REC News

Adding a 12 Volt Alternator to the Cummins Engine.

In conjunction with the State of South Dakota, REC has added part G-1 to Project 63.  Part G-1 supplies information on how to add a 12 volt alternator to the Cummins engine found in many FEPP 5 ton chassis.

Easy Access Brake Fluid Reservoir for Military 6x6's.

Newsnote 17 provides information on installing a remote brake fluid reservoir for FEPP 6x6's.  This allows much easier checking and refilling of the brake fluid, eliminating the need to remove floor panels for access.

Commercial Filter Equivalents for Military 6x6's.

REC has identified commercially available filter that will work on your FEPP 6x6's.  Newsnote 16 documents the manufacturers, their part numbers, and any peculiarities about using a substitute filter.

Automatic Transmission Fluid Overheating:  New Jersey Forest Fire Service's Solution to High Temperature Problems in Ford F-350 and F-450.

Are you using these trucks for towing or other heavy work?  Newsnote 15 provides information on things you should consider about automatic transmissions, the detrimental affects of heavy work, and how to increase the cooling capacity to help alleviate the problem.

Preventive Maintenance for FEPP 6x6 Suspension Torque Rods.

Newsnote 14 supplies information on inspection of the rubber bushed ball joints in the torque rods.  This document provides information on these components that may keep a minor problem from becoming a major failure and repair problem.

Equipment Transport.

Project 65 has just been released.  This web-based report contains information about transport units used by various wildland fire fighting agencies across the country.  If you are looking for transport equipment, you may find the information you need.  Another agency may already be using something similar and their experiences may be valuable to your decision-making process.  This report is expected to be updated and expanded continually.  We would like to include your units.  If your agency transports wildfire fighting equipment, please share your specifications and experience with others.  Use the links and information in the report introduction to submit your equipment data for incorporation into this report.

Portable Tank for Grapple Skidders.

Now available on the web site, the report includes information and drawings on how to construct a 325 gallon water handling system.  The system can be picked up and carried using the grapple of a skidder.  Portable units like this on a logging site, can reduce the chance of a little fire becoming a large one by shortening the suppression response time.

Can This Stuff Help You?  Frequent questions asked of REC.

• Designing a wildfire engine? How can the weight of the finished product be calculated before you build?

• How can I protect the inside of a steel water tank from corrosion?

• I am modifying a military 6x6, what information is available?

• What size tank can be put on a HMMWV?

• How to convert a military vehicle from 24 volt to 12 volt?

• Is there a guide to designing a wildfire engine?

• What precautions are needed when removing CARC paint?

• What do I need to know before buying or building a slip-on water unit?

If you can't find it here ask us.  Email:  info@roscommonequipmentcenter.com

TD News Link Added.

The US Forest Service has two Technology and Development Centers that do great work.  Many of the projects relate directly to wildfire control. Others are of interest to our colleagues in forestry, land management and recreation. Click on "USFS T&D" in the left menu to access their web site.

Backpack Blower Recall.

Backpack-style leaf blowers are used in several areas of the country to remove leaf litter during fireline construction.  The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and five blower manufacturers have announced a recall of some products because their tanks may leak fuel.  Visit the CPSC website for a listing of manufacturers, model numbers, and contact information.  REC Project 17 highlights the fire control uses and safety considerations of power blowers.

Recent and Popular REC Projects and Products

Flatbed - M1008 CUCV Project Complete.

REC has published its latest report detailing full conversion plans for the M1008 CUCV (GM 5/4-ton pickup).  The REC design removes the cargo box, replacing it with a steel flatbed.  A slip-on style tank and pump unit will be added.  The flatbed is a good compromise for off-road work in the woods.  It lends durability because there is no cargo box to ding.  It allows for more cargo volume and shorter sides for easier reach.  Much of this information will be transferable to other pickup-style fire units of similar weight rating .  The details include the flatbed design, purchasing specifications for the polypropylene water tank, and photos of one possible layout for a pump and plumbing system.

HMMWV 12-volt Alternator Add-on System Publication Available. 

REC has a publication devoted to adding a 12-volt electric system "on top" of the existing 24-volt system.  This is a cost effective way to run your 12 volt radios, pump starters, emergency lights, and other appliances common to the fire service.  Click to download the Project 56C Adobe Acrobat file.

Our  6x6 Center.

A dozen publications to help you turn a military 6x6 into a functioning wildfire unit.  Click here.

Project 62, conversion plans for M-1009 Blazers. View the Project 62 Adobe Acrobat file. The ready availability of the FEPP M1009 Blazers has prompted REC to look at ways to convert these to cab and cargo box units.  This project covers removal of the "cap" and adding a windowed back panel behind the front seats.  This will convert these 80's vintage Military CUCV Blazers into a quasi-pickup truck.  The load capacity will be small but there seems to be great interest in using these for grass fire or patrol units. See other related M1009 publications available now as Adobe Acrobat files.  Newsnote #10 shows how to convert the quasi-24 volt electric system back to 12 volt.  Newsnote #12, Weights & Loading of M1009 CUCV 3/4 Ton Blazer.

Low Cost Turret with Nozzle Pattern Control. To view the online version click here. One of most popular downloads is the design of a remote controlled turret. This turret has elevation, rotation control and nozzle pattern control.  Designed for low flow water applications found in wildfire control, it can be produced at a relatively low cost.

Project 61 - Slip-on Tank Systems.  To open Project 61 click here. REC has produced a guide for those buying, building, or mounting a slip-on tank.  It is written primarily towards those who will install these tanks in pick-up truck cargo boxes.   Topics include: Picking a tank material. Deciding what you want on the instrument panel. How to secure the tank. Predicting how much the unit will weigh.

REC's Collapsible Fire Rake available through GSA. The General Services Administration (GSA) stocks the REC Fire Rake.  Listed as NSN 4210-01-387-1392, the rake is available to those agencies who qualify for GSA purchasing.  Developed primarily as a fireline construction tool for hardwood litter, the rake was designed in conjunction with several state agencies.  It weighs just under 3.5 pounds and features rugged aluminum construction with stainless steel tines.  The collapsed length is about 50 inches.  See the photos, JPEG representations, or go to Virtual 3D model (VRML file which requires a VRML viewer for your browser.)

6x6 Back Alarm Switch System.

Need to add a backup alarm switch to a military 6x6? Here is a simple system that works with 2.5 or 5-ton models with manual transmissions. Link to Newsnote #13.