craigslist trailer a good deal?

[Wildcat]

http://houston.craigslist.org/for/2541417504.html

would it be a good start for a build? price okay? the wood would have to go.

 

[2 E L O]

Seems like a decent buy. You may want to ask for more detailed, high quality photos.

There are some M101s on eBay going for $800-1000 that are all original and in very good shape. If the one you're looking at is in good shape, not completely rusty or butchered up, then $500 seems pretty decent.

 

[AA1PR]

that looks like a fair price I have seen one locally for $699 http://burlington.craigslist.org/pts/2525183566.html

 

[New Horizons Overland]

keep in mind...the U.S. M101 is a 3/4 ton trailer and is VERY heavy

 

[2 E L O]

keep in mind...the U.S. M101 is a 3/4 ton trailer and is VERY heavy

I think they're about 1300 lbs in stock form, aren't they? You could probably shave 200-300 lbs of excess weight off the trailer itself. If you load it to the max rating of 1500 lbs then you're looking at a gross weight of 2500-2800 lbs. More than likely a typical maximum cargo load for camping/overlanding would "only" be around 1000 lbs...so 2000-2300 lbs total. Most 4WD vehicles should be able to handle that much weight for normal on/offroad excursions, right?

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[jeep-N-montero]

I think they're about 1300 lbs in stock form, aren't they? You could probably shave 200-300 lbs of excess weight off the trailer itself. If you load it to the max rating of 1500 lbs then you're looking at a gross weight of 2500-2800 lbs. More than likely a typical maximum cargo load for camping/overlanding would "only" be around 1000 lbs...so 2000-2300 lbs total. Most 4WD vehicles should be able to handle that much weight for normal on/offroad excursions, right?

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Depends on the terrain, but assuming it's a Tahoe or other large/heavy/powerful rig then the chances are it will not be seeing anything extreme and should tow it "okay" on the street and dirt roads.

 

[TacoDell]

not trying to turn you off your path...

There are other M101 builds here... so looking thru those... would be to your advantage... before pulling the plug.

JMO... an M101a is too heavy/bulky for any type of trail work and I'd think to recommend a full sized V8 rig... for dragging that around.

 

[upcountry]

Disagree. My opinion and limited experience with my new M101a2 is that after stripping it down it tows very well behind my v6 tacoma. But, as a disclaimer and clarifier this has been limited to paved roads. I have not experienced it fully loaded or off road. Only limited loads on road. There are some good build examplesout there. See the build by Tropics and by Mark Healey. Both have done excellent jobs rehabbing these beasts.I just love mine because it it's So utilitarian.

 

[koolex11]

Make sure your seller has a title for it. 90% don't. I don't know about Texas, but you want to look into what it takes to get it registered and street legal. It can be a big headache depending on your state's laws.

Best trailer ever made (til the next one came out). Perfect for a V6 as long as the load is light or occasional heavy loads/short distance. Remember the 1500 payload rating is OFF road. Highway rating is 2350 payload, 3650GVW. How many $500 trailers can dump a ton of stone? I have seen guys put 6000 pounds of dirt in them. That is not something you want to do, but they can handle it for a while. I love them. Yes the 416 is probably a better choice for rock-climbing or hard-core adventure, but an 8x6 bed is much more versatile. When you get it home and see how well it is made and start dreaming about all the things you can do with it, you will know you made the right choice. Be careful though, check that trailer over really well. I have bought 3 demilitarized trailers and they all had something wrong. Parts are almost always broken and mismatched. If you want, I can go into more detail. I even have an inspection checklist!

 

[jeep-N-montero]

Always request the title or have the seller apply for a replacement.

 

[koolex11]

When many of these guys buy from Gov't Liquidation, they don't get a title because it costs an extra $75. So they try to sell it and tell you to apply for a "homemade trailer" title. That's the way it is in PA anyway. The only problem is that it's clearly not homemade and the state knows it, plus the process is VERY expensive and time-consuming, and it could be denied. TX might be more relaxed. Worth looking into.

If your seller has a title (NOT a bill of sale) then it is definitely worth $500, assuming everything is in good shape. If he doesn't, then you might want to consider bidding at San Antonio. Long drive but it could be a fun day, especially if you like military toys. Sometimes the M101A2's (don't get an A1) go for cheap. Of course you have to pay $75 for title, and gas/tolls, and a pintle hitch, and magnetic tow lights, and extensioins for the safety chains, or get a flatbed trailer to bring it home....