James:
I just read the SurvivalBlog post “Letter Re: Military Surplus G.O.O.D. Vehicles.”
Here’s a web site for any of your readers in or near West Virginia looking for a Humvee, Deuce and a half or 5 ton trucks: Clark Trucks.
With My Regards, – Aaron K.
Sir,
Reference military surplus vehicles, I would like to recommend that for those seriously interested in something other than a “deuce” that there are several places here in the US where former Swiss or Austrian “Pinzguaers” are available. These are very versatile, high ground clearance, 4×4 or 6×6 trucks. They have 4-cylinder, air cooled, carbureted, 89 hp, motors and will travel almost anywhere. Maintenance is easy and common items such as 24 volt light bulbs, spark plugs, and oil filters are readily available at most auto parts stores.
Now, the bad news, there are only a handful of sources in the US for major parts and some of them are fairly expensive. They are also fairly distinctive and draw quite a bit of attention for a truck that is only slightly larger than a Chevrolet Astro van. Their range is only about 200 to 250 miles on a 20 gallon fill up, so jerry cans would be in order for a long bug out trip.
The 4×4, 710M model, will carry a full ton, or is capable of moving 10 persons and gear at speeds up to about 60 mph on paved roads. The 6×6, 712M, will carry 14 persons and gear or a full ton and a half of cargo. Both styles have 45 degree approach and departure angles and are rated for a 45 degree side slope. I will take their word for that simply because I run out of nerve at about 10 to 15 degrees of side slope.
Finding a Steyr, Daimler, Puch (the consortium that designed and built these trucks) Pinzgauer is fairly easy by just searching with the term “Pinzgauer.” There are a few diesel powered Pinzgauers finding their way into the country. Caution would be advised on these as registration of them for use on streets and highways could be tricky due to EPA regulations. The truck, in most cases, has to be 30 years old to meet the standards. In my case the two I have beat the daylights out of the Polaris Ranger as a utility vehicle. They were both cheaper than the new Ranger models and can be titled, license, insured and driven on the highways, whereas a UTV in most cases has to be trailered.
Another potential source for former military vehicles, mostly of American manufacturer, is Idaho Motor Pool. I know nothing about them other than their internet reputation is pretty good.
I love SurvivalBlog and I am very grateful for your books and the information you provide.
Regards, – Signcutter