Armor for 4x4 Van?
- Thread starter dzzz
- Start date
David_in_TX
Adventurer
I have found that Dyneema is effecive against small caliber rounds.
Here is a possible source:
http://www.dsm.com/en_US/html/hpf/applications_vehicle_armor_panels.htm
Here is a possible source:
http://www.dsm.com/en_US/html/hpf/applications_vehicle_armor_panels.htm
dsw4x4
Adventurer
Not sure were david in texas wheels but I have yet to find a need for that kind of protection.
Are you building a eb or rb van? I have already dented both rear quarter panels. and I drag the rear bumper all over the place. But the first thing I would do is protect the t-case I clocked mine up tight to the body because it hung down to much and it would only take on rock to shatter the case and leave you totally stranded. So I would say 1st is to do something about the t-case (if it is a quigly conversion) 2nd would be some good skid plates and third would be a stout rear bumper.
Derek
Are you building a eb or rb van? I have already dented both rear quarter panels. and I drag the rear bumper all over the place. But the first thing I would do is protect the t-case I clocked mine up tight to the body because it hung down to much and it would only take on rock to shatter the case and leave you totally stranded. So I would say 1st is to do something about the t-case (if it is a quigly conversion) 2nd would be some good skid plates and third would be a stout rear bumper.
Derek
For my rig, the rear lower quarters are probably at the highest risk of damage. My rear bumper is stout but doesn't incorporate any type of rear lower quarter protection. If you were to have a bumper custom built, I'd strongly encourage this feature. Rockers are pretty tall on these vans, but I intend to eventually build some rock rails as well.
I know a lot of sportmobile guys treat their rigs like actual trail machines. I'm a bit more conservative in the usage of Boomer, so this probably plays a large part in a general lack of concern in this area.
Spence
I know a lot of sportmobile guys treat their rigs like actual trail machines. I'm a bit more conservative in the usage of Boomer, so this probably plays a large part in a general lack of concern in this area.
Spence
David_in_TX
Adventurer
I was simply responding to the armor question. I was wondering myself why the original poster would need armor. I guess he could have meant skidplates and bumpers, but I wouldn't call that armor.
David_in_TX
Adventurer
You're right it isn't inexpensive.
Carbon fiber is great stuff if you can afford it, but it isn't really suited to camper bodies. I would use a welded aluminum square tube frame with welded skins. Look at welded alumimum boats as an example. http://www.customweld.com/ These boats are rugged, they regularly take direct hits on rocks. This construction is stiff, relatively lightweight, and inexpensive. I don't know why more companies aren't using this.
Carbon fiber is great stuff if you can afford it, but it isn't really suited to camper bodies. I would use a welded aluminum square tube frame with welded skins. Look at welded alumimum boats as an example. http://www.customweld.com/ These boats are rugged, they regularly take direct hits on rocks. This construction is stiff, relatively lightweight, and inexpensive. I don't know why more companies aren't using this.
"Armor" is pretty standard jargon in the 4WD community to mean trail protection...
I too don't know why anybody would need small arms protection built into their rig...
Spence
wanderer-rrorc
Explorer
S
Street Wolf
Guest
I was about to suggest a few good companies to do some work for him when I heard armor. Makes no sense referring to bumpers and such as 'armor'.
ntsqd
Heretic Car Camper
You're armoring the vehicle from damage by rocks, not small arms fire. Type of threat is different, but the name of the defense is the same. Literalists, sheesh......
:sombrero:
I'm surprised that the rockers aren't more of a concern. The long wheel base of my Suburban always gives me pause when navigating something that can potentially reach the rockers.
:sombrero:
I'm surprised that the rockers aren't more of a concern. The long wheel base of my Suburban always gives me pause when navigating something that can potentially reach the rockers.
desertrover
Adventurer
I drove an 8100 suburban for a while that had the doors armored with boron carbide, the windows with 2" ballistic laminate, and the rest with an internally mounted steel box.. That thing sure was quick. As for trail armor, I've been saved more than once by a good front bumper, and done body damage for lack of rear quarter protection and rocker protection. Don't forget about protecting steering components.
Having been shot at in Zimbabwe and Uganda... I wish the old Defender 110 had been armoured... fortunately they weren't very good shots!
I would think that kind of armament might raise some eyebrows at Customs crossings though.