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[BigBadDodge]

I haven't delt with lots of trucks, especially of this nature.



First off the Coast Guard which I am proud member of now for 25 years has these mobile comunication trailers which are pulled by 1 ton diesel pick ups. We are looking to switch to sort of a diesel pusher type one piece unit. key is it has certain requirment to fit into the Coast Guard C-130 Hercules aircraft so size and wieght are an issue.



Here are the basic requirments;



Self propelled, 4 X 4 diesel vehicle, C-130 deployable, max dimensions are, 41 ft long, 10 ft wide, and 9 ft high. max wieght 26,000 lbs equiped with the comms gear.



Cannot require a Commercial Drivers License to operate.

Cannot require special vehicle or trailer permits for over-the-road operation.

Cannot be bound by over-the-road restrictions for transport (weight/size limiting factors).



Must be air-mobile/transportable via the C-130 Hercules aircraft.

Should have four-wheel drive capability. But we could trade this off if necessary, in favor of fitting inside the C-130.



Looking for chassis recomendations any thoughts ?



BBD

 

[JKinney]

Since i've retired from the CG with 24 years of service, I would recommend the new dodge chassis with the 6. 7 and mount the trailer behind the cab

 

[ThrottleJockey]

Scott,



How 'bout the International CXT?



http://www.internationaldelivers.com/site_layout/xtfamily/cxt.asp

 

[SnoKing]

When I was in the USCG in Thailand in 1966 building a Loran chain, they brought the "Pizza Truck" in a C130 to calibrate the new chain!!!!!



How about the Dodge Sprinter. http://www.dodge.com/sprinter/index.html , but maybe they are to tall.



Snoking - USCG 1965-1969 ET1

 

[PatrickCampbell]

Chevy Kodiak 5500.



26k GVWR and 4x4. You are not going to find something like that (4x4) from many other manufacturers unless it's something like the CXT which is really more of a toy truck IMO.



Not sure what would make it deployable though ...

 

[CumminsBu]

I second that, the Dodge Cab Chassis, Dodge 4500 and 5500 rumored to be available this Fall 07, and last the Ford F Series.

 

[BigBadDodge]

Okay below is the current communication portion and its currently being towed with an F-350 Diesel.





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Somebody led us to this http://www.wolfcoach.com/military_pages/mobile_lab.html



Whick might be the ticket



Thanks,



BBD

 

[GaryCarter]

The 9' max height will rule out a lot of choices in a 4x4 chassis. If you need standing room inside a 9' exterior roof, then what's that leave you? Look at the pic above.



I say drop the 4x4 idea (a 4x4 truck with a trailer is really not driving all the wheels anyway) and go with a commodity vehicle like a Sprinter van.



Better that than some DOD spec custom vehicle costing half a mil. Esp. since it's our money.



Or what about those UPS vans?



Gary