TM 9-2320-260-10
1-14. TRACTOR TRUCK W/W AND WO/W: M818
a. Purpose of the Vehicle. The M818 tractor truck has a fifth wheel used to haul
semitrailer loads up to 37,500 pounds (17,025 kilograms) maximum (refer to table 3-1).
When connected to a semitrailer, the fifth wheel pivots up, down, and sideways, to allow
for changes in the road. This vehicle comes equipped with a front winch, making it more
versatile in tactical operations under difficult field conditions. This vehicle also comes
equipped without a front winch.
b. Performance. The M818 tractor truck can ford hard-bottom water crossings up to
30 inches (76.2 centimeters) without a deepwater fording kit, and 78 inches (199.1 centi-
meters) with the kit.
c. Special Limitations. Fifth wheel cannot pivot more than 21 degrees up, 15 degrees
down, or 7 degrees sideways. For this reason, semitrailer operations cross-country are
limited to gradual grades over known terrain.
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