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Author: Stephen Williamson

Fairfax-Fire-Refurb-Upfit

A mobile command vehicle is an invaluable asset to help facilitate communication and scene coordination during emergency incidents and events.

Emergency responders and agencies use mobile command vehicles to strategically support on-scene operations and ensure a safe and reliable communication and emergency response foundation.

If your agency uses a mobile command vehicle in fleet operations and would like to upgrade equipment, technology, or components, we outline exactly what you need to know about your options below. 

What is a Mobile Command Vehicle Refurbishment?

A before and after side-by-side comparison shows the seating area of a mobile command vehicle transition from captain chairs and desk to a bench with two side tables.

A mobile command vehicle refurbishment is an update to the interior or exterior fit, finish and/or equipment on board.

A refurbishment plan is devised collaboratively based on the expressed need of the requesting agency, but can include a complete overhaul or minor updates.
  • A full refurbishment can take a truck and make it look like new. This could include new exterior and interior paint and graphics, new system equipment and technology, and updates to meet the latest technology and system capabilities. In most cases, the electrical framework can remain as is.
  • A partial refurbishment can involve reconfiguring and repurposing interior layout and equipment to best suit current and future needs.

Refurbishment Process

The refurbishment process begins when a customer reaches out with specific questions or upgrade ideas. We often ask our customers to send photos or images of their existing vehicle and ask that they describe the vehicle’s current capabilities.

We then take the time to collectively review what the customer would like to improve or change.

  • What changes would you like to see in the vehicle?
  • What additional capabilities would you like to see?
  • What is the overall scope of work to be completed?
  • What is the timeframe for completion?

Once our team understands the scope of work, one of our team members will do a site visit to complete a visual and physical vehicle inspection. Our analysis of the vehicle is used by the sales and engineering team to create a proposal for the customer with the details of the project.

Whether you have a Frontline Communications mobile command vehicle or another type of vehicle, we are proud to offer refurbishment services to meet your unique needs.  

Depending on the scope of work, the refurbishment process can range from a few months to more than a year. We work with each customer to understand their needs and ensure their vehicles have as little downtime as possible. 

How to Determine If Your Vehicle is A Good Candidate for Refurbishment 

A red mobile command vehicle with a black top is parked outside a building with towers raised and orange cones at the front and rear of the vehicle. Determining if you are a good candidate for refurbishment is a critical first step. We often advise our customers that if the vehicle still has a useful life and is in good condition, it is likely a good candidate for refurbishment.

“We want to ensure that any investment you make in your vehicle provides a favorable return,” said Stephen Williamson, Regional Vice President of Sales, North and Northwest Region at Frontline Communications. “That’s why our team works closely with you to make sure we understand the capabilities you are looking for, and we advise on the best approach to meet your specifications.”

Refurbishments are a great way to extend the useful life of an existing asset and provide cost savings to the department or agency. But, if the vehicle is past its useful life, if the chassis is dated or if the vehicle and drive train are all connected, it might limit the ability to upgrade systems and technology. When this type of situation arises, we advise our customers on the best option to meet their needs.

But if you have a Frontline Communications vehicle, your options for refurbishment improve greatly.

“Frontline vehicle bodies are heavy-duty, and are designed for a 30-year duty cycle,” stated Jason Brown, Engineering Manager at Frontline Communications.  “If the chassis has 200,000 miles or has been in a crash and needs replacement, we can remount the body to a new chassis. Frontline works with each customer to find the right solution for their needs and budget requirements.”

What is A Mobile Command Vehicle Technology Refresh?

: A before and after side-by-side comparison shows a technology refresh on a mobile command vehicle interior.

A mobile command vehicle technology refresh is an update to system technology to meet the changing demands of the agency or department. Some examples may include the following:

  • Upgrading from SDI to HDMI cabling
  • Updating audio and video systems to match the current technology
  • Upgrading the network cabling
  • Updating radio systems and frequencies to improve interoperability
  • Upgrading or adding camera systems
  • Updating cellular router systems

How to Determine If Your Vehicle is A Good Candidate for A Technology Refresh

If your existing vehicle is in good condition, but you find you need more advanced technology systems, a technology refresh is a great option to consider.

Frontline Vehicles are purpose-built to include surface-mount interior raceways for communication wiring that allows for future technology upgrades. We design our trucks specifically so they can be updated as technology changes.

Even if you don’t have a Frontline Communications vehicle, our team of experts can work with you to determine what technology advancements we can provide to meet your specifications. 

Should You Purchase A New Vehicle?

Atlanta's blue airport mobile command center is parked in a lot with a raised tower and its side compartments extended.Purchasing a new mobile command vehicle is an investment, but it may be the right choice if your existing vehicle no longer meets your command vehicle needs.

You may want to consider a new mobile command vehicle in the following scenarios:

  • If the mission of your vehicle has changed and you require more space, more equipment or more systems on board
  • If the technology is out of date and there is no option for an upgrade
  • If the capabilities required are more than what is possible for your existing vehicle

A new Frontline Communications mobile command vehicle is designed for a 30-year life cycle with a heavy-duty aluminum body that can be remounted on a new chassis as needed. Our vehicles are custom-built to meet the needs of your agency, your mission requirements, and your unique specifications. Moreover, every custom vehicle body carries a 10-year warranty.

