Buying a Deuce & Need a Box Trailer

[Commander5993]

Hi All, I'm going tomorrow to look at some deuces for sale at a "dealer" not to far from here. I guess you would call him a dealer at least, he has 17 or so Trucks. Plus he also rebuilds, customizes, sells tons of parts and other.

Anyway, this will be my first time buying a deuce, which will also be the first MV that I have owned. I'm going to be looking between the A2 and A3 models, I think I have deiced on the M35A3. But I would like to hear everyone's opinions on choosing between the A2 or A3.

I just thought I would ask from everyone who has experience here, what I should be looking for when considering a purchase. This is a major investment for me, and I don't want to have to do it twice.... might add an additional one later though

I have been searching through the threads for the past couple weeks, but I am sure that I have missed some info as there is so much here. So if I ask something that is on a thread already, I apologize. If you have the thread link that would be great. Also, if there are just threads you would recommend reading, please post those as well.

One thing I need to know, is how would one know if a deuce has a military rebuilt engine or a new engine? From what I have read, when the deuces are overhauled in the military they change the Odometer, right? So Odometer miles may not be "actual" miles? Would it be suggested to stay away from rebuilt engines, or are they usually reliable?

I need something that I can drive long distances, like back and forth between here (Indiana) and California. So reliability is a must.

Also I am going to need a box trailer for this Deuce. I have thought about taking an M108 (i think that's the right #) and turning it into a box. But I really need something larger. I would like something like an 8 ft by 12 ft, or bigger. But I also need to be able to take it off road as well. That's where the height of the M108 is better than civy trailers. But I haven't found a military trailer that fits this description. Any suggestions here?

Thanks All for any suggestions and help.
~ Peace

 

[gunboy1656]

Most everything you asked has been answered before, as for driving between Indiana and California you NEED to look for something more road worthy. Say a used Uhaul. These are not the most comfortable for any major length of time, they are slow going down the highway. No creature comforts.

 

[gimpyrobb]

I bet your thinking of the M109 or M185, the M108 is a crane truck.

Edit, where did you get Cali from, GB?

 

[Derrickl112]

Check post #4

http://www.steelsoldiers.com/deuce/69761-m35a2-vs-m35a3.html



Im Assuming your talking about C&C Equipment? He is a member here...

 

[BadMastard]

Commander,

You're looking for a miracle if you want a truck to drive back and forth to Cali from Indiana. I'm not saying it's impossible, but it will be fairly expensive in parts alone, not to mention if downtime is an issue. You CAN fix up a deuce to be gosh darn (avoiding the ****) reliable, but let's face it, some of the parts are 30 years old, and they are going to break eventually. Then again, even with all that, I'd still want to give it a try! For what it's worth, having both an a2 series and a3 series, I'd probably use an A2 for what you want, and find me some UMO. At least fuel costs will be great, and they are faster stock than the A3 (to my experience at least). I will say it's more comfortable driving the A3, but it's like saying freezing is nicer than freezing to death. Neither is likely to be comfortable without modifications. There's one of your answers.

You did say trailer though, and that's my next couple of projects. I'm taking a m109 box (7 foot by 12 roughly) and putting it on a 2.5 ton generator trailer (m200 I think). It's not going to be light (6200 lbs empty) but it will be spacious and a great hunting/hard weather camping rig. If everything goes to plan, it will have a diesel powered Genny, multifuel heater, 12/24 volt system and a solar panel or two. The only thing in debate is the Genny, as I'm not seeing great deals on any of our GL postings lately. We will see, as I can get a decent Genset for a couple hundred or the diesel for 5 or 6. It will have about the ground clearance of the deuce, so there is another of your answers.

Can you tell if the engine is new or rebuilt. Not easily. They were known to replace an odometer, or a motor, or a hour meter with or without the engine being changed. Should they have replaced both? Probably. But from my experience with motor pool, it was easier and more expedient to change only what you needed to. Some might say lazy, some might say smart. Check the overall condition of your motor when you get it. Missing parts, old hoses, rusty outsides, leaks, etc will tell you the "age" of the motor on a visual. Compression checks, removing the valve covers and checking the wear on the turbo (if equipped) will give you more insight. There's another answer.


