what was the M881 used for?

Hello all,

I was reading up on the variants of the series recently and I saw a version I wasn't familiar with: The M881 had the separate 24 volt system similar to the M882, but without the radio set. So my question is, if the M881 doesn't have the radio equipment installed, then what was the 24 volt system used for? The reason I'm asking, is that I was able to pick up all the parts of the 24 volt system recently from an M892 for $10.00 and I'm thinking about installing it all on my M880. Thanks in advance!

I really don't know, but It is possible that if all the other vehicles in a unit had 24v systems they used that version just because? or maybe the thinking was if the radio truck got disabled a switch could be made to a cargo in the field.
Possible there was a need to run 24v equipment off of a slave?

All just guesses.

but for a $10 investment, why not!

Speaking of 24v setup. Where did you get the setup for $10? Anyone else out there have spare parts for the 24v system? I am looking to replace the stuff on my restored M882 with either NOS or good clean used. Can anyone help?

As a side note. According to the owners manual and Chrysler, the M880 series uses a 28v system not a 24v. Common mistake.

Mr Dodgetruckin! Your friendly moderator here. Can you complete a signature with your state included at least. We like to know where folk hail from without having to go checking profiles!
Thanks Sir!

dodgetruckin,

I got the 24 volt set from a guy who outbid me on the truck in an auction. He didn't want the parts so he sold them to me cheap. The truck didn't run at the time of the auction so I lost interest in it. I regret it now since all that was wrong with it was it had a flat tire and needed a new fuel pump. The guy won the auction for $111.00!! Here's a picture of the truck:

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Moving right along; you know, you got me curious when you said:

As a side note. According to the owners manual and Chrysler, the M880 series uses a 28v system not a 24v. Common mistake.

Click to expand...

So I looked in my hardopy of TM 9-2320-266-10 operator's manual, here's a quote:
"M882. A 4X4 cargo truck equipped with a 60 amp/24V generating system kit and a communications kit, in addition to the vehicle's 12V electrical system."

You know, even a regular 12 volt system charges at around 14 volts, so maybe the 28 volts you saw in print was referring to the charging voltage of the generator? After all, the 24 volt system only uses two 12 volt batteries in series = 24 volts.

Where in the world do they still have M880s coming up in govt auction? I would like to buy another one cheap. I paid $1800 for mine and it was a basket case.

About the 28V system. I got my info from the Chrysler service/owners manual for the truck. If I could somehow copy this info I will post it.

Jaime - Whitehall PA

Yeah, I hear you there. I bought mine back in `98 for $1500. They're getting more and more rare all the time.

The truck I mentioned came out of a state GSA Auction. About 7 or 8 trucks total: One M892 (2WD) One 1976 M880, and about five 1977 M882's. The highest any of them went for was $700-$800. I bid on one but lost out. They all came out of local state fire departments(all painted variously white or red,) and when they're done with them, they go back to GSA for auction to the public.



Speaking about the 24/28 volt system question, here's an info sheet on the M882:



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Speaking of the M880 stuff, My M887 isn't much longer for my collection. As soon as I can figure out the title issues, it will be available. I'm gonna hate losing all those storage places but it's gotta go to make room for the oilfield truck. There must be a better way than the $285 Broadway title route!