The Original Fall Guy Pickup Truck: A TV Icon on Wheels
When it comes to classic TV vehicles, few are as memorable as the pickup truck from The Fall Guy. This action-packed adventure series, which aired from 1981 to 1986, followed Colt Seavers, a Hollywood stuntman who moonlighted as a bounty hunter. The truck was driven by Colt Seavers, played by Lee Majors, and his stuntman buddy Howie Munson, played by Douglas Barr. During most episodes, Seavers performed daring chases, high-flying stunts, and off-road pursuits, but the truck was also featured in several episodes as the main mode of transportation for the main characters. For their moonlit escapades, they used the truck to chase down criminals and fugitives, as well as to escape from dangerous situations—all while behind the wheel of one of the most iconic trucks in television history.
The truck that stole the show was a 1981 GMC K-2500, though throughout the series, multiple model years from 1980 to 1986, and models, were used. The original pilot used a GMC High Sierra, while seasons 1 and 2 used GMC Sierra Grande trucks, and seasons 3-6 used a combination of GMC Sierra Grandes, 1983-1984 GMC Sierra Classics, and GMC High Sierras for the jump trucks. GMC trucks of this era, also known as Square Bodies, were known for their durability and powerful V8 engines, making them an ideal choice for the demanding action sequences.
Also known as the “Jump Truck,” the K-2500 was an integral part of the show and was used in many of the series’ action sequences. It featured a number of custom modifications, including a reinforced frame, heavy-duty suspension, a winch, roll cage, and a special “jump” ramp that was used in many of the show’s stunts. This heavy-duty 4×4 pickup featured a distinctive brown and gold paint job, “Fall Guy Stuntman” logo on the hood, and a black roll bar with KC lights mounted on top. Its rugged, lifted suspension and oversized off-road tires made it perfect for the daring jumps and rough terrain it had to endure in nearly every episode.
The show’s jump trucks actually had their 350-cubic-inch V8 engine moved from under the hood to under the hump seat in the middle of the truck to give them better balance as they flew through the air. Previously, the regular trucks were loaded with ballast in the bed to keep them from landing on their noses, but the added weight caused more problems.
There are a lot of one-off modifications and accessories that appear on different versions of the truck throughout the series, but one thing that occasionally shows up in close-up scenes is the secret compartment Seavers had built into the bed. This compartment was accessed through doors “hidden” in the sides on the square body. These doors probably would have come off, or caused problems, during stunt work, which is most likely why they are not seen throughout all filming.
One of the most famous aspects of The Fall Guy truck was its ability to take flight. Thanks to the magic of Hollywood stunt work, the GMC K-2500 would soar over obstacles, launch off ramps, and crash-land without skipping a beat. While the show often depicted the truck performing extreme stunts, behind the scenes, several identical trucks were used to ensure production could keep up with the damage caused by the high-impact filming. The show’s stunt coordinators frequently rebuilt or replaced damaged trucks to ensure continuity throughout the series. Even though the trucks were equipped with heavy-duty suspension modifications to withstand the jumps, many were reportedly destroyed during production due to the intense action scenes and hard landings.
Interest in the Fall Guy truck has been reignited with the 2024 Fall Guy movie, starring Ryan Gosling. While the original GMC K-2500 won’t be making a comeback (even though a look-a-like is featured in the film), the film pays homage to the classic vehicle with a modernized brown and gold GMC Sierra 1500 AT4X stunt truck.
Even though The Fall Guy series ended in 1986, the GMC K-2500 remains a beloved piece of television history. It has since become a sought-after collectible, with fans restoring replicas to match the original truck’s iconic look. For fans of classic television and iconic vehicles, the Fall Guy truck remains one of the greatest TV trucks of all time. Its combination of power, durability, and Hollywood flair ensures its place in automotive and pop culture history. Whether in the air or on the ground, the Fall Guy pickup will always be remembered as the ultimate stuntman’s ride.
