Commercial Utility Cargo Vehicle
Encyclopedia
The Commercial Utility Cargo Vehicle or CUCV Program was instituted to provide the United States military
Military of the United States
The United States Armed Forces are the military forces of the United States. They consist of the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, and Coast Guard.The United States has a strong tradition of civilian control of the military...

 with a cheaper Light Utility Vehicle
Light Utility Vehicle
Light utility vehicle is a general term for small, jeep-like military trucks for tactical use. They are generally short, relatively light compared to other trucks and cars, unarmored with 4-wheel drive and short body overhangs for all-terrain mobility and at least 4 passenger capacity...

 to augment the purpose-built, but expensive, Gama Goat
Gama Goat
The Gama Goat was a six-wheel-drive semi-amphibious off-road vehicle originally developed for use by the US Military for the War in Vietnam. It was famous for an articulated body, which allowed it to travel over exceptionally rough terrain and for a unique four-wheel steering arrangement with the...

s and M151 series "Jeeps" approaching the end of their service life. It initially provided Dodge D Series
Dodge D Series
The D Series was a line of pickup trucks sold by the Dodge division of American automaker Chrysler from 1961-1980. After 1980, the trucks were renamed the Dodge Ram and the same basic design was retained until the 1994 introduction of a completely redesigned Ram...

 and then Chevrolet C/K
Chevrolet C/K
The C/K is the name for Chevrolet and GMC's full-size pickup truck line from 1960 until 1999 in the United States, from 1965 to 1999 Canada, from 1964 through 2001 in Brazil, and from 1975 to 1982 in Chile. The first Chevrolet pickup truck appeared in 1924, though in-house designs did not appear...

s with several military modifications. All were phased out sooner than expected due to their inability to survive the hardships that the purpose built vehicles could endure. The vehicle has five basic configurations; cargo, utility, ambulance, shelter carrier, and chassis. The vehicles were purchased in the late 1970s and early 1980s from Chrysler
Chrysler
Chrysler Group LLC is a multinational automaker headquartered in Auburn Hills, Michigan, USA. Chrysler was first organized as the Chrysler Corporation in 1925....

 Corporation, Dodge Division, and in the mid 1980s from General Motors
General Motors
General Motors Company , commonly known as GM, formerly incorporated as General Motors Corporation, is an American multinational automotive corporation headquartered in Detroit, Michigan and the world's second-largest automaker in 2010...

.

Dodge M880 Series

The M880 Series had 12 volt electrical systems and were powered with the 318 cubic inch gasoline engine. The M880s were an attempt by the U.S. military to use commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) vehicles with minor modifications in non-combat roles. They were intended to replace the M37 Cargo Trucks and the M715
Kaiser Jeep M715
The Kaiser Jeep M715 is an American wheeled military vehicle based upon the civilian Jeep Gladiator. In 1965 the design and developing for the M715 began. The U.S. Government purchased these trucks to replace the M37. Between 1967 and 1969 over 33,000 trucks were produced at the Toledo, Ohio...

 Cargo Trucks and related variants.

Around 1973, Dodge began developing the M880 series trucks, which were militarized adaptations of their current model 4x4s. These trucks weren't known as CUCVs at the time, but were in use for many years. They had several failings: a gasoline powerplant, 12-volt electrical systems.( 24 volt kit was available) and no power steering. The electrical system was addressed by upgrades where needed, but the gasoline engine proved a fatal flaw as the military moved increasingly to diesel engines. The lack of power steering in the military vehicles was a great hindrance in off road and close quarters work (although many civilian and air force models had power steering). Around 44,000 M880s were produced during the 1975 through 1978 model years, and served for the Army and Air Force until the early 1990s.

