Like many government contracts, there isn’t a single manufacturer behind military surplus trucks. In fact, it’s common for multiple companies to produce identical models under license.
Take the iconic M2, or “Ma Deuce,” .50 BMG machine gun. Even Singer—the sewing machine company—produced them during World War II. Goodyear, best known for tires, built the Vought F4U Corsair fighter-bomber.
Military trucks follow the same pattern.
The M35 “deuce and a half” was built by four different U.S. manufacturers:
- REO (the original designer)
- Kaiser
- Studebaker
- AM General
Several international companies also produced it under license. The design remained consistent, which means all parts are fully interchangeable—regardless of the manufacturer.
In later years, Stewart & Stevenson became the primary producer of these trucks. Today, the company is also a major player in the production of heavy-duty 4×4 aircraft tugs.
That’s right—those same tugs were used to tow the mighty B-1B bomber, along with the slightly less intimidating KC-135R aerial tankers.
Here’s a fun fact: despite their massive task, the tugs don’t rely on enormous engines. Instead, they’re powered by the original 12-valve Cummins 5.9L—just like the engine found in an old Ram truck. Surprising, right?
The gear ratios? A bit of a mystery, but these tugs top out around 10-15 mph. Still impressive, especially when considering the ramp weight of a fully loaded B-1B bomber, which clocks in at well over half a million pounds. Talk about raw power.
What Sizes and Models of Surplus Army Trucks Are Available?
There are a bunch sizes of surplus army trucks that you can buy, but the most common above Humvees and 1 ¼-ton CUCVs are 2 ½-ton and 5-ton models, and boy, are there a lot of them. Let’s look at some of the most common types out there.
Family of Medium Tactical Vehicles
The newest trucks in the inventory are the FMTVs, a family of flat-nosed trucks that are either 4X4 Light Medium Tactical Vehicles (LMTVs) or 6X6 Medium Tactical Vehicles (MTVs).
The 4X4 LMTVs are a four-wheeled, 2 ½-ton replacement for the classic M35, which ran on ten tires. Logistically alone, ditching six tires is a huge improvement. The basic M1078 LMTV is a cargo package and can be used for just about anything, from hauling butts to parts to cannon ammo.
The 5-ton 6X6 MTVs are used for all kinds of things, and they replaced the M929 and M817 5-ton trucks, which are both readily available on the civilian market. Like the previous generation, the MTV is available in:
- Basic cargo
- Tow tractor
- Wrecker
- Van body
The MTV is also produced as a 10-ton dump truck, which is rarer in the civilian market. Here is a great overview of all production styles, most of which will eventually find their way into civilian hands.
Since this article is about getting your surplus army truck tagged and titled, I’m focusing on what you can find being sold directly by the DoD, and those are predominantly (if not exclusively) either LMTVs or MTVs. The older models have likely been phased out and auctioned off already.
Are Surplus Army Trucks Street Legal?
No, surplus army trucks aren’t street-ready right out of the box.
The military has special exemptions that allow these vehicles to use public roads without going through the usual registration process civilians face. There are also various operating restrictions that fall outside the scope of this article. Long story short: the military can operate these vehicles on public roads, but civilians can’t—at least, not without some work.
All tactical military vehicles are considered off-highway vehicles and are sold as such. That doesn’t mean much, though, since many states will allow them to be tagged for road use. Some states, however, will not.
If you’re wondering whether your state will title a surplus army truck, check out our street-legal military vehicle program. It takes all the guesswork out of the process.
When buying a surplus vehicle through an auction, you’ll receive an SF-97 form, which is branded for off-road use only. No need to worry—some states will accept that, along with your bill of sale, to issue a clean title, tags, and registration. These are the states we work with through our program to ensure you get the same advantage no matter where you are.
What Do Army Trucks Need to be Made Street Legal?
Acquiring a surplus military truck involves straightforward administrative steps, provided essential documents are obtained during purchase. Ensuring possession of the SF-97 form and the bill of sale is crucial, as these are foundational for titling and registration processes. Utilizing specialized programs can simplify subsequent paperwork, as they often handle the necessary documentation on your behalf.
Regarding vehicle modifications for road use, certain standard components are typically required by the Department of Transportation (DOT). Many military trucks come equipped with these features, but it’s advisable to verify their presence. The essential components include:
- White headlights with low and high beams
- Red taillights with integrated or separate brake lights
- Yellow reflectors on the front and rear
- White license plate illumination
- Front and rear turn signals
- DOT-approved tires
- Side mirrors
- Functional horn
- Exhaust system equipped with a muffler
- Seat belts for all seating positions
- Handbrake (parking brake)
- Windshield accompanied by operational wipers
It’s important to note that while these components are generally necessary, specific requirements can vary by state. Some states may have additional stipulations or may not permit the registration of certain military vehicles for road use.
Therefore, consulting local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or equivalent agencies is recommended to ensure compliance with all applicable regulations.
When engaging with specialized programs for vehicle registration, be aware that inspections may not be required. However, if pursuing registration independently, a vehicle inspection may be mandated to confirm the presence and functionality of required components.
Additionally, securing insurance that meets or exceeds state minimum requirements is a necessary step in the registration process.
By diligently obtaining the proper documentation and ensuring compliance with state-specific requirements, the transition of a military surplus truck to a roadworthy vehicle can be achieved efficiently.
