Kia Military Vehicles

[quarkz]

I was searching to for the stock wheel size on the 5 ton SEORTM and a video for KIA Military Vehicles popped up in the search.
Even though it was from 2010, there were some pretty unique designs presented. Maybe a new source for parts.
Just wander into you local KIA dealership and get parts for your shop van.


Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GdHzBkkQvcc

 

[bonedoc]

I find it interesting that on the 2.5 ton models, when the video shows the underneath the torque rods have a metal plate on the back of them that appears to be there to stop the potential pull out failure of the end bushings. Curious why if that is how they being manufactured now, why none of the replacement bushings are designed with a plate to lock them in. I just rebuilt a complete set to put in my truck and it has me thinking of adding that. I'd think that a machine shop could easily drill and tap the backs, then bolt a square metal plate to back of rod to eliminate/minimize chance of end getting pulled out.

 

[alpine44]

The KM451 ambulance would make a nice off-road camper. I think I am going to place an order at the local KIA dealer - just kidding.

 

[Mos68x]

Wow, I never would've thought they did military trucks.

 

[bikeman]

Wow, I never would've thought they did military trucks.

They supply almost everything for the RoK's Armed Forces. To include modified (COTS) SUVs. I've posted pictures from when I was in the RoK previously.

Sometimes you can't tell the Kia from the Kaiser until you start looking at the details.

 

[michigandon]

Their version of the Deuce is what the M35a3 SHOULD have been, IMHO.

 

[Another Ahab]

Their version of the Deuce is what the M35a3 SHOULD have been, IMHO.

Pics?

 

[sigo]

A good discussion on Kia MVs, Kia 2.5 ton truck pic, and links to more threads are here: https://www.steelsoldiers.com/showthread.php?95813-republic-of-korea-army-m35a2

 

[JDToumanian]

I find it interesting that on the 2.5 ton models, when the video shows the underneath the torque rods have a metal plate on the back of them that appears to be there to stop the potential pull out failure of the end bushings. Curious why if that is how they being manufactured now, why none of the replacement bushings are designed with a plate to lock them in. I just rebuilt a complete set to put in my truck and it has me thinking of adding that. I'd think that a machine shop could easily drill and tap the backs, then bolt a square metal plate to back of rod to eliminate/minimize chance of end getting pulled out.

...

 

[sigo]

I spotted this model kit today and thought of this thread. I built a 1/35 M35A2 when I was a kid, it's long gone but this one would be a fun complement to a US kit.

 

[Truckdriver47]

There have been several series of these trucks made by Korea. The first was the K511 (m35a2 copy) and the k711 (m813 copy) produced in the late 80's early 90's through early 2000's. They are almost the exact same trucks respectively, the only difference I can find in them is Kia uses German built MAN diesel engines, which is a step up in reliability, power, and speed over the multi-fuel. Parts are also far more readily had. The second series is the km250 (m35) and km500 (m813). These have the different grill and headlight style, as well as the modified and improved interior. Both still have MAN engines.

I'm currently in Korea now, will be for the next 4 months or so, and since I speak Korean, I plan to visit their factory over here, and see what the possibility / cost is to sell them to the civilian market in the U.S., as well as I am going to contact their Dept. of Defense, to see what the availability is for the used versions of all their trucks coming out of service.

My question is: what would you guys like to see more of? The copy of the M715, M35, or M800 series? I'll need to be able to approach Kia saying there is actually a market people will by there trucks in the U.S. if they will sell them there.

Let me know if you guys have any other questions on these trucks etc. I will include some pictures of their trucks.
From Left to right
(Far Left) K511 KM250 K711 KM500 K311 (Far Right)

 

[bikeman]

I'll take one of these, if they're selling.



Edit: So, this is an official RoKA vehicle. I saw a few of them in service (~3, one of which was a CG's truck). They had some nice off-road tires as an option too. and a Radio set or similar in the trunk.

