How to get it home?

[KsM715]

I still don't get this whole 'they are hard to drive' thing, or basing the difficulty on the weight.

Brakes... they work or they don't 10lbs or 10,000lbs.

What happens if the brakes work in the yard but decide to quit when your on the road? If you (any new deuce owner)have never driven a truck that size and are completely unfamiliar with it do you think you're prepared to get it stopped in an emergency? A 13,000lbs truck with single circuit brakes is not the same as a 4000lbs car.

 

[archbold]

Tow Co

When purchased, had to call all tow companies and get quotes

 

[Warthog]

Sorry ... this is somewhat off topic ...

Where can I find out more about this "GA rally"?

oddshot

http://www.steelsoldiersgeorgiarally.com/

http://www.steelsoldiers.com/steel-soldiers-rally/61277-2011-ga-rally-definite-dates.html

 

[OldDominionIron2]

It's always best to plan for the worst and hope for the best. If you're not sure of the condition of the truck, and have little to no experience driving a vehicle of that size, do yourself a favor and have it trailered to your house. If you add up the cost of driving to the site, any tools you might have to buy to take with you (and if you plan on driving it, you will need tools), fluids needed to top off the truck, etc. it would make more sense (or cents) to have it towed/trailered home. Then you would have all the time in the world to work on it, read the TM's, read them again, build up your tool supply.

Good luck with your recovery.

 

[ranchhopper]

I have driven deuces and five tons home from GL for years brakes are a BIG thing if you move it and the brakes dont feel right game over. That being said having them towed-hauled offers great piece of mind I have all my trucks hauled now 1009s, 1008s, deuces and five tons alike an accident especially with a MV brings unwanted exposure from the news hounds especially when they have a slow day it gives the hobby a black eye and then you will have to look hard for a friend on here if that happens. Have it towed-hauled the safe way when you learn how these beasts work driving and mechanically and can start to wrench on them you will be prepared for driving your next one home everyone knows you cant stop at just buying one good luck.

 

[ODdave]

Looks like scrap. i'll give ya $500 for it and pick it up...................

 

[gimpyrobb]

Having it front lift towed, I'd either check the diff levels, or just pull the axles. If you pull the axles, the truck will just be riding on i bearings, nothing else will turn.

 

[paulfarber]

What happens if the brakes work in the yard but decide to quit when your on the road? If you (any new deuce owner)have never driven a truck that size and are completely unfamiliar with it do you think you're prepared to get it stopped in an emergency? A 13,000lbs truck with single circuit brakes is not the same as a 4000lbs car.

Um, many POV trucks weight more than a deuce and even with modern antilock dual circuit brakes get into crashes.

This argument holds zero water. What if you get hit by lightning? What if lawn gnomes attack? what if what if what if.

Are you saying you practice 'no brakes' drill in your POV (I want a video.. because I am throwing the BS flag).

"A 13,000lbs truck with single circuit brakes is not the same as a 4000lbs car"

They are not different. You either stop or you hit something. Whats the big difference?

So you are saying you replaces ever brake line and cylinder? rebuilt the air pac and purge the fluid every 3 years? Why do these same trucks become MAGICALLY SAFE once they 'make it home' vs the death and destruction they wreak off the GL lot?

 

[oddshot]

Coming Soon!

http://www.steelsoldiers.com/steel-soldiers-rally/61277-2011-ga-rally-definite-dates.html

Well thank you very much!

It looks like a REAL fun time!

That's not really far from where I live ... and it won't be easy to forget the date ... My birthday is 20 Oct.

oddshot

 

[rlwm211]

My thoughts, and not in any particular order regarding your new deuce,

You got a good buy, and a decent price for hauling it home. Call it good and have it hauled home.

Don't take being harassed by everyone for being a newb personally because every one of us have been a newb at one time or another. I guess it is a form of initiation.

As to how easy it is to drive a deuce I have this to say. If you are not driving a deuce with your mind in the game, thinking ahead and knowing the limitattions of the 13000 pound vehicle you are driving you will find yourself in a difficult situation more often than you would care to be. I say this from 7000 miles of experience and knowing that it is NOT like a car a dodge Nitro or anything close to that small. You have a huge turning radius, no power steering, a gap between 3rd and 4th that seems like a mile, and less power than you need and that is the easy stuff. Wait until you get into a tight intersection with a trailer and maybe will not make the right turn you need to make, already started and now need to back up to get squared away to make it through....Ask me as I have already had that experience and my deuce is not my first big truck.