There you have all my ramblings, use what makes sense to you. Most importantly, I LOVE driving my MV's, and they are worth every discomfort and dollar I've spent. Plus, some of these mostly insane members at steel soldiers are the nicest people you would ever want to meet. Especially when you need parts. We all need parts eventually.

 

[Commander5993]

Check post #4

http://www.steelsoldiers.com/deuce/69761-m35a2-vs-m35a3.html



Im Assuming your talking about C&C Equipment? He is a member here...

I don't how I missed that post, and several of the others that they listed also. Thanks for the links

But they also seem to repeat the going argument though that I have seen. A2 people mostly say A2's are better, most A3 people say the A3's are better. I know the A3 has several updates, such as power steering, air system, and such. But the A2 has multifuel engine.

I really Wish I could convert the A3 to multifuel. Is this possible??? I know if you throw enough $ most anything could happen, but is there a kit or something? I have looked but have not found any such info. Not that I am looking to burn used cooking oil or anything like that, but I would like to be able to run gas, motor/hydraulic oil or similar mixed fuels if I had to. if something was to occur that I couldn't get diesel, or if I couldn't get enough diesel to fill the tank, then I could mix it with gas or whatever else that might be available.

How about the engines? I have read that the A2's might have a problem with run away. It seems at least that this is a wide spread problem to some degree. But does this also concern the A3 as well? I know any engine can do it with the right mechanical problem, but are they prone to do so?

Also Are the A3 Cat engines a good solid reliable engines? How about in the winter...?

Which one is really better off-road? I have read it both ways... I would think the A3 would be right?


I know I'm asking a lot of things are in some of the other posts also. And I probably won't get a real answer for me, until I get a truck. But I will continue to read other posts here in the forum, to get the best idea and knowledge that I can before I make the purchase, which I am planning to do here in the next few days... maybe tomorrow if I find the right truck for the right $

Thanks for the links and the replies.

 

[Commander5993]

I bet your thinking of the M109 or M185, the M108 is a crane truck.

Well.... I was close Thanks for the model numbers. I'll run a search and take a look at them.

 

[Commander5993]

Check post #4

http://www.steelsoldiers.com/deuce/69761-m35a2-vs-m35a3.html



Im Assuming your talking about C&C Equipment? He is a member here...

I had to go back and look up the listing to make sure, but Yes you are Correct, it is C&C Equipment. He's a member too? It seems like anyone who has anything to do with MV's is Here

Its better that way though, got everyone in one place

 

[Derrickl112]

its all personal preference. With that being said, I would rather have an a3.

 

[Derrickl112]

I had to go back and look up the listing to make sure, but Yes you are Correct, it is C&C Equipment. He's a member too? It seems like anyone who has anything to do with MV's is Here

Its better that way though, got everyone in one place

yep

Steel Soldiers::Military Vehicles Supersite - View Profile: ccequipment


and a few of his creations....


http://www.steelsoldiers.com/deuce-modification-hot-rodding/65764-full-air-ride-crew-cab.html

http://www.steelsoldiers.com/deuce-modification-hot-rodding/35794-double-deuce-crew-cab.html

http://www.steelsoldiers.com/deuce-modification-hot-rodding/45809-m35a2-crew-cab-2-rear-steer.html

 

[BadMastard]

Oh, yes you can convert an A3 to multifuel. You buy an A2 and put the dataplate from an A3 on it. Sort of like what they did to make the A3!

Really though, both trucks are awesome. If it was driving ease, I'd pick the A3 in a heartbeat. The alternative is to put steering assist on the A2, change the tranny, and a few other items to make it as easy to drive as the A3. If you really want to find what I think you are looking for, locate yourself an M109A4.