 

[Truckdriver47]

Dang, I'll have to look into those as well. I know they make a small 1/4 ton (basically their version of the jeep) military vehicle, but I am the guy that goes for anything 2.5 tons and up, haha.

 

[M543A2]

I really hope they kept simple systems on these trucks, went away from all of the electronics, tire inflation systems, etc. used on the 900 series trucks. Seeing how many owners have problems with all of the components on the 900 series I think it is a big mistake for the armed forces to go to that kind of sophistication for a truck that soldiers will depend on, possibly ultimately to save their lives under harsh conditions away from repair services. The M series vehicles are simple systems to maintain. They can run without batteries if given a push start. Keep the ability of the truck to run and drive away from being controlled by a bunch of electronic systems so dependability is at the highest level. It is my opinion, the simpler the better for dependable service! I have always had the impression the Russian Ural trucks are tough puppies, an example of a truck simple in design and with the ability to keep going under really adverse conditions. I'll bet a steak dinner they do not have all of the sophisticated systems prone to problems we have gone to. Maybe all of the sophistication was due to EPA. EPA regulators very seldom have to live or die by their BS regulations to save the world like a soldier will ultimately have to with the trucks, so they do not know or care what the real world is.

 

[Robo McDuff]

I like the 1 1/4 ton truck, they shipped them also to Europe?

 

[Another Ahab]

I really hope they kept simple systems on these trucks, went away from all of the electronics, tire inflation systems, etc. used on the 900 series trucks. Seeing how many owners have problems with all of the components on the 900 series I think it is a big mistake for the armed forces to go to that kind of sophistication for a truck that soldiers will depend on, possibly ultimately to save their lives under harsh conditions away from repair services. The M series vehicles are simple systems to maintain. They can run without batteries if given a push start. Keep the ability of the truck to run and drive away from being controlled by a bunch of electronic systems so dependability is at the highest level. .

You likely got a good point there. The "regulations" aren't all totally BS, but then there's something to what you say, also.

Somewhere in the middle of the two issues is probably optimal.

 

[tobyS]

I'll take one of these, if they're selling.



Edit: So, this is an official RoKA vehicle. I saw a few of them in service (~3, one of which was a CG's truck). They had some nice off-road tires as an option too. and a Radio set or similar in the trunk.

Isn't that a Suburu? I notice the name is blocked out.

 

[tobyS]

I really hope they kept simple systems on these trucks, went away from all of the electronics, tire inflation systems, etc. used on the 900 series trucks. Seeing how many owners have problems with all of the components on the 900 series I think it is a big mistake for the armed forces to go to that kind of sophistication for a truck that soldiers will depend on, possibly ultimately to save their lives under harsh conditions away from repair services. The M series vehicles are simple systems to maintain. They can run without batteries if given a push start. Keep the ability of the truck to run and drive away from being controlled by a bunch of electronic systems so dependability is at the highest level. It is my opinion, the simpler the better for dependable service! I have always had the impression the Russian Ural trucks are tough puppies, an example of a truck simple in design and with the ability to keep going under really adverse conditions. I'll bet a steak dinner they do not have all of the sophisticated systems prone to problems we have gone to. Maybe all of the sophistication was due to EPA. EPA regulators very seldom have to live or die by their BS regulations to save the world like a soldier will ultimately have to with the trucks, so they do not know or care what the real world is.

I sure have to agree with you on that. The most expensive of the mil vehicles, the Stewart and Stevenson's, are the ones always being towed out of high water and or getting their inhabitants killed. All that electronics is expensive in more than just money...people dying. And of course NOT made in the USA.

 

[bikeman]

Isn't that a Suburu? I notice the name is blocked out.

pretty sure it was a Kia.

Their 1 1/4 T is actually a pretty nice truck. I would definitely take one of those. It'd be fun.

 

[Robo McDuff]

Their 1 1/4 ton truck success story is actually almost a licensed copy of the not so successful but highly popular M715