U.S. military trucks are known for their resilience, durability, and power both on and off the field. These trucks are built to last and built to traverse any terrain, which is what makes them very desirable to many consumers. Whether you are a first-time buyer, collector, or simply a vehicle or military-memorabilia enthusiast, surplus military trucks are some of the most unique and heavy-duty all-terrain vehicles to own.

The first time the U.S. Army first implemented the use of truck in the field was all the way back in 1916 during the Punitive Expedition into the mountains of northern Mexico. The operation was large, and meant to move swiftly – however, due to severe conditions encountered by the troops and the extreme terrain, many of the 1915 GMC model 15 trucks and other vehicles became stuck and had to be abandoned. Although this caused their mission to fail, the situation taught the Army how to be better prepared to use vehicles on the field (source).

Soon came WWI, beginning in 1917, and with it came the need for motorized vehicles to transport and protect troops on the ground. After GMC’s release of the improved model 16 truck in 1916, the U.S. made it a Class AA military truck during WWI. Military.com reports: “The U.S. Army developed a classification of military vehicles and chose preferred supplies (per) class. GMC was selected to be the primary source for Class AA, 3/4-ton trucks. The military version was designated as GMC model 16AA… By the time armistice was declared on November 11, 1918 nearly 90 percent of GMC’s truck production had been dedicated to building a total of 8,512 military vehicles.”

After the takeover of widespread use of heavy military vehicles during WWI, more companies and resources were dedicated to revolutionizing armored vehicles. Production of these specialized vehicles became a massive industry, especially after WWII, when military vehicles became even more useful with the development of paved roads (source).

Today, some of the most well-known U.S. manufacturers of military armored vehicles include (source):

• AM General
• General Dynamics
• Lockheed Martin
• Oshkosh Corporation
• Textron

These companies are well known for producing top-of-the-line U.S. military vehicles. Types of military vehicles produced by these companies and others include: High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicles (HMMWV), Lightweight Tactical All Terrain Vehicles (LTATV), Joint Light Tactical Vehicles (JLTV), Medium Tactical Vehicle Replacement (MTVR), Heavy Expanded Mobility Tactical Trucks, and All-Terrain Vehicles (ATV).

Surplus Military Vehicles Sold to the Public – Where, Why, and How?

Many civilians and veterans have come to own surplus military equipment – especially military vehicles – over the years. When property the U.S. government does not need cannot be donated to a state or public agency, or nonprofit organization, it is sold to the general public; this includes military vehicles. There are many ways to purchase surplus military vehicles, such as on the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) auto-auction site, private auctions and sellers who have previously purchased military vehicles and wish to pass them on, and even some military surplus storefronts.

There are many people who are interested in military vehicles for personal, educational, or collecting purposes. In fact, there are clubs for these military vehicle enthusiasts. Probably the most notable of these is the Military Vehicle Preservation Association, where members have access to exclusive and public events involving these special vehicles, such as conventions, convoys, and car shows. In fact, on the MVPA’s website, you can find other military vehicle enthusiasts selling their cars or parts.

However, if you are looking for a U.S. military vehicle, your purchase may be subject to exportation restrictions on the whole vehicle or parts of it. Check out the Federal Register’s information on export controls on military vehicles and parts here.

Military Vehicle Restorations and Upgrades

Many military vehicles purchased from auctions and from the government may be in need of restoration or upgrading, especially if it will be used by you personally. If you purchase a historical military vehicle, especially any model that has been used in battle, you may want to keep some original parts. However, if the vehicle is significantly old (over 10 years old) it may not be as functional as you would like. This is where restoration work and upgrades come in handy.

Common restoration work and upgrades include:

• Repainting of interior and/or exterior
• Reupholstering of interior
• Upgrading essential parts such as the motor, battery, belts, wiring, etc.
• Replacing tires and lights
• Refurbishing weaponry and gear

Some new, or even experienced, military vehicle owners may want to know what the best upgrades you can get for your military vehicle are. Below is a list of the best, cheapest, and easiest upgrades you can get for your vehicle and where the best site is to get them.

