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Deuce Tractor with civvy 28' pup trailer?

rubicon_in_ga

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Just spitballing ideas here, looking for input. Let's say for argument's sake, that I had a M275 or an M48 clone (M35 converted to a tractor). I'm aware that the ideal trailers to put behind these trucks are the shorter 6 ton trailers, like the M146. My ideal combination would be an M275, and an M146 converted to a camper. Since those trailers are hard enough to come by in decent shape, has anybody ever tried using a 28' LTL Pup trailer, like the one's FedEx and UPS use? They look similar in size, and I know nobody would mistake it for a military trailer, but with the right paint job, and some military style tires, would it look all that out of place behind a Deuce tractor? I would think it'd be a lot cheaper to make up a used 28' pup to 'look' military and convert to a camper than it would to find a surplus military trailer, refurbish it, and then convert it. Just a guess. Like I said, just spitballing ideas and curious what ya'll think?

Of course, the other issues would be the fact that a 28' pup would have straight air brakes, necessitating larger or additional air tanks on the tractor, and I also don't know if the kingpin is the same size as the military trailers, electric system/hookups, etc. So anybody have any input? Thanks!
 

dmetalmiki

Well-known member
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Go for it, you need a camper, and you would have an exellent very usable truck and trailer to show off. I converted my M54A2 to have a russian radio body, converted it to full camping facilities, suits me, impressive at shows, well satisfied.
 

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porkysplace

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wreckerman893 Has a M275 and 2 military van trailers listed in his "Fire Sale" classified ad . He might make you a good package deal. He is just over the GA.line in Alabama do not too far from you.
 

topo

Active member
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Civilian trailer use's 2 inch king pin common size . Civilian trailer with air brakes and easy to find brake parts . Pulling a full air brake trailer behind a truck with hydraulic brakes is a good feeling . Good idea.
 

rubicon_in_ga

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@Porky
Oh, believe me, I've been eyeing Wreckerman's M275 for a long time. Unfortunately I'm halfway through paying for a 2010 Mustang GT I bought a couple years ago, and my Deuce dream is on hold for the moment, but every spring I get the itch and start dreaming again. I've also been eyeing the M275 that Eastern Surplus has refurbished, but the price is WAY more than I want to spend, especially considering it'll be a 'play' not a 'work' vehicle. I could totally see buying the one Eastern has if I needed it for business use, but $12.5k is a lot of money for a toy, not to mention the additional expense of buying a trailer and converting it to a camper. If I had the cash, Wreckerman's would already be in my driveway! lol

@Topo
Just curious, why do you say pulling an air brake trailer with a hydraulic brake truck is a good feeling? I honestly don't know if you're being sarcastic or serious, so assuming you're serious, why is that?
 

wreckerman893

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The M275 has the standard small fifth wheel. It will pull all of the older trailers and most of the new ones. You can pull a straight air brake trailer as long as you don't pump the brakes a lot.

And yes, I do have a very nice M275 that needs rehoming to help me finance my movie.

One of the trailers has been sold but I have one left that is period correct for the M275 and already insulated and wired for 110/220.


PM for details or email me through the site for pictures.
 

topo

Active member
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farmington NM
It's good because if you have to park on a hill you have a better brake set up .S cam with maxes is much better then air over hydraulic or wedge brakes . If you loose your fluid on a hydraulic brake system truck you still have air for your trailer .
 

Recovry4x4

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The only concern is cornering. The civy trailer will get precariously close to the back of the cab.
 

wreckerman893

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You will never have issues with the older military trailers as those are the ones the M275 were set up to pull.

I have seen civilian trucks hook to the older military trailers and not be able to turn due to the king pin setback.
 
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