Every person I have met that has owned or worked on the 3116 motor loves it. (that's four people so far.) They quoted me it's reliable and rock solid. I am considering spending a little cash (quite a bit) to put a 6 speed allison in my A3. Not for speed's sake, but for lowering RPM while driving. Mind you, going 10 mph faster appeals to me as well.

Again, speaking from owning both, I love both of them but they have their own unique personalities and quirks. Speed and fuel? A2 Comfort and reliability? A3 Insurance cost? A2 all the way. You can register most of them as a historic vehicle. Not so much for the A3. Daily driver? A3. Long distance? A2. off roading? They both rock, but if your CTIS is working, I'd give the A3 the edge on grip and tires. Parts supply? Volkswagen. Cost? A2. Sexy Good Looks? A3. (Just to see who that riles up.)

Set your budget, shop your truck, consider all the factors, buy one and throw the bones. Oh, and from experience, check with your significant other first. You might be surprised at their input, but it will pay to check.

Man, I must like to type. If you have any questions I didn't answer, PM me. Happy to help.

 

[Commander5993]

Commander,

You're looking for a miracle if you want a truck to drive back and forth to Cali from Indiana. I'm not saying it's impossible, but it will be fairly expensive in parts alone, not to mention if downtime is an issue. You CAN fix up a deuce to be gosh darn (avoiding the ****) reliable,

Well to be honest, that is one reason I am getting one. The way things are looking, we're going to need it.

but let's face it, some of the parts are 30 years old, and they are going to break eventually.

I have read that they used two A2's to build one A3. But I thought everything was rebuilt, I didn't know that there are still parts that are 30 years old on the A3. Or were you just referring to the A2? Are the engines totally new on the A3, or are parts of them also from the A2?

Then again, even with all that, I'd still want to give it a try! For what it's worth, having both an a2 series and a3 series, I'd probably use an A2 for what you want, and find me some UMO.

Ok, I'm probably just dumb... but what does "UMO" mean?

At least fuel costs will be great, and they are faster stock than the A3 (to my experience at least).

So you have gotten better fuel mileage on the A2. That is something to keep in mind. From what I have read, approx 60mph is max, so really only actually drive about about 55mph. I can live with that. Is there that big of a difference between the two, or is it just a few mph?

I will say it's more comfortable driving the A3, but it's like saying freezing is nicer than freezing to death. Neither is likely to be comfortable without modifications. There's one of your answers.

The A3 seem to have better seats, air ride aren't they? They looked to be better at least. You say no? What kind of mods are you referring to on comfort, changing seats to Semi-Truck seats or .... ???

You did say trailer though, and that's my next couple of projects. I'm taking a m109 box (7 foot by 12 roughly) and putting it on a 2.5 ton generator trailer (m200 I think). It's not going to be light (6200 lbs empty) but it will be spacious and a great hunting/hard weather camping rig. If everything goes to plan, it will have a diesel powered Genny, multifuel heater, 12/24 volt system and a solar panel or two. The only thing in debate is the Genny, as I'm not seeing great deals on any of our GL postings lately. We will see, as I can get a decent Genset for a couple hundred or the diesel for 5 or 6. It will have about the ground clearance of the deuce, so there is another of your answers.

Well that would be one way to go. About the right size at least, but a little heavy like you said.

Can you tell if the engine is new or rebuilt. Not easily. They were known to replace an odometer, or a motor, or a hour meter with or without the engine being changed. Should they have replaced both? Probably. But from my experience with motor pool, it was easier and more expedient to change only what you needed to. Some might say lazy, some might say smart. Check the overall condition of your motor when you get it. Missing parts, old hoses, rusty outsides, leaks, etc will tell you the "age" of the motor on a visual. Compression checks, removing the valve covers and checking the wear on the turbo (if equipped) will give you more insight. There's another answer.


