Full size trailer build.

[klmore]

I'm starting my build on a M101A2 trailer. I was going to build a trailer, but found the 101 to be a good cost effective alternative. I purchased one at a local military surplus dealer for $690 with tax.

Items I want to have on my trailer include:

Rooftop tent. (two or four person)
Room for a four wheeler.
Fuel storage.
Full size spare tire.
Storage for my gear.
Water storage with a sink.
The largest awning I can fit.
Four wheeler ramps stored under trailer.
A bike rack next to the tent if there is room.
Solar panels, Generator, and batteries, inverter.
Whatever else I can fit on it.

I've already had a new axle installed that matches my Suburban lug pattern. I also had the old wheels and tires off my Sub to mount on the trailer with no additional cost out of pocket.

It's not going to be perfect, but I'm trying to make it as cost effective as possible with off the shelf items and doing as much of the work myself as I can. I welcome any and all input I could use the help.

 

[WMac]

It looks like a pretty solid foundation to start with.

Welcome to the SICKNESS...:elkgrin:

 

[klmore]

Pictures of the new axle installed.

I will be changing the tongue configuration to be longer with a platform to stand on or store gear.

 

[ntsqd]

With that footprint size I wonder if the tent can be in front of, or beside the "parking" for the 4-wheeler?
I really like the pull-out kitchen that dieselcruiserhead made for his 416/101CDN sized trailer.

 

[klmore]

With that footprint size I wonder if the tent can be in front of, or beside the "parking" for the 4-wheeler?
I really like the pull-out kitchen that dieselcruiserhead made for his 416/101CDN sized trailer.

I'm planning a rooftop style rack with the four wheeler under the tent. If I have the space on the rack I would like to add a Yakima mountain bike rack up top also. The kids like to take the bikes along, but that is low on the list.

I'm going to check out that pull-out kitchen thread.

 

[dieselcruiserhead]

Very cool. I always liked the US 101s and their aluminum sides. Neat!

 

[GeoTracker90]

Here are the pictures from the links above:

You may want to double check the U-bolts on the axle. It looks like the one is leaning quite a bit. Can't wait to see how this turns out!!

Mike

 

[klmore]

You may want to double check the U-bolts on the axle. It looks like the one is leaning quite a bit. Can't wait to see how this turns out!!

Mike

I noticed that when I was taking the pictures. That's going to have to be addressed along with the shock mounts on the axle.

 

[surfbark]

I will be following it also so I can steal... I mean trade.... ideas for mine! Funny story about what happened 2 seconds after I took this picture....can you say 11yr olds and backing up a trailer don't mix!! LOL

 

[klmore]

I made some progress today. I had to take my trailer to the Louisiana Highway Patrol. They inspected it and checked the paperwork. The officer gave me a little trouble on the replacement axle, but since I had the paperwork in order they signed off and let me go.

Tomorrow I'm going to title and tag it. I'll see how it goes.:bike_rider:

Since I last posted I purchased a high lift jack, two under mount RKI boxes, six five gallon gas cans, and other parts for the project. The under mount boxes will not be mounted under the trailer they just fit the space I needed.

I also put the four wheeler in the back and it really takes up more space than I thought it would. Go figure.

Next I'm going to rewire the lights for a 12 volt system.

I'm going to have to learn to use photobucket to post pics, but I'll get it down for future updates.

 

[klmore]

Update

I have made some progress on the box install. I purchased some RKI under mount truck boxes.

I can't say I actually did this myself. One of the guys at my shop had some down time and did all of the fitting in a couple of hours.

I'm happy with the fit of the boxes. I measured and found a transfer fuel tank that will fit between the RKI boxes in the front of the trailer. At this point I'm starting to worry about the weight in the front, but this is just a mock up and nothing is final.

 

[klmore]

More pics

All boxes mocked up.

Here is the transfer fuel tank between the front boxes. I will have to cut one of the boxes so the pump can be installed under the trailer and the boxes and tank will sit flush.

All of the boxes, fuel tank, and trailer bed will be coated with a bed liner material. I have a friend that works at the local Line-X dealer so I'm leaning toward that. I know it will be done right.

Next comes the high lift jack mount and welding on the boxes.

 

[Poorboyota26]

very nice! I like it A lot! keep it coming!:drool:

 

[dzzz]

Yes, Fuel!
Are you going to be front heavy? The one problem I see with fuel is that the best place to put it is the balance point of the trailer - where filling the tank doesn't affect weight distribution. But that puts the tank near the middle.

 

[ntsqd]

Yes, Fuel!
Are you going to be front heavy? The one problem I see with fuel is that the best place to put it is the balance point of the trailer - where filling the tank doesn't affect weight distribution. But that puts the tank near the middle.

Perhaps under the bed between the frame rails centered over the axle, and with a remote filler?