LMTV Upgrades

I completed the 110 volt to RV connector and wiring so I can have electrical hookup at RV parks or just about anywhere else.

I used a 25' 30 amp RV cable with handles (from Amazon) and cut the end off.

I then wired it into an Amphenol MS90556C44412P connector (eBay for $99). I don't think I need 3 phase power for my needs so I did not connect all the Amphenol pins.



The completed hookup including an adapter for regular 3 prong outlet.



Connector attached to van plug.



I used an eight foot piece of welding cable for the ground strap.

I was able to make coffee in the van for the first time this morning!

Next will be replacing the fluorescent bulbs (or maybe take down the fixtures and install LED lights).

Here is a "road photo" of the backup camera as I am driving. I think it gives a better idea of the camera quality.

I was asked more about the install of my backup camera. More information...

QUESTION: I got my kit today I was wondering how you're wired your camera. can you give me some hinters? Did the connection wire to the camera reach? or did you have to get an extension?

MY ANSWER: I added an 18" extension to the camera pigtails and wired them to my clearance lights that are under the van body.

The monitor in the cab had wires long enough to go to the 12V connections in the relay panel so no extension needed.

The video cable was not long enough so I bought an extra 25' cable and had plenty to run along the right side of the frame. I put the video cable inside plastic coil wrap.

I always use heat shrink on my connections and so far have not had any fail due to water or dirt.

Can you give more detail on how you enabled use of the H4 bulbs?

Weather was nice enough today so I could work on the fuel can holder. I was told never to trust the fuel gauge on an LMTV!

I found 4 new Scepter Fuel Can 5 Gallons and 2 fuel tank brackets (M35A2 2.5 Ton Truck Fuel Tank Bracket) on eBay and mounted them behind the existing fuel tank.

The brackets are a bit long so I will cut them off closer to the front lip of the rack.

I took a couple of pieces of 3" x 1" steel angle and I have a rack for the fuel cans




I will put a third piece of angle across the top of the cans making a locking bracket to hold them in the rack and keep them from being removed.

A little camo paint and this update will be completed.

I don't have spouts for the cans but my thought is to just siphon from the fuel cans into the main tank.

I would rather go the LED route, like Tim Burk did, than to grind away on the trucks.
These LED have life time warranty, are a lot better on the electrical system and a lot brighter, too

photo courtesy, T.Burk

or install some Speaker LED, that's what I did.

They are as good as the light of day. Plug and play. no filing, cutting or re designing.

Sorry for any confusion on my post. I did not grind on the truck but ground the tabs on the headlight holders. They were too wide to fit the notches on the truck so a little "tuning" and they fit perfectly.

The LEDs are very nice looking that maybe a 2016 upgrade! Thanks for the information.

I really like the fuel can holder.. Two fuel ano two water would be my plan. I will copy your route! Thanks.

I like what you are doing with the van enclosure. I bought a non-running M1079 that I sold and kept the van enclosure. I wanted to put that on my M1078, but now I am thinking I will just eventually try to get a running M1079. I contemplated replacing the electrical panel inside with a normal single phase panel, provided I could find one about the right height. Then I thought about removing one of the big round connectors going outside and replacing it with a standard 30 amp generator inlet. I haven't done the measuring, but I also wondered if there is enough room in the front outside mounting bracket to put a regular window a/c with heat and mount a small 2kw inverter generator. There is plenty of room for a window unit, but not sure about that and a small generator beside it.

I am planning to do this
https://youtu.be/z3nU5G5ZkbY

You have some great ideas about the ac/heat and generator. Keep us posted on how your work goes.

I talked to a guy at the Georgia Rally who used an RV plug for power to his electrical system. He is on Steel Soldier as QUADJEEPER. He can probably help you on things electrical.

I predict you will use it once. Three people plus all that time. What's wrong with pickup camper style jacks? For they way they demonstrate it I can't imagine not using a fork lift.

Here is a picture of the completed fuel can holder. I will be doing some more painting on the brackets. The cans do not bounce or jostle around in the rack.
I also have 2 cans of water mounted inside the van. Thanks for the suggestion!

Hwhomes said:

I predict you will use it once. Three people plus all that time. What's wrong with pickup camper style jacks? For they way they demonstrate it I can't imagine not using a fork lift.

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When I go camping I'll have more than 3 peeps around LMTV are like a magnet

A minor upgrade but I was able to find a bridge plate on eBay.

The instruction plates on the van were unreadable so I ordered new ones and tried to match as close as possible the originals.

Old plates:


New plates mounted to van body:


In the cab I removed the winch instruction plate since I do not have a winch and replaced it with a new "hearing protection" plate:


The whole truck will have a bath once the weather turns nice for a bit.
This spring I will remove all the peeling paint and touch up all the exterior.

kenet3621 said:

The instruction plates on the van were unreadable so I ordered new ones and tried to match as close as possible the originals.

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If you can't find a particular replacement plate but have a picture or drawing of what you need TexAndy may be able to replicate it for you. He takes anodized aluminum plates and etches them with a laser. I know he was making tags for mock Mark 19s for a guy we met at the MVPA convention last year. He also can etch photos or line drawings of vehicles on the same material if you'd like a display plate for shows.

what does the winch instruction plate look like?