask yourself, What could happen if I’m in an accident? If a piece of gear could become a hazard, install it elsewhere, or eliminate it all together.
Once upon a time, an old 1970 CJ5 dropped off a 3-foot bank and came to a sudden stop. The passenger seat latches broke. Even though the passenger was wearing a seat belt, the broken seat allowed the passenger’s forehead to hit the row of bolts in the dash. Nobody died!
Fire extinguishers deserve special mention. While important to have, care must be taken in mounting or storing the unit. It should be placed where anyone can see it, but not be in anyone’s way.
A common place is on the floor, lying sideways. Some firms sell a mount that attaches to the seat. When the fire extinguisher is attached to that, the whole unit moves forward or backward as you do. And it doesn’t interfere with legs or feet.
Finally, ensure equipment won’t become flying debris during a crash. Avoid loose items in your vehicle, including in the back. Those turn into missiles if the car ever comes to a sudden stop. Every installation must be solid.
Maintain access to controls: Don’t mount (or store) equipment in such a manner that it could interfere with operating the emergency brake lever or any pedals.
Similarly, anything that would get tangled up in the steering wheel or shift lever is dangerous. Mic cords and power cords can drape down and get in the way. Watch for those.
Don’t allow cords to block the vehicle’s touch screen. Doing so could prevent you from making important adjustments to the vehicle’s controls. Ensure that the touch screen is clear and easily accessible.
Clear sight lines: Make sure that you can see well outside all windows. Don’t install equipment too high on the dash. All mirrors must be visible, too.
Additional concerns include reflection and glare. Some equipment, when placed just right, generates a reflection in the windshield. Radios and smartphones may produce glare. Either condition is distracting. Move the equipment to prevent these issues. Besides, most electronics despise solar gain and overheat.
Regarding ham radio equipment, install in such a way that there’s minimal need to take your eyes off the road to adjust the radio. Always maintain eye contact on the road and good mental focus.
Multiple options for mounting
If you’re not sure how to mount equipment in your vehicle, ask around. Perhaps a buddy can assist.
Google is a great resource, too. A search based upon the year and type of vehicle, along with the equipment, will offer a number of options. Look at all the pictures on the “Image” tab. There will be good idea, bad ideas, and clever ideas. You may see links to videos as well.
As for manufacturers, Bullet point®, RAM® and Akron® are the big names in the business. Each offers multiple styles of mounting hardware. You’re sure to find one that meets your needs.
Don’t give thieves an excuse to help themselves
All that gorgeous gear makes a tempting target for thieves. There’s no worse feeling than seeing shards of glass on the ground and a destroyed interior where expensive gear once was.
Consider removing equipment from the vehicle when it’s parked outside. I don’t care how safe your neighborhood seems to be. As you plan your installation, think about how you’ll remove the gear for storge. If possible mount gadgets below the belt line of your vehicle to reduce visibility from outside.
Look for mounts that offer easy release. Some ham radio gear features a detachable front panel. The body of the radio is installed out of sight. The mic and front plate, installed near the user, can be removed when not in use.
Electronic equipment can be very useful while off-road. Just remember some fundamentals about installation:
– Position the gear so it can’t harm anyone while moving or during an accident.
– Bolt down solidly. Vibration can harm the equipment, and the rattle is annoying.
– Keep sight lines open.
– Hide the equipment when not in use.
You can only do so much, as resources and space are limited. You’ll have to compromise on the final arrangement. Even so, you can still enjoy that equipment. Good luck!
# # #
Did you miss the previous articles?
2024
• 2024-10-07 Don’t Bleed Out
• 2024-09-14 What It Means To Tread Lightly While Four-Wheeling
• 2024-08-08 ANNOUNCEMENT: Prepare Now For Wildfire Evacuation
• 2024-07-06 Pack Naloxone – You May Save A Life
• 2024-06-10 Know When to Say When While Four-Wheeling
• 2024-05-23 We Get Questions
• 2024-04-25 Synthetic Rope For Winching
• 2024-03-11 AI Can’t Replace Hands-On Training For Four-Wheeling
• 2024-02-14 Every Off-Road Trip Needs A Leftie!
• 2024-01-13 How To Drive Safely On Gravel Roads
Some Upcoming Events (click on the link for details)
The 2025 schedule of clinics and adventures trips has been posted on the web site.
If you are interested in Death Valley, the Rubicon trip and a trip to Utah in May 2025, prior to the first of the year send me an email to put you on the roster. You will be able to register on the web site after the 1st of the year.