An armored variant was built by Cadillac Gage
Cadillac Gage
Textron Marine & Land Systems is an American military contractor that manufactures armored vehicles, turrets, advanced marine craft, surface effects ships, and other weapon systems...

 as the Ranger
Cadillac Gage Ranger
The Cadillac Gage Ranger is a 4×4 armored personnel carrier produced by Cadillac Gage. The largest customer was the United States Air Force which at one time had over 700. It is also used by Luxembourg and Indonesia...

.

Specs

Chrysler 318 cubic inch engine
Chrysler LA engine
The LA engines are a family of pushrod OHV 90° V-block gasoline engines built by Chrysler Corporation and factory-installed in passenger vehicles, trucks and vans, commercial vehicles, marine and industrial applications from 1964 through 2003...

 (5.2 liters)
2 bbl Carter or Holley Carburetor
150 H.P.
230 TQ
Torqueflite
TorqueFlite
TorqueFlite is the trademarked name of Chrysler Corporation's automatic transmissions, starting with the three-speed unit introduced late in the 1956 model year as a successor to Chrysler's two-speed PowerFlite...

 727 automatic transmission
2-speed New Process transfer case, NP203 (full-time 4x4)
Leaf springs all around
Dana 44
Dana 44
The Dana/Spicer Model 44 is an automotive axle manufactured by Dana Corp. and is used extensively among automobile manufacturers and in the automotive aftermarket area as well. The Dana 44 was first manufactured in the 1940s and is still being manufactured today, both front and rear axle variants...

 solid front axle (4.10:1 axle gearing)
Dana 60
Dana 60
The Dana/Spicer Model 60 is an automotive axle manufactured by Dana Corp. and used in OEM "heavy duty" pickup applications by Chevrolet, Dodge, Chrysler, Jeep and Ford. There are rear axle and four wheel drive front steering versions of the Dana 60. It can be readily identified by its straight axle...

 solid rear axle (full-floating, 4.10:1 axle gearing)
Front Disc brakes
Rear drum brakes
Manual Steering
70 MPH top speed
10 on road and 8 off road MPG.

Four-wheel drive

  • M880 - Basic Dodge 4x4 pickup truck model.
  • M881 - M880 fitted with additional 60-amp 24-volt generator.
  • M882 - M881 fitted with communications equipment.
  • M883 - M881 fitted with slide-in shelter kit.
  • M884 - M880 fitted with 100-amp 24-volt generator and slide-in shelter kit with tie-downs.
  • M885 - M880 fitted with slide-in shelter kit with tie-downs.
  • M886 - Ambulance model based on M880.
  • M887 - Maintenance body based on M880.
  • M888 - Telephone maintenance body based on M880.

Two-wheel drive

  • M890 - 4x2-wheel drive version of the M880.
  • M891 - M890 fitted with additional 60-amp 24-volt generator.
  • M892 - M890 fitted with additional 60-amp 24-volt generator and communications kit.
  • M893 - 2-wheel drive ambulance version.

General Motors

The GM CUCVs were produced in the 1983-86 time period (model years were 1984-87 and mostly 1984) and were powered by 6.2L Detroit Diesel V8 engine
Detroit Diesel V8 engine
General Motors introduced a line of Diesel V8 engine engines for their C/K pickup trucks in 1982. This engine family, designed by GM division Detroit Diesel, was produced by GM through 2000, when it was replaced by the new Duramax line...

. The GM CUCVs were assembled mostly from the heaviest duty bits and pieces from the light commercial truck lines. The CUCVs came in three basic body styles, a pickup, a utility and an ambulance body. A chassis cab fitted with a service body could be called a fourth. The M1008 was the basic cargo truck, the M1010 was the ambulance and the M1009 3/4 ton utility rig, which was a stripped Blazer uprated to 3/4-ton capacity. With the exception of the M1009, the trucks were all rated as 1-1/4 ton (commonly called a “five-quarter”), even though some of them had payloads in excess of that. In the truck lines there were some heavy duty variants, to include the M1028, M1028A1, M1028A2 and M1028A3 shelter carriers, the shelter being a mobile command, communications or intelligence operations enclosure. The M1031 was the chassis cab which was most commonly found in the two door version. These latter trucks were all rated for heavier 3,600 or 3,900 pound loads, vs. the M1008s 2,900 pound load capacity. The M1028A2 and A3 models had dual rear wheels. Many M1028s were upgraded at the company level to M1028A2 and A3 specs. The Dual wheel rear end was a result of incidents where the M10128 flipped on its side because of the high center of gravity when carrying the equipment shelters.--

