La Aduana: 1971 AM General XM813

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If you’ve looked at the price of an expedition camper lately, you will know that luxury doesn’t come cheap. In fact you could be coughing up anywhere from $100,000 to well over $500,000 for your dream ride, depending on its size and capability. So what is someone without a large pile of spare cash to do? One great option would be to construct a custom camper using a durable, yet cost effective platform like this XM813. Like most military vehicles, these trucks are simplistic, reliable, and built to take their occupants over just about anything they encounter, making them perfect for overland travel. The best part about these trucks however, is their price. For around ten thousand dollars you can buy a conversion ready vehicle that’s in good condition and has relatively few miles on the clock. In the case of this truck you’ll also receive a 20,000lb winch, oversized tires, and a pre-made camper shell to start your project with.

This 1971 AM General is definitely not the last word in luxury, but it does have all the qualifications to make a great off-road camper. A 5-ton payload means it can accommodate almost any layout you can dream up, while a new power steering system will allow you to control all that additional weight when the shell is finally completed. This truck has also been “bobbed”, shortening it from the original three axles and six wheel drive, to just two axles and four wheel drive in order to help with maneuverability as well as the rear departure angle. Underneath you’ll find a massive set of 53” Michelin tires that not only improve off-road traction, but also provide additional clearance for the larger obstacles on the trail. The last modification was the CUCV ambulance box. Admittedly I think it is a little small for this truck, but it is still an excellent starting point and could be a great temporary fit for many buyers. With a fresh tan paint job and just 8,500 miles, this truck is in great condition and could be a very capable and affordable option for your next adventure vehicle.

Take a closer look on Ebay Motors here:

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Here’s a look at what the seller has to say:

UP FOR AUCTION IS A 1971 AM GENERAL M813 5 TON

8500 MILES

53″ MICHELINS WITH 95% TREAD

WITH 20000LB WINCH

POWER STEERING

BOBBED BY THE LATE JOHN WINSLOW 1 YEAR AGO (MISS YOU BROTHER)

HAS A M1010 ALUMINUM CUCV AMBULANCE BOX ON BACK. A/C IS NOT HOOKED UP. HEATER NEEDS FUEL SOURCE. LIGHTS DO WORK. THIS WAS A NEVER INSTALLED SPARE BOX.

2 COMMERCIAL AIR RIDE SEMI TRACTOR SEATS

CAB HEATER KIT WITH INSULATED SOFT TOP

PAINTED CARC TAN AND SATIN DULL CLEARCOATED. THIS WILL PREVENT THE TAN FROM STAINING

NO LEAKS, NO KNOW PROBLEMS. WOULDNT HESITATE DRIVING CROSS COUNTRY. TRUCK WILL DO 65MPH WITH NO WANDERING. WE HAVE PUT 4500 MILE SINCES BOBBED

I WILL SPEND AS MUCH TIME AS NEEDED SHOWING YOU EVERYTHING FROM DRIVING, PREVENTITIVE MAINTENACE, WINCH OPERATION AND WHATEVER IT TAKES FOR YOU TO BE COMFORTABLE BEFORE DRIVING HOME

CLEAR NC TITLE

IM INTRESTED IN CUCV. POSSIBLE PARTIAL MIGHT BE ACCEPTED

Born and raised in Dallas, Texas, Chris didn’t receive a real taste of the outdoors until moving to Prescott, Arizona, in 2009. While working on his business degree, he learned to fly and spent his weekends exploring the Arizona desert and high country. It was there that he fell in love with backcountry travel and four-wheel drive vehicles, eventually leading him to Overland Journal and Expedition Portal. After several years of honing his skills in writing, photography, and off-road driving, Chris now works for the company full time as Expedition Portal's Senior Editor while living full-time on the road.