Re: [MV] S&S FMTV

Chief William von Zehle (ChiefvonZehle@wiltonfire.org)
Thu, 08 Apr 1999 12:39:14 -0400

My Army Reserve unit currently has two M1078 LMTVs which replaced two
M35s (we still have two M35s left. Even though I'm a lover of the M35
(it's a REAL truck), the new LMTVs are actually a pretty impressive
vehicle.

I know the bad press over the driveline vibration, but only two vehicles
actually had a failure the last I heard. We picked our units up at Ft.
Drumm, NY and drove them at "Mach 3" all the way to Connecticut with no
problems.

The CTIF system works great. The automatic transmission is much easier
for new soldiers to operat. (Many of them can't drive manual
transmissions.) All the top bows, canvas, etc. store under the bed when
not in use. The spare tire is raised and lowered pneumatically to
minimize injuries. Even though there's no A/C, the ventilation system is
far superior to the M35s, and the windshield wipers are electric and
actually work when going uphill! the built-in ladder for cargo bed
access is nice, too. Engine access is excellent with the tilt cab.

About my only initial concern was the vehicle's height and vertical
center of gravity. However, after driving it on and off road, it isn't
bad - it just requires training on the vehicle before letting soldiers
out on their own.

The units are being recalled to have the vibration problem repaired
(probably at extra cost to US knowing DoD contracts!)

By the way, the FMTVs are not new units. They're basically Austrian
Steyr model 12 M 18 with US equipment (Cat. diesel, Allison trans.,
blackout lights, weapon ring mount, etc.) added.

All in all, don't believe everything you read and "try it before you
criticize it".

William von Zehle, Jr. (MVPA 593)
Ridgefield, Conn. USA
'53 M42

Carl Konefsky wrote:

> I was just in Texas doing business and saw truck loads of thease being
> hauled down there.I ask about it and was told by someone who said he
> knew what seems to be happening.The first ones are just plain bad news
> and there is more problems then being reported its kind of a major
> secert as this contact was like stolen from AM General and others and
> given to a company who had no experance in building this type of
> thing.Who know what is going on but we are getting screwed again like
> importing and demiling.
> Carl
>
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