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M-270 Semitrailer, Low Bed. 12-ton, Wrecker, 4-wheel (G802)

M-270A1 Semitrailer, Low Bed. 12-ton, Wrecker, 4-wheel. Courtesy Patton Museum, Ft. Knox, KY
M-270A1 Semitrailer, Low Bed. 12-ton, Wrecker, 4-wheel. Courtesy Patton Museum, Ft. Knox, KY.

The M270 trailer is used to transport new or salvaged aircraft amd general purpose cargo. It is very similar to the M269 semitrailer, except for the greater length of the M270, making the M270 more suitable for transport of elongated-type cargo and equipment. It is normally towed by a 5-ton 6×6 tractor truck or similar vehicle equipped with a fifth wheel. The M270 was standardized in 1958, then superseded by the M270A1 in 1959.

M-270 Semitrailer, Low Bed. 12-ton Characteristics

Overall length 596 1/2 in
Cargo bed length 480 in
Width 96 3/4 in
Height 120 3/4 in
Loading height 48 3/4 in
Payload 24,000 lbs
Gross vehicle weight 41,500 lbs
Shipping weight 17,500 lbs
Air transportability Phase III
Electrical system 24v
Tires 11:00x20 12 ply
Brakes Air
Blackout lights Yes
Fording Submersible
Departure angle 35°
Ground clearance 18 in
Kingpin height 54 in

The M270A1 Semitrailer differs from the M270 in these characteristics of the M270A1:

  • Overall length is 591 in
  • Payload is 40,000 lbs
  • Air over hydraulic brakes

Table data is basaed on the M270 Semitrailer, from TM 43-0001-31, June 1985.

Manuals for the M-270 Semitrailer, Low Bed. 12-ton will be in the TM 9-2330-220-xx series, where the xx represents the maintenance level. The NSN for the M270 Semitrailer is 2330-00-395-1877. The NSN for the M270A1 Semitrailer is 2330-00-289-7515.