A military LMTV could make the perfect overlanding RV

Ten-hut! Our latest Bring a Trailer find is a U.S. military surplus 1998 Stewart & Stevenson Light Medium Tactical Vehicle 1078. Can you imagine rolling into a campground with this beast?

The LMTV specification debuted in 1996 and was based on a design by Steyr. Stewart & Stevenson, a Texas company, was the first U.S. contractor to build LMTVs for various military roles in both 4×4 and 6×6 configurations. The 4×4 models, like this one, are rated at 2.5 tons of payload and are powered by a 275-horsepower, 7.2-liter Caterpillar inline-six turbo diesel with a seven-speed Allison automatic transmission. Not too shabby, right?

LMTVs have become popular among overlanding enthusiasts because they make a perfect platform to build capable, go-anywhere RVs. The cabover design and short overhangs make for great approach and departure angles, and prices are surprisingly reasonable. Some of our favorite 4x4s from Overland Expo were built on similar platforms, and this one has already begun the conversion to recreational use with some creature comforts like sound deadening and Corbeau seats. It’s a good start, but adding sleeping quarters and a kitchen would be up to you.

Some of you are surely grumbling, “Pssh, overlanding. In my day, we called it car camping.” Perhaps, but when you have 45-inch tires providing serious ground clearance, indestructible Rockwell axles, and a central tire inflation system for airing down to conquer both boulders and sand, you don’t have to stay at a KOA next to someone else’s whining family. It’s just you, under the stars, with your own whining family and a massive bit of ex-military hardware. Ah—the great outdoors!