If you need to haul five thousand pounds of cargo far off the beaten path, your store-bought options are pretty limited. Sure, you could go down to your local Tractor Supply and spend a bunch of time and money outfitting a standard flatbed trailer to be even remotely as capable as your heavily modified off-road rig.
Or you could let Uncle Sam do the work for you in the form of this Stewart and Stevenson XM1082 LMTV trailer posted on Facebook Marketplace in Gastonia, NC for $2,800 OBO.
Originally designed for use behind an LMTV, this beefy military trailer would make an awesome base for an overlanding or bugout camper, or use it around your property for hauling brush or building materials. Inside dimensions are about 12’ x 7.5’ and it’s a full 5’ longer and wider than that on the outside, bringing overall length to 209.5” and width to 96” – plenty of room for a sleeping setup, solar array, or all the cargo needed to live a remote life.
According to the wonderfully outdated website Federation of American Scientists, the Stewart and Stevenson XM1082 LMTV trailer has a maximum payload capacity of 5,000 lbs and a maximum tongue weight of 1,400 lbs. It can ford water up to 60” deep, and it can clear some serious obstacles thanks to its 20” wheels and 16” of ground clearance, which is only reduced slightly to 13.5” when fully loaded.
With military-grade construction and rustproofing along with a myriad of tie-down points, this XM1082 LMTV trailer is fully capable of following even the most highly modified off-roading rigs deep into the unknown. You'll want to do something about the air brakes if you’re going to tow this behind a regular vehicle, and the photos don't show anything of the trailer’s left side, underside, or the bed surface, but everything we can see looks just as Uncle Sam intended.
If nothing else, it sure beats the heck out of a cheap Harbor Freight flatbed.
Hard to register military trailers in your state? Dirt Legal can make it happen.
About the Author
Automotive journalist, motorcycle racer, SCCA member, and car collector Justin Dake makes a living out of being a professional car nerd. A former State of Missouri employee, he knows exactly how complex state processes can be. Justin served as the Managing Editor of Dirt Legal from 2016 to 2024.
For decades, the EPA has shaped emissions standards to tackle the pollution created by diesel engines, which power everything from trucks to construction equipment. This article delves into the evolution of Tier 1 through Tier 4 standards, the Energy Policy Act's initiatives, and state-specific regulations like California’s CARB standards. Discover how to meet compliance, whether through retrofitting, cleaner technology, or alternative registration options like Montana LLCs, to help diesel vehicle owners work within these regulations while considering their impact on air quality and public health.
In California, towing large trailers or driving substantial RVs might require more than just a standard Class C driver’s license. A California Noncommercial Class A license is essential if you're operating a trailer over 10,000 lbs. or a fifth wheel over 15,000 lbs. for non-commercial use. This guide explains who needs this license, how to obtain it, and offers tips on preparing for the tests. If you want to save on registration, Dirt Legal can help with out-of-state registration through a Montana LLC, making compliance easy and affordable.
Understanding RV and trailer weights is crucial for safety and performance when towing. The Dirt Legal guide dives into essential weight categories like Unloaded Vehicle Weight (UVW), Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR), and Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR). From ensuring your tow vehicle is adequately sized to managing tongue weight and using the right tires, this article offers practical insights for avoiding common towing mistakes. Stay within weight limits, avoid liability, and make sure your RV or trailer is legally registered with Dirt Legal to streamline your next adventure.
Selling a vehicle that's registered in a Montana LLC may seem complex, but it's actually a straightforward process. Whether you plan to sell the vehicle on its own or include the LLC in the transaction, there are several advantages to consider. From avoiding sales tax to making the transition easier for the buyer, a Montana LLC can streamline the sale. This article walks you through the steps, legal considerations, and best practices for successfully selling your vehicle, while also helping you decide whether to keep or transfer your LLC.
The holiday season is fast approaching, and DMV delays are right around the corner. If you need to get your vehicle street legal, now’s the time to act. With Dirt Legal’s easy Montana LLC registration process, you can skip the lines, avoid holiday delays, and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with knowing your paperwork is handled before the holiday chaos hits.
