What is it?

[BillG]

Greetings. Just joined - great informative group. I just bought this military trailer for $800. My 15 year old son and I are going to convert into a camping trailer. Pretty certain it is a M101. I believe it is an A1. But, do not know the year it was constructed. The face plate is painted over and I would like to order a new one. Any idea what I have?

 

[NatersXJ6]

Paint thinner or brake cleaner is your friend for that ID plate.

 

[mudraider]

And if that doesn't work, try some very fine grit sandpaper.

Sent from my pretty good android phone

 

[BillG]

Thanks - I'll give it a shot!

 

[billiebob]

High Def photography.
Maybe a Macro Lens.
Before you touch it.

The white should scrape off.
Be gentle, do not disturb the black.
I would not use any chemicals, you want the black to stay.
The letters are slightly proud of the background.

 

[krick3tt]

I cleaned the paint off the emblem of my Pinzgauer with TSP dissolved in warm water. Actually I boiled it. Don't use a good kitchen pan, get one from a thrift store.

 

[Trailboss]

Yes, it is a M101A1 trailer, I've had a few. All the ones I've seen (probably 15-30) were made in 1968, so finding a plate may be difficult. Here are the plates from one I bought from auction, the electro-pen probably indicates a replacement plate was used sometime during a rebuild process. I've got photos of some original plates, but they're almost illegible.

Also, the bolt configuration on the A-frame was so the drawbar could be folded for tight storage on ships or cargo planes (see the second plate) - not for dumping. The rear bolt attachment angles are wrong, and a number of people have broken those points. Other folks have used the "dump" action with no problems.