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

[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.

[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.

[Joaquin Suave]

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

[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?