military 6x6 trucks are the true end of the world rides

[moneymike2009]

 this truck is a on road off road truck .the engine is a multiy fuel meaning that it will run on every thing from cooking oil to moonshine .if it is a com bustable liquid it will run. parts are a dime a dozen and so are tires. it has room for cargo and supplies and a couple of passingers .most come with a winch ,trailer hook ups and large fuelcell. another plus is that it comes in 2 1/2 and 5 ton sizes and running down zombies would feel like speed bumps.

[Admin]

You're probably right, I know where there are a few of 'em running around here, and if it comes down to it, I imagine I'll be able to pick one up for a pittance, I just figure I'll have to add some "brush" guards to it...

[oldnick]

When I first saw the mention of a Military 6x6 truck, I didn't know what you meant. But after a little reading on wikipedia, ebay, and youtube, I have to agree that these would definately be desireable during the zombie apocalypse.

Here's a link with the specifics http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/M35_2-1/2_ton_cargo_truck for anyone else fuzzy (or maybe I'm the only one).

There are several M35A2s on ebay right now.. ranging from around $3k to $9k or so.

I'm thinking a group of people with the proper mix of mechanical, welding, and carpentry skills could go "A-Team" on one of these things to make a perfect zombie killing survival machine. Reinforce windows, make a secure cage or box enclosure on the back (with at least enough room to shoot from). Add extra storage for fuel, weatherproof containers for food supplies, ammunition and weapons, and create some sort of door or hatch so that travel between the cab and bed is possible without getting outside.

[¥ Killer Juggalo ¥]

I agree... they are good... but there are better trucks...

[Condition1Kimber]

I have spent a considerable amount of time behind the wheel of a Deuce.  Based on my experience, I wouldn't recommend them for zombie survival.  First of all, they aren't easy to drive.  I don't mean they are complicated, just that it is physically exhausting.  The power assist steering system is fine if your driving down the road, but just try to maneuver around obstacles, or turn the wheel while moving slow, or worse, while standing still.  The turning radius sucks, they ride like hell, are very cramped inside, the air over hydraulic brakes are less than satisfactory, and they are painfully slow getting up to speed, not mention, terribly noisy.  One the positive side, they can really take a beating, and get around fairly well offroad.  Driving a deuce offroad is not as much fun as it sounds for the reasons previously listed.  I envision streets littered or blocked with debris and wrecked/ abandoned vehicles.  Driving a M35 or even the updated M36 through that would be a nightmare indeed.  The battle start ignition system and master switch setup would keep a lot of people from figuring out how to drive one.  After that, those who can't drive a manual tranny would be hosed, and even those who do would be thrown for a loop with the odd shift pattern.  There's a reason the DOD is phasing them out of service.  They are still cool, and even kinda fun to drive, as long as you don't have to all the time.  IMHO, most folks would fare better with a pickup truck.

[OVERKILL]

 Good to hear from someone who actually has experience with one of those. Since the D.O.D. is phasing them out, what are they being replaced with and what are they like?

[Condition1Kimber]

Have you seen the MRAPs yet?  Those are the taking the troop transport duties.  These are also replacing HMMWVs.  I don't have any seat time in one yet, but my buds say they rock.  The Duece was too easy a target for IED attacks.   

Here's a Mine Resistant, Ambush Protected Vehicle.
http://defense-update.com/images_new/MRAP_Cat_1_navistar.jpg

Here's the updated cargo rig, an MTV.
http://imagegallery.baesystems.investis.com/Files/images/3509/Med/BAE_FMTV__0066-Edit_Med.jpg

[OVERKILL]

 That MRAP looks cool, and the MTV looks like an armored version of the M35's, but I'm sure they have other upgrades as well. If I win the lottery (which I keep reminding myself requires buying a ticket) an MRAP is at the top of the list. I guess that's one of the best reasons for the old M35's, price.

[Condition1Kimber]

Affordability and parts availability are definitely pros of the old Deuce. The M35s I drove were all in the mid 1980s year range. Of course, they were manufactured decades before that, they were just refurbished and given new reg numbers.  I also spent a decent amount of time driving M36s, or "super deuces". They were refurbished in the late 90s and had auto transmissions, single tires instead of duals, and CTIS. Other than that, they were the same as the M35s.

There aren't many MRAPs in the states, besides ones used for training.  They are all going overseas.  I was BSing with some of my guys about deployments, and they commented on how crappy it was riding in the back of an MRAP.  I haven't been in one yet, but word is they hotter than hell, bumpy, and cramped. Pretty standard for a military vehicle.  Of course, we're heavy equipment operators and would rather be driving, and they haven't spent any time in a Deuce.  The guys who said they were awesome had been driving, not riding in the back.

Have you seen the Deuce and 5 tons for sale on Ebay that have been customized?  Those might have potential.  There are a few companies that bob them into 4x4s and update the running gear.  I'd imagine they would be fun to drive.  Losing that extra axle would help in a lot of ways.  Less unsprung weight/ rotating mass= quicker to get going/stop, easier to turn, and ride better because it only has 1 set of springs instead of 2.

 

[Condition1Kimber]

I feel I should add that my experience is based only on time spent in Air Force equipment.  Though I tend to doubt it, other branches of service may have had nicer deuce and a halfs. 

[OVERKILL]

 Thanks for letting us know where your experience comes from, and especially for sharing your experiences in the first place. I assume all branches would use basically the same vehicle with only slight differences between them, but you know what they say happens when you assume. Having never served in the military myself, I can't offer much of an opinion. Maybe if we have some people in other branches of the service on here they can give their opinions. I have about a half dozen friends that have been to the desert in the last few years, I'll see if I can get their opinions on any APC's and such.