As the needs of command vehicles change and the demands of first responders and emergency response continue to advance, purpose-built vehicles are becoming more and more critical. 

Frontline Communications Capabilities

Frontline Communications has been a leader in designing and manufacturing specialty vehicles for more than 30 years. With a network of experienced dealer partners and more than 125 local service facilities, we offer full-service expertise for the lifetime of your vehicle.

We are proud to be a premier full-service vehicle construction and implementation company composed of professionals who have an in-depth background in project management, system design, and engineering. Frontline Communication’s system engineers bring field knowledge of sophisticated broadcast and military communications systems, with experience working directly with many Federal agencies (NSA, DHS, FBI, DEA, Secret Service), all major news outlets and with countries around the world.

At Frontline Communications, we take your vision and bring it to life, encompassing unique specifications that meet the needs of your command vehicles and emergency response scenarios.

Learn more about our mobile command vehicles or contact your local dealer now.

Posted: Mar 8, 2023 8:52:40 AM by Stephen Williamson


About Frontline Communications
Frontline Communications, a division of Pierce Manufacturing, Inc., an Oshkosh Corporation (NYSE:OSK) business, is the leading manufacturer of custom command and communications vehicles. The company’s wide range of products, including SUV’s, Vans and Heavy-Duty Custom Aluminum Bodies are valued for their quality, advanced technologies and integration capabilities that perform in the most extreme environments. Frontline Communications is an ISO 9001:2015 Registered company. Visit www.frontlinecomm.com for more information. 

About Oshkosh Corporation

At Oshkosh (NYSE: OSK), we make innovative, mission-critical equipment to help everyday heroes advance communities around the world. Headquartered in Wisconsin, Oshkosh Corporation employs over 18,000 team members worldwide, all united behind a common purpose: to make a difference in people’s lives. Oshkosh products can be found in more than 150 countries under the brands of JLG®, Pierce®, MAXIMETAL, Oshkosh® S-Series™, Oshkosh® Defense, McNeilus®, IMT®, Jerr-Dan®, Frontline™ Communications, Oshkosh® Airport Products, Oshkosh AeroTech™ and Pratt Miller. For more information, visit oshkoshcorp.com.

®, ™ All brand names referred to in this news release are trademarks of Oshkosh Corporation or its subsidiary companies.

Forward Looking Statements

This news release contains statements that the Company believes to be “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements other than statements of historical fact, including, without limitation, statements regarding the Company’s future financial position, business strategy, targets, projected sales, costs, earnings, capital expenditures, debt levels and cash flows, and plans and objectives of management for future operations, are forward-looking statements. When used in this news release, words such as “may,” “will,” “expect,” “intend,” “estimate,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “should,” “project” or “plan” or the negative thereof or variations thereon or similar terminology are generally intended to identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other factors, some of which are beyond the Company’s control, which could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. These factors include the extent of supply chain and logistics disruptions, particularly as demand rebounds from the COVID-19 pandemic; the Company’s ability to increase prices or impose surcharges to raise margins or to offset higher input costs, including increased raw material, labor and freight costs; the cyclical nature of the Company’s access equipment, commercial and fire & emergency markets, which are particularly impacted by the strength of U.S. and European economies and construction seasons; the Company’s estimates of access equipment demand which, among other factors, is influenced by historical customer buying patterns and rental company fleet replacement strategies; the Company’s ability to attract production labor in a timely manner; the strength of the U.S. dollar and its impact on Company exports, translation of foreign sales and the cost of purchased materials; the Company’s ability to predict the level and timing of orders for indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity contracts with the U.S. federal government; risks related to reductions in government expenditures in light of U.S. defense budget pressures and an uncertain U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) tactical wheeled vehicle strategy; the impact of any DoD solicitation for competition for future contracts to produce military vehicles; the impacts of budget constraints facing the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) and continuously changing demands for postal services; the impact of severe weather, natural disasters or pandemics that may affect the Company, its suppliers or its customers; risks related to the collectability of receivables, particularly for those businesses with exposure to construction markets; the cost of any warranty campaigns related to the Company’s products; risks associated with international operations and sales, including compliance with the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act; risks that a trade war and related tariffs could reduce the competitiveness of the Company’s products; the Company’s ability to comply with complex laws and regulations applicable to U.S. government contractors; cybersecurity risks and costs of defending against, mitigating and responding to data security threats and breaches impacting the Company; the Company’s ability to successfully identify, complete and integrate acquisitions and to realize the anticipated benefits associated with the same; and risks related to the Company’s ability to successfully execute on its strategic road map and meet its long-term financial goals. Additional information concerning these and other factors is contained in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the Form 8-K. All forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this news release. The Company assumes no obligation, and disclaims any obligation, to update information contained in this news release. Investors should be aware that the Company may not update such information until the Company’s next quarterly earnings conference call, if at all.

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