The saving grace of all of this is that the deuce is an easy truck to work on, compared to some of the techno marvels on the roads today. You have access to great resources in terms of Technical Manuals and advice by the ton from all whom you ask in here and basically there is little I would ever consider too difficult to work on with my deuce, I will admit that there are some jobs I would prefer not to do, but will do anyways because it is my truck, my job, and my enjoyment in the long run.

In any event, WELCOME TO THE GREEN IRON LAUGHING ACADEMY as Wreckerman so eloquently put it.

Best of luck!
RL​

 

[Countryboy21]

It get it on a lowboy it has to run they say it has to drive on to the trailer. So i guess I have to get it towed not trailered right?

 

[gimpyrobb]

Towed is fine, its not far enough to worry about.

 

[KsM715]

"A 13,000lbs truck with single circuit brakes is not the same as a 4000lbs car"

They are not different. You either stop or you hit something. Whats the big difference?

QUOTE]

The difference is being prepared for the "what if". There are ways to stop an un-braked vehicle without hitting something. Losing brakes in a 4000lbs car does not have the momentum of a 13,000lbs truck. You can stop or slow a car with the hand brake or the parking brake with your foot if you are prepared to hold the hand release while using your foot on the brake. In deuce that brake is not going to do anything at 40 mph with that kind of wight behind it.

If the OP (or anyone else) is not ready for that situation then its better for them to have it towed till they get a little seat time at home in a controled enviroment rather than out on the hiway.

 

[Ruppster]

It get it on a lowboy it has to run they say it has to drive on to the trailer. So i guess I have to get it towed not trailered right?

No, you just need to find a transport company that has a winch on their trailer and can pull it up on to the trailer. I have a 35 ton drop deck trailer but no winch, that's why I offered to help with just my truck if you were able to get a tow bar.

If you are going to have it towed by the back end (with the back end up in the air) I would remove the front driveshaft. If you have it towed by the front end (with the front end up in the air) I would remove the driveshaft from the transfer case to the rear axles.


Ruppster

 

[Countryboy21]

I have towbars!

it it possible that we can get together and make it work! i will pay what ever it cost plus ur time!

No, you just need to find a transport company that has a winch on their trailer and can pull it up on to the trailer. I have a 35 ton drop deck trailer but no winch, that's why I offered to help with just my truck if you were able to get a tow bar.

If you are going to have it towed by the back end (with the back end up in the air) I would remove the front driveshaft. If you have it towed by the front end (with the front end up in the air) I would remove the driveshaft from the transfer case to the rear axles.


Ruppster

 

[jimmcld]

Hey Guys -

Just read through this whole "recovery thread" and just thought I would insert some thoughts from my end of the world.

I get somewhat confused from time to time by folks who might criticize others for getting a little short with someone for the old "wanting something for nothing".

First and foremost, I am not involved in any way with MV surplus marketing (although I do my part to support the "consumption" end!). Nor am I extremely well educated in the MV repair/restoration world. Thus I am in no way just trying to "protect my own behind". That being said..............

I try to be very concious of the investment of time and money that quite a few folks have put into the knowledge and capability involved with working on ANYTHING. I understand that when I need to call a service person to attend to something at my home or to work on my everday vehicles, there is a level of education, experience and specialized equipment/tools that I am paying for. Other than the fact that it may not have to be as time critical, hobby type "service/assistance" really is not much different. As a matter of fact, it may be even more expensive relative to everyday items due to the specialized nature of most hobbys. A few of my hotrod buddys' custom engine projects come to mind - the pricetags are a little more than eye opening. Lets face it, this hobby is not unlike most in that there a quite a few folks who make a living by providing the services or goods that our hobby requires. There are also those who do not, but have invested immesurable time in figuring out how to cope with so much of the hobby so that it can be more fun. I will be the first one to admit that I ask my good friends for help from time to time. But I make sure that this is a two way street. Note that I wrote "good friends" - I would hardly go up to someone that I didn't know and ask them for free help. Even if someone helped me on the side of the road, I would try to return the favor or compensate them in some way (buy them a beer or lunch if they wouldn't take anything). I do find it fairly presumptuous of folks to just pop in and expect the easy answers. Sometimes the stuff that one wants or needs to do requires some work to be invested. This site is amazing with all of the "free" information that is available simply for the reading. But - come on "now how do I get it home?" - I mean, come on. There are some really great folks on here who really try to help folks out and improve others' "hobby experience". But one should understand that there are a lot of folks involved in MV's for a lot of reasons. More than once I have tried to help out an aquaintance with some parts or a vehicle under the guise that they wanted to "get into" the hobby, too. Only to have them turn around and sell the items instead of contacting me or returning them - I know, shame on me. These type of things might be kept in mind when "popping in" to grab some free hard earned advise. I appreciate very much the help that is constantly offered on this site, some very, very generous situations come to mind.

