Did the M37 ever come in a tanker configuration?

[Lonesome715]

I was hoping to grab a deuce tanker, but they are way beyond my financial reach. Plus, I am wondering if I really require a tanker that big. M37’s are really starting to grow on me and I am thinking I would rather have a M37 based tanker, if possible. Any ideas?

 

[Lifer]

I don't think that there was ever an official tanker variant of the M37, but you could probably replace the bed with a tank from a fuel trailer and make your own. It would be an interesting project.

 

[Lonesome715]

I was thinking the same thing.

 

[Capt.Marion]

That would probably work. Depending on what you want to haul, you could just use something like a tank off of an A/G sprayer. Especially since you've only got 6 foot of frame to mount it on.

 

[M-37Bruce]

M-37 Tanker

How about a Water Buffalo tank?

 

[Capt.Marion]

That'd probably work near perfect.

 

[Lonesome715]

A water buffalo is what I had in mind. but I think the ag tank is a better idea. Then I can see how much is in it. I would prefer not hacking up a M37 though. I would rather locate a M37 that came with a tank, if possible.

 

[M-37Bruce]

A water buffalo is what I had in mind. but I think the ag tank is a better idea. Then I can see how much is in it. I would prefer not hacking up a M37 though. I would rather locate a M37 that came with a tank, if possible.

I am not 100% sure, but almost 99% sure that there was no such critter? Ag tank sounds like a good plan. The M-156 which was a cab/chassis only would be your choice, if you could get lucky!!

 

[WPNS421]

Keep in mind the weight of the tanker. The tank size will depend on the quantity of liquid you're carrying. Water weights in at 10lbs per gallon fuel weight about 8.5 lbs per gallon. 100 gals of fuel with the tank is approx 1000 lbs.

 

[flighht2k5]

Keep in mind the weight of the tanker. The tank size will depend on the quantity of liquid you're carrying. Water weights in at 10lbs per gallon fuel weight about 8.5 lbs per gallon. 100 gals of fuel with the tank is approx 1000 lbs.

Water weighs in at 8.35 pounds

 

[Lonesome715]

I do plan to upgrade the suspension. Feul is what I am planning to haul. The weight is one reason I changed my mind about a buffalo tank. A plastic ag tank should cut the weight down quite a bit.

 

[Capt.Marion]

You don't have to chop it up. Find one with a good bed, and I'll come down and take the bed off your hands so you can mount your fuel tank.

 

[Lonesome715]

I know where one is I want. I think it use to carry a tank for a fire department. It is even dualled out already. If I can afford to grab that one up, the bed may be available.

 

[Skip]

duel wheels

I know where one is I want. I think it use to carry a tank for a fire department. It is even dualled out already. If I can afford to grab that one up, the bed may be available.

How do you make a M-37 a dually?

 

[sodslinger]

How do you make a M-37 a dually?

Maybe 2 1/2 ton running gear?

 

[Lonesome715]

From what I remember seeing, they just bolted dually rims on.

 

[steelandcanvas]

Interesting project, I would like to see photos of this build-up.

 

[Lonesome715]

If I can get that M37. I asked if it is still for sale.

 

[Elwenil]

I really think this is a poor idea. I'm not trying to put anyone down but the idea of using a 3/4 ton truck to haul a liquid tank of any size is a little more than ridiculous in my opinion. The military did not make a tanker version of an M37 truck for the obvious reason that the tank would be so small it would not be useful. Same reason why they never made a M715, M880 or CUCV version of a tanker because 1 1/4 ton is still not enough to make it worthwhile.

This idea gets more foolish when you consider that for the price of a decent M37, you can buy an ex-firetruck deuce or 5 ton that is already set up with a tank or tanks for liquid. And while they will probably hold a lot more liquid than what the truck can handle, at least the drivetrain of a Deuce or 5 ton will take a bit more punishment than the comparatively weak M37 drivetrain.

 

[Lonesome715]

That is the issue. I cannot afford any of the deuce tankers I have seen for sale. I do want a tanker with that kind of capicity. But right now, I will settle for something smaller becuase it si all I need for now. As my finances improve and my needs increase, I will step up to a bigger tanker. I may not know much about the M37, but I do feel the frame and a beefed up suspension can handle the small tank I have in mind. However, you did bring up some other vehilces I did not think about. Maybe I shoud try to locate a cab and chassis M880.

I still the cool factor of an M37 is higher though.