The 1937 Oshkosh is no ordinary vintage truck. Built before World War II to haul heavy loads, one survivor has now been reborn with a bold upgrade: Michelin 16R20 (16.00R20) military tires, about 53 inches in diameter (≈1.35 m), giving it an entirely new stance.
From Logging Roads to Monster Tires
Oshkosh trucks of the 1930s worked in extreme conditions: logging roads, industrial jobs, even pulling rail cars where locomotives struggled. The original setup used 20-inch flotation tires to spread weight on soft ground. Evidence of this heritage is still visible in the rear axle spacers, once used to mount dual wheels for flotation setups.
In the video, the crew swapped in Michelin 16R20s. These tires not only fit the vintage Oshkosh hubs (thanks to budd-type lug wheels) but also elevate its look into something almost experimental. The process relied on simple tools: a bottle jack, wooden blocks, and teamwork to lift the roughly 10-ton truck and mount the new wheels.
A New Look, Same Tough Spirit
From the front, the boxy cab appears tiny above oversized rubber. Step back and the Oshkosh becomes intimidating, a fortress on wheels. At first there were concerns: could a pre-war truck handle tires this large? A skeptic warned the axles might be too weak, citing issues on newer five-ton trucks. Yet the Oshkosh proved capable; clearance was tight but secure.
Fun Fact
Typical heavy military trucks run tires in the 37–49 inch range (e.g., 14.00R20 ≈ 49 in). These 53-inch Michelins push the Oshkosh beyond standard size without entering mining-truck territory. Stand next to it and the proportions are surreal, like a Model T on steroids, as the crew joked.
Watch the full transformation here: 👇
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