Overlanding Big Tan Turtle

[Keyne]

Kenet, that looks very nice. Do you have interior pics and such? I always liked those trucks and thought they would make a nice (but slow) expo camper.

 

[mel]

I got my M1079A back in October of 2015. It is turning into a very good camper for my wife and I.
I have taken things slowly and love this truck. It goes everywhere (although highway speed is about 62 max).

To address some of the questions on the forum:

Here in South Carolina registration is simple. No government paperwork was required. It is registered as a historic vehicle and is fully highway legal. FYI, insurance was very affordable!

Lots of parts available for engine and drive train (CAT motor and Allison Transmission).

Noisy in the cab (I fixed that with insulation).

Cab uses air bags for a less bumpy ride.

:wings:Thank you for posting a picture of your rig. I have been watching the bidding on these truck for over a year. If your are inclined to post more pictures that would be very nice. How much do you think you have wrapped up in this camper? Is there a reprogram for the ECU which can make the truck faster?

 

[jeepdreamer]

I got my M1079A back in October of 2015. It is turning into a very good camper for my wife and I.
I have taken things slowly and love this truck. It goes everywhere (although highway speed is about 62 max).

To address some of the questions on the forum:

Here in South Carolina registration is simple. No government paperwork was required. It is registered as a historic vehicle and is fully highway legal. FYI, insurance was very affordable!

Lots of parts available for engine and drive train (CAT motor and Allison Transmission).

Noisy in the cab (I fixed that with insulation).

Cab uses air bags for a less bumpy ride.

Be cautious when heading to cold climates. We have lots of brake line issues with ours and this is only N VA.
Curious to see how (if) you upgrade the seating. Truck definitely rides better than a duece or 5 ton but it seems a military policy to ensure the seating is as bad as possible.
One exception to that are the up-armoreds. The last ones I had downrange had Mastercraft seats in them. Much better but no recline adjustment. And AC would be nice.

 

[Kenet]

I agree with everyone that these are slow on the Interstate (topped out at 62). We enjoy taking the backroads and 55-ish is very pleasant for us.

As requested some more pictures...

Inside of van just before the Military Vehicle Rally this past weekend:



Cab with backup camera:



I do most of my posts on Steel Soldiers (kenet3621) and have a photo album with a lot of work-in-progress photos.

 

[Kenet]

I have put $2,048 into "fixing up" the entire truck so I don't have a breakdown just of the camper part. "Fixing" has included LED headlights, primer and paint, van cabinet, heater, fuel cans (4), tune up and sound deadening mat to mention only some of the things.

Only thing I have been told to make them reliable and faster is changing the gearing in them.

 

[toylandcruiser]

I agree with everyone that these are slow on the Interstate (topped out at 62). We enjoy taking the backroads and 55-ish is very pleasant for us.

As requested some more pictures...

Inside of van just before the Military Vehicle Rally this past weekend:

View attachment 340287

Cab with backup camera:

View attachment 340288

I do most of my posts on Steel Soldiers (kenet3621) and have a photo album with a lot of work-in-progress photos.

Steel soldiers sucks. Especially if you're a fan of the lmtv.