The days leading up to, first look, and disaster strikes !
Executive Summary:
On December 12th, 2023, I flew to Dallas, Texas to look at a 2002 Stewart and Stevenson M1078A1, Light-Medium Tactical Vehicle (LMTV). What ensued was similar to a Top Gear challenge or episode of HeavyD Sparks Youtube Channel; it became a race against time to fix it, then drive it 1200mi home to NC before Christmas.
Day – Minus 3
The Lady’s 2011 BMW 328i springs a serious coolant leak and starts billowing steam in the driveway. Hope this isn’t a sign of things to come…
Day – Minus 2
Located leak in BMW upper radiator return hose which for some reason transitions from rubber, to hardline, and back to rubber (???). Replaced with generic Autozone part. Added more coolant.
While I was off galavanting buying the LMTV she rinsed everything off, added a UV tracer dye, and confirmed there wasn’t another leak.
Day – Minus 1
Autozone part and coolant appear to be holding, but winter has arrived and 5yo battery now struggling to start it. For whatever reason, BMW put the battery in the trunk… So that’s cool.
Day – 0
From the moment I laid eyes on the truck, I was in love.
“I hate to tell you but you’ve got “OD disease”. There’s no cure.
– Brett Fox, Warfox Equipment
I will make a more detailed post of what led me to this unique kind of truck, but three key things that I was looking for were:
- Non-DEF diesel engine
- Analog voltage control via relays/fuses
- Can be worked on by pretty much any [semi-]truck mechanic, diesel mechanic, or Caterpillar mechanic. You’ll see why that’s important below.
This truck represented a lot of things to me; Strength. Simplicity. But most of all, Freedom.
I was looking for a vehicle to take on the trip of my dreams when I retire from Active Duty.
A trip of over 10,000mi from North Carolina to the Red Woods of California, up to Denali in Alaska, and home again via back country trails and National Parks.
Unfortunately… Disaster was looming:
Full Disclosure:
I am a full disclosure person: This site contains affiliate links. It costs you nothing but I receive a small percentage if you purchase using the above links. I would greatly appreciate it if you would support the site using them, but if not I also understand. Thanks for reading, and may every landing be gear down !
