VANGUARD H.A.U.L. Muddy Tan vs Muddy Gray: Which Colorway Fits Your Collection?

Quick answer

Choose the Muddy Gray set if you want the exact configuration shown on the VANGUARD H.A.U.L. product page and a neutral finish that matches gray or black vehicles. Choose Muddy Tan if your collection leans desert or tan, or if you want a second set for a different build. Both sets share the same parts list and the same USD 5.00 price, so color is the real decision.

The VANGUARD H.A.U.L. Muddy Gray Accessory Set is the configuration most collectors picture when they think of the H.A.U.L. vehicle, and it is the one shown with the product. The Muddy Tan version changes only the finish, not the parts. That makes this comparison simpler than most: you are choosing a color, not a feature set.

Both sets are listed at USD 5.00 against a catalog comparison price of USD 9.99, and both fit all Action Force Vanguard vehicles. If you already own one, the other is a low-cost way to build a second H.A.U.L. in a different environment. If you are buying your first, start with the color that matches the rest of your shelf.

What each set includes

The Muddy Gray Accessory Set includes 4 windowless doors, 4 armored panels that fit into the doors, and 2 additional armored frames for the rear doors that can hold the M240 rifle (not included). It also adds a windshield armor add-on, a brush guard that fits onto the bumper, and a cow catcher that fits onto the bumper or on top of the brush guard.

The Muddy Tan version uses the same accessory list. Because the parts are identical, the Muddy Tan set does not unlock any build the Muddy Gray set cannot do. The difference is how the vehicle reads on a shelf or in a photo: gray suits urban, industrial, and night-ops displays, while tan suits desert, arid, and forward-operating-base setups.

• Both sets fit all Action Force Vanguard vehicles, so you are not locked into one chassis.
• The M240 rifle is not included, so plan for a separate weapon if you want the rear-door mount filled.

Colorway and collection fit

Muddy Gray is the safer first purchase. It sits between black and light gray, so it works next to the VANGUARD Desert Tan Missile Launcher Add-On without clashing, and it stays neutral if you later repaint or swap parts. If your shelf is mostly gray, black, or steel, this is the set that disappears into the lineup in the best way.

Muddy Tan is the more specific choice. It matches desert-tan vehicles and figures, and it gives a second H.A.U.L. a visibly different role from your first. If you already own the gray set, tan is the natural companion rather than a duplicate. If you own neither and your collection is desert-themed, tan is the one to buy first.

• Buy gray first if you are unsure; it is the easier color to blend into an existing display.
• Buy tan first only if desert or arid vehicles already dominate your shelf.

Price and value

Both sets list at USD 5.00 with a catalog comparison price of USD 9.99, so neither colorway is the cheaper option. At that price, the practical move for a two-vehicle collection is to buy one of each rather than two of the same. You get two distinct builds for USD 10.00 instead of a matching pair.

If you are adding accessories to a single H.A.U.L., one set covers the full parts list. There is no bundled extra in either colorway, and no option types are listed for these sets, so you cannot order a partial kit or a different finish from this listing.

• No option types are supplied for either set, so confirm the colorway in the cart before checkout.
• Two sets cost USD 10.00 total, which is still below the USD 9.99 comparison price of a single set.

Pairing with figures and add-ons

The Backpack Set Alpha in military green, Backpack Set Bravo in black, and Backpack Set Charlie in tan are 1/12 scale and fit all Action Force figures, so they scale correctly with a H.A.U.L. crew. For a gray H.A.U.L., Bravo keeps the loadout dark; for a tan H.A.U.L., Charlie keeps the color story consistent. Alpha works with either if you want a third, greener look.

The VANGUARD Desert Tan Missile Launcher Add-On fits all Action Force Vanguard vehicles and includes 12 non-firing missiles, 3 blasting missiles in different sizes, and 1 rear blast effect. Its launcher turret can be positioned upward. It is a natural match for the Muddy Tan H.A.U.L., and it still works on a gray build if you want a mixed-environment look.

• The Vanguard vehicle itself is not included with the missile launcher add-on, so budget for the chassis separately.
• Backpack sets are intended for adult collectors and are not recommended for children under 13.

Trade-offs at a glance

• Color accuracy vs. shelf flexibility: Muddy Gray matches the standard H.A.U.L. presentation and blends with gray, black, and steel vehicles. Muddy Tan commits to a desert palette and stands out more against a neutral shelf. Pick gray for a neutral display, tan for a themed one.
• First set vs. second set: The parts list is identical, so a second set in the other color is the only way to get a visibly different vehicle out of the same accessory kit. If you already own one colorway, buy the other rather than a duplicate.
• Price parity: Both sets list at USD 5.00 against a USD 9.99 catalog comparison price, and no option types are supplied for either listing. Color is the only differentiator, so decide on display, not cost.

Product facts

• VANGUARD H.A.U.L. Muddy Gray Accessory Set: Fits all Action Force Vanguard vehicles and includes 4 windowless doors, 4 armored panels, 2 rear-door armored frames that can hold the M240 rifle (not included), a windshield armor add-on, a brush guard, and a cow catcher. One set covers the full exterior upgrade, so you do not need to buy separate armor pieces to complete the build.
• VANGUARD Desert Tan Missile Launcher Add-On: Includes 12 non-firing missiles, 3 blasting missiles in different sizes, 1 rear blast effect, and a launcher turret that can be put in an upward firing position. The Vanguard vehicle is not included. It adds a weapon and display effect to either colorway, and the tan finish pairs most cleanly with the Muddy Tan H.A.U.L.
• Backpack Set Charlie: 1/12 scale, tan color style, 5 different backpack styles, fits all Action Force figures. Intended for adult collectors; not recommended for children under 13. It gives a Muddy Tan H.A.U.L. crew matching gear and keeps the desert color story consistent.

Which set should you buy?

Best for

• Collectors who want the standard H.A.U.L. look and a neutral finish that matches gray or black vehicles
• Buyers adding a second H.A.U.L. build alongside an existing tan or desert-themed vehicle
• Anyone pairing the set with Backpack Set Bravo for a dark, urban loadout

Not for

• Collectors who need a desert-specific finish for a tan-only display (choose Muddy Tan instead)
• Buyers expecting the M240 rifle or a Vanguard vehicle to be included
• Anyone shopping for children under 13, since these sets are intended for adult collectors

If you want one set that fits the standard H.A.U.L. look, buy the Muddy Gray Accessory Set. If your collection is desert-themed or you already own gray, buy the Muddy Tan set and give the second vehicle its own identity. At USD 5.00 each, owning both is the most practical way to get two distinct builds from the same parts list.