Reader and RVtravel.com contributor Nanci Dixon sent us this photo of an incredible converted Jeep military vehicle she saw at a campground. Now that’s a weird (but totally cool) RV!
Nanci wrote, “This was at Baker Campground in Maple Plain, MN. They bought it at a military auction and converted it to a camper. The rear trailer is storage. The front has the beds, sink and stove, but no bathroom.”
Wow! We’d feel pretty safe in this thing if bad weather hit, wouldn’t you? Not sure we want to know the gas mileage though…
If you’ve ever seen or see a unique RV like this, please send us a photo here. Thanks for sending, Nanci!
##RVT955
A tornado would roll this rig. Don’t be lulled into believing it’s safe. The hardened sides offer a little more protection to occupants, but it’s just as susceptible as any large bus or 18 wheeler on the road. (I’m a meteorologist who also camps). Route yourself AWAY from dangerous convective weather-the only way to stay safe.
I spent 4 years in a U.S. Air Force communications group using a similar rig. The truck box was equipped with a number of radios, file cabinets and desks. The trailer had a generator mounted in it. Not a Jeep, but we called them 6bys or “deuce and a half”. We used to wire our C-rations to the exhaust manifold and when we got to our destination or stopped for meals, the cans were hot and ready to eat.
Here is my “Build thread” for the RV conversion/repair of the truck with more pics as requested: https://www.steelsoldiers.com/threads/peashooters-m109a3-camper-build-thread.108671/
Thank you very much for the link, peashooter! Very interesting. Nice little two-week project, eh? 😆 I’m sure you and your family will get many years of happy camping out of it. Take care, and stay healthy. 😀 —Diane at RVtravel.com
That is not a converted Jeep, that is a special 5T truck that was a communications vehicle.
Nice but not a jeep type vehicle. You writers need to get the facts right when writing a headline. This is a truck like vehicle.
Cool down and go with the flow, after all it’s not that important! Everyone gets the idea.
Have another cup of coffee…….you seem a bit puckered-tight there.
I would hate to have to back this unit into a space with that short trailer and very limited visibility to the rear.
This is actually my family’s “RV”. Its a 1988 AM General M109a3 “Shop Van” variant of the deuce family, formerly from an air force unit.
We got about 10mpg with it before adding the trailer and larger wheels, now we get 8mpg but can do 60mph without red lining…. (also upgraded the brakes as part of the wheel project).
Inside is air conditioned and has heated floors for colder weather. Although simple vehicles, these trucks have a ton of maintenance needed to keep them reliable and safe. This trip had the alternator go out on it and fry the flasher control:(. It’s always something!
Hey, thanks for the update, Peashooter! We appreciate the extra, and personal, info on this unique RV. When I drove my ’75 Suburban up to Alaska with my two sons about 35 years ago, it only got 8.5 mpg, so don’t feel bad. 😯 Take care, and stay healthy. 😀 —Diane at RVtravel.com
It would be great to get Peashooter to do a short article about the unit with photos.
In Korea I drove one set up as a mobile office for the Corps of Engineers.
That little beauty is an M52 series with commo van mounted. Looks like a fair amount of customizing. Especially to the trailer behind. Lots of hours behind the wheel of that series. Just image the boondocking one could do with it. 🙂
Slept in those comm vans a few times during my Army time in Germany.Usually enough room down the center for 2 air mattresses on the cold steel floor, between two work benches. Tight but it can be done. Heated too. But as you learn in the military, rank has it’s privileges, so chose your spot wisely, as you may end up outside in the canvas tent.
Looks like what we had in an Air Force Tactical Air Control Flight to pull our mobile air traffic control radar set systems and generators. They had continental “all fuel” engines. Pretty much “if they can pump it and it’ll burn we could use it” engines. Got best mileage on #2 diesel but got fair on jet fuel, kerosene, gasoline, and even ran (not really well but could pull its load up any highway hill and most off road tracks) on alcohol.
Quite the engine.
Have you ever watched TV show called “Extreme RV”? They have interviews, photos of the rigs builders and owners. I have seen some like this but never on the road.
A LOT more than a “Jeep!” A 6X6 “deuce and a half” (2 1/2 ton) Army truck! Wow, would love to have it, except for the fuel mileage and 55 M.P.H. is top speed! A little rough riding too.
It’s been over forty years since I heard or read about the “deuce and half” (2 1/2 T) truck. As an ARMY Vet, it brings back a lot of cherished memories driving, riding and sleeping in them. You’re so right about the rough ride, haha!
Oh sure, saw a couple of converted Military rigs in Morgan City, LA in February 2020, some folks hunt, fish or photograph, and don’t want to tow a jeep.