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M820A2 is home safe...Now it's time to check her out!

593
12
18
Location
Ville Platte, LA
This is such an awesome piece of equipment. Can anyone tell a noobie what specific function it served? I am sure there were many varied uses, but it doesn't seem to be a logistics / supply vehicle.

I can envision battle planning and/or command and control going on in it, though.

Just curious.

LC
 

goldneagle

Well-known member
4,510
1,007
113
Location
Slidell, LA
This is such an awesome piece of equipment. Can anyone tell a noobie what specific function it served? I am sure there were many varied uses, but it doesn't seem to be a logistics / supply vehicle.

I can envision battle planning and/or command and control going on in it, though.

Just curious.

LC
The A2 version was used as an electronic repair shop. The lifgate was used to lift heavy equipment so it would not get damaged trying to get it into the box.
 
8
0
0
Location
Central VA, US
Goldneagle is correct. In addition to electronics, the calibration folks also could work torque wrenches, pressure guages, micrometers, scales, etc in an M820A2. The lift gate was indeed to get heavy, sensitive, or bulky items in and out.

The equipment racks were stowed and attached down the centerline of the shelter box. When deployed, the walk area was around the racks. Calibration teams typically had 2 M820A2's each with a 60KW generator trailer.

AG
 
980
24
18
Location
Dover, New Hampshire
Goldneagle, sorry for the late post. Can you fit a hardtop on that thing with the van body clearance above the cab? I have only seen them with soft tops which I think is strange considering what it is.

I might be buying one and would like to start figgerin as much as I can about it! Nice truck BTW [thumbzup]
 

Derrickl112

Well-known member
2,654
84
63
Location
Southeast MI
Goldneagle, sorry for the late post. Can you fit a hardtop on that thing with the van body clearance above the cab? I have only seen them with soft tops which I think is strange considering what it is.

I might be buying one and would like to start figgerin as much as I can about it! Nice truck BTW [thumbzup]

Eastern surplus has a couple of them with hardtops....
 

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HawkeyeMech

New member
37
0
0
Location
Houston, Texas
Liftgate

GE - Is there any manufacturers data anywhere on your liftgate? I'd like to install one on my truck if I can figure out who makes them like that. When it is up does it fold up under the back of the frame or does it cover the back doors so you have to put it down before you can open the back doors? thanks!

S
 

Sirblissfull

New member
470
7
0
Location
New Mexico
I own the vehicle now and I can look for the manufacturing data when I am up at the shop this week.

The hard tops DO NOT fit without modifications you have to cut the lid off trim it all down and then you can squeeze it back under the box. Ask M920 for details.

I took a bunch of pics of the ones for sale here in New Mexico with hard tops to see how they did the mod.
 

HawkeyeMech

New member
37
0
0
Location
Houston, Texas
Thanks Bliss - Given the headache with the hard top, I think I'll just look for an insulated soft top in that desert color; any leads you know of for one?

I think I figured out how to get 12kW and about 48,000 BTU out of the space where the old heaters/AC are...

S
 

Sirblissfull

New member
470
7
0
Location
New Mexico
Most of the ACs have been replaced with modern AC/Heater units with much greater efficiency.

Swapping in a Genny for a heater unit would not be very difficult as long as you vented and insulated well. Mostly for the sound.
 
8
0
0
Location
Central VA, US
The M820A2 liftgate covers the rear doors when stowed. It does not flip under and nest below the van body. There's no opening the rear doors unless the gate is lowered to deck level or lower.



GE - Is there any manufacturers data anywhere on your liftgate? I'd like to install one on my truck if I can figure out who makes them like that. When it is up does it fold up under the back of the frame or does it cover the back doors so you have to put it down before you can open the back doors? thanks!

S
 
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