How to get the 14,000 pounds of WWII M2 Half Track machinery onto the trailer when it refuses to run? The 1942 M2 would not run consistently due to a fuel delivery problem. Still, we wanted to get it for the extreme Ike Gauntlet towing test with the latest one-ton dually pickup trucks.
The M2 is powered by a straight-six gasoline White engine that makes around 300 lb-ft of torque. It has a four-speed manual transmission. One rear axle is powering the tracks, and the front axle can also be engaged for maximum traction. None of this does any good if the engine is not running properly.
We towed the beast out of the barn with the Ram 3500 HD and inched our way up the trailer ramps. Then it was time for chains and manual chain winches to continue the journey. The job was complete after several hours, but not without a small fire that Nathan quickly and bravely eliminated. In the end, no machinery was hurt and the job was done.
The M2 Half Track and the Load Max trailer together weigh 21,600 lbs and this is good challenger for any one-ton pickup truck to tow up a steep highway to an elevation of over 11,100 feet.
Take a look at this TFLtruck heavy duty project. You can also see Part 1 of this strenuous process.
