Converted Camper: 1974 AM General M35A3 M109 Communications Truck – Sold?

June 6, 2022, Update – We just confirmed the listing for this “Classifind” expired, so with no replacement found we’re assuming this ride “Sold?” While this one got away, please reach out either by email or call us directly if you’d like to be informed when we come across something similar.

If things really go south and the power grid is lost, you’re going to need a vehicle capable of running on just about anything you can get your hands on.  This 1974 AM General M35A3 originally listed in May 2022 on Craigslist in Wesley Chapel, Florida (Tampa Bay) features a multifuel engine designed to operate reliably on a wide variety of fuels, including diesel fuel, kerosene, heating oil, or gasoline. The seller promotes the fact their M35A3 runs well on used motor oil.  Offered in a variety of body configurations, this M35A3 features an M109 van body that has been converted into what the seller describes as an “offroad and off grid camper.”

Currently offered for $17,999, Classic.com, the analytics and search engine for the collector car market, confirms the ask is above this guide’s five-year average of $12,740 with results ranging from $9,100 to $16,500.  By clicking on the green dots in the graph below, you can navigate to each comparable car sold as a way to help you make an educated bid on the car we are featuring for auction here:

The M35 2 1/2 Ton 6×6 truck has been a military staple dating back to 1949 when truck builder REO became the original U.S. Army supplier.  The M35 not only went on to be produced in a variety of configurations through 1988, but it also saw a number of manufacturers produce them including Kaiser and AM General.  The basic M35 cargo trucks, nicknamed “Deuce and a Half”, are capable of carrying 5,000 pounds of cargo off-road or 10,000 pounds on pavement.  In addition to having a capable all-wheel-drive system and a power-take-off to run accessories, the most notable feature is the M35’s multi-fuel engine, which is designed to operate reliably on a wide variety of sources, including diesel fuel, jet fuel, kerosene, heating oil, or even gasoline in an emergency.  While perhaps not as capable off-road as a modern portal-axle equipped 4×4, we’re willing to venture there isn’t much that will stop this beast.

For example, the scalahan23 YouTube Channel shows the M35A3’s ability to ford easily in six feet of water:

Based on the seller’s description and the pictures provided, this 1974 AM General M35A3 M109 converted camper appears to be ready for anything you can put in front of it. While the van box has been converted for use as an offroad camper that features air conditioning, the seller doesn’t mention whether this truck includes a generator to run the various electrical components in off-grid situations.

Here’s the seller’s description:

Do you have an M35 story to share?  If so, please comment below and let us know!