M1101 trailer modification
- Thread starter Gasterp09
- Start date
It took some time for me to find shop space to do the work, but it’s finally progressing.
I want to share my experience for anyone thinking of going down this path in the hope that it can save time and money and possible show what you can expect with regard to results.
Some background; My tow vehicle is a 2017 JKUR (max tow capacity 3500lbs). I wanted an aluminum trailer (lighter and less corrosion) that I could convert into an overlanding platform and make upgrades/modifications as my resources would allow. Basic planned configuration was rooftop tent on top of a rack secured to the trailer with the existing rivnuts and a weather tight tongue box for future electrics etc.
I decided on the M1101/1102 trailer and found a local fabricator that could do the major modifications to the trailer.
After towing the trailer in its stock configuration for a bit I decided to change a few things;
1. I wanted it to be the same width (or slightly smaller) than the Jeep. This is the major mod to the trailer.
2. I wanted to swap the suspension for an axle-less suspension. I went with a Timbren 2200lb suspension with long spindles and 4”lift (more on this later)
3. I wanted a three axis hitch on an extended tongue and electric brakes, and I went with dexter hubs that fit the suspension but also allowed me to run the same wheels/tires as the Jeep.
On Point Fabrication is an outfit I met at the All Breeds Jeep Show in Carlisle PA. The welds on their trailers looked really nice which is what led me to start a conversation about my project. After talking with Owen Forry about what I needed, we had a plan and I handed the trailer over to Owen for the modification (welding aluminum is not a skill I possess). You can see the results in the pics. He took out 10” to leave the trailer with an overall width of 79.5” (roughly same as the jeep including rear view mirrors). The beads were clean and the box was square when finished (that was a pretty nice piece of work).
Next post will cover fabrication of a frame to fit a tonneau cover the bed and associated modifications to the trailer to fit said tonneau cover and fabrication of the rack.
I want to share my experience for anyone thinking of going down this path in the hope that it can save time and money and possible show what you can expect with regard to results.
Some background; My tow vehicle is a 2017 JKUR (max tow capacity 3500lbs). I wanted an aluminum trailer (lighter and less corrosion) that I could convert into an overlanding platform and make upgrades/modifications as my resources would allow. Basic planned configuration was rooftop tent on top of a rack secured to the trailer with the existing rivnuts and a weather tight tongue box for future electrics etc.
I decided on the M1101/1102 trailer and found a local fabricator that could do the major modifications to the trailer.
After towing the trailer in its stock configuration for a bit I decided to change a few things;
1. I wanted it to be the same width (or slightly smaller) than the Jeep. This is the major mod to the trailer.
2. I wanted to swap the suspension for an axle-less suspension. I went with a Timbren 2200lb suspension with long spindles and 4”lift (more on this later)
3. I wanted a three axis hitch on an extended tongue and electric brakes, and I went with dexter hubs that fit the suspension but also allowed me to run the same wheels/tires as the Jeep.
On Point Fabrication is an outfit I met at the All Breeds Jeep Show in Carlisle PA. The welds on their trailers looked really nice which is what led me to start a conversation about my project. After talking with Owen Forry about what I needed, we had a plan and I handed the trailer over to Owen for the modification (welding aluminum is not a skill I possess). You can see the results in the pics. He took out 10” to leave the trailer with an overall width of 79.5” (roughly same as the jeep including rear view mirrors). The beads were clean and the box was square when finished (that was a pretty nice piece of work).
Next post will cover fabrication of a frame to fit a tonneau cover the bed and associated modifications to the trailer to fit said tonneau cover and fabrication of the rack.
Last edited: