I'm considering adding a Dump truck to the collection. Many of my jobs this year seam to benefit from having a dump truck which I don't currently own. While it probably makes more sense to by a civi version I'd like to keep the military truck theme growing.
So I'm looking for M817's although I am not opposed to M929's. I'm also considering buying a M813 or M925 making it a dump bed. For that matter I'm also considering making my M35 bed dump.
For now I'd like to simple compare the two dump trucks and get current/former owner/user perspectives on the two trucks. If there are any M917 owners feel free to chime in as well.
After my headache with my last (ongoing) recovery I'm leaning towards private party/dealer transaction. This will be a 2012 purchase so I'm just getting a game plan together now.
Would love to hear opinions on the various positive and negatives to each version. Please refrain from snide remarks on my buying habits and other personal attacks.
Thanks
__________________
Jeremy
"I am become death, the destroyer of Worlds"
2010 Heartland Sundance
2008 F350 CC/LB 6.4L
2005 Yamaha R6 (My need for speed )
1984 M915A1 AM General
1984 M871 Southwest Truck
1984 M925 AM General W/W
1971 M35A2 AM General WO/W
1968 M105A2 Johnson
1962 M105A2 Johnson
I think the 817 with troop seats and cargo cover is one of the toughest looking trucks out there! You didn't say how much you needed to haul/dump, but converting one of those 105s would be handy as heck.
I have a m817,I love it but it is underpowered and the bed is small for dirt work.I just built a M916 dump for more power and capacity.I have also built 4 other dumps using M813s and put commercial dump bodys on them.I guess it all depends on how much you are going to use it and how much you want to spend,I hope this helps you make your decision,and does not confuse you.
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Hey Jeremy. I havent had a chance to use my dump truck yet, but since an opinion is like an ummm well you know what, I got one. Right away I like how high the 817 dumps. I can't see anything hanging up in that thang. I like how it steers compared to the M35 conversion idea. Steers like a dream. If using a dump truck day in and day out was the backbone of your business, I would go with the newer bigger models of military dump truck or civy version like you mentioned. If you need one once in awhile to fill in some voids I am going with the M817. Not that I am impartial or anything
Thanks for all the suggestions, I'm sorta partial to sticking with a dump version and mod it to be unique, or at least my styling.
Gimp, I'm already getting stuff together to make a 105 dump.
For me I don't need a lot of material in the load so the two I listed make perfect sense. I do like CCE's M920 with a commercial dump body, I may have to consider that as a viable option. This season outdoor work looks to be mostly roofing and some minor landscape jobs. Most of the in town stuff it's easy enough to simple get a roll off dropped at the sight. However deliever and roll off rental for stuff out of town will get kinda spendy.
Defentely leaning towards a M817 with 53's...LOL
__________________
Jeremy
"I am become death, the destroyer of Worlds"
2010 Heartland Sundance
2008 F350 CC/LB 6.4L
2005 Yamaha R6 (My need for speed )
1984 M915A1 AM General
1984 M871 Southwest Truck
1984 M925 AM General W/W
1971 M35A2 AM General WO/W
1968 M105A2 Johnson
1962 M105A2 Johnson
Put a wet kit on the M915 and buy a civy dump trailer .....if you buy another truck you will have the added expense of tags and insurance.
There is the comfort factor of the M915 too......M817's are loud, slow and frigging hot in the summer.
I agree with jcappeljr.....the M817 doesn't haul a lot at one time.
But....... you could buy a M817 with a bad engine and make a dump trailer out of it.....then you would still have the military look. Yank the engine/tranny/TF case/ front axle out of it.....weld on a 5th wheel plate and boogie. The air over hydrolic brakes on the M817 are compatable with the M915 air system.
Since (to the best of my knowledge) the military never had a semi-dump trailer it would be one of those "if they had built it" concepts. The cool factor would be there.
Just my rambling thoughts for what they are worth.
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Never play cards with a guy named "Ace".
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OR a M917, will give you more comfort, speed, load
__________________
Ron
Gainesville, Ga. vietnam-1/66-8/68
"Technical Manuals are the path to Illumination...
Download, Study Learn"---rlwm211
42 5t? autocar tractor, gone
43m20, 12t, converted to tractor, gone
52m52, tractor, gone
73m819, tractor/wrecker AKA Wrecked Wrecker
77xm977 10t 8x8, to be a xm 983 sold
What ever else that can be drug home Use CUCVs, a small step below BOBBERS as wheel chocks
GOD help the MV world if i win the LOTTERY
LONG LIVE BIG GREEN IRON
Last edited by 73m819; 04-22-2011 at 19:04.
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Dump truck suggestions...
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