Starting My M101 Build. I will call it "The Trailer of Two Cities"

[koolex11]

Thanks Mark, I am going to try to keep the landing gear on. I like it for some reason. I figured that I would just use a bumper jack to lift the tongue if I ever need to. It is amazing how light the tongue becomes when that horrible actuator is removed! Only bad part is when I stand on the back the front lifts up. I may need to add a box to mine as well. Not sure about the paint yet. I know this body shop who works for pennies, and they would probably love to match up the jeep color for me. But I don't know if I'm ready for that yet. Still thinking about the "end use" of it.

Sapper, Yes I will be leaving the hand brakes. I want to leave it so it can dump if need be.

When I removed the brake lines, I just plugged the holes in the wheels with a couple of screws. I didn't bother to drain any of the fluid out. I don't know anything about brakes or hubs, but I don't think this should cause any problems. Anyone disagree?

Taking the new coupler assembly to the welder in a couple hours. Will post when I get back!

 

[koolex11]

Speaking of the pin release for the landing leg, I am definitely NOT a huge fan of that. I am trying to work out a better hand-hold for the pin.

 

[Mark Harley]

koolex11:

Here in Pittsburgh my trailer draws alot of attention, There is nothing like it here.
It gets the looks when I tow it around, I can't wait till I have it camp ready with the RTT.

There are some of us in Pittsburgh who have other interests besides Black and Gold!
Believe it or not, I do not own anything Steeler, Pirate, Penguin or black and gold!

 

[koolex11]

I forgot all about the Penguins! I hate that punk Sydney Crosby! Good to know you aren't part of the cult. Hey, do you have any experience in the Allegheny Forest?

 

[koolex11]

Here is the tongue assembly with freshly welded coupler mount, then primed:

 

[Mark Harley]

Looks good! This was a simple design that works well.
I can use the trailer with different vehicles lunette, or ball mount adjustable height with two
5/8" pins. I like the 6 hole design you have with more positions. Mine works for the vehicles in the fleet.

Keep posting pictures, I think a color matched trailer for your jeep would be nice.
Did the amish guy have a horse powered welder?

Mark

 

[koolex11]

Today I took the wheel off and found a hitch-hiker! I have never seen one in person. We don't have poisonous things here in southeastern PA. It freaked me out!

 

[Mark Harley]

Yuck! Black Widow?

 

[koolex11]

Yeah. When I rolled the wheel off I only saw his back, but he was big and I immediately noticed he was very black in color, like nothing we have around here. So I poked him with a stick and that's when I saw the red hourglass. I immediately went to the Internet to read up on how to kill them and the answer was to "squish it" so (although I don't really like to kill things for no reason) I ground it into paste then soaked it and the egg sack with pesticide. Too bad of a reputation to live with in my garage...

 

[koolex11]

Coupler channel welded and coupler installed. I was a little worried that the welder didn't make it square to the tongue plate; it leaned forward with about a 1/4" offset from top to bottom, but the guy knew what he was doing. I took it to a trailer shop and he knew that the adjustable coupler had a little play in it; when mounted, everything leveled out perfectly.

Also here is my solution to the safety chains. Anybody who doesn't have a HMMWV or a CUCV knows that the stock chains are not compatible with civilian trailer hitch. They are too short and the hooks generally do not fit into the receivers.

Although the spring-loaded cables are very nice and lightweight, I decided to stay traditional and use the existing 3/8" chain with chain extenders and new hooks.

In order to make the chain mount fit to the new coupler mount, I had to add some spacers (4 washers on each side) and I had use an 8" bolt instead of the original 6". Not the neatest job but best I could think of and it works.

 

[Mark Harley]

Looks good!

Did you find a 2" cupler or is that a 2 5/16" ?
Mark

 

[koolex11]

I forked over the $95 for a 2" coupler. There were much cheaper 2 5/16 out there, but I figured just go with the 2" so I don't have to buy a 4th ball!

 

[koolex11]

I took the trailer to the car wash today, tomorrow the primer goes on! I decided that I am going to match up the Jeep as close as I can. I am not planning to go to the Chrysler dealer for the paint, but I did get the Rustoleum equivalent in gloss. It will end up being less metallic but it should come out OK. The underside will be battleship gray,. I love that color and I thought about painting the whole trailer in gray.

 

[RandomAbstract]

Today I took the wheel off and found a hitch-hiker! I have never seen one in person. We don't have poisonous things here in southeastern PA. It freaked me out!

View attachment 68856

I remember running into one of those in an outhouse in Texas. Made me think twice about whether or not I needed to go. :Wow1:

 

[koolex11]

So I'm not trying to enter any car shows with this paint job. I just want to do a nice clean job for cheap. I decided again NOT to spray it on. Too much prep and cleanup. A roller and brush will work fine for me.

Here is my paint and supply list:

1 gallon Ace primer
2 rattle cans Ace primer
2 gallons Ace Rust Stop Paint
4 rattle cans Ace Rust Stop Paint
3 (4") rollers
1 (2") brush
Paint thinner

I would also recommend with this method a pair of coveralls. It gets messy! After a while I just dip the roller in the paint bucket, let it drip for a few seconds, then flip it over and slap it on. I get it done fast, but I get covered.