I am sorry for my "stream of thought" post, but I for one try to keep in mind that if I benefit in some way (whether financially or with the pleasure of a hobby) due to the hard work of others, I try to compensate them in return. I never presume to ask for something for free. The work or advice I recieve is at some cost to the provider. Most simply, it is at the cost of a person's time - time that could be spent with one's family, or enjoying one's hobby(s), or heaven forbid earning a living. Everything takes, most importantly, time - which should be appreciated and returned in kind. Something that could be researched or figured out on one's own time, but is instead put in front of someone else to solve, does not seem to appreciate someone else's time.

Just some thoughts.

Dave.

Personally, I think your missing out on half the fun of this hobby. The other half is the fun of sharing your expierences and expierence with others. Otherwise, why would we all be typing on these computers instead of crawling under our trucks all the time?

 

[oddshot]

Personally, I think your missing out on half the fun of this hobby. The other half is the fun of sharing your experiences and experience with others. Otherwise, why would we all be typing on these computers instead of crawling under our trucks all the time?

From Dave's quote:

"I get somewhat confused from time to time by folks who might criticize others for getting a little short with someone for the old "wanting something for nothing"."

I kinda thought he was talking more about the treatment that some folks get when they ask a question around here.

From his post ... my take is Dave thinks not only that its right when nubes get a tough time when they ask a simple question ... BUT they should PAY for the privilege of getting that abuse ... AND be thankful they are gettin' abused to boot.


Let me quote again from Dave's post:

"I try to be very conscious of the investment of time and money that quite a few folks have put into the knowledge and capability involved with working on ANYTHING. I understand that when I need to call a service person to attend to something at my home or to work on my everyday vehicles, there is a level of education, experience and specialized equipment/tools that I am paying for. Other than the fact that it may not have to be as time critical, hobby type "service/assistance" really is not much different."


SSssssooooo ... all you nubes ...

Start ponying up!!! The free ride is freakin' OVER!!!

You are now gonna have to start PAYIN' for the abuse you so richly deserve and OBVIOUSLY NEED!


Stupid questions will cost you $5.00

REALLY stupid questions are $10.00

From now on its gonna cost you TWENTY BUCKS for somebody to tell you, "READ THE FREAKIN' MANUAL".

AND ... its gonna cost you a big ol' FIFTY ... every time some grizzle old old hand doesn't read your question properly or gives you a BUNCH of advice you didn't ask for and can't use anyoldways ...


(I couldn't find the "roll eyes smilie". Please insert one here. A big ol' hairy sardonic one.)


oddshot

 

[Sirblissfull]

This was a truck I could start and test drive. I paid more, but it was a wash because the tow would have cost $1480 to get it home, and then I still didn't know if it would run..

Sounds like the guys giving you a ribbing prefer the challenge of finding the problem fixing it and bragging about it after wards more then the satisfaction of a well thought out purchase.

Now to the original post.

As someone who spent a year and a half researching my first purchase, mechanics, tow companies and long distance haulers that were available and had good reputations in the area and along the route I would be having it hauled or driven let me assure you of this.

"MURPHY WILL FIND YOU HE WILL SCREW YOU AND LEAVE LAUGHING WHILE HE ZIPS UP."

In my case the haulers vehicle broke down en-route to get my truck. Then his recovery vehicle broke down en-route to get his truck. I ended up finding a GREAT local tow company that I had thoroughly researched knew his stuff and cut me a deal, because I planned the pick up appointment for when it was convenient for him. Towed it 3 miles down the road to a storage lot and waited patiently for a shipper that needed a return load or a friend with a tow vehicle big enough. This ended up saving me a few thousand dollars. The first and only time Mr, Murphy actually benefited me in the long run.

These vehicles do NOT go fast I think of them as land based sail boats. They will eventually get you where your going but at THEIR speed and on THEIR time. You will have a few weeks before your EUC clears take advantage of that time see if you can go by and crawl all over " YOUR " truck. You already paid for it now would be the time to take a day drive over inspect everything find out what you need to get it fixed up.

