818 and 813 frame ??? - Steel Soldiers::Military Vehicles Supersite

1qwkgoat · 04-15-2008, 12:48

Ok I've been thinking of getting a 818, because around here they seem to be easier to come by and cheaper then a 813. I also would like the abilty to haul a 5th wheel trailer in the future if I can get one. If not i would rahter have a bed. I don't want a m35 I'd rather have a 5 ton with a cummins

So my question how similar is the frame of a 818 and 813 . I'm guessing the same basically,right?? So if this is the case later on down the road I could remove the 5th wheel and other assoc. stuff and put a bed from a deuce or 813 on correct? or is the frame much shorter, is the suspension shorter to the extent the bed would sit on top of the rear tires?

98hd · 04-15-2008, 13:48

818 is a shorter wheelbase, which means an 813 bed is too long. From what I understand an 818 is about the right length to put on a Deuce bed though.

M1075 · 04-15-2008, 14:01

The M813 frame is longer. You could easily remove the bed and add the fifth wheel to an M813. No problems.

1qwkgoat · 04-15-2008, 19:25

so a deuce bed would be close good thats. What I wanted to hear. I could also shorten a 813 bed if I needed. I wasn't expecting a to just drop the bed on and it fit perfect. I was hoping that with removal of all the fifth wheel stuff and the head ache rack. I could drill some holes and with a couple large bolts I could have a bed that would be sturdy enough to haul some 4 wheelers or a jet ski. Not planning on putting a large dirt load in it. I've got a 2.5 ton dunp truck for that stuff.

timntrucks · 04-15-2008, 20:38

i have a duece bed on a 818 frame now. nice fit. looks like it was made for it

ARMYMAN30YearsPlus · 04-15-2008, 20:48

I was thinking of making a box that could be mounted on my M818 by locking into the fifth wheel and tie it down to the frame with binders. Just a thought if I ever get a hold of an old bed. That is the good thing about having two trucks though I have the duece for the bed and the five ton to pull the M127

rizzo · 04-15-2008, 22:20

side note: a deuce bed fits perfect on a M810 also

ida34 · 04-15-2008, 23:45

I should take an M105 bed and put a kingpin on it for the M818.

msgjd · 05-19-2008, 02:29

yes, I agree with the others, a deuce bed is the way to go on an 818.

BUT to add to the information.... You do not want to take an M813 and put a 5th wheel on it. The shorter 818's turn wide enough as it is, especially with a semitrailer... To make an 813 into a tractor will only compound your problems in town in traffic at intersections. Same goes with any of the older 5-tons. However, the M817 dump is the same chassis and wheelbase as the 818 tractor, and that's a natural conversion. Same goes for the M52 tractor and M51 dump.

emr · 05-19-2008, 08:20

...good post...randy