METAIRIE, LA (11.01.23) – ORACLE Lighting unveils its largest project vehicle to date: a fully-built Stewart & Stevenson M1079 Light Medium Tactical Vehicle (LMTV) global expedition vehicle. Designed to tackle off-grid expeditions and harsh environments, the ultra-capable and EMP-proof bug-out vehicle will also serve as a showcase for ORACLE Lighting products and as a platform for product testing in real-world conditions.
The Stewart & Stevenson M1079 made its debut in the 1980s and was a serious departure from the Army’s previous trucks. Its cab-over design makes it smaller and more maneuverable while still achieving a 2.5-ton payload rating with only two axles, making it less cumbersome than 6×6 options. The LMTV’s smaller dimensions, off-road capability and extreme ruggedness also make it an excellent platform for building a serious expedition vehicle.
“In considering our next project, it was important to our team to have it reflect our passion for outdoor pursuits,” said Justin Hartenstein, ORACLE Lighting’s director of development. “The LMTV hits all the marks by giving us an extremely capable vehicle and a massive canvas to show off our products and serve as a base camp at different events. It makes a big statement wherever it goes, and we thank our team and product sponsors for helping bring it to life.”
The ORACLE Lighting LMTV retains its military underpinnings. Weighing in at over 18,000 lbs, the truck is powered by a 6.6-liter Caterpillar turbo-diesel engine mated to an Allison seven-speed electronic transmission. Massive 46-inch all-terrain tires crawl over almost any obstacle, and the rig is fitted with a central tire inflation system. To ensure the LMTV is ready for anything it might encounter on an expedition, the ORACLE team fitted a Superwinch Tiger Shark 18,000-lb synthetic rope winch, FASS Titanium Signature Series 165 GPH diesel fuel system and a total of six XS Power 100 Ah lithium-ion batteries.
The rig is also fitted with a 1,000-watt solar system, 12-foot power awning and traction boards. A 75 x 52-inch Go Rhino SRM500 roof rack and weather-resistant Pelican BX140R cargo cases add additional storage up top. The entire exterior of the vehicle was refinished and painted Nardo Grey before being wrapped with ORACLE-branded graphics by PG NOLA.
No off-road or off-grid vehicle is complete without auxiliary lighting, and ORACLE has loaded the LMTV with the latest lighting technology. OCULUS 7″ Bi-LED Projector Headlights are mounted in the massive off-road front bumper and Universal Illuminated LED Letter Badges in amber highlight the cab’s custom ORACLE badge. Seven ORACLE 9″ Multifunction 60W Round LED Spotlights are mounted to the cab’s roof rack, while flush-mount 5” 24W Angled LED Scene Light Bars and Multifunction LED Plow Headlightswith heated lenses provide peripheral and rear illumination.
Not originally designed with comfort in mind, the LMTV’s cab has been fitted with Dynamat for sound and vibration deadening and then upholstered for longer treks on or off the pavement. The new interior features distressed leather and Alcantara by Gleen Hebert at Level Up Auto Interiors, completely transforming the driving experience. The EMP-proof box-turned-habitat features custom-built benches that double as sleeping arrangements, custom cabinets, carpeting and a Bluetooth sound system. Interior lighting is provided by ORACLE’s new Plasma™ LED strips.
The ORACLE Lighting LMTV is currently on display at the 2023 SEMA Show in the Overland Experience (Diamond Lot, adjacent to West Hall). Click here for a project overview and to watch build series videos.
For more information on ORACLE Lighting and its complete product line, please visit www.oraclelights.com, call (800) 407-5776 or email info@oraclelights.com.
12VoltNews.com 