Kenworth PLS 8x8 Pics/Videos

[drgreg]

Is the rear most axle fixed, or is it a steerable axle like the Oshkosh PLS?

 

[maddawg308]

Please send me a PM with the details on this truck. I would certainly be interested in its history and if it is available!

Sorry, I've had this picture saved on my hard drive for years, can't remember where it came from, or the story behind this truck.

 

[steelsoldiers]

Thanks for the drool footage, James. That is one handy truck. I can only imagine the looks on people's faces when you roll up to the trail head and unload your buggy! You and Soni M920 need to get together and convoy!

 

[M1075]

Is the rear most axle fixed, or is it a steerable axle like the Oshkosh PLS?

The rear axle steers opposite to the front. They set it back 80", but not sure why.

 

[M1075]

Alright, I'm pretty jealous now. Could you use a module that's long enough to hold 2 cars?

The modules are only 20' but you can haul a 2nd module on a trailer.

 

[M1075]

Sorry, I've had this picture saved on my hard drive for years, can't remember where it came from, or the story behind this truck.

Okay, thanks for checking. There were only 8 or so built, and I wouldn't mind getting another one, even if just for parts.

 

[M1075]

So these trucks are now being surplussed out on GL and/or DRMO?

These were prototypes/test vehicles to compete against Oshkosh and M.A.N. for the PLS contract in the late eighties/early nineties. Kenworth (Paccar) made 8 and I'm sure they have all been surplussed out by now. I have 2 of them and always looking for more. They are great trucks! I really prefer them to my Oshkosh in many ways.

 

[FireFighterHill]

I can think of SO many things Id do with one of those and the assortment of pallet systems that come with it. I think something like that would be great for a fire department. Could switch rolls very quickly from say brush firefighting to industrial type firefighting to urban firefighting and rural water tanker duties.

 

[wellesleyhighway]

Hey Jim,

VERY NICE! I'll try to shoot some video of our out in the snow.

Semper Fi

KC

 

[emr]

Yes very very nice, thanks for sharing.....

 

[drdstny]

Found a pic of a beat-up Kenworth PLS on my computer last night. Here it is to share.

Yep, I took that picture and several other angles too. That's Dugway Proving Grounds, in Utah, where that truck and the M.A.N. I bought were competitors along with Lockheed and Oshkosh.

All that "damage" is cosmetic, for the most part. Stupid fiberglass.

I have lots of pictures of that truck and the M.A.N. I bought (very close number-wise stenciled on the door). Somewhere I have pictures of the fully-articulated Lockheed truck too. The Lockheed was in Fontana/Colton back in 2001, the Dugway trip was pre-9/11.

To the best of my knowledge, the #4 axle does not steer on the KW. Someone feel free to correct me, but I am fairly sure the only rear-steer axle is on the 5-axle LHS/PLTS variants.