At Dirt Legal, we understand that the process of registering your vehicle out of state can feel confusing. Whether you’re looking to avoid high taxes or bypass emission restrictions, the way you own your car—outright or with a lien—determines your options. For those buying a vehicle with cash or already holding the title, a Montana LLC offers a hassle-free way to get your vehicle registered without breaking the bank.
Out-of-state registration isn’t just about convenience. It’s a smart strategy to save on hefty sales taxes—especially with vehicles like trucks or motorhomes, which can come with tax bills in the thousands. Montana’s 0% sales tax makes it a clear winner over other states like South Dakota, especially since it doesn’t require permanent residency.
Converting a surplus school bus into a traveling home is nothing new; these were some of the first ‘motorhomes’ as we know them today, and people have been doing these to varying degrees of complexity for decades now. The concept of a skoolie is anything but new. Look, cities retire buses every single year, as do school districts and private school bus agencies. A lot of these hit the auction lots with well under 100k miles on them, and since they are fleet maintained, you usually have some assurance that they were moderately well cared for.
But some states require a special license like California's non-commercial Class A to drive them. Is this something you need to worry about? Let's find out.
Titling a motorcycle without a title can be a nightmare, but it’s not impossible. With Vermont's out-of-state vehicle registration loophole closed, a lot of riders think their options are limited. Not so. With Dirt Legal's bonded title service in Montana, you can still recover your motorcycle's title and get it street legal. From obtaining a notarized bill of sale to securing a surety bond and VIN inspection, there are steps you can take to ensure you're the rightful owner of your bike. While buying a bike without a title requires caution, Dirt Legal is here to guide you through the process and help you avoid common pitfalls.
Montana is an off-roader’s paradise, offering vast wilderness and a diverse range of terrains that cater to all types of off-roading enthusiasts. With wide open prairies and rugged Rockies, the state provides a perfect playground for mudding, trail running, and general off-roading. Montana's sparse population means plenty of space to explore, and the combination of challenging landscapes—from sticky mud in the plains to rocky trails in the mountains—creates unique off-roading experiences.
For mudding enthusiasts, the prairies offer some of the best mud after snow melts, while regions like Yellowstone’s surroundings and the Flathead National Forest provide thrilling off-road trails. Whether you’re cruising in a street-legal UTV or tackling the wilderness in a surplus military vehicle, Montana offers endless opportunities for off-road adventures. Just remember to outfit your vehicle properly and adhere to the state's legal requirements for street-legal and OHV vehicles, making sure you're prepared for anything Montana's wild terrain might throw at you.
Boat trailers often go unnoticed in the registration process, but they play a crucial role in getting your boat to the water. Registering a boat trailer in most states can be expensive and inconvenient, mainly due to sales tax and outdated registration systems. However, with a Montana LLC, owners can avoid sales tax and enjoy a hassle-free registration process entirely online.
Montana’s LLC registration offers a simple and cost-effective solution. It allows you to register both your boat and trailer under the same LLC, saving time and money. Once the LLC is formed, you can add any additional vehicles to it, making future registrations even easier. Dirt Legal handles the entire process, from paperwork to DMV submissions, ensuring you receive your title and permanent registration without the stress of traditional methods.
New Jersey's regulations make it challenging to register off-road vehicles (ORVs) for street use due to strict emissions and safety standards. While it's possible to register a motorcycle without a title in NJ, converting a dedicated off-road dirt bike to be street-legal is often impractical. The article explores alternative solutions, such as using out-of-state registration through a Montana LLC, to legally ride dirt bikes on public roads. It also covers essential requirements for street-legal motorcycles, lane splitting laws, and the potential challenges riders may face when using unconventional methods to make their dirt bikes street-legal.
Montana leads in out-of-state car registration with no sales tax, no vehicle inspections, and flexible LLC options. You can title and register all kinds of vehicle types and Montana offers permanent registration for older vehicles, making it attractive for cost savings and avoiding strict regulations!
