Info on Reo M45

[Gu3]

New Guy here, I am looking for any info on an M45 that I just purchased. Hope this is the correct place.

Here is the tag info:

MFD by Reo Motors, Lansing Mich.

MFD date: 1954

Model: CH-D-54

SN: 130135

Wheel Base: 178"

Total length: 277"

Max towed load: 10,000 lbs

Pay load 10,000 lbs

Max speed: 60 mph

2 1/2 Ton 6x6 M-45 W/WN

Stock #: G2742-8358196

Inspected by: EDM

Painted numbers on hood: US Army 41241229

Gas engine

5 speed trans

Based on what I have read, It would seem this truck was issued with single tires, therefore the lable "2 1/2 ton". If I am correct, there were very few issued this way in 1954, built by REO MOTORS prior to Diomond T. buying them out.


Any info on this is greatly appreciated! Thanks!

Update:
pics tags and axle. Does it look like 2 1/2 ton?
Seems big.

They are 6 lug, but could they have still been 5 ton with 6 lugs in 1954?

 

[MWMULES]

Welcome to the site, pictures equal a 1000 words and some under the hood is a + as some M54's were Gas and other were changed to diesel. The manuals are in the forum and finding a local guy that has owned is a plus also.
Please upload Pic's to the site as links can die or have passwords.
Need pictures of data plates on dash also as what you posted above "2 1/2 Ton 6x6 M-45 W/WN" Means it's a Deuce not a 5T and a 45 not a 54.

If your wheels have 10 lugs it's 5T , wheels have 6 lugs = 2.5T

 

[Recovry4x4]

It isn't an M54. G742 aka something in the M44 series from the info you posted.

 

[country]

Welcome

We have a huge supply of M54 series 5 ton parts

Like this NOS hood:

5T-752 | M54A1 Mack Diesel and Multifuel Hood
Hood for M54A1 Mack Diesel & M54A2 Multi-fuel 5 Ton Trucks.
NSN #:
Price: $100.00



Dave
www.easternsurplus.net

 

[Gu3]

The 2 1/2 Ton 6x6 M-45 is printed on the tag, as well as 10,000 lb rating which seems to contradict.
Also Model CH-D-54 I was told indicates an M54.


I am new to these, so just trying to figure it out.
Thanks for the reply.

 

[RAT]

A buddy of mine has an M54 and it's trailer rating is 30,000.

 

[Squirt-Truck]

I do not think REO ever built 5 tons. They were International, Diamond, Kaiser, and Mack, but then me's memory is not what it used to be.

 

[NDT]

Reo built thousands of 2 1/2 ton M45 Chassis-cabs for special uses such as fire truck, chemical service bodies, etc. The M45 had 11.00-20 singles, and would have the rear hubs reversed from a dual rear tire truck. Edit: wrong info, should say 9.00-20 duals and no reversed hubs.

 

[Gu3]

Reo built thousands of 2 1/2 ton M45 Chassis-cabs for special uses such as fire truck, chemical service bodies, etc. The M45 had 11.00-20 singles, and would have the rear hubs reversed from a dual rear tire truck.

Thanks, good info. also what do you mean by rear hubs reversed? There is room for duals, and it was sold to me with another set of four to make it a dully. (Not that it means anything).

 

[Evil Dr. Porkchop]

According to the ord9 the m44 chassis has singles, the m45 has dual wheels.

 

[Gu3]

According to the ord9 the m44 chassis has singles, the m45 has dual wheels.

Interesting, thanks!

 

[Gu3]

Ok, so is it labeled an M45, and has a 5 ton pay load with dual's and 2 1/2 ton pay load with singles, correct? Hence forth the model: CH-D-54 ?

 

[porkysplace]

Ok, so is it labeled an M45, and has a 5 ton pay load with dual's and 2 1/2 ton pay load with singles, correct?

Most likely 2 1/2 cross country and 5 ton on highway payload .

 

[Gu3]

Most likely 2 1/2 cross country and 5 ton on highway payload .

Yes I agree, at least that's the way I read the tag.

 

[porkysplace]

Yes I agree, at least that's the way I read the tag.

5 tons have a 10,000# cross country and 20,000# highway rating.

 

[NDT]

According to the ord9 the m44 chassis has singles, the m45 has dual wheels.

Oops you're right, sorry bout that.

 

[hndrsonj]

Ok, so is it labeled an M45, and has a 5 ton pay load with dual's and 2 1/2 ton pay load with singles, correct? Hence forth the model: CH-D-54 ?

It is a M45 deuce and a half. The 10,000 payload is on highway (has nothing to do with duals). It is absolutely not a "5 ton". The CH-D-54 IIRC is related to the contract number.

 

[hndrsonj]

Is it still a gas motor?

 

[Gu3]

Is it still a gas motor?

Yes its still gas. It starts right up even in the coldest weather, and purr's. Its been on a farm in NE since 1982, and was only used for its winch to get large sprinklers unstuck. No rust or damage.

 

[Gu3]

It is a M45 deuce and a half. The 10,000 payload is on highway (has nothing to do with duals). It is absolutely not a "5 ton". The CH-D-54 IIRC is related to the contract number.

Ok, guess that answers that. Thanks