Talk:Bedford RL

Civvy?
Was the civilian version also called RL? Biscuittin (talk) 18:38, 27 May 2009 (UTC)


 * Yes. Like the later TK/M Bedfords, the "military version" was 4WD and described as a different model. Civilian versions were rare, but some construction firms did buy them new, and they were called RLs or Ms. Andy Dingley (talk) 15:44, 14 April 2011 (UTC)


 * IIRC, organisations such as the CEGB and GPO used 4WD Bedfords for doing such things as putting in telegraph poles and similar work. IIARC, the CEGB ones were painted a pale shade of orange. — Preceding unsigned comment added by 95.148.221.50 (talk) 12:28, 21 June 2015 (UTC)

Some personal insight

 * Moved from the main article. Thanks for this - can you say when you were serving with them too? Andy Dingley (talk) 11:55, 9 December 2016 (UTC)

Apparently there were 24 different clutch assy's due to g/box and engine variants. However no mention has been made here about RLW's.These were originally delivered to be gun vehicles and were fitted with a winch that could be used front or rear. They are readily identifiable by larger metal sides before the rear wheel arch, different canopies, and of course the winch aperture front and rear. The earlier normal version of the RL had a totally enclosed unit in front of the oil bath air filter later versions had the Bedford name emblazoned on a ventilated area. Information was sketchy but from what I remembered overheating was the claim when engine running and static.

Incidentally, clutch changing competitions were often held, however, the vehicle was stripped before the competition to ensure correct parts. Normal time, about half an hour. Gear box variations occasionally caused the "ox box" lever to not go back far enough so the knob was often just removed! Seat spacing was poor, after one injured my back I was banned from RL's and had to drive other vehicles!

The battery under the passenger seat was often the cause of fires due to poorly fitted seats or no battery cover. 11:55, 9 December 2016 (UTC)