M101CDN Trailer mods

[jeffryscott]

trailer availability ...

so, does anybody have good ideas of where (close to Arizona) one can find the military surplus trailers? I'm not in the market now, but would be very interested down the road to do something similar to this.

Thanks,

Jeff

 

[Scenic WonderRunner]

The only good source I've found is this one..........but I don't think they are very close.

http://www.futurelogistics.ca/AftermarketSales.html


Maybe they can help you find a local dealer.

 

[BajaXplorer]

You might want to ask here:
http://autos.groups.yahoo.com/group/M101CDN/
BX

 

[lowenbrau]

Very nice lid. Mine is super temporary, just housing the tent until my expedition rig is rolling. I took more than a few hints from Henry's trailer which I have coveted for many years.

 

[PCRover]

Nice trailer, looks like you did a spring over? What is your expedition rig going to be, anohter trailer or a truck or such?

How is towing the trailer with the tent on it, do you notice a high center of gravity?

 

[lowenbrau]

I can't comment on towing yet. I just did the springover this weekend. I'm hoping that the fact that it got 12" wider will counter the fact that it got 8" taller. I'll report back after this weekend's trip.

 

[PCRover]

I can't comment on towing yet. I just did the springover this weekend. I'm hoping that the fact that it got 12" wider will counter the fact that it got 8" taller. I'll report back after this weekend's trip.

How did the weekend trailer towing go?

 

[OverlandZJ]

How are you guys (without tailgates cut in) accessing the cargo box with tent opened/setup?

Are you folding the tent back up? Does the lid/struts hold the tent weight up?

Im the type that would routinely be into the trailer pulling something i'd need, then back in to return it to storage. I also put away all my gear before turning in at night. I just dont see frequent access to the carge area an easy chore.

 

[BajaXplorer]

I have just been finishing the lid for my trailer and am waiting for delivery of the tent, but I can answer your question. The lid in my case is hinged on the same side of trailer as the passenger side of vehicle. The tent folds out to that side as well. The gas struts can lift the tent/lid weight with the tent closed and hold the lid open. When tent is deployed it can open it easier because a good portion of the tent weight is hanging over the opposite side from trailer opening (leverage). The tent does not extend out so far as to bottom on the ground with the lid open.
I'm sure others will chime in here and tell similar procedure.
Design of my setup is credited to Gary, PCRover.
BX

 

[Grouseman]

Great Thread

Which way did you guys hinge your lids and why? I definately have to hinge to one side or the other and I will have a tent fold out to one side. What are the advantages of put the hinge on the passenger side?

 

[OverlandZJ]

When tent is deployed it can open it easier because a good portion of the tent weight is hanging over the opposite side from trailer opening (leverage). The tent does not extend out so far as to bottom on the ground with the lid open.

BX

Good Point, i hadnt thought about the weight being on the backside of the hinge.

 

[PCRover]

BX explained the access issue well with regard to tops that open from one side. I am still considering adding a tailgate to my trailer but will not make that decision until I take a few more trips with it and figure out how I want everything to work. My tent opens to the passenger side due to the trailer top opening from the drivers side allowing for quick access by the driver if needed. I sized the struts to handle the weight of the trailer top and the tent. Works great so far...

 

[Grouseman]

Rover,

Great explanation.

SS

 

[PCRover]

I could use some guidance on water storage tanks. Originally the plan was to mount one under the trailer between the frame but I am having second thoughts on it. The negatives are building up as I get further into the concept. Hard to mount securely without major fab work, needs a steel guard plate, hard to plumb into and out of it, so I am looking at other options.

The tounge on my M101 is really a bit to short to mount a tank there like the Advernture Tailers have so the only other spot would be in the bed itself. I see only one option there, that is a vertical tank at the front of the bed area. This would alow easy access and plumbing and be protected well. It would take up a significant amount of storage space though. It might also eliminate my original concept of the trailer being multipurpose by shortenig the bed and limiting the carrying space available.

Right now I am leaning toward dedicating the trailer to Adventure use only and using a bed mounted tank. This would certainly open up a bunch more custom modification possibilities.

Comments?

 

[BajaXplorer]

Gary,
I have also been thinking about a solution to carrying water that takes up less floor space than my current 5 gallon water carriers. Considering this type tank vertically mounted inside the front of trailer box. It would provide 19 gal of water but the price is pretty steep.
Then there is the problem of how you obtain the water from the tank. It could be a gravity flow if a tap were mounted low through the side, but that creates a bunch of new problems. Maybe a manual hand pump that mounts on top, but it would be tedious getting much water from it. A 12v pump perhaps, but then there is the power requirement. A siphon?...
Obviously, I have not resolved how to do it, but I have been thinking about it.
As far as your trailer still being multi-purpose, the tank could be held in place by gravity and a couple of small flanges on the side walls to restrict movement. The empty tank could easily be lifted out when necessary, or for cleaning.
BX