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According to the wonderfully outdated website Federation of American Scientists, the Stewart and Stevenson XM1082 LMTV trailer has a maximum payload capacity of 5,000 lbs and a maximum tongue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.
Moms have enough on their plates without the added stress of vehicle paperwork and DMV lines. That’s why we’re here to simplify the process, giving you more time to focus on what truly matters—your family.
A junk title brand, as the name suggests, means that the vehicle is completely trashed. Once it carries this title, there’s no coming back—it is impossible to redeem a junk title in all 50 states. Junk titles, also known as Certificates of Destruction, signify that the vehicle is beyond repair and cannot be made roadworthy. This safety measure ensures that unsafe vehicles don’t endanger other road users.
For RVs, the rules are no different. If the RV is severely damaged, such as from flooding, it will likely need to be junked. However, there are alternative uses for junk-branded RVs, such as repurposing them as permanent structures or agriculture trailers.
Purchasing a used boat can be an exciting and cost-effective way to get on the water, but skipping title verification can turn your dream purchase into a nightmare. A boat title is a legal document proving ownership, and without it, you may face issues registering your vessel or dealing with ownership disputes.
Additionally, verifying the boat's Hull Identification Number (HIN) ensures the vessel’s legality, protects against theft, and simplifies title transfers across state lines. Whether dealing with a missing title or navigating out-of-state transactions, services like bonded titles and Montana LLC registration can help streamline the process.
Don’t risk buying a boat with unresolved ownership issues—verify the title and secure smooth sailing for years to come.
For most of the United States, motorcycle riding season is over, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t think about registering your new bike. The holidays are the perfect time to beat the DMV rush, avoid penalties, and save money with Montana LLC registration. Learn how Dirt Legal can streamline the process and save you time and hassle.
Do you need a CDL to drive an RV? For most RVs, the answer is no. However, if you're driving a Class A motorhome or towing exceptionally large or heavy trailers, some states require special licenses. Weight and length thresholds vary by state, with some requiring a CDL or non-commercial Class B license for vehicles over 26,000 lbs or longer than 45 feet. While you can title and register your RV in a different state, your driver’s license and domicile dictate which state’s licensing rules apply. Understand the requirements in your state to stay compliant on the road.
For tradesmen who live and work on the road, vehicle registration can be a hassle, especially when dealing with restrictive domicile state rules. Discover how out-of-state vehicle registration, particularly through a Montana LLC, can save you time, money, and effort.
Michigan has taken a significant step forward in recognizing the practicality of Japanese mini-trucks, micro vans, and Kei cars for on-road use. The Michigan Department of State (MDoS) has updated its policy, reclassifying these vehicles from off-road to on-road use, and is issuing new titles and registrations to affected owners. This decision marks a major win for mini-truck enthusiasts and paves the way for greater acceptance of these versatile vehicles.
Dirt biking remains a vibrant and evolving culture as we head into 2025. Gas-powered bikes continue to see steady, incremental improvements, while electric dirt bikes are rapidly advancing with lighter components, longer battery life, and impressive torque. Legislative efforts like House Resolution 906 aim to empower riders with the right to repair their own vehicles, fostering independence within the community. Despite restrictive state regulations, dirt biking culture thrives, with growing sales and creative solutions like Montana LLC registration ensuring riders can hit the trails legally. The future of dirt biking is a blend of tradition, innovation, and resilience.
Electric vehicles are here to stay, but can they capture the passion and thrill cherished by driving purists? From the roar of a V-8 engine to the raw engagement of a manual transmission, traditional muscle cars offer an experience that EVs can’t easily replicate. Yet, EVs boast unmatched performance, instant torque, and advanced handling features. Is this enough to sway the hardcore muscle car crowd, or will purists cling to the visceral charm of internal combustion engines?
Owning an RV trailer with a salvage title can be a great deal for savvy buyers, but it comes with unique challenges. A salvage title indeed signifies a total loss, but it doesn’t mean the RV is beyond repair or unusable. Learn what a salvage title truly entails, options for restoring your RV to street-legal status, and how insurance and state regulations might impact your next steps.
Miami Military Trucks is one of South Florida’s gems, a group of activists who love surplus Army trucks and are giving them new life in their community. These guys aren’t just enthusiasts, either; they are straight-up gearheads with an eye for perfection and a serious creative streak.
We talked to them recently about their program, and how we have helped them get their trucks on the road.
Snowbirds can dodge high registration taxes on RVs by using a Montana LLC. Since Montana has zero sales tax, registering an RV there can save thousands, especially on high-value motorhomes. Dirt Legal’s service makes the process easy, even handling LLC setup and vehicle registration remotely. Avoid the hassles of in-person DMV visits and get your registration wherever you are. For snowbirds chasing the sun, Dirt Legal offers an affordable, flexible solution for RV registration.
Japanese Domestic Market (JDM) classics like the Nissan GT-R are soaring in popularity in the U.S., celebrated for their unique designs, performance, and cultural appeal. Iconic models like the GT-R, Toyota Supra, and Subaru Impreza attract enthusiasts due to their rarity and status as “collector” cars here, despite being standard in Japan. With a rising interest fueled by media and nostalgia, more fans are importing these cars and using services like Dirt Legal to make them street legal.
Traveling nurses and frequent travelers can save big on vehicle registration with a Montana LLC, thanks to zero sales tax and fewer hassles. Instead of navigating state-specific requirements and inspections, Montana’s flexible LLC registration allows you to register vehicles fully online, skipping the DMV lines and high fees. From cost savings to avoiding smog checks and state inspections, this option makes managing vehicle registration easy—no matter where your work takes you.
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.
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!
When choosing your next car, the debate between gas and electric comes down to convenience, cost, and sustainability. Gas cars offer quick refueling and a reliable range, while EVs boast lower emissions and reduced maintenance costs. Ultimately, your decision depends on your lifestyle, priorities, and driving habits.