2-stroke dirt bikes have evolved with improved power, fuel delivery, and ignition systems. They remain popular for their high power-to-weight ratio. Advancements include aluminum frames, better suspension, and cleaner emissions. But more than anything, they were, are, and will remain in the future just about the most fun thing on two tires.
And the cool part is that you can make yours street legal through Dirt Legal's OHV registration process!
Setting up insurance for an out-of-state car registration in California requires transparency. Dirt Legal’s Montana LLC program helps avoid inspections and save on taxes, but insurance can be tricky. Be honest with your provider about your setup to prevent denied claims. Work with experienced insurers who understand out-of-state registrations.
The construction industry is booming in Montana, with the 7th largest construction market in the nation. A lot of people are moving to Montana, and with that comes new buildings. New houses, new rental properties, new offices.
But you don't have to move to Montana to get great savings when you register your vehicles. You can do that right now through our Montana LLC registration program!
Moving to South Dakota? Want to get a jump start on the paperwork? Great idea! And we can help. We have worked with South Dakota for year to provide title and registration options, so we can get your vehicles registered and tagged for South Dakota ahead of time.
You know the importance of titles for cars, trucks, trailers, and RVs. But did you know that boats and vessels need titles, too? And if you don't have one, you can't register your boat or vessel to legally operate. Not only is this a killjoy, but it will also significantly lower the resale value of your boat. But don't worry, Dirt Legal can help.
Got a luxury vehicle? Worried about getting hosed with a huge tax bill? Don't worry; we've got your back. Our Montana registration program gives you the peace of mind knowing that you won't be liable for a giant sales tax bill, and we also explain what the luxury vehicle fee is in Montana.
Hot Shot trucking is taking over the time-sensitive and smaller load segments of the trucking industry. And why not? You can start a business with a commercial-grade full-size pickup and a flatbed trailer. Not so fast, though: it's not quite that easy. Find out what it takes, and how Dirt Legal can save you a bundle in taxes.
You might not be thinking about it, but motorboats almost always require a title, just like a car or truck. If you've got a boat the needs a title but it's missing or you never had one, you might be getting worried. Don't. Dirt Legal's boat title recovery service will get you back on the water.
This is the first in a series of articles highlighting the Sportsman's Paradise that is Montana!
Losing a boat title can be stressful, but Dirt Legal is here to help. A title is essential for proving ownership, and without it, registering or selling your boat can be a hassle. While some boats may not require a title, others do, depending on state regulations. If your boat title is lost, you can seek a replacement through your state, or if necessary, pursue a bonded title.
Dirt Legal specializes in helping boat owners recover lost titles through a simple process, including a Hull Identification Number (HIN) inspection and required documentation. With their guidance, you can get a clean, bonded title and secure legal ownership of your boat.
One of the least friendly states toward street-legal OHVs is California. We aren't hating; it just is what it is. But with the proper title and registration, can you drive your UTV or SXS in downtown LA? Read on.
The Dirt Legal sponsored Velocity Punisher 22 hit the lake and scored a sweet top end of 89 mph over the weekend! Congrats Brad!
New Jersey is home to some beautiful countryside and great trail riding, in spite of it's reputation from Jersey Shore. But the problem is that NJ isn't all that friendly to getting OHV dirt bikes street legal. That's ok; Dirt Legal's got your back. Check out how to legally get your dirt bike on the road in New Jersey!
Montana's nickname is "The Treasure State," and even though that is due to all of the physical treasure there, one look at the natural beauty will tell you that slogan isn't just talking about gold and silver. Dirt Legal is proud to work closely with Montana, and we think this incredible state deserves a little more fanfare than it usually gets.
If you have a financed vehicle and want to register it out of state, you have two main options: South Dakota or a Montana LLC (with your bank's permission). South Dakota offers a straightforward registration with no residency requirement and a low sales tax, making it accessible for financed vehicles. Alternatively, a Montana LLC can save you on sales tax entirely, but typically requires you to own the vehicle outright, or get explicit permission from your lender.