MLVW

In the early 1980's, Canada started looking for a suitable replacement for the current issue M135/M211 "deuce and a half" line of 2.5ton trucks. The M135 line had been produced in the 1950's and had reached their end of their life span and could no longer accomplish the current requirements of the Canadian military. The search started with the US AM General M35 line of 2.5ton trucks. The M35 had been selected by the US military to replace their line of M135/211 trucks, and had been serving the US military for over 10 years very successfully. The Canadian military liked the basic design and functionality of the US M35, but was not happy with several factors. These factors included an impractical cold weather setup (most trucks had canvas roofs and no heaters), rear suspension setup, engine/transmission use, and many others. Once the Canadian military decided to take the basic design of the US M35, a total of over 1,500 improvements were made to the old design. This new "improved" 2.5ton truck was given the designation of MLVW (Medium Logistics Vehicle Wheeled). Though on the data plate, it is still referred to as an M35/M36.

Using the basic design of the US M35, the Canadian military made many changes to truck. They started by using a 8.2L Detroit Diesel engine with a matching Allison Automatic MT-643 transmission in place of the US Multifuel engine and standard 5-speed transmission. This simplified maintenance of the engine with standard, easily obtained off the shelf parts, and made driving the truck much easier the world renowned Allison automatic transmission. Power steering was also added which also reduced wear and tear on the troops driving them.

Other notable upgrades:

- Use of "super singles" tires (Michelin 11.00R20's)

- Roof racks to transport more supplies.

- Hydraulic winches.

- Insulted/heated cabs to keep the troops warm and insulated hood to help keep the engine warm in cold weather.

- Four batteries were standard issue to help in better start the vehicles in cold weather.

Once these upgrades were factored into the equation, the Canadian military awarded the contract to Bombardier to produce 2,765 MLVW's. The first MLVW was delivered to Canadian military in 1982 and has been in service ever since. Projected to serve the Canadian military for 15 years, the MLVW has now been in service for over 25 years and a replacement has not been decided upon yet. The vehicle system proposed to replace the MLVW is the MSVS (Medium Support Vehicle System), but as of January 2009, DND has not committed to a design or manufacturer.

Even without a new replacement, the Canadian military has already commenced in selling off their surplus/unused MLVW's to the public. The first series of auctions were started in August of 2008, and it is expected that they will be auctioned off slowly until the new MSVS has been delivered.

***More detailed information about this vehicle and others on the site will be added in time***