5 Ton Cargo Trucks For Sale

What are 5 ton cargo trucks?

5 ton cargo trucks are heavy-duty 6x6 military trucks originally built to haul a nominal five-ton payload off-road and ten tons on improved surfaces. The category is dominated by the M939 series — including the M923, M923A2, M925, and the longer-wheelbase M927 — along with the LMTV/FMTV-derived M1083 and the 10-wheel M1086. Most units in this class run a turbocharged diesel, a multi-fuel-capable powertrain in earlier variants, full-time six-wheel drive, and a tall drop-side cargo bed with troop seats and bows.

Buyers seek out 5 ton trucks because they combine genuine off-road capability with a payload rating that few commercial 6 wheel lorries can match at the same price point. Surplus M939 and M923A2 units in particular have become go-to platforms for operators who need a rugged 6x6 truck for terrain that would stop a conventional Class 7 chassis.

Common uses for 5 ton cargo trucks

These trucks are workhorses across construction, agriculture, forestry, oilfield service, mining support, and disaster response. Contractors use them to haul aggregate, pipe, and equipment into job sites with no improved access. Ranchers and farmers run bobbed 5 ton conversions for feed hauling, fence work, and pulling stock trailers through pasture. Fire departments convert M923A2 chassis into brush trucks and wildland tankers. Expedition outfitters, off-road recovery operators, and overlanders build them into mobile basecamps. The 5 ton military truck also remains popular with municipalities for snow plowing and emergency utility work where ground clearance and traction matter more than highway speed.

What to look for when buying used 5 ton cargo trucks

• Engine and variant identification: Confirm whether the truck is an M939 (Cummins NHC-250), M939A1 (same engine, CTIS upgrades), or M939A2 (Cummins 8.3L turbo with CTIS). The A2 is generally more desirable for road use and parts availability.
• Frame and crossmember condition: Inspect for rust-through behind the cab, around fuel tank mounts, and at the rear crossmember. Surplus units stored outdoors for years often look sound but hide corrosion under undercoating.
• CTIS and air system: On A2 trucks, verify the Central Tire Inflation System holds pressure across all positions. Leaking rotary unions and dry-rotted air lines are common and costly to chase.
• Drivetrain and transfer case: Check for transfer case leaks, driveline play, and proper engagement of front axle. Listen for whining differentials on a road test.
• Mileage, hours, and service records: Many military releases show low odometer readings but heavy hour usage. Cross-reference with maintenance logs and look for DA Form 2404/5988-E history when available.
• Tires and brakes: 14.00R20 Michelin XLs are expensive to replace — a full set can run into five figures. Inspect tread depth, sidewall cracking, and date codes. Air brake components should be free of moisture damage.
• Title and road-legal status: Confirm the truck has a civilian title and is registerable in your state. Some jurisdictions restrict former army truck registrations or require demilitarization documentation.

Buy used 5 ton cargo trucks at Ritchie Bros.

Ritchie Bros. regularly lists M923A2, M925, M1083, M1086, and bobbed 5 ton configurations from government surplus releases, fleet downsizing, and private consignors across North America. Listings include detailed inspection reports covering engine condition, CTIS function, drivetrain, and frame so you can evaluate a 6x6 military truck before bidding. Browse current inventory above to find a 5 ton cargo truck that matches your application, and place a bid when you're ready to buy.