My new trailer Slow Expo/Base camp build US M101 A2

Pikeman · 11-28-2011, 02:08 PM

Started off with me browsing the Gov. Liquidation site that auctions off prior government/ military equipment. I found that the local site to me the prices are a little higher on average than one 100 miles further. Day before my birthday I won the auction for a M101 A2 trailer at Nellis AFB, las Vegas Nevada for $210. This is a 6x8 3/4ton trailer with hydraulic surge brakes and a lunette ring. Dry weight is 1340lbs with side rails bows and tarp. Some of these trailers require an EUC(End User Certificate) and back ground check to make sure you are able to buy former military equipment and that you are not going to sell to a foreign nation and the first time can take as much as 60 days. I had to wait just over two weeks for mine to clear and then another two weeks before I could drive to Vegas and pick it up. Here are some pictures of the recovery mission(fancy mil. way of saying I picked it up).

Pikeman · 11-28-2011, 02:23 PM

Shortly after I got it home I sold the original Mil 8 lug axle and tongue assembly with the hydraulic surge brakes. This all weighed a couple hundred pounds, so hope to be loosing some weight. In its place I ordered a Dexter 3500# trailer axle with 10x2.25" electric brakes with parking brake feature and matching lug pattern. The parking brakes added almost $100 to the cost of the new axle but feel it is worth it since I want to put an RTT on it in the future, besides I already have the brake handles. Axle should arrive between 9-14 December.

The new tongue will be receiver tube going through the front cross member of the trailer to the second cross member and will also have C channel to form the sides of the triangle(A). I plan on running a Max coupler for the hitch system.

Electrical- Military has an 11 pin NATO plug and 24v lights. I bought 12v bulbs that fit and also some 1" LED red and amber lights to use as side markers. I also purchased a 7 pin connector for both truck and trailer as well as a 7 terminal connector box. Eventually I will have a Teconsa Prodigy 2 brake controller installed in the truck. Future plans include a battery with inverter to run a few LED lights over the cook area and under the lid.

Overall all short term goals. axle, tongue, electrical and carry gear as is to determine full build in future and location of wanted items.

Long term. Paint white to match truck, make a hard lid with rails to mount an RTT. Make a door in front side section that opens and has 2 burner camp stove on slides to come out. Make a shelf that hooks to side to use as food prep surface. Water tank with faucet and also shower attatchment. Baterry with inverter, accesory lights over various areas and solar charger.

Pikeman · 11-28-2011, 02:30 PM

Break down of expenses so far:
Trailer- $210
New Axle- $380
Max Coupler- $225
Steel for tongue-$125
Electrical parts- $85
Total- $1025

Part sold
Old axle- $300
Side rails/bows- $200
Total cost- $525

Dusty Driftwood · 12-18-2011, 12:12 AM

Looks like a pretty good deal.
Any update on how the trailer is coming?

Qjake · 12-18-2011, 01:14 AM

Pikeman · 12-18-2011, 04:46 PM

Well my new axle came in a cou0le days ago but have not had time to work on it. I am hoping to get a couple hours today. I also picked up the new steel for the tongue. The plan right now is to get axle and wheels on, then put all parts on my firends flatt bed trailer and take it to my fabricator. At first I was going to borrow a small welder and do the tongue at my house but now I going to do it at his shop. This way if I run into any issues I have a skilled welder there to bail me out. I am not overly concerened about my weld but more the part of cutting through the frame and not having all the tools at home.

As soon as I get anymore work accomplished I will take some pics. but right now it is literally in pieces sitting on garage floor. Frame sitting on the springs and the box standing on its side against the wall. The thing that is going to take a while will be the box. I need to same money to get it media blasted and then I will prime it and start any mods. I do have some plans for a big camp off-road event in March so hopefully can have it partially done by then.

Pikeman · 01-17-2012, 02:02 AM

Well I finlly got my trailer over to my friends at Outdoor Logic to help me weld up the new tongue. We made some progress today and hopefully next day or two have the tongue finished along with the new axle in place. Here are some pictures of the progress so far on the new tongue.

First made the hole in the front cross member

Then added a doubler plate and put the reciever tube through

Then put the sides of the triangle and also the tongue jack in place

Pikeman · 01-17-2012, 02:10 AM

Tomorrow hoping to flip it over, finish the welds on the top side and mount the axle. It will take a few more days since i have to go in after work to make progress. I am hoping to have it wired in two weeks.

gptoy96 · 01-17-2012, 11:36 AM

It looks awesome!

Looking forward to watching it come together.

Pikeman · 01-18-2012, 02:02 AM

So while I was at work the great crew at Outdoor Logic welded in the gussets, mounted the axle and even made lower shock mounts.

So the trailer is on its wheels and almost ready to be towed again as the base chasis. I will be working on wiring it next.

patrickgraven · 01-18-2012, 04:48 PM

After seeing this thread on here I started looking into it to. So I logged into that website and am watching 5 of these trailers. Did you bid on just the one or multiple? When you went and picked it up what preperations did you do before you hit the road? I will be watching this build up to see how it goes.

Pikeman · 01-18-2012, 05:26 PM

Patrick,
I watched multiple and then bid on one of them about an hour before close. The two locations closest to us are Barstow and Nellis. Preperations were I took an air source, tow lights, tools and proper hitch. I also stopped a few times on way home in order to feel the hubs and make sure they werent heating up. The heat indicates the bearings might not be lubed or about to seize.

Running4life · 01-20-2012, 10:38 AM

I love seeing these things get built.

patrickgraven · 01-21-2012, 05:01 PM

Thanks. I have my eye on a couple and look forward to bidding on my own. since I saw this build I have definatly done my reasurch. Im looking at a couple of m101a3's (my tow vehicle is a suburban on 35's) at nellis. I also joined steel soldiers. As far as registration to tow it home did you need any temp tags or did you just get it home first.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pikeman

Patrick,
I watched multiple and then bid on one of them about an hour before close. The two locations closest to us are Barstow and Nellis. Preperations were I took an air source, tow lights, tools and proper hitch. I also stopped a few times on way home in order to feel the hubs and make sure they werent heating up. The heat indicates the bearings might not be lubed or about to seize.

Pikeman · 01-21-2012, 07:09 PM

You can tow it home with the Bill of Sale and you are fine. The DMV needs to inspect the trailer before they will register.