Powertrain

All the CUCVs were powered by GM’s 6.2L J-series Detroit Diesel V8 engine
Detroit Diesel V8 engine
General Motors introduced a line of Diesel V8 engine engines for their C/K pickup trucks in 1982. This engine family, designed by GM division Detroit Diesel, was produced by GM through 2000, when it was replaced by the new Duramax line...

 non-emissions diesel. These were rated at 155 hp and 240 lbft, which was 5 hp more than the emissions diesel engine of the time. They were all equipped with the TH-400 automatic
Turbo-Hydramatic
Turbo-Hydramatic is the registered tradename of a family of automatic transmissions developed and produced by General Motors. These transmissions mate a three-element torque converter to a Simpson planetary geartrain, providing three forward speeds plus reverse.The Turbo-Hydramatic series was...

. All but the M1028A1 and M1031 used the NP-208 chain drive transfer case. The M1028A1 and M1031 units had a slip-yoke rear output version of the NP-205, which was specified mainly for its PTO capacity.

Axles

The M1009 Blazer used 10-bolt axles (front and rear) featuring 3.08:1 gears. The rear axle was equipped with an Eaton Locker (“Gov-Lok”) with the front being a standard open differential. The M1008 trucks used open Dana 60
Dana 60
The Dana/Spicer Model 60 is an automotive axle manufactured by Dana Corp. and used in OEM "heavy duty" pickup applications by Chevrolet, Dodge, Chrysler, Jeep and Ford. There are rear axle and four wheel drive front steering versions of the Dana 60. It can be readily identified by its straight axle...

 front axles, with the M1028 and M1031 variations often having a Trac-Lok limited slip. In the rear, the M1008s used the GM 10.5 inches (266.7 mm) 10.5" Corporate 14 Bolt Differential with No-Spin lockers (the commercial trade name for the Detroit Locker). Though the M1028A2 and A3 duallies have Dana 70 HD
Dana 70
The Dana/Spicer Model 70 is an automotive axle manufactured by Dana Corp. and has been used in OEM heavy duty applications by Chevrolet, Dodge, and Ford. It can be identified by its straight axle tubes, 10 bolt asymmetrical cover, and a "70" cast in to the housing and is visually similar to the...

 axles. Axle gear ratios were 4.56:1.

Electrical

As with other military vehicles, the CUCVs used a 24-volt electrical system. It was actually a hybrid 12/24-volt system that used 24-volts under the hood, complete with dual 100 amp alternators, the mandatory NATO slave receptacle for jump starting any NATO vehicle, and hookups for military radios. The rest of the truck was 12-volt.

GM Defense

GM produced some 70,000 from 1983 to 1986 most for the military. For the past several years, GM Defense has been working over the newest GM trucks as CUCV-II and CUCV-III units for a new generation. The older Dodge M880s were used on the battlefield in some of the brush wars of the early 1980s and the results were reported to be “disastrous.” Likewise, the GM CUCVs saw combat time in Desert Storm and as one unit commander said, the results were “less than desirable.” As a result most CUCV's were replaced by the same HMMWV's they were to augment.

The GM CUCV may not have made the grade as a battlefield vehicle, but it served well enough in its original role as a dollar-saving bridge between out-and-out tactical vehicles and off-the-shelf civilian vehicles. Like the rear echelon human troops, they provide support for the frontline forces. CUCVs of all generations are still in US service, though there are also many that have passed through military surplus sales into civilian ownership. In US military service, CUCVs have been removed from MTOE
Table of Organization and Equipment
A table of organization and equipment is a document published by the U.S. Department of Defense which prescribes the organization, staffing, and equippage of units. Also used in acronyms as 'T/O' and 'T/E'....

