101 6 Stud

[101RRS]

Why does the 101 have a six stud wheel pattern instead of the ususal landie 5 stud. I have been told it is because it was originally designed as an artillarytow vehicle and as the gun was a 6 stud, it provided interoperability between vehicles. Dunno if this is true - if so why doesn't the same argument apply to other smaller landies that are also used to tow guns.

Just curious.

Garry

[JDNSW]

Why does the 101 have a six stud wheel pattern instead of the ususal landie 5 stud. I have been told it is because it was originally designed as an artillarytow vehicle and as the gun was a 6 stud, it provided interoperability between vehicles. Dunno if this is true - if so why doesn't the same argument apply to other smaller landies that are also used to tow guns.

Just curious.

Garry

I have not heard that suggestion, although it could be correct. I always assumed it was to prevent interchanging wheels with otherwise similar service ones on Series Landrovers, which are not as strong. I doubt if it is because the six studs are needed for the increased load - many other vehicles carry just as heavy loads on a smaller PCD and with smaller studs, so it is most likely to be either to facilitate or prevent interchange of wheels.

John

[wovenrovings]

I have heard you can put Unimog wheels on them as well, it which case it was a NATO standard.

Not entirely sure on how true this is...

[101RRS]

thanks John.

Unimog wheels will go on noting they are 20" vs 101s 16". However I believe the steering stops have to be modified.

garry

[wovenrovings]

Just to clarify i was thinking a long the lines of how the Army inters wheels have the same stud pattern as the british army Bedfords. Also just a nato standard thing. Don't know what the logic is behind it the case of the 101. Could just be a co-incidence.

[hodgo]

I Google 101 Land Rover, in search of an answer to your question nothing about GT ( gun towing) the only near answer on one sight was becouse it was a one ton vehicle and heavier design Lots of other interesting reading there. Our drop shorts and brits use to tow 105's behind Ser 2a's, between Singapore to Central Malaya all the time with out any trouble

Hodgo

[101RRS]

Hi Hodgo you could be right but then the 109 one tonners are 5 stud.

Anyone else with ideas - any other 101 owners???

[Dave Jump]

I believe the six stud patern was to match the 105mm light gun the 101 was commissioned to tow. This would mean only one spare needed to be carried. The guns stud patern had allready been copied from something else which is why it matches the unimog.

[101 Ron]

The L118A1 light gun for which the vehicle is designed for from scratch doesnt carry a spare wheel and tyre.
I wouldnt be supprized if the OTO-melara 56 pack howitzer which was used by the Britsh and Aussie armies and the gun used before the L118A1 had interchangeable wheels with the 3/4 tonne Landrover tow vehicles .