Tank 700 Hi4-T Cross-Country Advancement: Modification Tips after Qinghai-Tibet Line & Badanjirin Battle

As the first batch of Tank 700 Hi4-T owners, this hardcore companion has already accompanied me to conquer the magnificence of the Qinghai-Tibet Line, the wildness of the Alashan Desert, and the perilousness of the Western Sichuan Plateau. I must admit that the original strength is strong enough: the surging power of the 3.0T V6+P2 hybrid, the hardcore extrication of the three differential locks, and the relaxed stance of the air suspension are sufficient to cope with 99 per cent of the complex road conditions. However, when you really go deep into the quicksand of Badanjilin or the rocky Gobi of Ulan Buho, some ‘physical extras’ become the key to guaranteeing safety and enhancing the experience.

My modification rules:

Zero circuit modification: Never damage the original car's intelligent system and electrical safety.

Core enhancement: Focus on improving protection ability, extrication redundancy and storage efficiency.

I. Chassis protection: an immediate upgrade after the lesson of being trapped in a car

Last year's Batang Jilin ‘scare in the sand’ left me with a deep impression - the protection of the drivetrain is a lifeline in extreme terrain. My solution was to add a manganese steel splitter plate (optimised for desert gravel). The battery pack of the Tank 700 Hi4-T is located under the rear seat in a relatively safe position, so the centre of gravity of the protection falls clearly on the transmission components. When we travelled through Ulan Buha in May this year, the chassis was ‘hard’ against the Gobi rocks many times, and the deep scratches on the guard plate were the most valuable medals!

2, the storage revolution: goodbye to anxiety, fully loaded expedition

long-distance crossing, storage space is the logistical support. At first, I considered YAKIMA Luggage frame and ROMA storage box, but after loading the car, I felt that the fit and strength (especially the box) were not satisfactory. In the end, I chose a customised kit from Car Club Tuning, which is very cost-effective:

Roof: Tank 500 Luggage frame. The shape is tough and dominant, the structure is exceptionally strong, and the combination with the original car is tight, whether it's for city commuting or high-speed running, with zero false position and no rattles.

The finishing touch: the customised ‘window bag’. Perfectly matched with the luggage frame, the storage capacity is more than doubled, which is the right assistant for the expedition.

3.Appearance and Function: The Aesthetics of Pragmatism

Convenience and Habitat: Tank 700 side folding ladder + small side tent. The ladder was initially designed for easy access to the roof of the car, but later found that with the side tent, it instantly unlocked the comfortable mode of camping. Pull open the tent, connected to the external discharge device, a small coffee stove can be in the plateau to enjoy the mellow ‘discharge life’ - this function is too fragrant!

Tail finishing touch: Tank 700 front Bumper + spoiler. The bull bar enhances the rear protection level, while the tail wing makes the whole vehicle line more coordinated and stable, which is both practical and aesthetic at the same time.

To be continued: the blueprint for the next evolution

I'm very satisfied with the current state of the bike, but the quest is never-ending. The next step is planned:

Tyre Upgrade: Replace the tyres with Bilucci KO2 all-terrain tyres to improve grip and durability.

Ultimate protection: Add a hidden winch to add another layer of insurance for extreme situations.

Visual Evolution: The entire vehicle is blackened to create a cooler, more combative stance.

Ultimate Goal: To create a perfect tank 700 Hi4-T that can go hardcore over the mountains, fearless of sandstone and Gobi, but can also stop at any time to enjoy a cup of hot coffee next to the breathtaking scenery. It's not just a tool, it's a mobile fortress that carries freedom and lifestyle.