M871 Semitrailer, Tactical, Dual Purpose Breakbulk / Container Transporter, 22-1/2 Ton
The M871, 22 1/2-ton breakbulk/container transporter semitrailer is designed to carry either conventional or ANSI/ISO containerized cargo, on highways or off road. It is towed by the M915-series line haul tractor or tractor trucks from tactical truck series. The M871 semitrailer is designed to be towed over smooth, hard-surfaced roads with loads up to 22 1/2-tons (20,250 kg) at speeds as high as 55 mph (88 km/h). It can also be towed over unimproved roads, trails and open rolling terrain with the same loads but at a lower sustained speed of up to 10 mph (16 km/h). The M871 semitrailer is equipped with air brakes. The M-871 uses a two-axle, 8-wheel suspension and carries a spare wheel with tire horizontally in a rack under the cargo bed. The M-871 has a 30ft cargo bed set up to lock on to 20 foot standard ANSI/ISO containers. The lockdown points will attach NATO-standard compliant containers, pallets, and shelter bodies. Three TRICON containers can be carried in the space of one 20ft ISO container. Two retractable supports at the front of the trailer are used when it is not attached to a tractor. Two storage lockers are available beneath the cargo bed, used primarily for the storage of minor tools and the materials necessary to lash down cargo. The trailers may be fitted with side and rear boards for the transport of loose cargo (a headboard is standard on these trailers and non-removable.) The side panels added may be fixed or hinged, and the rear panel may be fixed or used as a tailgate. The M871-series trailers entered service starting in 1979.Find additional photos and hi-res versions of the M871 Semitrailer, Dual Purpose at the Olive-Drab Military Mashup. Prime Movers for the M871-series SemitrailersThe prime movers used to tow the M871 Semitrailers include the M818 Truck, Tractor, 5 Ton 6x6, M915 Truck, Tractor, Line Haul 50,000 GVWR 6X4, M-931/M932 Truck, Tractor, 5-ton, 6x6, and M1088/M1088A1 FMTV 5 ton Tractor. The operator manuals for the M871 Semitrailer include this CAUTION:
M871 Semitrailer Variant Models
Models of the M871 Semitrailer include:
There are no major differences between the M871 and the M871A1 semitrailers. Based on Interchangeability Studies, the only parts that are not interchangeable are the landing legs. The M871A3 Semitrailer is visually distinct since it has a drop deck configuration with two levels to reduce load height. The US inventory of these trailers was upgraded with US Army units directed to divest the A0 and A1 model M871s to meet the Army's requirements by FY13. |