The M1038 and M1038A1 are variations of the M998 and M998A1 cargo/troop carriers. The only difference between the M998 and M998A1 cargo/troop carriers and the M1038 and M1038A1 cargo/troop carriers is that the M998 and M998A1 do not have winches and the M1038 and M1038A1 do.

This difference affects vehicle length, vehicle weight, shipping dimensions, approach angle, and special winch-assisted operations. It does not affect the basic purpose, performance, or special limitations of the vehicles

The M1038 and M1038A1 HMMWVs are cargo/troop carrier configurations of the HMMWV family. They are used to transport equipment, materials, and/or personnel. The vehicles are equipped with basic armor and used to transport equipment, materials, and/or personnel. The cargo carrier configuration is capable of transporting a payload (including crew) of 2,500 pounds and the troop carrier is capable of transporting a two man crew and eight passengers. Both use a troop seat kit for troop transport operations. The cargo/troop carrier can also be configured in a four man crew configuration. The vehicles can climb 60% slopes and traverse a side slope of up to 40% fully loaded. The vehicles can ford hard bottom water crossing up to 30 inches without a deep water fording kit and up to 60 inches with the kit.

Fully-loaded M1038 and M1038A1 cargo/troop carriers will climb road grades as steep as 60% (31°) and traverse a side slope of up to 40% (22°). The vehicle fords hard bottom water crossing up to 30 inches (76 centimeters) without a deepwater fording kit and 60 inches (152 centimeters) with the kit.

The M1038, M1038A1 are equipped with the self-recovery winch which can also be used to recover like systems. The M1038A1 models have the latest modifications applied to the vehicles.