Dstock's M101A1 build... or the reality, I needed a new project!

[Velociraptor_TJ]

What did that diamondback run?


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[dstock]

What did that diamondback run?


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Roughly $1450 plus shipping. Pricey but very well made and they have great customer service. I had lots of questions over the course of a month and they responded quickly and thoroughly to all of them.

 

[Velociraptor_TJ]

Which model did you get or did you tell them the trailer 6x8? I think I am going this route. After some debate I don't know if I like the water tank under neath and will probably mount it in the trailer.

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[dstock]

Which model did you get or did you tell them the trailer 6x8? I think I am going this route. After some debate I don't know if I like the water tank under neath and will probably mount it in the trailer.

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They actually have a model specific to the M101 trailers. I have to double check but I think it's called M101A3-SLEX. Regardless, they will have you fill out a measurement sheet. Shoot Jordan at Diamondback an email and he will get you set up. jsmith@diamondbackcovers.com

I'm working on an thread update but we are in the process of moving, just haven't had the time but loving the cover so far!

 

[dstock]

Diamond Back update

I'm a bit buried at the moment but wanted to give an update on the Diamondback install and put up a few more pics.

I'm loving it so far, very happy with the purchase. Here are some things I ran into on the install. They are not issues just install notes for those with elevating RTT racks similar to mine.

-I chose not to use the clamps that came with the cover for the installation of the center section. Whenever making any mods to my trailer I ask one question, "would this survive the washboard roads of Death Valley?" If there is any doubt, I go the over-engineered route instead just for my own piece of mind. That being said, I decided to just bolt the center section to the bed rails, I have no need to remove the cover regularly which due to the RTT rack would be more difficult (more on this later). I ran the bolts up through the bed rails and put nylon locknuts on the inside. It is very secure and the bolts can't easily be removed without a wrench on the inside.

-To mount the front and rear access panels, they slide on to the hinges when the panel is at 90 degrees to the bed. Due to the RTT Rack, my panels can't go to a full 90 with the rack installed so to install them I chose to unbolt one side of the hinge, put the panel in place, and then bolt it up.

-Since I can't get the panels at their fully open position, I had to use a ratchet strap to compress the lift struts to be able to install them. One side snaps on first and the other has a little lever to lock/unlock them from the pivot point should you need to remove them.

Here are a few pics:

With the rack not fully in the upright position:

Like others on here, I had to space out the front lid locking mechanism so it wouldn't hit the angle iron I installed to catch the locking rod and so that the rods don't fall out of the their holders:

Angle iron (sorry bad pic)

Spacers on lid mechanism:

For the rear, I just drilled holes in the bed wall where the stake pockets are to use instead of installing angle iron. Since the hole is in the pocket, it doesn't go through to the outside:

And that's pretty much it! All in all I love this thing, it's very well thought out, the plastic bedliner coating seems quite thick and doesn't get as hot as painted metal in the sun and I love the fact that it will keep everything locked up and dust free. Without the tarp as a cover, I can actually see what's behind me now from my rear view mirror which is an added bonus.

One more for the road:

 

[Egan70]

I'm a bit buried at the moment but wanted to give an update on the Diamondback install and put up a few more pics.

I'm loving it so far, very happy with the purchase. Here are some things I ran into on the install. They are not issues just install notes for those with elevating RTT racks similar to mine.

-I chose not to use the clamps that came with the cover for the installation of the center section. Whenever making any mods to my trailer I ask one question, "would this survive the washboard roads of Death Valley?" If there is any doubt, I go the over-engineered route instead just for my own piece of mind. That being said, I decided to just bold the center section to the bed rails, I have no need to remove the cover regularly which due to the RTT rack would be more difficult (more on this later). I ran the bolts up through the bed rails and put nylon locknuts on the inside. It is very secure and the bolts can't easily be removed without a wrench on the inside.

-To mount the front and rear access panels, they slide on to the hinges when the panel is at 90 degrees to the bed. Due to the RTT Rack, my panels can't go to a full 90 with the rack installed so to install them I chose to unbolt one side of the hinge, put the panel in place, and then bolt it up.

-Since I can't get the panels at their fully open position, I had to use a ratchet strap to compress the lift struts to be able to install them. One side snaps on first and the other has a little lever to lock/unlock them from the pivot point should you need to remove them.

Great job. I'd love to see some pics of what you did to the center section when you get time. I've never been happy with mine and will happily steal a better idea.

 

[shack]

Trailer is looking great!

 

[dstock]

Great job. I'd love to see some pics of what you did to the center section when you get time. I've never been happy with mine and will happily steal a better idea.

I try to get some pics for you..going to be a little bit a bit buried at the moment.

Trailer is looking great!

Thanks!

 

[realwarrior]

i'm absolutely loving your build. Thanks for sharing.

 

[realwarrior]

Great job. I'd love to see some pics of what you did to the center section when you get time. I've never been happy with mine and will happily steal a better idea.

I'm just thinking out loud but that middle section would be a great place to add onboard water.

 

[dstock]

Thanks for kind words, it's been fun documenting the build.

I thought about doing the water storage in the bed, but I like having the option of using the trailer for moving large items. I think I'm going to go above the axle with a tank to keep the weight low.


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[sabues]

Thanks for kind words, it's been fun documenting the build.

I thought about doing the water storage in the bed, but I like having the option of using the trailer for moving large items. I think I'm going to go above the axle with a tank to keep the weight low.


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Thank you so much for sharing your build! I look forward to see what you'll do about the water tank. Water tank and heater is my next step on a similar project. I have a modified (shortened) M101 version, and I wanted the water tank underneath between the bed and the axle towards the end of the trailer for weight balance.

Good luck!

 

[Mark Harley]

Just make the tank and pump on a cradle that is removable. I used footman's loops to hold everything down.
Works well so far.

 

[sabues]

That is a clean and simple setup! I was thinking on a more permanent setup, after much mental gymnastics, I've decided to place the tank inside the trailer (not underneath) towards the front. This is because I don't have easy access to the back of the trailer due to the fixed RTT rack and the trailer cover. The space underneath is not big enough for a normal tank and I'm not spending the money of a custom tank. So basically I'm going against my initial plan

 

[dstock]

Just make the tank and pump on a cradle that is removable. I used footman's loops to hold everything down.
Works well so far.

Very clean install Mark, but no way I could give up that much room in the bed, it would seriously affect our ability to glamp!!! :sombrero: