Fort Eustis in Newport News, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
M747, Semitrailer, Heavy Equipment, 60 Tons
Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), February 26, 2021
1. M747, Semitrailer, Heavy Equipment, 60 Tons Marker
The M747 trailer was a 'Lowboy' style trailer built to work with military tractors and to replace the M15A2, M172A1, and XM524E2, trailers. The M747 was developed under the HET-70 (Heavy Equipment Transporter for the 1970s) project, started in 1965. It was designed to haul the new American-German MBT-70 tank, then under development. The trailer faired far better than its tractor (M746 production ended after 125 units) and the MBT-70, which was cancelled. Instead, the M747 was used by the M123A1C, M746, and the M911 C-HET tractors.
Continued weight changes in the M1 Abrams tank meant the M747 was in need of replacement. As a result, it was phased out of service following Desert Shield/Desert Storm in favor of the new M1000 trailer.
This trailer carries the markings of both the 1175th Transportation Company, Tennessee National Guard and the 2123rd Transportation Company, Kentucky National Guard.
Specifications
Manufacturer: Consolidated Diesel Mobile Equipment
Net Weight: 31,000 pounds
Gross Weight: 151,000 pounds
King Pin Diameter: 3.5 inch
Erected by US Army Transportation Museum.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Roads & Vehicles
this page online
Location. 37° 9.991′ N, 76° 34.461′ W. Marker is in Newport News, Virginia. It is in Fort Eustis. Marker is on Washington Boulevard just south of Madison Street, on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 300 Washington Blvd, Fort Eustis VA 23604, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. M911, Tractor, 25 Ton, 8×6 (C-HET) (here, next to this marker); M60A3, Main Battle Tank, 105mm "Patton" (a few steps from this marker); M4A3, Tank, Medium, 75mm "Sherman" (a few steps from this marker); Wrecking Steam Locomotive Railway Crane (a few steps from this marker); M15A1, Semitrailer, Tank Transporter, 45 Ton (a few steps from this marker); Petroleum Railway Tank Car (a few steps from this marker); M26A1, Truck, Tractor, 12 Ton 6×6 (a few steps from this marker); Berlin Duty Train - Guard Car (a few steps from this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Newport News.
Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), February 26, 2021
2. M747, Semitrailer, Heavy Equipment, 60 Tons Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on February 1, 2023. It was originally submitted on February 27, 2021, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 799 times since then and 123 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on February 27, 2021, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
