The GMC CCKW

TM 9-2800 (9/43 & 10/47) does not illustrate any GMC CCKW in a semi tractor configuraton while it does show a Studebaker 6x4 in that configuration. In addition it shows the Studie equipped to pull semi trailers equipped with vacuum brakes (only one in the Army's inventory).

The same document shows a number of trailers (vatious sizes, types and weights) equipped with electric brakes. While a number of the 1-1/2 ton 4x4 Chevrolets came in semi trator configuration and equipped with electric brake controllers they were too small to pull some of the trailers mentioned above.

There is information that I cannot confirm that some (number unknown) of the GMC CCKWs in a number of body styles came equipped with electric trailer brake controllers.

Questions:
1. Can anyone confirm a factory built GMC CCKW in semi tractor configuration?
2. If yes how many were built?
3. Were they equipped with either electric or vacuum trailer brake controlers or possibly both?
4. If no, how many GMC CCKWs in various body styles were equipped with either controller or both?

Thanks,
Jim Davis
WW II Army Engineer Veteran
Maui, Hawaii

Some of the trailers pulled by a std CCKW had electric brakes like the M1 Searchlight Trailer or M7 Generator trailer.

They had kits to add on the electric brake controller for any (except Jeep) vehicles. I have purchased a number of them for my HMVs

Hi Dr. Deuce,
Thanks for your reply and its info.

Can you suggest places or people who might be able to answer my questions 1,2 & 3?

According to TM 9-2800 there was only one WW II Army semi trailer (one axle, 3 ton with cargo sides with vacuum brakes. Appears there may been only one semi tractor equipped to apply vacuum braking, the 2-1/2 ton 6x4 Studebaker.

A mystery.
Aloha,
Ranger Jim