Just purchased a Military trailer to build a family hauler

[TexasFJ]

More items for the trailer build today.
I am going with an adjustable receiver on the front of the trailer
I bought a five height receiver channel and a 2 1/2 " lunette and a 2" ball mount.
This will make it road friendly and trail worthy as well.

I also found a seller that will make any size tube receiver you want with a rolled
lip on the end.

The third picture is of the pintle mount with the original Surge lunette unbolted, The landing leg removed and its mount ground off. The channel will mount on the front and be welded at work " Bunting Graphics Ins. Verona Pa. " It's great to work with a shop full of skilled welders and a warehouse full of steel.

Here is what the UPS driver brought today.

Who was the seller for the adjustable ball and lunette? The 2" tube receiver?

Why did you cut off the back of the tongue channel? Weight or ??

Thanks,

 

[Mark Harley]

This was the only 2" ball mount I found listed. New old stock in Florida for $25.00
The others I found are 2 5/16"

Jemstubes is the seller for the receiver tubes. He selles 2" and 1 1/4" tubes in many lengths.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/2-x-5-1-2-r...Parts_Accessories&vxp=mtr&hash=item3a5f201a0f

I cut off the back of the V mount because it was not needed and to save weight.
The landing leg was ground off and sold too.

RandPcarriages is the seller for the channel.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Adjustable-...Parts_Accessories&vxp=mtr&hash=item5195ffa479

I have a lunette with a 3" extention also but don't use often.
It was off ebay.

 

[FAW3]

Thanks for the pointer to "mytarp.com"

Used "mytarp.com" to get a black tarp for my small 3/4T Bantam trailer...based on your experience. Great price, quick shipping and looks great!

I've got to stop reading your thread...too many great ideas and my trailer is not big enough for them all!

Nice work!

 

[Mark Harley]

FAW3

Let's see some pictures of your trailer.

I am happy with my cover, It works great looks good and is easier on and off than the toneauo on my truck.

Thanks for the Nice comments.

Mark Harley

 

[brussum]

Mark,

What kind of paint did you use to paint the frame and body? I was going to have mine done at a shop downtown, but they want $1,000 for just the frame. I've already pressure washed it, so I might just do some prep sanding and then paint it myself. I'm open to any paint recommendations (brand, type, etc.).

Thanks!
John

 

[TexasFJ]

I had a local quote to sand blast mine for around 400.00, getting a few others. Until I actually have it in my hands I won't know just how bad the existing paint is..or how many layers. If it's smooth enough I may pressure wash then take my orbital sander to it a bit, shoot some gray primer then white and black where I want it. Regardless, I'm pulling the bed so I can shoot the frame black. The bed will be white on the sides, black along the bottom square tubing, underneath and wheel wells. I plan on hitting the inside of the bed, sides and over the rail with black bedliner.. probably do it myself for fun using Durabak or Monstaliner.

Since I have a 15 gallon air compressor that I'm not sure will really support a spray gun I may even try my Wagner airless sprayer to see how it does. Otherwise I'll by a spray gun kit from Northern Tool and use it as I've never painted before and want to try it.

 

[Mark Harley]

Painting and assembly

Take the tub off, it makes things so much easier.
Pressure wash the frame and scrape any loose paint.
sand any bad spots and prime. I used krylon gloss black paint in spray cans.
It turned out well and i can always touch it up. 10 cans at 3.49 = $34.90

For the tub I placed it on saw horses and spot sanded any bad spots,
then washed it washed it with Simple Green to degrease it.
The military CARC paint is bad stuff to breath so watch working with it.

I bought a Harbor Freight 9.99 HVLP gun and shot Matthews solvent based paint.
The gun worked well with my little compressor. It does not need high pressure.
I shot several coats and it worked great! any oil based paint can be thinned and sprayed with the gun.
"I tried latex on another project and the gun does not like it."

Having the tub off the frame made everything easier, cleaning, paint, wiring, welding, fab work.
It is heavy together but when it is just the frame it is like pushing a lawn mower.

 

[onelow1ton]

Looks nice Mark

 

[brussum]

Thanks, Mark!

 

[Mark Harley]

Expodition trailer Christmas Parade Float

Our town has a light up night at Christmas.
They have a night parade and the local businesses have specials
and stay open late.

The Oakmont, Pa. Chamber of Commerce has a float contest.
Anyone can enter , Churches, schools, scouts, and families.
So this year the HARLEY family entered a float.

My two girls chose A CHARLIE BROWN CHRISTMAS as the theme.
Many nights of cutting out plywood characters, building a deck for the trailer, Painting and assembly is now complete.

We used our 1990 M101A2 for the build and it worked out great.
For lights I used a Honda generator mounted in place of my tongue box.

Top prize is $200.00 dollars, but I enforced to my girls that we are doing the
float as a family project and although it would be nice to win we are showcasing our talented family.

 

[TRegasaurus]

That is very nicely done. I hope you win the prize.

 

[Pikeman]

Mark,
great job, win or not you and your family have done a fantastic job and your trailer is very nice. You keep proving how utilitarian these M101's can be.

 

[highlandercj-7]

That is awesome Mark!

 

[TexasFJ]

What a beautiful family and a great project that I know your girls will always remember. Good job!

Just noticed, you even decorated the truck!

 

[SWITAWI]

Candy cane truck wheels and Snoopy's doghouse ******. Way to go, Harley family!