Early Signs of Deuce Fever

[Akicita]

I got turned on to the Deuce when someone I know bought one. I'm glad I found this forum and have already learned a lot from posts and files in the reference section. There are a few inconsistencies and some missing details I want to ask about:

Mileage is shown as between 5 and 6 mpg in the manual. Some of you guys say you get 10. Assuming you are not only driving downhill I wonder how you do that. Are the numbers in the manual for rough terrain and you measure highway miles maybe ? I have an old bus that guzzles that much. I don't want another vehicle that is THAT thirsty. 10 would be acceptable.

I think I prefer the tarp roof over the hardtop but wonder how much I'll regret that choice in the winter. I live in PA and will do most of my driving here. I will certainly use the Deuce in the winter and I really don't like a cold cab. I know some Deuces have water heaters built in and others even have an Acrtic Pack. Does the hardtop keep the driver warmer ? Of course, I realize I would pay for that in summer when the tin roof turns the cab into an oven and bakes my buns and everything that's attached to them.

I didn't find any information on the life expectancy of the multi fuel engine. I see many show defects with less than 50K miles. Maybe some drivers don't take care of these engines and neglect leads to early failure. Can someone comment on the life expectancy question ?

Lastly, I haven't read anything about ramps. I will need ramps to load/unload stuff. Maybe I can get some at a U-Haul sale. I'm too old to play Tarzan and climb and jump and lift heavy things.

I appreciate all good advice you want to throw at me. I'm new to this and don't have any experience with the Deuce yet. My earliest purchase time is probably going to be in the fall. I'm starting my research now so that I know what I want and need when the time to go shopping has come.

Thanks for reading this far.

 

[DUG]

Welcome! You'll soon have ten trucks lined up in your private motorpool!!

 

[2027Deuce]

Welcome! There are some things you can do to improve mileage but a deuce is only gona do so well do matter what you do it. Some guys have removed the last drive shaft and gotten better mileage as well as less front tire wear. I have a long road trip this summer so I plan on testing this. I am sure that to some degree this will help mpg but probably not by much.

As far as creature comforts... I hope you like fresh air cause the cab is always gona have air coming in, hopefully it isn't heavy with diesel smoke. A hot water heater is a must and so are good heavy socks for winter driving. I put heavy cloth rags in the side vents for winter to cut down the draft that always seems to get through.

Get the manuals avail on this site, then study. I hope you enjoy wrenching cause a deuce and a half needs plenty of maintenance if you want her to stay ready and ofcourse safe. They are much easier to work on than alot of todays stuff and there is alot of knowledge avail. with the guys on this site.

Good luck with the truck search.

 

[IHASFIP]

I have yet to figure actual mileage as I have never ran it dry or been able to accurately determine how much fuel has been consumed. But, I know I had under 3/4 of a tank and I drove 30 miles at 50-55 mph and then went four wheeling (er... 6 wheeling.... er... 10 wheeling ) then I drove the 30 miles back and still had well over 1/2 of a tank. Matter of fact of I have had it well over a month and drive it quite a bit and I have only put 20 gallons of diesel in it.

D

 

[oifvet]

Ah, yes! You most certainly are showing early signs of the bug. ->

Later stages could result in this. ->

Others will think you are ->

Regardless. If a fellow Steel Soldier says you are, "sick," or calls you a, "sickie," take pride.

This is actually a compliment!

Welcome, and have fun with the hobby!

 

[SCSG-G4]

The secret, if there is one, to good mileage is to run the truck in the sweet spot of the RPM range, which is generally between 2000-2200 RPM. On most deuces that translates to 47-51 MPH. Which implies on the road, in high range, with only the rear axels engaged. Under those conditions, the trucks I have get 8 to 10 MPG (8 in the M109, 9 to 10 in the M35's w/o a cover on the back). YMMV.

 

[frodobaggins]

YMMV.

Quite literally !

 

[zb39]

Welcome and enjoy the ride.

 

[ohfiredude]

Yeah,

I caught the Fever about six weeks ago. My symptoms are...

1) I spend all of my lunch hours on this site or mil vehicle surplus sites.

2) I've collected a bunch of Deuce & 5-Ton photos

3) Looking for any opportunity to ride/drive/help work on a Deuce (any takers in ohio, west PA? )

4) Working & constantly thinking of my goal of actually owning a Deuce...hopefully by this summer!

I talked to a guy who said the mileage was about 10mpg. Not bad since I won't be driving mine to work, and stuff. May have to save up for things like trips to Haspin.

OFD

 

[Sephirothq]

where in PA are you?

 

[gunboy1656]

Well going by the checklist so far. I have completed the following:

You most certainly are showing early signs of the bug. -> - check

Later stages could result in this. -> - check

Others will think you are -> - multiple checks

Regardless. If a fellow Steel Soldier says you are, "sick," or calls you a, "sickie," take pride. - Yep, and when they call me sick, I tell them go be normal and collect your classsic cars

I spend all of my lunch hours on this site or mil vehicle surplus sites. - Not just luch almost all of my free time

I've collected a bunch of Deuce & 5-Ton photos - Check

Working & constantly thinking of my goal of actually owning a Deuce...hopefully by this summer! - I am doubting this will happen but i can hope



Now the only thing i need is a few more hundred bucks and i can start with the truck i want.

 

[gimpyrobb]

It says Chesterland, OH.

 

[Akicita]

where in PA are you?

SE corner

 

[Akicita]

I hope you like fresh air cause the cab is always gona have air coming in, hopefully it isn't heavy with diesel smoke. A hot water heater is a must and so are good heavy socks for winter driving. I put heavy cloth rags in the side vents for winter to cut down the draft that always seems to get through.

The windows in some of the pictures I gawked at seem to allow plenty of water to enter the cab. I imagine driving in the rain will require me to wear waders to keep my legs dry. I may also find a new use for that Australian duster I bought years ago. At least my ears will stay dry when I wear ear protection. Now, that's two dry body parts right there. Something to look froward to, no doubt !

How's the rust protection on those trucks ? (just kidding)

I guess if I want such luxury as dry knees I should forget about the deuce and buy Air Force One instead but if I drive THAT into the mud it just gets stuck. How predictable and booooring ! Besides, my driveway is too short for a jet.

I already downloaded several manuals. Thanks to all who suggested that. Lots of detail and drawings/pictures with clear instructions !!

I want to thank all who responded and need to add reading posts on this forum to my early signs of Deuce fever.

See y'all next week.

 

[Michael]

Here is a thread on life expectancy of the motor.

http://www.steelsoldiers.com/deuce/28192-multifuel-engine-life-facts-uncle-sam.html