Drivability: REV v A2 trucks

I currently have and love a REV 1165. It’s my only experience driving these trucks. I’m wanting to get a second truck as a work and ranch vehicle. There are a lot more 1123s and 1097s at auction than any 1165s or 1152s, and they sell for less.

To those who own or have driven both - how much difference is there in drivability? Can the 4 speed non-turbos still do 70 on the highway? Handle/steer/brake the same or close enough? I’m assuming the shocks/ride quality is improved too?

how much more would you pay for a rev/ecv compared to an a2?

4 speed non-turbo can do 75 on the highway (as long as it's relatively level) no problems. The way the gearing is the non-turbo will cruise at a little lower RPMs than the turbo truck for the same speed.

A lot of the 1123 had an armor upgrade package, and the suspension is crap. As in, instead of 1200lb per inch compression in the front it's 3000lbs per inch compression. Ride quality is crap, but they corner like nobody's business (I have one of these)

Handling is relatively similar. The REV post 246890 serial number trucks do have some upgrades, but that also adds more things to fail and more expensive parts. Some parts were unavailable, and might still be difficult/expensive to source.

For the non-turbo trucks, serial numbers above 196900 have the remote power steering reservoir and a better brace for the rear of the alternator; it goes down to the block instead of the exhaust stud that can break off. Before that you can change the bracket style without much difficulty.

One nice thing about the ECV/REV trucks is the built in aircon. The non-turbo trucks you have to add it to, and while the red dot system does do cold air, it also takes up a lot of space in the cabin.

For comparable condition trucks, you're probably looking 8-10k more for the ECV/REV than an A2. If you're not going above 55mph, the A0/A1 M1097 with the 3 speed is even less complicated by having no transmission computer, but again no aircon and only a 3 speed. I'd expect about $5k for a 3 speed truck than a 4 speed.

A lot of the M1097 are R1 trucks, which have neem discussed on here a few times, but it's a truck that got upgraded to heavier suspension. They can be either 3 speed or 4 speed non-turbo. Just something to be aware of when looking at the M1097 series.

The ECV/REV will definitely seem like more power compared to the A2 trucks, due to a little lower gearing plus the extra power from the turbo.
190hp vs 160hp.
3.08 differential gearing vs 2.73

Personally I've had my M1123 cross the scale at 13,500 lbs between truck and trailer, with the BEOD on the truck making for additional wind resistance, and still was able to do over 65mph on level ground.
Going uphill was a different matter though. Going up a mountain pass I spent a lot of time at 30-35mph with just the truck weighing somewhere around 9k lbs. I haven't driven the ECV/REV under comparable conditions, but I imagine the extra power, gearing, and turbo would definitely help.


About the biggest argument I can make for and against buying a second REV truck is parts compatibility. You'll be able to keep one truck running while waiting for parts, and only have to keep one spare set of parts around, such as they use different brake pads between A2 and REV.
On the other had, the A2 parts are cheaper/easier to acquire for a lot of them, so if the parts like the steering box and geared fan drive have issues, you have a truck that uses the basic version that's easier to replace.

Thanks coug. I am aware of the differences on paper, but not in real world “feel” or how that would translate to daily driving.

I’d prefer another rev just for familiarity and parts but they are harder to find and more money.

My experience driving my own REV B truck (turbo) vs my buddy's NA 6.5 is that the turbo makes a lot of difference on mountain roads. 2 of the 3 principal exits from my town cross the 10,000 foot mark and the NA version struggles to climb up those passes without dropping to a speed that necessitates the 4 way flashers. But that's a pretty specific set of driving conditions.

I’ve had both - 1097A2 I drove a lot and currently a 1151a1 REV truck. The 1097A2 was much nicer to drive on the highway actually. The downside was no a/c, and the ultimate reason I went to the newer truck. But miss that truck sometimes. IMO the 1097A2 is a great choice.

My suggestion is if you get an A2 truck, spend the money and ditch the military hydraulic fan clutch and put a viscous fan clutch like normal vehicles have - makes a huge drivability difference you’ll appreciate if you currently have a REV geared fan.

mrfarb said:

I’ve had both - 1097A2 I drove a lot and currently a 1151a1 REV truck. The 1097A2 was much nicer to drive on the highway actually. The downside was no a/c, and the ultimate reason I went to the newer truck. But miss that truck sometimes. IMO the 1097A2 is a great choice.

My suggestion is if you get an A2 truck, spend the money and ditch the military hydraulic fan clutch and put a viscous fan clutch like normal vehicles have - makes a huge drivability difference you’ll appreciate if you currently have a REV geared fan.

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How did the suspension and steering compare? Braking?

I had read that about the fan and it’s likely something I would do

My 1151 is heavier so it’s hard to compare brakes, but braking was fine on the A2 truck. Steering is comparable between the two.

The REV does have stronger brakes, but not by enough to worry about unless you're going to badly overload the A2. A2 maxes at 10,300 gross weight and REV can be max 15,500 gross. I know my M1123 will lock up the brakes at over 9k gross weight if I really stomp on them, so can't really ask for much more braking power.