Fitted with a Low Signature Armored Cab (LSAC) and other exterior armor, the Caiman 6x6 Multi-Role Protected Vehicle (MRPV) is based upon the 5 ton MTV chassis of the Family of Medium Tactical Vehicles (FMTV)., Also developed and built by Stewart & Stevenson Services, it contains a large percentage of shared components with the FMTV trucks, which is a distinct advantage for servicing and supplying the vehicle fleet. The Caiman 6x6 is also closely related to the smaller Caiman "Light" 4x4 vehicle.

Although this Caiman version is a 6x6 vehicle, a vast majority of them are considered Category 1 Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles based upon their 4-passenger rear-seating configuration.  However, there are a very few 6x6 Caiman MRPV's that are fitted with rear seating which can accommodate 8 passengers, and are thusly considered Category 2 MRAP's.  Also, there is one specialized combat variant of this vehicle series: the Caiman Company Command Post, which provides Company Commanders with expanded capabilities previously available only to higher levels of command. Also, a Caiman Surrogate Vehicle was developed to mimic the vehicle's performance during training, yet keeping combat vehicles free for operations.  The surrogate vehicle was built using the 5-ton M939A2 Truck.

Very soon after the Caiman MRPV went into action, it was quickly determined that they needed additional armor protection to defeat enemy IED attacks; most notably explosively formed penetrators.  They were then fitted with new company designed passive applique' armor packages. To differentiate the uparmored vehicles from the originals, they were designated as the M1230 Caiman Tactical Vehicle System, also referred to as Caiman "Plus" or "Mama Bear" vehicles.