M101A1 Trailer build

[Dink74]

Picked it up in January and it towed 100 miles home with no issues at all. All lights worked and the tires are in great shape.

Phase 1 of the build started with teaching myself how to weld using a Millermatic 211 Auto-Set, many hours of YouTube videos and many many practice beads run on steel scraps I could gather.

Phase 2 pictured here was welding the sockets for 4 stabilizing jacks.

Phase 3 will be using the jacks to setup the trailer level and solid so that I have a good base to build a rack, tire carrier, bed cover (still sorting that out) and do and axle swap so it runs on the same wheels and tires as the Jeep.

More updates to come, this lock-down has been the free time I needed to really get the ball rolling.

 

[Ibcoating]

Picking one of these up in the morning, how did the jeep do pulling it i have a 2013 jk

 

[Dink74]

Picking one of these up in the morning, how did the jeep do pulling it i have a 2013 jk

Like it wasn't even behind me. I was shocked how well it towed. I have a 2016 JKU with tow package and a 6 speed manual so your mileage may vary, but I was super impressed with it.

 

[Dink74]

Ordering an axle to do the swap. Found this info online and it looks like the specs are perfect. Doing 5x5 pattern with brakes so the wheels from a Jeep JK will fit with the same tires currently on the JK. Will be able to carry a spare on the Jeep and the trailer.

 

[old_CWO]

I know I am a broken record on this, but before you order your axle you may consider pushing out or narrowing the fenders. It will be an easy job with that snazzy Miller 211.

Having the bed floor with at least 48" between the fenders really changes the capabilities of these trailers. The original 45" is frustrating when trying to get the full potential out of such a big and sturdy trailer.

 

[Dink74]

I know I am a broken record on this, but before you order your axle you may consider pushing out or narrowing the fenders. It will be an easy job with that snazzy Miller 211.

Having the bed floor with at least 48" between the fenders really changes the capabilities of these trailers. The original 45" is frustrating when trying to get the full potential out of such a big and sturdy trailer.

I am happy with the width of the trailer for my planned use. It fits real well behind the Jeep with the Metal Cloak Overland Fenders on it. Will get down fire trails and other mild trails headed to different camping locations.
My fabrication skills have not yet caught up with my design skills so I am honing those making tools to complete other tasks. I am currently building a sheet metal brake out of some some angle iron I picked up from scrap.

 

[MotorMycle]

Where'd you order the stabilizer jacks and mounts from?

 

[Dink74]

Where'd you order the stabilizer jacks and mounts from?

The Jack https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B004QEH1T4/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o06_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
CURT 28358 Weld-On Pipe-Mount Swivel Trailer Jack, 5,000 lbs. 15-1/2 Inches Vertical Travel

Extra socket https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B004QEM7R0/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o06_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
CURT 28932 Replacement Swivel Jack Male Pipe Mount, 5/8-Inch Pin Hole

I used 3/8 plate to make the mounts so I can unbolt them. I also use 3/8 grade 8 hardware with rivnuts.

 

[dstock]

Nice find! It looks like it's in great shape.

I've been pulling mine for a few years now with my 2013 JK, works like a charm. I love that it's not wider than the Jeep especially on narrow trails.

Have fun with the build!

 

[Dink74]

Got some work in the last week or so. Still not pretty but it looks like I got good penetration and should be very solid. Rack will be modular for future expansion. Tent rack will be pinned on for easy removal. I am using 1.25 - .120 wall tube.

 

[Elmo_cecil]

Dude looks sweet. Props on metalcloaked jeep had a tj with them.

 

[Dink74]

Made some major progress over the last few weeks. Tire mount, jack mounts and the rack is assembled. Still lots to go.

 

[Dink74]

While waiting on some parts I got some work done. Rator lined the tub inside and out. Color matched the side panels to my Jeep. Will do the underside and frame when I do the axle swap. Went one real easy. Used 2 gallons of black and 3/4 gallon of tintable.

Ordered Timbren 3500HD setup, just waiting on parts to come in.

 

[Dink74]

Been busy raptor lining all the things. Next step is removing the axle and installing the Timbren 3500HD setup. Going to reinforce the frame with some 2.5 inch .25 wall square tube
Also installing a Jeep JK receiver on the rear with the same 2.5 inch reinforcement that will be tied to the side rails diagonally with some 1.5 inch .1875 wall round tube. Should make it very strong for bouncing down fire roads and trails.

The rack is removable by pulling the 4 hitch pins, will be adapting a Jeep top lift in my new garage to pick it off the trailer when needed.

 

[Fatboyz]

Are you putting a RTT on top of the rack?