OZ-USA: Top Military and Off-Road Vehicle Upgrades in the Nation

OZ-USA is a California.-based company that specializes in the best of military and off-road vehicle upgrades and restoration. When looking for a company to source your upgrades, OZ-USA is the place to go for all you upgrade needs. The best part about OZ-USA’s products is that they are plug-and-play, which means you do not need mechanical experience, mechanical skills, or extra parts to install them. No wire-splicing and cutting is required – you simply plug it in and get to driving!

1. Ignition Starter Switch (4-Position ACC/OFF/ON/START): Many vintage military vehicles are equipped with what is called a breaker-point ignition system. For new or younger military vehicle owners of older military cars, this system may be unfamiliar and uncomfortable to them. To modernize the way your military car drives, one of the first steps is replacing this ancient ignition system with a key switch. Not only will this increase the ease of starting up your vehicle, but it will add a level of safety since the car will require a specific key to start. As military vehicle upgrades go, this is an essential one for the young and new to this industry.

OZ’s 24-volt keyed ignition starter switch is a plug-and-play switch, which means it is pre-wired with a military rubber plug connector for ease of installation (no wire splicing or heavy mechanics required!) and is ready to use upon plugging it in. Although it is mainly geared for the M998 M151 Millitary Humvee, it will fit other military trucks with only minor modifications and comes with two custom keys.

1. 7” High Output Military Truck LED Headlight Single Beam DRL 24-Volts: Perhaps one of the most versatile military light upgrades out there, OZ’s 7” LED headlights fit on a large variety of military truck models. It is fit as a 24-volt light, unlike normal 12-volt vehicle lights, because the majority of heavy-duty military vehicles run 24-volt systems.

These lights are no normal, civilian headlights. These headlights by OZ-USA are high-output LED with a daytime running function and are housed in waterproof and weatherproof casings. They also sport unbreakable, impact-resistant PC lenses, designed specifically for heavy-duty use in all types of terrain and conditions. A pair of 7” LED headlights for your military vehicle, and for a great, competitive price.

1. H4 Headlight Adapter Conversion Plug with 12 Gauge Wire (Female End): If you need to modify your headlight plug for your military car, a common problem, no need to worry. OZ’s easily installed headlight adapter will convert any H4 headlight plug to a military rubber connector for your needs. This plug is compatible with OZ’s headlights and other headlights and will fit all military vehicles with 7” headlights.

The best part about this adapter that sets it apart from others is that it is made by OZ-USA and has guaranteed fast shipping from OZ-USA’s San Diego warehouse. You can contact OZ-USA for wholesale inquiries regarding this plug and other products.

1. 7” Laser Headlights with LED Hi/Lo Dual Beam, 12-24-volts: The laser-beam headlights from OZ-USA are truly unique and top-of-the-line for military and off-roading lights. With over one-mile beam distance, this technology, which was once only offered for exclusive, exotic cars, is now available for your special vehicles through OZ-USA.

This set includes 1 pair of 7” high-output laser headlights with an incredible range thanks to breakthrough technology. So that you do not have to worry about the safety of your new headlights, they are encased in die-cast aluminum housing with impact-resistant PC lenses to provide maximum protection from weather and other hazards. As always, you get the ease of the plug-and-play experience along with the best in new headlight technology. However, Laser use should be limited to off-highway to protect both you and other drivers.

Thanks to OZ-USA, upgrading your military and off-road vehicles has never been easier or more affordable. Do not forget to browse their many other products such as lights, light bars, switches and electrical, accessories, and even motorcycle and RV upgrades. On top of quality products, they also offer full refunds for unopened items within 30 days of delivery. With worldwide shipping, USA-made products, and top-quality for the most affordable prices on the market, OZ-USA is your one-stop-shop for vehicle upgrades and restorations. Contact OZ-USA for updated parts list for 2023, questions, concerns, pricing, and wholesale inquiries.