M41, Truck, Cargo, 5 Ton, 6×6
By the late 1940s, the Army was looking to replace their fleet of outdated trucks. To reduce costs and to cut down on the sheer variety of vehicles that had been purchased during World War II, the Army decided to combine weight classes and again look at the vehicle "family" concept.
To replace their 4 and 6 ton trucks, the Army selected a new family of 5 tons. It was the Army's practice to have each 2½ and 5 ton design built for either highway use or for rough terrain. The M41 fell into the latter catagory. The M41 used inline 14×20 tires, allowing for superior off-road capability compared to the dual rear wheels seen on the M54.
To meet the needs of the Korean War, the M41 was put in production before testing was completed and the deign officially certified. In the end the M41 did not last as long in service as the M54. Because of the M54's dual wheels, it could carry 20,000 pounds on a paved road compared to the M41's 15,000 pounds. When upgrades were planned for the 5 ton trucks, the M41 was not included and was phased out of service during the 1960s.
Erected by US Army Transportation Museum.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Roads & Vehicles • War, Cold • War, Korean.
Location.
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Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. M816 Wrecker, Truck, 5 Ton, 6×6 (here, next to this marker); XM1078, Truck, Cargo, 2½ Ton, 4×4 (a few steps from this marker); M151A1, Truck, Utility, ¼ Ton (MUTT) (a few steps from this marker); M38A1, Truck, Utility, ¼ Ton, 4×4 (a few steps from this marker); M151A2 Truck, Utility ¼ Ton 4×4 (MUTT) (a few steps from this marker); M35A2, Truck, Cargo, 2½ Ton, 6×6 (a few steps from this marker); XM1109, Heavy Variant, Up-Armored, 4×4 (HMMWV) (a few steps from this marker); M221 Truck, Tractor, 2½ Ton, 6×6 (a few steps from this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Newport News.
Credits. This page was last revised on February 1, 2023. It was originally submitted on March 1, 2021, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 196 times since then and 20 times this year. Photo 1. submitted on March 1, 2021, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
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