-based organizations in the Army and Marines, but are still in use as base / garrison support vehicles for organizations like Range Control, Base Facilities and Engineering, and other TDA[?] uses.

Variants

  • M1008 - Basic General Motors Model K30903. The M1008 was the most numerous of the CUCV truck types. It was often seen with troop seats for eight in the bed. Some of the unique accoutrements to a CUCV are the military brush bars and tow hooks front and rear, as well as a pintle hitch. These trucks are rated to tow 3,000 pound cross country and were often used to tow the M101 3/4 ton trailer.
  • M1008A1 - M1008 fitted with additional 100-amp 24-volt generator and communications kit.


  • M1009 - Utility version of the General Motors Chevy K5 Blazer 2nd edition. The M1009 is a utility rig built from a Blazer and could be used for command and control, as well as simple hack-around duties. It was often seen with radio sets installed, however the large square tube stock mounts prevented the rear seat from being lowered. The M1009 was rated for a 1,200 pound payload and a 3,000 pound towed load. It used the heaviest duty GM springs available for the chassis and the rear axle was a 10-bolt unit. It rolled on 10.00-15 tires, had 3.08 gears and a rear Gov-Lok.
  • M1010 - Ambulance
    Ambulance
    An ambulance is a vehicle for transportation of sick or injured people to, from or between places of treatment for an illness or injury, and in some instances will also provide out of hospital medical care to the patient...

     version of the General Motors Model K30903.
  • M1010 [USMC Command] - USMC command post vehicle.
  • M1010 [USMC Ordnance] - USMC ordnance repair truck.
  • M1028 - Shelter carrier version of the General Motors Model K30903.
  • M1028FF - Fire fighting version of the General Motors Model K30903.
  • M1028A1 - Shelter Carrier w/ PTO
    PTO
    PTO is an abbreviation for:* United States Patent and Trademark Office or any other Patent and Trademark Office * Parent Teacher Organization - organization that consists of parents, teachers and school staff...

     version of the General Motors Model K30903.
  • M1031 - Chassis of the General Motors Model K30903. (contact truck)

CUCV Specifications

Model years: '84-'87 GM M1008 CUCV
  • Engine: 379ci (6.2L) Detroit Diesel V8 engine
    Detroit Diesel V8 engine
    General Motors introduced a line of Diesel V8 engine engines for their C/K pickup trucks in 1982. This engine family, designed by GM division Detroit Diesel, was produced by GM through 2000, when it was replaced by the new Duramax line...

  • Power: 155 hp @ 3600 rpm
  • Torque: 257 lbft @ 2000 rpm
  • Compression Ratio: 21:1
  • Transmission: THM400
    Turbo-Hydramatic
    Turbo-Hydramatic is the registered tradename of a family of automatic transmissions developed and produced by General Motors. These transmissions mate a three-element torque converter to a Simpson planetary geartrain, providing three forward speeds plus reverse.The Turbo-Hydramatic series was...

    , 3-speed automatic
  • Transfer Case: NP-208 (unsynchronized)
    • NP-205 Used in trucks requiring PTO
  • Front Axle: Dana 60
    Dana 60
    The Dana/Spicer Model 60 is an automotive axle manufactured by Dana Corp. and used in OEM "heavy duty" pickup applications by Chevrolet, Dodge, Chrysler, Jeep and Ford. There are rear axle and four wheel drive front steering versions of the Dana 60. It can be readily identified by its straight axle...

