The Art and Science of Vehicle Upfitting: A Day Wireless Systems Perspective
At Day Wireless Systems (DWS), our approach to vehicle upfitting goes far beyond simply installing lights and sirens. With over 12.5 years of dedicated experience in full vehicle upfitting, and more than 50 years of expertise in emergency vehicle equipment integration, we’ve developed a comprehensive process that ensures every vehicle we build meets the exact needs of our clients while maintaining the highest standards of safety and functionality.
Starting with the Fundamentals: Power Management
While many customers are excited to discuss features like gun lockers and emergency lighting, we always begin with the most critical component: power management. This is quite literally the nervous system of the vehicle, and getting it right is essential for both safety and performance. We partner with 911 Circuits, a local Salem company, to implement power distribution systems that prevent vehicle fires and make diagnostics straightforward. Their wiring solutions are labeled from end to end, making troubleshooting and future modifications much simpler.
Our power management systems are carefully engineered based on the vehicle’s intended use. Whether it’s a patrol car requiring the CH27.1 harness or a CSO vehicle with different power needs, we ensure the electrical infrastructure can support all planned equipment while maintaining proper circuit protection.
Understanding the Vehicle’s Purpose
Before we touch a single wire, we ask a crucial question: “What is this vehicle’s purpose?” The answer shapes every decision in the upfitting process. A CSO (Community Service Officer) vehicle requires different considerations than a patrol car or detective vehicle. For instance, we often recommend staying away from red and blue lighting on CSO vehicles, favoring amber and white instead to appear less intimidating to community members.
Consider this real-world example: One customer received black SUVs instead of their usual blue and white vehicles, and community members found them intimidating. This led to a complete reassignment of vehicle duties – a situation we help customers avoid through careful planning.
Building from Front to Back
Once we’ve established the power infrastructure, we work systematically from the front of the vehicle to the back:
1. Front End: We consider push bumpers, lighting configurations, and pit boxes
2. Roof: Picking and programming the perfect lightbar, radio, computer, and modem antennas
3. Side Equipment: Intersection clearing lights and door armor where needed
4. Interior Setup: Custom consoles, cup holders, armrests, and equipment mounting
5. Rear Configuration: Cargo storage solutions, prisoner transport equipment if required
Smart Technology Integration
Modern upfitting isn’t just about hardware – it’s about intelligent systems working together. We can program vehicles to respond automatically to various triggers:
Doors opening (adjusting lighting patterns)
Speed thresholds (activating or deactivating certain features)
Vehicle park status (initiating slower light patterns or reducing siren volume)
Equipment deployment (coordinating body cameras with gun lock releases)
Customization and Flexibility
Every department has unique needs, and we pride ourselves on our ability to accommodate them. From custom cargo storage solutions sketched on napkins to sophisticated drone deployment vehicles, we work closely with customers to realize their vision while ensuring practicality and safety.
Quality Control and Expertise
What sets DWS apart is our attention to detail and expertise. We maintain dedicated teams in multiple locations throughout the western US, with specialized technicians for final wiring. In our Salem facility alone, we have select experts who handle final wiring configurations, ensuring every installation meets our exacting standards.
Each vehicle goes through a rigorous quality control process, including comprehensive testing and photo documentation. This attention to detail helps prevent issues we’ve seen with improper installations, such as radio malfunctions or, in extreme cases, vehicle fires caused by incorrect wiring.
Looking to the Future
As vehicle technology evolves, so do our upfitting capabilities. We’re constantly evaluating new solutions like over-the-air programming and advanced trigger systems. With our extensive network of service centers and mobile resources, plus our unique advantage in radio integration through strategic partnerships, DWS continues to lead the way in professional vehicle upfitting.
Whether you need a single vehicle upfitted or are managing a fleet of 500, DWS has the expertise, facilities, and commitment to quality to ensure your vehicles are built right the first time, every time.
Contact us to learn more about your perfect custom upfit build!