Mil Spec Overland: Comforts of an RV on an LMTV

Mil-spec is a time period that’s typically utilized by advertising and marketing copy writers to suggest excessive toughness, however those that served within the navy perceive there’s one other aspect to that time period. Whereas it’s true that Mil-spec merchandise are completely examined and held to express requirements, they’re additionally constructed to satisfy (not essentially exceed) these requirements whereas staying below a tightly managed finances. Extra importantly, Mil-spec tools is made for use and maintained inside a navy provide chain. For civilian house owners who don’t have entry to specifically skilled service techs and warehouses stuffed with spare elements, that may pose a major problem. Nonetheless, there’s a work round for these it buying a mil spec overland car.

Above: The rear of the Pangea-LT encompasses a mounting level for a full-size spare wheel (not at present put in) in addition to a trailer hitch John makes use of to connect a service for his grime bike.

What’s an LMTV?

The Household of Medium Tactical Autos (FMTV) is a collection of U.S. Army autos loosely based mostly on the 12M18 navy truck initially constructed by Steyr-Daimler-Puch in Austria (a department of the identical Steyr that developed the AUG rifle). The FMTV consists of greater than a dozen variants designed to hold something from troops and cargo to cranes, cell command facilities, and HIMARS rocket launchers. Most variants use a 5-ton, 6×6 chassis often known as the MTV, however a couple of have been developed on the two.5-ton, 4×4 Mild MTV chassis. With a base curb weight of roughly 23,000 kilos, the LMTV is barely “mild” in a comparative sense.

Above: Along with the headlights recessed into the bumper, this truck has been upgraded with 9 auxiliary LightForce LED lights — each seen and infrared.

This explicit M1078 LMTV was constructed by BAE Techniques, one in every of three contractors who manufactured the FMTV for the federal government. It options all the usual underpinnings: a Caterpillar C7 7.2-liter turbodiesel engine, Allison seven-speed transmission, integral single-speed switch case, Meritor axles, and 47-inch off-road tires with a central inflation system. Technically, the LMTV is all-wheel drive, since its 4 wheels are powered with a 30/70 front-to-rear torque break up always. A secondary off-road mode may be chosen to separate energy 50/50 and allow the transmission’s low first gear for extra technical terrain.

Above: Every aluminum beadlock wheel encompasses a central tire inflation system that enables tire pressures to be adjusted on the fly. Within the case of a minor puncture, the system can preserve stress till the tire may be changed.

Pangea-LT Conversion

Though many LMTVs make their means onto public sale websites as navy surplus, this construct began life as a brand-new chassis with zero miles on the odometer. It was bought from BAE Techniques by International Expedition Autos (GXV), who put in a {custom} 17-foot-long, lifting-roof RV cabin. The ensuing 26-foot-long car is named the GXV Pangea-LT and price roughly $450,000. The drivetrain is usually unmodified, other than a tune that reinforces engine output from 275 horsepower to 350 and new ultimate drive gearing that will increase high pace from 58 miles per hour to a extra affordable 75.

The proprietor of this Pangea-LT prefers to stay nameless, so we’ll name him John. John bought the truck in 2018, after cross-shopping EarthRoamers and realizing he wished a chassis that was extra rugged and off-road succesful than a industrial Ford F-550. The LMTV actually match that requirement, and he additionally appreciated the maneuverability of its cab-over-engine configuration. The large tires present loads of clearance and grip for expeditions off the crushed path, and there’s greater than sufficient house for all his searching, fishing, and backpacking gear.

Above: Hydraulic lifters take solely 20 seconds to boost the roof on the 17-foot GXV cabin.

Accessing the cabin is so simple as parking the truck and urgent a button to carry the hydraulic roof — the entire course of takes solely 20 seconds. The first entry level is its passenger-side door, which options electrical steps, however there’s additionally a small pass-through hatch that enables direct entry from the cab. Inside, you’ll discover a full-size mattress, a two-person eating space that converts right into a second mattress, and a moist tub with bathe and bathroom. Home equipment embrace virtually every part you’d count on at dwelling: a stainless two-drawer fridge/freezer, induction cooktop, microwave, and an LED TV. It has an air conditioner for heat days and a heater for chilly nights; screened double-pane glass home windows and a skylight let in recent air.

Above: Electrical steps drop down to permit entry into the two-piece cabin door.

