M105 with a Fullsize Truck

[Wh1t3nukle]

Hello,

I've got some queries regarding M105 trailer. This one has an M51 Shelter Kit. Very cool concept, but impractical for a family to use, or a minimalist one for that matter. I'm really not considering keeping the kit and will look for ways to part out to others. Feel free to provide tips/direction/concerns on that.

My thoughts are to swap out axle/wheels/tires completely, change out the tongue landing gear, change to civi electrical harness, and repaint. New axle with electric brakes and 8-lug wheel setup. Would it be reasonable to do this on a budget of $1000?

Where are the buyers interested in the axle/wheels?

If you can't see my sig, then my rig is a Dodge gas quad cab truck on 37s (5.13 ratio) all 1-ton running gear. Target use is more utility and open camping, not on moderate/difficult trails.

Thanks for looking.

 

[tarditi]

There may be a market for take-offs (look to military vehicle forums or ebay/craigslist, etc.), but they are pretty plentiful right now. As for the budget, if you go with new equipment, wheels and tires alone will take up a lot of your $1000, let alone axles and hubs. If you go that route, may as well get a bolt pattern and wheel/tire combo to match your tow vehicle for simplicity's sake.

Entirely do-able, though

 

[Mark Harley]

Scrap prices are way down. The axle air brake system and wheels can be sold on craigslist or Steel soldiers.
There are a couple axle swap blogs on MUD. The new axle and wheels should not cost a lot if you are thrifty and shop around.
Post some pictures of your combo.

 

[Scrapdaddy]

Do you already own the 105? They are big and heavy. I've got both the 105 and 101 trailers. I don't know if you would find too many buyers for the 105 parts, maybe on Steel Soldiers. The frame is over kill for any thing you could want it for. If you need the bed space, then go for it and just scrap what you don't need. Here's a picture of my old one ton with two 105s.

 

[Wh1t3nukle]

Thanks for the comments fellas. I realize there is risk here and looking to minimize where possible. It's not in my hands....yet. Here is a pic off the net of what the setup shelter kit looks like. The system takes up the entire space.

Everything is packaged up on the trailer itself and somewhat decent condition from visual inspection. Alot of stuff to yank as parts of the 20hp engine are integrated with the bed.

Agreed on price of swap axle/wheels can take most of that pot. I'd put most of the $$ on the axle/brakes. Matching 8lug steel wheels and starter tires...

I'll check out axle swaps people have done. Currently awaiting the confirmation of the SF97 form for titling with DMV.

 

[Wh1t3nukle]

Ron....that is just beastly with dual 105s!!

Do you think people would want an extra landing gear? I'd like to shed that puppy.

 

[Tennmogger]

I recently scraped an m51 Chemical Biological shelter on an M105. The one I got was rusty beyond use. If you look at the bed closely, it is really chopped up. Major panels are missing and it is full of holes. Engine mounts are welded to the bed of the trailer.

Your need seems to be the bed, scrapping everything else. I thing you are going to be very disappointed.

If you are set on using an M105 bed, maybe look for a better one? Be aware though that those beds are in demand as replacements for "bobbed" Deuces. That process leaves an orphan chassis so market is somewhat saturated with M105 takeoff parts.

You might consider selling the M51 trailer to a Mil collector and pick up a better M105.

Probably not what you want to hear though.

Bob

 

[Wh1t3nukle]

I am definitely appreciative of your input there Bob. That is the kind of info I'm looking for and right does affect that "picture" of how things go....right? haha

I am able to replace said holes. It's a good way to lighten the dry weight down from 2700 lbs.

If you have any picture to share of what you did, then I'd really like to see. PM incoming.

Thanks!

 

[Scrapdaddy]

Other than Military collectors, I would think everybody else with a 105 landing gear recycled it. They are heavy and could be down right hurtful. I keep mine well oiled and greased. If you were closer, I'd sell you one of my 105s