Commercial Utility Cargo Vehicle II (CUCV II)
Following the completion of deliveries of the first generation Commercial Utility Cargo Vehicle (CUCV) trucks in 1987, the military division of General Motors (GM Defense) introduced a new version of the same trucks, designated CUCV II. According to Jane's Information Group, the CUCV II trucks were available in six configurations, with gas or diesel engines:
- Type A Utility based on the K10516 Yukon and generally similar to the CUCV M1009
- Type B Truck Cargo based on the K30903 Pick-up and generally similar to the CUCV M1008
- Type C Truck Ambulance based on the K30903 Chassis/cab and generally similar to the CUCV M1010
- Type E Shelter carrier based on the K30903 Pickup and intended for demountable shelters
- Type F Communications Shelter carrier based on the K30903 Pickup
- Type S Command Car (Suburban) based on the K20906 light truck and intended as a four-door personnel carrier
The CUCV II was procured by Saudi Arabia, Sweden, Ecuador, Britain, Venezuela as well as by the U.S. military in limited quantities. Although the U.S. contract was with U.S. Army TACOM, the procurement was primarily for the U.S. Air Force. These trucks were designated M1008A1 Type B, Truck, Cargo, Tactical, 5/4 Ton, 4x4.
CUCV II production consisted of taking standard one ton GM trucks to a separate facility where the required militarization was performed. Exterior changes included CARC paint (Forest Green, Desert Sand, or 3-color Camouflage), blackout lights, military bumpers, brush guard, NATO slave receptacle, NATO trailer receptacle, pintle hook and shackles. Heavier springs were installed to increase the load rating to 1 1/4 ton and the electrical system was changed to the 24/12 volt military standard. The dashboard had additional controls and dataplates. The truck also could be equipped with weapon supports in the cab, cargo tie down hooks, folding troop seats, pioneer tools, winch, and other military accessories.
Production of the CUCV II vehicles was finished by 2000. GM Defense superseded the CUCV II with the Light Service Support Vehicle (LSSV).
| Length, overall | 220.7 in (5,606 mm) |
| Width | 81.2 in (2,062 mm) |
| Height | 75.4 in (1,915 mm) |
| Wheelbase | 131.5 in (3,340 mm) |
| Cargo box | 97.6 in (2,479 mm) |
| Ground clearance | 10.7 in (272 mm) |
| Weight: GVW | 9,200 lbs (4,172 kg) |
| Weight: Curb | 5,900 lbs (2,679 kg) |
| Payload: kits & crew | 3,270 lbs (1,483 kg) |
| Engine | 6.5L (395 CID) Turbo Diesel 195 bhp @ 3400 rpm |
| Transmission | GM 4-spd Heavy Duty Automatic w/overdrive |
| Transfer case | BW 4401, 2-spd, 2.69 low range |
| Front axle | 4,250 lb (1,928 kg) w/center disconnect |
| Rear axle | 6,084 lb (2,760 kg) full floating |
| Tires | LT245/75R16E SBR On/Off Road |
| Fuel capacity | 34 gal (129 L) |
| Brakes | 4-wheel anti-lock, disk front, drum rear |
Note: Table of specifications is based on the M1008A1 CUCV II Type B Cargo/Troop Carrier, NSN 2320-01-123-2671. For more information: CUCV II Data Sheet
The M1008A1 manuals are in the series TM 9-2320-289-xx depending on maintenance level.
Commercial Utility Cargo Vehicle (CUCV II). Photo: GM Defense.