    • Most were open except M1028's which feature Spicer Trak-lock (limited slip)
  • Rear Axle: 10.5" Corporate 14 Bolt Differential, with a Detroit Locker
    • Dana 70
      Dana 70
      The Dana/Spicer Model 70 is an automotive axle manufactured by Dana Corp. and has been used in OEM heavy duty applications by Chevrolet, Dodge, and Ford. It can be identified by its straight axle tubes, 10 bolt asymmetrical cover, and a "70" cast in to the housing and is visually similar to the...

       used in trucks with dual rear wheel modification.
  • Axle Ratio: 4.56:1
  • Wheelbase: 131.5 inches
  • GVW: 8,800 pounds
  • Curb: Weight: 5,900 pounds
  • Tires: 235/85R-16E
  • Fuel Capacity: 20 gallons
  • Fording Depth: 20 inches
  • Approach/Angle: 42 degrees
  • Top Speed: 55 mph (military rating)

CUCV II

Chevrolet had been building a few CUCVs since the 1986 model year, mainly in low numbers to accommodate military markets that need replacements or other units that need this style of vehicle. In 1996 Chevrolet decided to start building a new generation of a CUCV to try and regain their marketplace in this niche. Mostly the US Air Force was occasionally buying small batches of these units and then GM dubbed them as the CUCV II generation. These were produced through 2001 and were civilian units sent to another plant for "militarization" on special order. They are basic 3500 SRW trucks that were originally built as white in color with gray vinyl interiors. After the usual 383 green CARC
Chemical Agent Resistant Coating
Chemical Agent Resistant Coating is the term for the paint commonly applied to military vehicles which provides protection against chemical and biological weapons....

 paint jobs, the bumpers and grill were the next to get customized with pintle and towing/loading shackles, extra leaf springs installed to give them a 5/4 ton rating and a host of other small changes. All CUCVs have a 24volt dual battery starting system, The rest of the truck is 12 volt with resistors on the firewall to bring it down to 12 volts. All heavy duty items are used and they are very similar to the early CUCVs.

CUCV III

In 2002, GM introduced the CUCV III with the new body shell. Both the II and III come with AM-FM stereo and Air Conditioning. They also come with available options such as: Brushguard, Air Compressor, On Board Navigation System, 120 VAC Inverter, front or rear winch and runflat tires.

Light Service Support Vehicle

Light Service Support Vehicle (LSSV) (Formerly Commercial Utility Cargo Vehicle - CUCV II AND III) and is known in Canadian service as the Light Utility Vehicle Wheeled (LUVW), 4x4, MIL COTS. The LSSV is a GM-built Silverado 2500 HD and is powered by a Duramax 6.6 liter turbo diesel engine. The LSSV is available in a crew cab or standard cab. It can also be equipped with the Enhanced Mobility Package which adds underbody protection, a tire pressure monitoring system, and other upgrades. All LSSVs are produced by AM General
AM General
AM General is an American heavy vehicle manufacturer based in South Bend, Indiana. It is best known for the civilian Hummer and the military Humvee, that is assembled in Mishawaka, Indiana...

, a unit of MacAndrews and Forbes Holdings.

See also

  • Desert Patrol Vehicle
    Desert Patrol Vehicle
    The Desert Patrol Vehicle , formerly called the Fast Attack Vehicle , is a high-speed, lightly armored sandrail-like vehicle first used in combat during the Gulf War in 1991. Due to their dash speed and off-road mobility, the DPVs were used extensively during Operation Desert Storm. The first U.S...

  • EQ2050 and SFQ 2040 , Chinese copies of the HMMWV
  • Hummer
    Hummer
    Hummer was a brand of trucks and SUVs, first marketed in 1992 when AM General began selling a civilian version of the M998 Humvee. In 1998, General Motors purchased the brand name and marketed three vehicles: the original Hummer H1, based on the Humvee; and the H2 and H3 models that were...

    /HMMWV
  • Lamborghini Cheetah
    Lamborghini Cheetah
    The Lamborghini Cheetah was an off-road prototype built in 1977 for the Italian carmaker Lamborghini.- History :The Lamborghini Cheetah was Lamborghini's first attempt at an off-road vehicle. It was built on contract from Mobility Technology International, which in turn was contracted by the US...

