Anyone see this beast? Big 6x6 RV on ebay.

[jesusgatos]

Saw a HEMTT up in WA recently. That really got me thinking...

 

[ntsqd]

I'd personally be more inclined to build one of the S&S trucks than a HEMTT, but I really think that I'd prefer an A2/A3 over either of those trucks. I used to own a '66 Econoline HD van. 300ci straight 6, C4 trans, 9" rear axle, a week's worth of camping gear filled it ~6" deep across the whole floor, and still had room to sleep inside it. Was a great vehicle except for one large problem. I would've been the first one there to any accident.

 

[Martinjmpr]

For those of you that think this is some awesome vehicle, I have to ask: How many of you have driven an M35A2 or A3 and how long ago was it that you did?

I drove an A2 through Southern Germany for about 90 miles on several occasions in the 1980's (1st Armored Division HQ, based in Ansbach.) It wasn't much fun. Loud, with a terrible ride. The A2 had manual steering and I was pulling a trailer. It was not an easy vehicle to handle and I was worn out after less than 100 miles. In Korea I drove one from Camp Page, near Chunchon (North/central mountains) down to Camp Humphreys about 50 miles South of Seoul. It took all day and, again, I was worn out by the time I got to Humphreys (fortunately I wasn't pulling a trailer.)

I guess it was "fun" in a "wouldn't this be cool" sort of way, but I sure wouldn't enjoy it for a long vacation to anywhere. That sort of "vacation" would be too much like work.

The A3's have an improved engine, auto tranny and power steering. They also have a very trouble-prone CTIS system. They're just as loud and bumpy as the A2 version (maybe louder, I think they have a turbo on the diesel that makes an awful whine when you stomp on it.)

I'm also curious about where you would take such a vehicle that you couldn't take a more conventional RV to. It's not like you're going to be going on any jeep trails with a vehicle that weighs 10 tons and is nearly 10' wide.'

Understand, I don't have anything against the mighty Deuce and a Half, it's a great vehicle for what it is: A military cargo truck designed to be used in less than ideal conditions. But I can't imagine a worse vehicle for any kind of recreational camping.

 

[jesusgatos]

I own an A2 and I'm making a lot of improvements to it that should help make it a bit more civilized.

 

[bajajoaquin]

They're just as loud and bumpy as the A2 version (maybe louder, I think they have a turbo on the diesel that makes an awful whine when you stomp on it.)

I'm also curious about where you would take such a vehicle that you couldn't take a more conventional RV to. It's not like you're going to be going on any jeep trails with a vehicle that weighs 10 tons and is nearly 10' wide.'

The A3 has a Cat 3116, not the multifuel of the A2. And the 465C was the "whistler" with the loud turbo, and the 465D had a quieter turbo.

With regards to your comment about size, well, that speaks to the issue of anything Turtle V and bigger: Some of the Unicats are going to be heavier. It's not for rock crawling, that's for sure.

I'm reminded of the comments by Doug Hackney in the Eco Roamer thread. Things this big are limited to market roads.

 

[jesusgatos]

The A3's actually have a lower top-speed than the A2's too. And I'm building mine to take mine purdy deep into the wilderness. I've already spent some time off-road in it, and it doesn't compare to any of my rock crawlers or desert trucks, but I've been pleasantly surprised with it's off-road capabilities. I just want to be able to haul a trailer full of dirt bikes and toys waaaay out there. And then have everything with me that will allow me to stay for a while, in relative comfort. Conventional RV's (off-what?) and smaller truck-based campers (to small to live-in full-time) just didn't meet my needs. When it's all said and done, I don't think it's going to be much worse than any other vehicle with similar payload & off-road capabilities.

 

[jesusgatos]

...and bajajoaquin, you're right about those turbos. The C turbos are the whistlers that everyone gets so excited about. I traded mine for a brand new D-series turbo, which is a lot quieter and actually makes more power than the C turbo.

 

[bajajoaquin]

...and bajajoaquin, you're right about those turbos. The C turbos are the whistlers that everyone gets so excited about. I traded mine for a brand new D-series turbo, which is a lot quieter and actually makes more power than the C turbo.

Yeah, but I got my numbers wrong. The A2C is the drop-side bed, and there is no A2D. What I meant (and went back and edited) was that the engine, the 465, has C and D series turbos.

Anyway, more to the point, you still owe us a build thread. Don't think we've forgotten. :ylsmoke:

 

[bajajoaquin]

I don't think it's going to be much worse than any other vehicle with similar payload & off-road capabilities.

I was thinking about this last night before I read this post. I was looking at trucks available at Mayer Equipment, and they have some with similar payloads, and a 6X6 cab and chassis. They probably even have higher payloads.

But the M44-series of trucks (of which the M35 is a derivative) were designed to be able to operate in an off-highway environment. Are the 4X4 and 6X6 built to the same requirement, or are they just designed to not get stuck on a muddy graded road?

Maybe the M35 is worse than a commercial cab and chassis. But maybe it can go more places. I don't know. I've never driven either.

 

[Christian P.]

But I can't imagine a worse vehicle for any kind of recreational camping.

Totally agree. Belongs to a museum.

 

[dzzz]

It's about the size and price of a used earthroamer (the bigger one - LT?)

Assuming it's incredible inside it's still worth under $100K, IMO.
But he only needs one buyer to prove us doubters wrong.

In modern trucks six tires aren't needed for 19,000 lbs either.

 

[Scenic WonderRunner]

$150K....

or DIY.


http://www.m35a2trucks.com/


http://www.m35a2trucks.com/category/am-general-m35a2

.

 

[bajajoaquin]

It's about the size and price of a used earthroamer (the bigger one - LT?)

Assuming it's incredible inside it's still worth under $100K, IMO.
But he only needs one buyer to prove us doubters wrong.

In modern trucks six tires aren't needed for 19,000 lbs either.

It's bigger than an earth roamer. It's like the size of a bob-tail beer truck.

And you're right about the tires, but that speaks to its greater off-road ability. How much is that additional capability worth to you? That answer probably goes to the heart of the 'worth' part of your comment.

But don't forget to add in quality of workmanship. Car mags have been saying for years that the Corvette is the performance equal of the 911. They also said the 911 was worth every additional penny of expense.

That said, it's too rich for my blood. I'd rather buy a surplus truck and build a box myself. In fact, I'm working up to that level of commitment.

 

[ntsqd]

The thing that strikes me about posts from those who've driven these trucks is that they talk about driving them as the military 'supplies' them, not how a civilian is likely to outfit/rebuild/remodel one. Are they still only worthy of a museum if the cab is sound and heat insulated, the steering is power, the CTIS is rendered in-op or removed, and air ride seats are fitted?

No doubt that is a fair amount of work and cost, but say you called that work sweat-equity in trade, is there a similarly capable truck that is commonly available within the US for that adjusted price?

 

[dzzz]

It's bigger than an earth roamer. It's like the size of a bob-tail beer truck.

And you're right about the tires, but that speaks to its greater off-road ability. How much is that additional capability worth to you? That answer probably goes to the heart of the 'worth' part of your comment.

But don't forget to add in quality of workmanship. Car mags have been saying for years that the Corvette is the performance equal of the 911. They also said the 911 was worth every additional penny of expense.

That said, it's too rich for my blood. I'd rather buy a surplus truck and build a box myself. In fact, I'm working up to that level of commitment.

I was comparing listed specs.

You think a 1973 army truck is a high-end vehicle? You would be correct, however, if you're saying that a modern F550 is better made and much more sophisticated.