Expedition trucks often come with a hefty price tag, but over the long term, they can be an impressive value proposition. Let me explain. Crucially, an expedition truck is as much a legitimate/full-time home as it is a vehicle, and when parked up, it provides a self-contained and sustaining rent/bill-free abode. This means that between trips, you can remain in one locale or find a permanent parking space, and spend less/save more than living in conventional housing. Smaller rigs do enjoy cheaper running costs, but they also have limited amenities, which means you’ll spend more money at campsites/hotels and will need to venture back to civilization more frequently (especially if traveling as a couple/family). Finally, if you source a used example, there’s a good chance that when it comes time to sell, you’ll recoup the majority of your investment. With this in mind, cue today’s meticulously maintained (full details here), low-mileage 1998 Stewart & Stevenson FMTV M1083 6×6 (5,250 miles), which seamlessly blends a rugged military chassis with an exquisite four-season habitat. This stunning build boasts amenities akin to the latest expedition trucks (but at a fraction of the price), including an 800-amp-hour lithium battery system supported by 1,270 watts of solar, 100 gallons of freshwater with filtration and heating, climate control, a fully equipped bathroom, and more. This turnkey expedition truck is available now with no lead time.
From the Seller:
“This is not a ‘quick build,’ flip, or kit. Nearly every aspect of the vehicle was designed, modified, rebuilt, or integrated specifically for this project, with a strong emphasis placed on reliability, simplicity, field serviceability, cold-weather capability, and long-term off-grid travel. I chose the FMTV platform for its mechanical simplicity, exceptional payload capacity, off-road capability, and parts availability. Included with the sale will be a collection of spare parts, including: relays, fuses, filters, belts, air fittings, plumbing components, fluids, and other service items. I will also include wiring and plumbing schematics, along with operation and maintenance documentation for installed components (100+ documents). I’m a mechanical engineer, and this build became an opportunity to combine many of my skills/passions. I’m selling because I already have another M1078 project and am ready to shift toward a different configuration and new ideas. I have taken the truck on multiple trips and driven about 2,700 miles. With each outing, I made minor refinements, and I’m very happy with its performance both on the road and in camp. The truck cruises comfortably at 60-65 mph and has proven to be enjoyable for long highway drives. This truck is ready to go [into the backcountry] today, and I would not hesitate to drive the truck across the country tomorrow.”
1998 FMTV/LMTV M1083 6×6
The M1083 is fitted with a 3116 Caterpillar 6.6-liter diesel motor that produces 290 horsepower and 860 pound-feet of torque (range provided via a 92-gallon fuel tank). A powerful engine is matched with impressive backcountry credentials thanks to full-time 6WD (30/70 with a 50/50 mode), high and low range, a Dana rear locker, armor, and a central tire inflation system (CTIS). Extreme capability is matched with a function-forward interior with driver comforts that include:
- Custom vinyl and suede interior
- Scheel-Mann Vario F 14-way adjustable heated seats
- Cruise control
- SCI steering wheel
- Back-up/right turn signal activated cameras
- Viper alarm and keyless entry
- Pioneer head unit with Android Auto/Apple CarPlay and Kenwood speakers
- Powered and heated Freightliner mirrors
- Red Dot rooftop 21.3K BTU air-conditioning
- MME cab suspension
- 3M 30% ceramic tint
- LED headlights and auxiliary lighting
- Block heater
- Lizard Skin Sound Control, ceramic thermal insulation, and sound/heat insulating mat
- Kalori Silencio 2 heat exchanger
Distinguishing Features
- Habitat comprises a structural tube frame covered in a zip-system sheathing and sealant, and is wrapped in FRP, polyisocyanurate board insulation, integrated 3-point torsion-free subframe, pass-thru to cab, Tern Overland insulated door and cargo doors, exterior storage boxes (5), queen-size bed with mattress (dining table also converts to bed), and more (full details here)
- Cab roof rack
- Goodyear MV/T tires
- House power system with 800-amp-hour Battle Born lithium batteries, 1,270 watts of solar with Smart Solar MPPT 100/30 chargers (2), 50-amp shore power connection, Victron Cerbo GX and Touch 70 control, Multiplus II 24/3000/70-50 120 volt inverters/chargers (2), battery balancers (2), Orion-Tr Smart 17-amp bi-directional charging between truck and habitat, and more
- Climate control with Dometic Penguin 15K BTU rooftop air conditioner, MaxxFans (2), hydronic heated floor, and Eberspacher diesel heater with EasyStart Pro controller
- Kitchen with Nova Kool refrigerator, RecPro convection microwave, and 2-burner induction cooktop
- Bathroom with shower and Thetford cassette toilet
- Freshwater (100 gallons) with filtration, hot water, and a 40-gallon heated graywater tank
- Hydraulic tire carrier, 900-pound capacity
- Flip-up rear bumper
This 1998 Stewart & Stevenson M1083 6×6 is listed for $370,000 and is currently located in Denver, Colorado. Check the full vehicle specifications via the original Expedition Portal forum post here.
Contact Information:
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