See the entire 2025 Schedule
November 2024
November 2, 2024 Getting Started Off-Road Driving – LA Area
November 3, 2024 Day 2 Getting Started Off-Road Driving – LA Area
November 2-3, 2024 Getting Started Two Day Package – LA Area
November 4, 2024 SEMA Trade Show
November 09, 2024 Getting Started Off-Road Driving – SD Area
November 10, 2024 Day 2 Getting Started Off-Road Driving – SD Area
November 09-10, 2024 Getting Started Two Day Package – SD Area
November 16, 2024 All Wheel Drive Getting Started – SD Area
November 30, 2024 Turkey Day Club Run
December 2024
December 7, 2024 Getting Started Off-Road Driving – LA Area
December 8, 2024 Day 2 Getting Started Off-Road Driving – LA Area
December 7-8, 2024 Getting Started Two Day Package – LA Area
December 14, 2024 Getting Started Off-Road Driving – SD Area
December 15, 2024 Day 2 Getting Started Off-Road Driving – SD Area
December 14-15, 2024 Getting Started Two Day Package – SD Area
December 29, 2024 New Year’s Club Run
January 2025
January 11, 2025 Getting Started Off-Road – LA Area
January 12, 2025 Day 2 Getting Started Off-Road – LA Area
January 11-12, 2025 Getting Started Two Day Package – LA Area
January 18, 2025 Getting Started Off-Road Driving – SD Area
January 19, 2025 Day 2 Getting Started Off-Road – SD Area
January 18-19, 2025 Getting Started Two Day Package – SD Area
January 25, 2025 Sand Dune Off-Road Driving – Oceano Dunes
January 26, 2025 Self Recovery Clinic – LA Area
February 2025
February 1, 2025 Getting Started Off-Road Driving – LA Area
February 2, 2025 Day 2 Getting Started Off-Road Driving – LA Area
February 1-2, 2025 Getting Started Two Day Package – LA Area
February 8, 2025 Tire Repair and High Lift Mini Clinic – LA Area
February 9, 2025 Super Bowl Club Run
February 15, 2025 Starting Rock Crawling
February 22, 2025 Winching Clinic – LA Area
February 22, 2025 Getting Started Off-Road Driving – SD Area
February 23, 2025 Day 2 Getting Started Off-Road Driving – SD Area
February 22-23, 2025 Getting Started Two Day Package – SD Area
March 2025
March 1, 2025 Getting Started Off-Road Driving – LA Area
March 2, 2025 Day 2 Getting Started Off-Road Driving – LA Area
March 2-3, 2025 Getting Started Two Day Package – LA Area
March 14, 2025 Cal4Wheel Death Valley Experience
March 22, 2025 Getting Started Off-Road Driving – SD Area
March 23, 2025 Day 2 Getting Started Off-Road Driving – SD Area
March 23-24, 2025 Getting Started Two Day Package – SD Area
April 2025
April 2, 2025 Death Valley Experience – Signup through Cal4Wheel
April 5, 2025 Getting Started Off-Road Driving – LA Area
April 6, 2025 Day 2 Getting Started Off-Road Driving – LA Area
April 5-6, 2025 Getting Started Two Day Package – LA Area
April 12, 2025 Getting Started Off-Road Driving – SD Area
April 13, 2025 Day 2 Getting Started Off-Road Driving – SD Area
April 12-13, 2025 Getting Started Two Day Package – SD Area
April 19, 2025 Tire Repair and Hi Lift Mini Clinic – LA Area
April 26, 2025 Winching Clinic – LA Area
May 2025
May 3, 2025 Getting Started Off-Road Driving – LA Area
May 4, 2025 Day 2 Getting Started Off-Road Driving – LA Area
May 3-4, 2025 Getting Started Two Day Package – LA Area
May 6, 2025 Utah Adventure
May 25, 2025 Memorial Day Club Run
June 2025
June 7, 2025 Dutch Oven Mini Clinic
June 14, 2025 Synthetic Rope Repair Mini Clinic – NEW!
June 21, 2025 Starting Rock Crawling
July 2025
July 5, 2025 Independence Day Club Run
July 19, 2025 Starting Rock Crawling
July 26, 2025 Tire Repair and Hi Lift Mini Clinic – LA Area
August 2025
August 11, 2025 Rubicon Adventure
August 23, 2025 Sand Dune Off-Road Driving – Oceano Dunes
August 24, 2025 Self Recovery Clinic – LA Area
August 30, 2025 Labor Day Club Run
September 2025
September 13, 2025 Dutch Oven Mini Clinic
October 2025
October 4, 2025 Getting Started Off-Road Driving – LA Area
October 5, 2025 Day 2 Getting Started Off-Road Driving – LA Area
October 4-5, 2025 Getting Started Two Day Package – LA Area
October 11, 2025 Winching Clinic – LA Area
October 17, 2025 Death Valley Adventure
October 25, 2025 Getting Started Off-Road Driving – SD Area
October 26, 2025 Day 2 Getting Started Off-Road Driving – SD Area
October 25-26, 2025 Getting Started Two Day Package – SD Area
November 2025
November 1, 2025 Getting Started Off-Road Driving – LA Area
November 2, 2025 Day 2 Getting Started Off-Road Driving – LA Area
November 1-2, 2025 Getting Started Two Day Package – LA Area
November 5, 2025 SEMA Trade Show
November 15, 2025 Getting Started Off-Road Driving – SD Area
November 16, 2025 Day 2 Getting Started Off-Road Driving – SD Area
November 15-16, 2025 Getting Started Two Day Package – SD Area
November 29, 2025 Turkey Day Club Run
December 2025
December 6, 2025 Getting Started Off-Road Driving – LA Area
December 7, 2025 Day 2 Getting Started Off-Road Driving – LA Area
December 6-7, 2025 Getting Started Two Day Package – LA Area
December 13, 2025 Getting Started Off-Road Driving – SD Area
December 14, 2025 Day 2 Getting Started Off-Road Driving – SD Area
December 13-14, 2025 Getting Started Two Day Package – SD Area
December 29, 2025 Saline Valley New Years Club Run
73 KI6FHA
I hope to see you on the trails!
Tom Severin, President Badlands Off Road Adventures, Inc.
4-Wheel Drive School
310-613-5473
www.4x4training.com
Make it Fun. Keep it Safe.
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Copyright 2024, Badlands Off-Road Adventures, Inc.
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