Within the pass-through storage compartment on the rear, you’ll discover the programs that maintain the truck off-grid succesful. A Mastervolt marine-grade electrical system retains the 1,600-amp-hour batteries charged from an array of 300-watt photo voltaic panels on the roof. In uncommon instances the place photo voltaic isn’t adequate, a small diesel generator can be utilized to recharge the batteries, however John says he has solely had to use it a handful of occasions.

Over time, John has added a couple of upgrades to the LMTV. The entrance shocks have been changed with King remote-reservoir items for a smoother journey on washboard roads, and the unique metal wheels and Michelin tires (which weigh 400 kilos every) have been swapped for lighter MRAP aluminum wheels clad in Goodyear tires. The entrance bumper is outfitted with a heavy-duty winch and auxiliary lights from LightForce — each seen white and infrared for driving below evening imaginative and prescient.

Above: A view of the onboard battery and digital elements.

Greater Truck, Greater Issues

Keep in mind how we talked about the challenges of proudly owning a Mil-spec car outdoors the navy provide chain? John would be the first to let you know these challenges are very actual. As a result of its sheer measurement and weight, his LMTV averages round 6 to 7 miles per gallon. Even a easy oil change takes 7 gallons of oil, and leaks must be anticipated. Swapping a tire requires a heavy-duty jack and energy instruments to beat the 475 lb-ft lug nut torque. John says tire modifications are frequent, because the solely tires accessible are getting old navy surplus. In 5 years of possession, he has gone by way of three Michelins and two Goodyears. Not like the single-battery 12-volt system in common automobiles, the LMTV makes use of a 24-volt electrical system with 4 batteries, and John says parasitic drain is a truth of life for this car. In case you count on the engine to start out after various days, you’ll want to chop off energy while you park.

Above: The within of the mil spec LMTV cab.

All of these points fall below what most individuals would name fundamental upkeep. For any severe repairs, you’d higher have loads of persistence and deep pockets. For the reason that Caterpillar and Allison drivetrain isn’t unusual, most diesel truck retailers may be satisfied to work on the LMTV, however John says they cost a premium for this uncommon platform — “count on them to show up costs on every part by 50 %.” Some elements, akin to these for the cab and axles, could solely be accessible by way of surplus auctions. And regardless that some individuals would count on a Mil-spec truck to be dependable, this one hasn’t been. John says the brakes began dragging whereas the truck was in movement, resulting in a hefty restore invoice. Driving on a closely rutted path prompted the rear shock mounts to snap, so he had a fabricator construct higher mounts. Most not too long ago, the turbo blew on a cross-country highway journey.

In case you handle to get caught in an LMTV, restoration is one other problem. Most odd vans gained’t have the ability to budge it with a tow strap, it’ll shatter plastic traction boards, and it’ll snap a Hello-Carry jack like a twig. John depends on the entrance winch, strong metal traction boards, and a set of Kevlar-reinforced air lifting baggage when he takes the truck off-road.

Closing Ideas

Regardless of all of the challenges, John has loved many adventures behind the wheel of his Pangea-LT. He continuously takes it on tenting journeys in Yellowstone Nationwide Park, goes fishing deep within the North Fork space of Montana, and heads out for shorter weekend journeys nearer to dwelling. If he might do it yet again, he says he’d look more durable at a Dodge or Ford chassis with a guaranty. Regardless that these vans don’t have as a lot off-road functionality as an LMTV, they’d be considerably simpler to restore and preserve.

Builder: 2012 International Expedition Autos

Chassis: 2.5-ton 4×4 BAE LMTV Cargo (M1078)

Engine: CAT C7 7.2L six-cylinder turbo-diesel tuned to 350 hp

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Transmission: Allison 3700 seven-speed automated with single-speed switch case, 3.07 ultimate drive

Suspension: King remote-reservoir entrance shocks, custom-fabricated rear shock mounts

Wheels & Tires: 20-inch aluminum MRAP wheels, 47-inch Goodyear MV/T tires with Central Tire Inflation System (CTIS)

Camper: 17-foot GXV Lifting-Roof Cabin with pass-through rear storage compartment

Electronics: Mastervolt marine-grade electrical system with 1,600Ah battery capability and 6 300-watt photo voltaic panels, diesel backup generator

Inside Options: Full-size mattress, two-person eating space, bathe, cassette rest room, stainless-steel sink, fridge/freezer, microwave, induction cooktop, LCD TV, heater, and A/C

URL: globalxvehicles.com

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Written by Patrick McCarthy