There you have all my ramblings, use what makes sense to you. Most importantly, I LOVE driving my MV's, and they are worth every discomfort and dollar I've spent. Plus, some of these mostly insane members at steel soldiers are the nicest people you would ever want to meet. Especially when you need parts. We all need parts eventually.

Well, you gave me some good info, and some things to think about. I'm honestly looking for this for a "when the stuff hits the fan" situation for my family and several members of my extended family. I can use it for other jobs as well though in the mean time. I don't have a pick up right now, so this will work great to haul loads, or pull a trailer when needed.

Here is another question that comes to mind... I know the A2 doesn't (or I wouldn't think it would) but does the A3 have any computer or chip type "vital to run" electronics that would burn out in an EMP type event? Just curious, as I hadn't read anything about it, but I could have missed that too.

If you were going to carry some "extra" parts for the truck, what would be a the top of your list?

Thanks for you reply!

 

[Commander5993]

yep

Steel Soldiers::Military Vehicles Supersite - View Profile: ccequipment


and a few of his creations....


http://www.steelsoldiers.com/deuce-modification-hot-rodding/65764-full-air-ride-crew-cab.html

http://www.steelsoldiers.com/deuce-modification-hot-rodding/35794-double-deuce-crew-cab.html

http://www.steelsoldiers.com/deuce-modification-hot-rodding/45809-m35a2-crew-cab-2-rear-steer.html

Thanks for the links, very interesting to see the process of the builds. Yeah I first found his trucks on ebay, and man can he build some Deuces! That was the first time I had ever seen a Crew Cab Deuce! I hadn't even thought of one being done like that before.

From everywhere that I have read, everyone said he does some great work. And you can see that in his trucks too.

 

[Derrickl112]

he does a good job, but you defently have to pay for it... he wants somewhere around 65k for the full air ride one...

 

[Commander5993]

he does a good job, but you defently have to pay for it... he wants somewhere around 65k for the full air ride one...

Yeah I'm not looking for anything like that, don't have the $'s. Just looking for mostly a stock Deuce, with a few add on's basically, like an extra fuel tank. But he's only a couple hour drive from here, and he said he's currently got about 17 trucks in-stock. So plenty to look around at and compare. Try and figure out what I have to have, and what I can do with-out.

 

[kennys@wi.rr.com]

For the dispute between A2 and A3 my choice is an A2 if we are comparing stock to stock. My issue came with the A3 after driving one a good distance and then another and then reading more and more about the 14.5 tire issues. Now if you take an A3 can put all 395's or duel out the rear with 11's and get rid of the 14.5's all together you may be onto something. I know there are plenty of people on here who have never had an issue with their CTIS or their 14.5's, but I am not willing to take the risk.

As for driving one to California and back, I think you are looking at the wrong type of vehicle. Just my opinion, but there is no way you can reasonably ask one of these trucks to do that kind of a trip on any kind of a regular basis. Especially pulling a larger trailer.

Best of luck in whatever you decide.

 

[gunboy1656]

I bet your thinking of the M109 or M185, the M108 is a crane truck.

Edit, where did you get Cali from, GB?

from his post about 3/4 the way down......"I need something that I can drive long distances, like back and forth between here (Indiana) and California. So reliability is a must.
"

That is where I got the info from.

 

[SCSG-G4]

Commander5993,

An A2 tops out at 55, and A3 tops out at 52, unless you want to send a rod through the side of the block. For reliability and comfort in a cross country road trip, get a U-Haul, Penske or Ryder truck, either rental, or purchase a used one and work on it. For the SHTF situations, plan on carrying all the fuel you need for the whole trip, which will cut down either your capacity to haul a load, or your range.

 

[shovelheadmike]

When driving these things inter-state, you have a risk of getting in big trouble if you get caught running non-taxed fuel. (WMO) There are permit sticker and log book requirements too. Read the posts, state troopers are starting to crack down on this. I stay inside NC, have NC only fuel stickers, save all fuel receipts, and keep a log book.

 

[shovelheadmike]

Ditto on the used U-Haul.