Were the 3/4 Ton Weapons Carriers Used in Vietnam?

Tinman · Post by **Tinman** » Thu Mar 09, 2006 7:38 pm

I was snooping DVDs on ebay and came across a still photo that showed what looked like 3/4 ton weapons carriers at a fire base.

Threetoughtrucks · Post by **Threetoughtrucks** » Thu Mar 09, 2006 8:15 pm

They are in fact 3/4 ton trucks. But, they are M-37 Cargo trucks. The WW2 3/4 ton trucks were the WC series of trucks.

The M-37's were better, faster, stronger than the WW2 3/.4 ton trucks and were mechanically the best US military truck ever put in use.

The M-37 were in use from 1949 into the high 70's, and some were still in use years after. My M-37 came from a NYS NG unit through the usual disposal auctions in the 80's..

We gave some WW2 3/4 ton trucks to the French, who used them in their war in Vietnam. Most were left when the French left VN to be used by the South Vietnamese army and found their way into the VC hands and many were used by French plantations throughout VN.

It is possible you did see a pic of a WW2 3/4 ton in VN, but it was not in the hands of our troops. M-37's were used all over VN. I have a video of a 101st Abn M-37 pulling a 105mm Howitzer. The M-37 was fixed up as a "gun truck" with M-60's on either side. M-37's were not designed to tow 105's but in a pinch they sure came in handy.

TTT.

Threetoughtrucks · Post by **Threetoughtrucks** » Thu Mar 09, 2006 8:48 pm

By the way, a pic of my M-37.

http://community.webshots.com/myphotos? ... ity=LsIRnS

Basically the same size outside as the WW2 truck. More room in the cab, easier to drive (no double shift), same size tires, same Dodge engine. Later trucks (like mine) had electronic ignition. The entire M-37 is water proofed. With extensions for the tail pipe and air cleaner the whole truck will run under water. As long as your head is above water, that is.....

TTT

Morian Miner · Post by **Morian Miner** » Fri Mar 10, 2006 12:11 pm

Nice truck, TTT.

I think I smell a kitbash in the future.

Threetoughtrucks · Post by **Threetoughtrucks** » Fri Mar 10, 2006 7:24 pm

I'd love to see a kitbash for the M-37 in 1/18..

If I can be of help, I have pics of every military Dodge in every theater... EVER. Pics in every viewing angle possible....top, bottom and sides. Whatever you need, I got

TTT

Tinman · Post by **Tinman** » Fri Mar 10, 2006 7:47 pm

Thank you, Threetoughtrucks - I had a feeling you'd chime in on this....