US-legal 6x6, SRW, diesel,
- Thread starter Lynn
- Start date
ntsqd
Heretic Car Camper
Picky, picky.jcbrandon said:
Seriously though, what is it about these trucks? Every time I see one FS I want it. I've no clue what I'd do with it. I've no place to park it. I highly doubt my GF would ride in it. I know better than to think it's even as quiet (hah!) as my '84 Toyota pick-up.
Doesn't stop me from wanting one.
raynorshine
New member
There are no M35A3 manufactured before 1993 as that is when they began to refurbish M35A2s to the new spec. The stock M35A3 has a 170 HP CAT 3116 followed by a 4 speed automatic 1540P Allison transmission and a divorced transfer case. It uses the same transfer case and axles as the older M35 trucks. Due to the short shift and transmission gear ratios this truck gets up to its top speed much more quickly than the older tuck, but unfortunately that top speed of 50 mph is lower by 5 or 6 mph. I understand the economy is about the same, though the CAT burns diesel fuel only whereas the older 467 multifuel would burn just about anything with oil in it. <p>
As for the statement that it is not possible to export these trucks, well, after extensive checking I have discovered that this is wrong. The GovLiquidator site that sells most of them clearly states that they will not sell these to anyone for export purposes, but when questioned about this, responds that they are only following orders from the US dept of Defence. When D o D is contacted they say that based on Dept of State and Dept of Commerce regulations export is not possible. When D of S and D o C are contacted they suggest the legislation involved is what determines what can leave the USA. The legislation they refer to states that vehicles with weapons systems or mounts for them, bullet proofing, armour, 400 HP or greater engines, 20 ton or greater axles (per axle) and operator controlled tire inflation systems, cannot be exported without getting a permit. It is assumed these two departments are charged with enforcing or delegating eforcement of legislation under their auspices. As far as I know, they have not authorized D o D to control the border (yet), but do expect the US Customs Service to do so. So.... it appears D o D is overstepping its bounds in suggesting export is prohibited. GovLiquidators is also stepping into NFTA stuff when stopping bidders from other countries from bidding on items which do not include they above systems. Interestingly GovLiquidators and it seems D o D are allowing non-US bidders to bid on some OSHKOSH heavy tank movers which have engines and axles in excess of what the laws allow. They are also letting some models of M35A3 trucks out which has as the only difference, the type of box they are carrying. The also allow bidding on some M8xx five tone 6x6 and not on others, though sometimes the models numbers and descriptions are the same. Complicating this still further is the fact that the US Government has released thousands of the M35 and other "restricted" trucks to other countries over the years and continues to directly sell them to private and corporate entities internationally as well as within the USA. If you do not believe me, perhaps check out the inventory of Caribou6x6 and a few other sellers of this sort of thing in Canada.<p>
Now, you might have noticed in the above info, that the operator controlled Central Tire Inflation System is one of the specifications prohibited for export, and that it is on the M35A3 (including the unrestricted versions being sold by GovLiquidators). Therefore if a stock M35A3 truck were driven across the border an offence under US law would have been committed. So far several have crossed and the US Border Service has seemed unconcerned with this. If I were taking one across, I would not want to chance getting these guys upset as they have a lot of power, as well as computers that can score your name for life. The legislation does not say it is illegal to export a CTIS, rather it specifically states a CTIS that is operator controlled cannot leave the US unregulated. As I see it a prudent exporter should either remove the system from the cab and mount it elsewhere (eg under the hood) or get rid of it entirely (many users suggest it is a useless anyway). As far as I can see nothing else on these trucks (stock) will cause grief on the US or Canadian side of the border. Modified versions (e.g. bobbed trucks) will not get into Canada unless it can be shown the modifications were done 14 or more years ago or performed by the manufacturer). Trucks with titles showing they are less than 14 years of age will be subject to a regiment of standards see: www.riv.ca/importingavehicle.aspx All vehicles imported into Canada require inspections from provincial registration. The 26000 GVW of these trucks as well as the extra axle makes it likely commercial truck inspection will also be required before registration can be completed.
