So Brian calls me last night as says he wants to have a Camper Battle. I’m like “What?” and he proceeds to tell me how he has now gotten hooked on checking out these bastards too and wants us both to put up a “camper” and duke it out. Having sent him a link to a super bitchin 6×6 Off Road Camper, I asked him if he was going to use it. He proceeds to say “No, I have a factory Suburban or Blazer thing that is super cool”. Well, since I’m an aficionado of RV’s, I knew he had to be talking about the super rare Chevy Blazer Chalet or Jimmy Casa Grande, unless there was some other factory style RV based on them that I didn’t know about. While entirely possible, I didn’t think so. Well, in the spirit of starting this competition off right, and going with the “off-road” theme that Brian clearly wanted, I went big.
Real big in fact, because the 6×6 that I originally sent to Brian is the RV I have chosen for this battle. Is it as retro cool? No. Is it as stylish? No. Can it run over Brian’s without realizing it? Yep. Game over big boy. Oh, and did I mention it has all the luxury you expect in a high end RV, including granite countertops, satellite TV, and the who gig. Of course the coolest part is the fact that my beast is based on an M35-A3 Cargo Vehicle. You know, the 6×6′s that we always see and want? This one is powered by the Cat 3116, has an Allison Automatic, and 3 Rockwell axles. We dig it.
It sleeps 4 inside air conditioned comfort, has a kitchen, bath with shower, and the entire body is made from welded steel tubing with an aluminum skin over it and lots of insulation.
At heart this thing is an AM General M35, so parts are plentiful, the CAT and Allison can be serviced anywhere, and it’s just plain cool as hell. Who else in the campground is going to have one of these? And unless there is a height restriction, this one is going to kill Brian’s Blazer offroad, as much as I dig it.
CLICK HERE TO SEE BRIAN’S CAMPER BATTLE COMPETITOR
So, before it even starts, Camper Battle Numero Uno is over. Done and done. In two weeks we’ll do another one, after Brian gets back from vacation. Oh, and we’ll have to come up with a theme for each of these. What do you think we should do next time?
Check out all the photos and details below.
Description:
Chassis – 6X6 M35-A3, powered by a Caterpillar 3116 engine, Allison AT 1545 automatic transmission and Rockwell 2.5 ton top loading axles with over-drive gearing (top speed +/-68 MPH). Additional features include a hydraulic winch, Central Tire Inflation System (CTIS), air-ride leather seats, air over hydraulic brakes, exhaust brake, air assist steering, cold-start ether starting system and double layer sound insulation (still not really quiet).
Coach-works include 2 sleeping areas (one double bed and one queen), full kitchen with 3-burner stove, gas oven, microwave, fridge/freezer, large stainless steel sink and real granite counter top. Bath includes porcelain sink and toilet with full standup shower. All floors are natural cork and all cabinet faces are solid maple.
Creature comforts include a 6-gal. gas water heater, air conditioning and forced air heating in the coach, AM/FM/XM Stereo in coach and outside, TV & DVD with in-motion satellite.
Coach construction is welded square-tube steel covered by an aluminum skin with a baked on finish and fully insulated walls and roof. There are 2 outside lockable side storage compartments, outdoor shower/cleaning station, patio awning and additional enclosed storage on the roof.
Other Features include: Walk-on roof, 100-watt solar, 5-KW propane generator, front and rear facing exterior cameras and 2.5 ton jeep trailer with air brakes..
Specifications:
Overall Length 24’
Width 8’-2”
Height 12’-6”
Interior Height 7’-6”
Fresh Water 70 Gal. (heated)
Gray Water 45 Gal. (heated)
Black Water 25 Gal. (heated)
LPG Capacity 2 X 10 Gal.
Fuel Capacity 50 + 30 Gal.
Wet Weight +/- 19,000 lb.
History: This vehicle was commissioned to the U.S. military in 1973 as an M-35 A2 and assigned V.I.N. 054010965. In 1996, the vehicle was purchased privately and sent to AM General where it was completely reconditioned and converted to an M-35 A3.
I purchased the vehicle in early 2003 with less than 500 miles since the reconditioning. In 2004, I contracted with Ultra Haulers of Corona, California to remove the “Conestoga Wagon” back and build the motor home coach works.
Miscellaneous:
This is an American built vehicle. The “Cat” engine and Allison transmission can be serviced at local dealers. Parts are available. Many parts can be purchased at military surplus sites at excellent prices.
It is a relatively simple vehicle because military requirements significantly limited the use of computers and other electronic devices that could compromise it’s reliability.
The vehicle comes with all operation and service manuals on CD
On-board tools include:
Large hand tools (sockets and wrenches)
Air tools
Power socket wrench (NATO plug)
Spare parts including rear axle and 24 volt generator
One spare tire and wheel with vehicle and a second for storage