Above: Fred Williams, host of Dirt Every Day, drives a military surplus truck provided by IronPlanet
On June 9th, Motor Trend’s online video series “Dirt Every Day” puts the spotlight on IronPlanet as host Fred Williams explores the very cool world of government surplus vehicles. We got in touch with Williams so he can give you a preview of the episode, airing next week.
IronPlanet: Can you introduce our readers to this series?
Williams: Dirt Every Day is all about off road vehicles and 4-wheeling. It covers the gamut of jeeps and trucks to tractors and buggies. We have showcased old 4x4’s, race vehicles, giant off road firetrucks and once built a go-cart out of a Motorhome. It’s basically a camera crew following me around as I check out fun off-road stuff and go on adventures, and sometimes bring my two dogs, Batman and Baxter.
IronPlanet: What was the thinking behind this military surplus episode, and do you think you met your intention?
Williams: My intention with this episode was to showcase a cool military vehicle and tell viewers where they can get one for themselves. Military trucks are awesome, usually no frills, with lots of big recovery points and rugged matte paint. But I also think that most people see these trucks and think they are cool, but never get to actually drive them unless they are in the military, so I was hoping to convey what it’s actually like.
I have a friend who really wants an LMTV (the truck we tested in the show) for a giant motorhome project, but I’m not sure it will run down the highway as well as he thinks (it maxes out at about 60mph). Though, I would recommend one if you were looking to build a big camper that could go almost anywhere off-road, but were not in a rush to get there! I guess you’ll have to tell me if I met my intention after the episode airs.
IronPlanet: Can you tell me more about the DED episode ideation process? How did you arrive at the concept?
Williams: I have owned many ex-military vehicles. Jeeps, CUCV trucks, and my favorite: A 1964 Jeep forward control crewcab known as an M-677. I wanted to drive a modern-day version of this truck and that is why I chose the LMTV. I think most viewers would choose a Humvee, but I like the big cab over truck. It was fun to drive, much different than my old truck.
IronPlanet: What was filming like? Any stories or interesting tidbits from the process?
Williams: Well, we didn’t have any license plates on the truck, so we sort of snuck around with an illegal truck for two days of filming, but A) it’s not very fast so we weren’t in danger of a speeding ticket and B) no one assumes these trucks are doing anything wrong, even when I jump the curb to get into the coffee shop or drive over the sidewalk during a U-turn. Never mind that the long-haired guy and two little dogs in the cab are definitely not in the military!
We did get the stink-eye from a guy in his front yard when we stopped to spray-paint our logos on the truck in a neighborhood, but after he realized we were tagging our own truck and not his neighborhood, he just laughed at us and didn’t call the cops.
My friend Kevin took us on some really cool trails and the truck did really well, where it would fit. It’s very capable, just bigger than most Jeeps and trucks that run those trails. The bushes and tree-branches liked to fold the side mirrors in whenever I drove through tight spots. The truck is big and loud, but really fun if you have the type of terrain to enjoy it on. I’d definitely get one if I were you.
Read more:
How to buy a demilitarized Humvee and what to expect
5 steps to take before auction day
IronPlanet in the heart of the African equatorial forest