I am not saying drive it home, I am just saying its a hobby its meant to be something you enjoy. Getting in a rush to get it home you might hire a tow company that is known for damaging vehicles, they are out there. You might buy a cheap part that is available NOW instead of waiting paying a bit more for the quality part that will last for years and not leave you stranded somewhere along the way.

Of course I am a planner I like to see the finished project in my head before I ever lift a wrench. A lot of guys do some amazing things by just jumping in with both feet and I applaud their abilities and all the hard work they put into thier vehicles. My wife is a " Jumper " and she always amazes me but that is just not my way of doing things.

Keep reading all you can on this site I have seen some " Redneck Engineering " on here that makes me mad as he11 someone would risk others lives on the road dragging that crap at highway speeds on the same roads my family travels. I have also seen some of the finest fabrication work, that is done simply and made to look stock or better that performs amazingly and done safely.

So welcome to the hobby and the site I am kinda new here myself.

 

[MyothersanM1]

Welcome aboard, Countryboy21. Thanks for joining us in this most noble mission of keeping a part of our nation's rich military heritage rolling along and from becoming cheap structural iron barely holding up a rickety Chinese skyscraper.

Making the decision to have your prize tow/hauled to your storage/home is well thought out one indeed.

I do not have Deuce, but do own a 5-Ton. I did have experience driving large vehicles (M1 Tanks, 5-tons diesel locomotives) prior to my purchase. I do have limited experience driving the deuce from my military days. These trucks are actually easier to drive than a little 4-banger pick-up...IMO. Its stopping them that can be the clincher in an emergent situation.[FONT=&quot] Just have a plan and rehearse it in a safe area if possible.[/FONT]

Know your truck's and your limitations prior to putting some inertia into that beast. Do not outdrive yourself. I drive my truck up and down one of the most congested freeways in the Los Angeles area regularly...believe you me, not for the faint of heart. I am beginning to believe that everybody around here has obtain there driving credentials from the ole' Cracker jack box. Anyhow, make sure you drive the truck and don't let it drive you.

Yes, by all means, download and/or print up the TM's. Study them. Also, get to know and be in compliance with all your local laws pertaining to parking/storage, vehicle licensing and registration and operator licensing of your vehicle. Knowing all this information early on will save you from a lot of headaches.

And, yes, do ask questions here. Don't worry about catching a little razzing...its all in good fun. Most guys here will bend over backward to assist you in your recovery and restoration given the right amount of incentive/compensation. Some will even help you out "gratis"...RIGHT FELLAS?? Just remember the old saying...Pay it forward!

Enjoy, get dirty and be safe!

 

[Tow4]

Welcome to SS.

If you decide to drive it, check with the GL rep before you go to pick it up to make sure you can drive it off the lot. Some sites make you tow it out. A fellow member helped me tow mine off base when I picked it up.

When I bought my deuce, the GL auction said "starts and runs". So I made plans to drive it home and also to have it towed to a near by member's place if necessary. In a nutshell... If you have any mechanical ability, a deuce is a piece of cake. The parts are just bigger.

First, read up. All the problems you might have, have already happened to someone else. The first thing I did when I got to my truck was check the inside of the tires to see if a wheel cylinder was leaking. Then I got in and pushed the brake pedal. It was ok, if it had gone to the floor I would have had it towed to where I could work on it.

Next, check all the fluids; brake, engine, axles, transmission and transfer case. Check fan belts, hoses and general condition of things. Touch everything under the hood and especially the drive line. If something is loose, you want to know now before you move it. Also check to see what is in the fuel tank. Mine was half full and clean. Bring filters and fuel just in case.

If all is ok, next step is start it up. Mine started up with about 5 seconds of cranking. Check the oil pressure comes up within about 10 seconds and that the alternator works. The air should pump up to 100~120 psi and at idle that will take a couple of minutes.

Check for leaks, fluid and air. Shut the engine off to listen for an air leak if the air doesn't pump up. Check the tires and air the front up to 55~60 psi and the rear to 30 psi for NDT. Don't forget to check that all the lights work, head, tail and brake. Check the light switch is on if they don't.

When you start out, check the brakes right away to familiarize yourself with how good they work. If you don't feel comfortable, stop and get it towed. Deuces aren't hard to drive, just give everybody plenty of room, take it slow and you will be ok.