    /Lamborghini LM002
    Lamborghini LM002
    The Lamborghini LM002 is an SUV that was built by the Lamborghini automobile company between 1986 and 1993. The LM002 was an unusual departure for Lamborghini which, at the time, was primarily known for high-performance grand tourers and sports cars...

  • FMC XR311
    FMC XR311
    The XR311 was a prototype military vehicle of US origin, given the nickname G.I. Hotrod.-Development:Development of the XR311 commenced as a private venture in 1969 with the first of two prototypes being completed in 1970. As a result of the trials of these 2 prototypes the US Army purchased 10...

  • Land Rover Wolf
    Land Rover Wolf
    The Land Rover Wolf is a military utility vehicle in service with UK Armed Forces and the Dutch Marine Corps. The vehicle is famous for being the primary utility vehicle of the British Army....

  • Logistics Vehicle System
    Logistics Vehicle System
    The Logistics Vehicle System , is a modular assortment of eight-wheel drive all-terrain vehicles used by the United States Marine Corps....

  • Medium Tactical Vehicle Replacement
    Medium Tactical Vehicle Replacement
    Medium Tactical Vehicle Replacement or 7-Ton, is a six-wheel drive all-terrain vehicle used by the United States Marine Corps and United States Navy....

  • Mercedes-Benz G-Class
    Mercedes-Benz G-Class
    The original 460-series Geländewagen went on sale for civilian buyers in 1979, after having debuted in February of that year. It was offered with two wheelbases, a short wheelbase of 2,400 mm and a long one of 2,850 mm. One could choose between three body styles: A two-door short...

  • Peugeot P4
    Peugeot P4
    The P4 is an unarmoured off-road vehicle used by the military of France. It was manufactured by Peugeot but is now manufactured by Panhard. It is to be replaced with the PVP by Panhard. The P4 is a militarised Mercedes Geländewagen marketed by Peugeot for the French military...

     The French version of the MB G-Wagen
  • List of "M" series military vehicles
  • Renault Sherpa 2
    Renault Sherpa 2
    The Sherpa Light Scout is one of the six versions of the SHERPA LIGHT family of 4x4 tactical and light armoured vehicles developed by Renault Trucks Defense. Available in unarmoured or armoured variants , the Scout is ideally suited for tactical missions such as scouting, patrol, convoy escort and...

  • Sandstorm
    Sandstorm (vehicle)
    Sandstorm is an autonomous vehicle. Created by Carnegie Mellon University's Red Team, it is a heavily modified 1986 M998 HMMWV. It competed in the DARPA Grand Challenge in 2004 and 2005.Sandstorm qualified in first position in the 2004 DARPA Grand Challenge...

    , an HMMWV modified into an autonomous vehicle
  • ULTRA AP
    ULTRA AP
    The ULTRA AP is a concept combat vehicle that was unveiled in September 2005 by the Georgia Tech Research Institute, the applied research arm of the Georgia Institute of Technology, under contract from the Office of Naval Research...

  • FN Herstal AS 24
  • Technical
    Technical (fighting vehicle)
    A technical is a type of improvised fighting vehicle, typically a civilian or military non-combat vehicle, modified to provide an offensive capability similar to a military gun truck...

  • Jeep
    Willys MB
    The Willys MB US Army Jeep and the Ford GPW, were manufactured from 1941 to 1945. These small four-wheel drive utility vehicles are considered the iconic World War II Jeep, and inspired many similar light utility vehicles. Over the years, the World War II Jeep later evolved into the "CJ" civilian...

    /M151 MUTT
  • ACMAT
    ACMAT
    ACMAT , is a French producer of cross-country and tactical military vehicles since 1958...

  • Milcot
    Chevrolet Silverado
    The Chevrolet Silverado , is the latest line of full-size pickup trucks from General Motors.-History:...


External links

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