Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 5:47:06-5:47:34

Choosing between the DUKW and Terrapin

A maintenance-based preference favors the DUKW, while the answer leaves overall suitability dependent on the task.

Amphibious WarfareDukwMaintenanceMilitary VehiclesTerrapinWorld War II
Watch at this timeFull video guide
Question

Which Second World War wheeled amphibious vehicle was better, the DUKW or the Terrapin?

Short answer

Alex prefers the DUKW because he found it easier to maintain, while qualifying the wider comparison by the intended task.

Notes

The comparison is qualified by the job the vehicle has to do. Alex prefers the DUKW on the basis of working on preserved examples of both vehicles and finding it easier to maintain. Another participant says he is unfamiliar with the Terrapin, so the exchange offers no equally detailed opposing assessment. The preference concerns hands-on maintenance experience rather than a demonstrated advantage in every operational role.