M101 CDN Modifications

[85CUCV]

I picked up a M101 CDN a couple of years ago and decided I wanted a longer wheelbase a receiver hitch for a Thule bike rack. I also wanted an external area to transport watercans. I thought I'd post the approach I've taken for others interested. I just got the frame I fabricated and tub back from the sandblaster. I removed all of the suspension hardware from the tub and will mount the tub to the new frame similiar to the M416. For those who do not know the CDN 101 is sort of a Unibody design while the M416 tub over frame design.



I opted to keep my military pintle hitch. I used the assembly in my design.

 

[85CUCV]

I gunned CARC tan on the frame yesterday and if it stops raining I'm going to do the same on the tub. I plan on using Herculiner on the inside of the tub. Debating on Herculining the inner fenders. The tub had some bad rust in the inner fender area.

After much thinking I've decided have a fitted tarp made from some new military #8 OD canvas I found cheap.

 

[greentruck]

Looks to be an interesting build. I've often thought that the M101 CDN could use the extra length, too. I'm planning on just rebuilding the tongue/drawbar assembly, so will be looking at what you do, which promises considerably more capacity.

 

[85CUCV]

I just picked up my CDN 101 from the canvas shop. I had a fitted canvas top sewn for the tub and a cover for five watercans. All that is left is to finish my wiring and finish paint and Herculiner. I think I'm also going to order some rubber strips to place between the tub and frame.

 

[VanIsle_Greg]

Looks great.

I like the extended length and the added cargo space. I am also digging the wheel/tire combo, basically what I will be putting on mine to match my XJ.

Nice work.

 

[85CUCV]

GregB
Thanks. I'm ready to get it in the field. Towing it with the WJ it tracks great and turns within the WJ's turning radius. Even empty I rarely have pintle noise. I tried to compromise with the tongue length to keep the turning radius down and having outside can storage. I think it will work fine for my use. I would not want it any longer.

I'll develop a load plan with the tongue on a scale to get it balance out for travel. I figure I'll try to keep the tongue weight around 275-300lbs.

Dan

 

[VanIsle_Greg]

Good call... on the weight distribution that is.

My M101 CDN2 is getting a lid, a receiver hitch in the rear, and some basics. Nothing over the top as it will be a combo utility trailer, weekender, mountain bike hauler etc. One weekend hauling leaves and yard waste to the composter, the next weekend road trip for Mountain Biking etc.

Looking forward to seeing this build documented...more pics!!

 

[New Horizons Overland]

Very nice looking trailer. I hope you dont mind if I steal your design. I should be picking up my own CDN M101 this weekend. I finally found one! Could you post some more pictures of all sides of the trailer and one without the covers on your cans? Also, what size wheels/tires did you go with. Thanks again!

 

[85CUCV]

I finished Herculing the tub. Took three coats. Working on a load plan. I've tried to keep this simple. I'd like a RTT, but with the size of the family we decided to go with a Springbar Vagabond 7. Hopefully some action shots soon.....

uscggm,
Thanks,
I don't think I had an original idea building this trailer. Most I took from what other guys have done on here.

Here are the pictures you requested of the water cans;




Additional;
Trailer sits level on my CUCV. I could move the lunnette to the lower setting on the WJ. You can see a gap in areas between the CDN 101 tub and the frame I fabbed. I picked up some .25" by 1.5" adhesive rubber to place the bed on. You got to like McMaster-Carr.

Under view of receiver hitch.


This might make the Land Rover guys alittle sick;

 

[85CUCV]

uscggm,

I forgot,
Tires are 265 75 R16. I plan to change the hubs to a 6x5.5 in the future so the spare matches my CUCV. The axle hubs are 5x5.25 (I think) which does not match the WJ either. I think they are the same as an XJ.

 

[JeepFreak21]

uscggm,

I forgot,
Tires are 265 75 R16. I plan to change the hubs to a 6x5.5 in the future so the spare matches my CUCV. The axle hubs are 5x5.25 (I think) which does not match the WJ either. I think they are the same as an XJ.

XJs are 5 on 4.5"
Billy

 

[Feileod]

They are the same lug pattern as the Iltis and several VW vehicles.

 

[New Horizons Overland]

Thanks your for posting the new pictures. Are those the original fenders? They look just a little wider. Thanks again

 

[Mark Harley]

Your trailer looks awesome! I like the custom cover, I want one for my M101A2.
Keep the pictures coming.

Mark Harley

 

[85CUCV]

Thanks for the help with the hubs guys. I really need to convert it to something more suitable. This will work for now. The previous owner put the 3" Dexter axle under the stock trailer. I cut off the spring perches and relocated to fit the new frame properly.

uscggm,
I had the fenders bent last summer to cover the tires. IIRC they are 16 gauge. I know very few guys run mud flaps, but I wanted to keep rocks from hitting the bikes and windshields.

Mark,
I found the surplus canvas fabric at Sportsmans Guide (#8 OD). I had a local shop sew the covers from it. I cannot find it on their webpage anymore.