As for the statement that it is not possible to export these trucks, well, after extensive checking I have discovered that this is wrong. The GovLiquidator site that sells most of them clearly states that they will not sell these to anyone for export purposes, but when questioned about this, responds that they are only following orders from the US dept of Defence. When D o D is contacted they say that based on Dept of State and Dept of Commerce regulations export is not possible. When D of S and D o C are contacted they suggest the legislation involved is what determines what can leave the USA. The legislation they refer to states that vehicles with weapons systems or mounts for them, bullet proofing, armour, 400 HP or greater engines, 20 ton or greater axles (per axle) and operator controlled tire inflation systems, cannot be exported without getting a permit. It is assumed these two departments are charged with enforcing or delegating eforcement of legislation under their auspices. As far as I know, they have not authorized D o D to control the border (yet), but do expect the US Customs Service to do so. So.... it appears D o D is overstepping its bounds in suggesting export is prohibited. GovLiquidators is also stepping into NFTA stuff when stopping bidders from other countries from bidding on items which do not include they above systems. Interestingly GovLiquidators and it seems D o D are allowing non-US bidders to bid on some OSHKOSH heavy tank movers which have engines and axles in excess of what the laws allow. They are also letting some models of M35A3 trucks out which has as the only difference, the type of box they are carrying. The also allow bidding on some M8xx five tone 6x6 and not on others, though sometimes the models numbers and descriptions are the same. Complicating this still further is the fact that the US Government has released thousands of the M35 and other "restricted" trucks to other countries over the years and continues to directly sell them to private and corporate entities internationally as well as within the USA. If you do not believe me, perhaps check out the inventory of Caribou6x6 and a few other sellers of this sort of thing in Canada.<p>
Now, you might have noticed in the above info, that the operator controlled Central Tire Inflation System is one of the specifications prohibited for export, and that it is on the M35A3 (including the unrestricted versions being sold by GovLiquidators). Therefore if a stock M35A3 truck were driven across the border an offence under US law would have been committed. So far several have crossed and the US Border Service has seemed unconcerned with this. If I were taking one across, I would not want to chance getting these guys upset as they have a lot of power, as well as computers that can score your name for life. The legislation does not say it is illegal to export a CTIS, rather it specifically states a CTIS that is operator controlled cannot leave the US unregulated. As I see it a prudent exporter should either remove the system from the cab and mount it elsewhere (eg under the hood) or get rid of it entirely (many users suggest it is a useless anyway). As far as I can see nothing else on these trucks (stock) will cause grief on the US or Canadian side of the border. Modified versions (e.g. bobbed trucks) will not get into Canada unless it can be shown the modifications were done 14 or more years ago or performed by the manufacturer). Trucks with titles showing they are less than 14 years of age will be subject to a regiment of standards see: www.riv.ca/importingavehicle.aspx All vehicles imported into Canada require inspections from provincial registration. The 26000 GVW of these trucks as well as the extra axle makes it likely commercial truck inspection will also be required before registration can be completed.
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raynorshine
New member
As for taking a vehicle such as this "on vacation" to Canada, just like any other vehicle a non-resident of Canada can travel up here in it. You just can't sell it unless it is wrecked or disabled. If it is and then sold it must have the paperwork done to show it has been imported by the end buyer who muct then show that it complies with Canadian vehicle regulations.
I suppose there is a chance that if you were driving a Hummer with a machine gun mounted on top that the Canadian Boarder Service might try and slow you down (they finally got guns in 2010), but it is just as likely you would be stopped on the US side because of non-conformity to the Dept of State military export laws... well maybe not
I suppose there is a chance that if you were driving a Hummer with a machine gun mounted on top that the Canadian Boarder Service might try and slow you down (they finally got guns in 2010), but it is just as likely you would be stopped on the US side because of non-conformity to the Dept of State military export laws... well maybe not
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as long as it is registered to you yes. However a large lumbering US military vehicle may bring some unwanted attention. Canada not so much but in Mexico/Latin America Yes. a repaint will do wonders to tone down that US military look.
and a good air ride seat. I think the old term "buckboard" comes to mind.
LowTech
Dirt Track Traveler
An A2! Don't like those auto-trannies, the CTI, the non-multi fuel engine, or their face. :sombrero:
LowTech
Dirt Track Traveler
Not any more :sombrero: