Dump truck suggestions...

[deuceman51]

I just hauled 7 loads of gravel with my M817 yesterday and I love it. True, it is noisy and doesn't haul that much, but it still gets the job done nicely. The M917s are great, but extremely expensive. On a side note, did anybody see what the M917 sold for at Ft. Riley this week???

 

[Bighurt]

just over 15k if I looked at the right one...

 

[Bighurt]

I want to thank BigHurt for starting this thread, it is very informative and interesting.

My question is why no one has mentioned the M51, is there a specific reason besides the fact it is older than the M817? Just curious, not really a proponent of it.

The semi dump trailer would be cool for the M915, could go civi and mod, like stated, or is it reasonable or even possible to mod a military flatbed to a dump? Probably too much work, but it would be unique.

Correct me if I'm wrong but the M51 would have a Continental Gasoline Engine, unless and A1 or A2.

As most I work with will tell you, I'm a big proponent of "Real trucks don't need spark plugs"

I would own and old gasser though for collector sake only.

Old school Dump trailers which have the more Mad max look that would go well with the M915A1 are relatively cheap. I've been looking at those like I posted, short with external ribbing. I actually found a round 30' round bottomed heavy ribbed rear dump all aluminum for about $8k. Painted 686 with black running gear I think it would be hard to tell it wasn't military. At some pint all my trailers will have the same wheel sets, if I can swing it they will all have 395's but that may not work.

I like nothing more than to carry one spare, and the look of identical tires on the whole rig is a look I like very much.

Just need to find/make a wet kit.

 

[Old Lincoln County Iron]

Hey Jeremy, If it dosen't have to be an "END Dump" here is another route! M915A1 Pulling a belly dump its been pulling 42K payload daily!

 

[Bighurt]

Hey Jeremy, If it dosen't have to be an "END Dump" here is another route! M915A1 Pulling a belly dump its been pulling 42K payload daily!

Yeah I thought about the belly dump option but a rear dump is more versatile.

I am a jack of trades and do everything but plumbing, electrical, and HVAC (because they need special licenses). So the dump would haul everything, like demolition material, top soil, fill dirt, gravel, compost, mulch, sand, etc.

While a belly dump can do many of those tasks, refuse is not one of them, and my biggest use right now. Remodel contracting is what I am primarily engaged in atm.

Side dump is an option though.

I have to say I do like the end dump look a little better.

 

[Floridianson]

Seems like you will have to know if the 817 will work for you. Couple of loads a week within 20 miles from home is not working to me and I would go with the 817. Can allways drag start but not with the bigger auto or cats. If I was working hard then maybe yes 917 and if the tranny fails replace with 10 speed and just hope you don't need to replace anything else that cost big bucks. Converting something else to dump is work and the system on the 817 is a good one. Maybe look for and USMC 817 if you can find it. Cost wise once again the 817 lot of truck for the money street price or GL price.

 

[Danger Ranger]

Hey Jeremy, thanks for the reply, but I was referring to the M51 in general...not specifically the a1, a2, or plain M51. So, not to be a pain or anything, I ask the question again. I do not know enough about them to know any major helpful pros/cons between the M817 and the 51. I do know the M51a1 had the mack engine, and the a2 had the multi. in it.

It looks like you are making great progress with the dump trailer. Keep us updated.

 

[Bighurt]

Seems like you will have to know if the 817 will work for you. Couple of loads a week within 20 miles from home is not working to me and I would go with the 817. Can allways drag start but not with the bigger auto or cats. If I was working hard then maybe yes 917 and if the tranny fails replace with 10 speed and just hope you don't need to replace anything else that cost big bucks. Converting something else to dump is work and the system on the 817 is a good one. Maybe look for and USMC 817 if you can find it. Cost wise once again the 817 lot of truck for the money street price or GL price.

I agree the truck would be more adding to the collection than pulling its weight. M915 is in sorta the same boat. I can make it pay for itself a little.

The biggest issue isn't initial cost its the recurring costs. I'm already paying annual registration and insurance costs on the tractor. While trailers cost me $25 a year.

Right now near as I can figure M817 and a dump trailer are about the same initial cost. The truck not only will have higher annual costs to use on the road but maintenance as well.

The big deciding factor is if it's possible to install a PTO on the M915A1 HT 745 Allison tranny. Right now it's looking feasible, I found a PTO for 500. However the tranny may not have the gear...

Just because the HT 745 came with the PTO option doesn't mean it was built with one...

The PTO doesn't entirely decide the fate, I can always use a remote power system for the trailer. However a M915A1 with a wet kit would be awesome for both a dump trailer or a RGN.

And yes this entire discussion is based on next years plans. After all I like to live by the 7 P's, Murphy sometimes has other plans.

Hey Jeremy, thanks for the reply, but I was referring to the M51 in general...not specifically the a1, a2, or plain M51. So, not to be a pain or anything, I ask the question again. I do not know enough about them to know any major helpful pros/cons between the M817 and the 51. I do know the M51a1 had the mack engine, and the a2 had the multi. in it.

It looks like you are making great progress with the dump trailer. Keep us updated.

Yes I realize that, and I wasn't trying to compare or even attempt to compare the M51 with the M817. My post really was just explaining why I left it out of the initial post. Combined with the rare nature M51's are becoming harder and harder to come by.

As far as I'm concerned the M51 is simply older and not available with the NTC-250.

Actually one of my modification desires is to re-power a 5 ton with a NTC-400, for no reason other than I think it would be cool...LOL

 

[dozer1]

Actually one of my modification desires is to re-power a 5 ton with a NTC-400, for no reason other than I think it would be cool...LOL
Now that is something I can truely relate too

 

[wreckerman893]

Actually one of my modification desires is to re-power a 5 ton with a NTC-400, for no reason other than I think it would be cool...LOL

This has been done successfully on SS I believe......I also saw a M818 at the 2009 MVPA convention that had been repowered with either a Big Cam 350 or a 400 (memory fades). It is the same block but there has to be a few modifications made to make everything fit. You also have to put a bump in the hood to accomadate the extra height.

 

[Bighurt]

This has been done successfully on SS I believe......I also saw a M818 at the 2009 MVPA convention that had been repowered with either a Big Cam 350 or a 400 (memory fades). It is the same block but there has to be a few modifications made to make everything fit. You also have to put a bump in the hood to accomadate the extra height.

Yeah that's where I got the idea...I'm never original.

It was a 400.

Assuming if and when I buy an M920 and it has a good motor that will be the donor...LOL

 

[Danger Ranger]

This has been done successfully on SS I believe......I also saw a M818 at the 2009 MVPA convention that had been repowered with either a Big Cam 350 or a 400 (memory fades). It is the same block but there has to be a few modifications made to make everything fit. You also have to put a bump in the hood to accomadate the extra height.

This "bump" (or maybe ridge?), would go great IMO with a flat black racing stripe/glare deflector on it...anyone concur?

 

[dozer1]

I think the hood mod could be cool if done right. Is there any examples out there to see like the forementioned truck? I would like to see how its been done in the past. I think I know what your saying Danger Ranger. Kinda like an old Trans Am or something but done mil style

 

[wreckerman893]

Here is the only good pic I have of that truck....if you can zoom in on it you can see the lump on the hood.

 

[11Echo]

I think the hood mod could be cool if done right. Is there any examples out there to see like the forementioned truck? I would like to see how its been done in the past. I think I know what your saying Danger Ranger. Kinda like an old Trans Am or something but done mil style

I edited Wreckerman's pic a bit and also a pic of a truck I had seen at Adleman's.

 

[Bighurt]

Newbs...

 

[Danger Ranger]

I think the hood mod could be cool if done right. Is there any examples out there to see like the forementioned truck? I would like to see how its been done in the past. I think I know what your saying Danger Ranger. Kinda like an old Trans Am or something but done mil style

I was thinking like a cowl induction maybe. But of course it would be up to the owner to make it not so obnoxious (sp?) in order to blend in more.

 

[dozer1]

I think you could fit a NTC400 right in that Nova Thanks for posting the pics and for me the verdicts in. You can do it and do it pretty tastefully.

 

[Bighurt]

I think you could fit a NTC400 right in that Nova Thanks for posting the pics and for me the verdicts in. You can do it and do it pretty tastefully.

Yeah I'm sure, the 400 is at least half the Nova's weight...LOL

 

[Leeroofingandconstruction]

Can you convert a m915A1 into a flat bed with a dump on it. I wanted to remove the fithe wheel and guide plates and put a 12 foot flatbed with a hydrolic dump on it. I would love to know that someone has already done this and if they are happy with the conversion.