Information about an XM815 Bolster truck

[Zimhut]

I recently bought a 5 ton with a dataplate that identifies it as a 1971 Kaiser Jeep XM815 Bolster Truck. I have seen some stuff about M815's but cant find a thing about an XM815. Wondering if it is a prototype version, as it has the cab protector, with a 20K winch on the front, a larger one amidship (maybe 45K?), it has a full size fifth wheel plate mounted on the rails, but no evidence of the frame structure for the trailer set up that came with the M815. I put singles on it. The previous owner rigged up an M105 trailer over the 5th wheel plate, that can be unbolted and removed. It looks great, and runs great. I have rarely seen any M815 posts and have never seen anything about an XM815. I would appreciate the rest of the story on these behemoths.

 

[JohnnyBM931A2]

We need pictures! Everyone loves pictures

 

[NDT]

All the early '69-70? 800 series models seem to have the X designation.

 

[MyothersanM1]

It was definitely part of the M809-series of 5-tons. It was not a very common truck. Basically a military version of a logging truck. I have only seen them in TM drawings and photos. The photos were on Boyce Equipment's website, but are now gone.

 

[73m819]

The behind the cab winch should be another front winch, transfer case driven, a m815 would make a great tractor with its longer frame.

 

[MyothersanM1]

Does the M815 share the the same chassis as the M813? I have noticed the longer frame overhang in the rear and, what appears to be, a single left side 78 gal. fuel tank.

 

[Zimhut]

I know the midship winch should be a 20k just like the front one, but it clearly is not. It's much bigger, bigger cable, bigger frame, it's just bigger.

 

[Zimhut]

Dont mind the front bumper. It was nearly ripped off by a M1070 pulling me out of the mud. New one is being installed this weekend. For size reference the guy in the picture is about 5'8" tall. The top of the cabinets on the bed are about 6'6".

It has a single 78 gallon fuel tank below the midship winch on the left side. I believe the frame is shorter than the M813 as it does not have the rounded bumpers extended to the end of the 14ft bed of the 813.

I live about 90 minutes from Ft. Bliss and there are many MVs on the beach. Have seen a few 809's but the rear ends all look diferent from mine.

 

[Castle Bravo]

Does the M815 share the the same chassis as the M813? I have noticed the longer frame overhang in the rear and, what appears to be, a single left side 78 gal. fuel tank.

I think so, but am unsure... Here are the two aforementioned photos.

 

[Zimhut]

Note the differences in the length of the frame. Mine ends just past the rear wheel but the other extends further by a couple feet. Curious.

 

[MyothersanM1]

The pics Castle Bravo posted (the one from Boyce?) when compared to an M813 put the amidships axle in the same relation to the fuel tank sans mudguard. The rear frame is only missing bumperettes.

 

[G744]

Wondering if there were any G744 series "standard issue" models that were not built in the 800-series?

G744

 

[Castle Bravo]

Wondering if there were any G744 series "standard issue" models that were not built in the 800-series?

G744

At least the M62 wrecker with the Garwood crane. The M543 wrecker with the Austin Western Crane translated into the M816 wrecker.

M51 dump > M817
M52 tractor > M818
M54 cargo > M813
M54C dropside cargo > M813A1
M55 xl cargo bed > M814
M543 wrecker > M816
M246 tractor wrecker > M819
M291 expansible van > M820
M328 bridge > M821
M748 bolster > M815
M62 wrecker > no analogue



-----
Edit - including M939 series -

Truck > M39 series (G744) > M809 series (G908 ) > M939 series (No G number)

Dump - M51 > M817 > M929/M930
Tractor - M52 > M818 > M931/M932
Non dropside cargo - M54 > M813 > M924*/M926*
Dropside cargo - M54C > M813A1 > M923/M925
XL cargo - M55 > M814 > M927/M928
Wrecker - M543 > M816 > M936
Tractor wrecker - M246 > M819 > M933*
Expansible van - M291 > M820 > M934
Bridge - M328 > M821 > M945
Bolster - M748 > M815 > no M939 analogue

*Not manufactured

 

[G744]

There's my answer.

Thanks!

D

 

[msgjd]

At least the M62 wrecker with the Garwood crane. The M543 wrecker with the Austin Western Crane translated into the M816 wrecker.

you have that almost backwards.. the M62 has the AW crane ...The M543 has the Garwood crane which in turn evolved into the M816

 

[M813rc]

One question that wasn't answered in the early days of this thread was the XM815 designation.

The X means non-standard, and usually designates prototypes, but is also used for production vehicles that are either produced in small numbers, or before they get officially designated as standard types with all the manuals etc.
Thus XM813 and XM815 were just trucks built before all the official the paperwork caught up.
Basically "We need 'em now, start building, we'll do the paperwork as we go".

Cheers