My new toy, 1968 CASE MASTER M101A1

[familyof7]

Well let me start with, I am sorry. I am aware there are about a thousand of these build threads on the forums already!
This is more of a build/communal trouble shooting/brainstorming post.
Here is what I am starting with, a very clean M101A1. I have attached the link to the auction if you interested in seeing it as the “before”

http://www.govplanet.com/for-sale/Trailers-Utility-1968-Case-Master-Body-M101A1-Cargo-Trailer-California/785697?h=5000%2Csm%7C1%2Ck%7Cm101a1%2Csort%7Cad+desc%2Cmf%7C1&rr=0.25&hitprm=&pnLink=yes

The goal is to have a family wheeling basecamp type trailer. I have 5 kids between 12 years and 6 months. So having a trailer that can haul water, food, and gear is prime. A vehicle tent, some awnings, maybe a pullout kitchen. I am looking to take the kids on the old wagon trails out here in the Dessert southwest. I am based out of Yuma, AZ.

The knowns for right now is: axle swap, replace military axle with 3500# e-brakes Dexter w/5 on 5 to match the tow rig(Jeep JKU); repair the rear most cross member (somebody cut a portion out); media blast and repaint (CARC is a nasty lead based coating).
The things to get figured out is a power system, water supply, food storage (yeti type cooler or 12v DC), Roof top tent (which brand, size, accessories)

This will be an ongoing build/brainstorm so I thank everyone in advance for your inputs and your checking in on my progress as I post.

 

[tarditi]

You're towing it with a JKU, I assume? It's a big trailer, but will lighten up a bit as you take things off of it.

 

[familyof7]

Yes behind the JK, it's listed at 1350 dry. I figured the axle/wheels can save me maybe 150# ish by going to a commercial option. And I took the panels and bows off to clean it up, that seems to actually be heavy so I assume another 50/60# there when I fab up the cover I intend on thin(ish) wall tube and sheeting it with Aluminum vs Steel. All the accessories I am considering are either aluminum or poly structure if possible.

 

[screwball48]

What style cover are you planning on? Flat with the top of the tub or raised above the top. There have been quite a few I have seen where the owner was able to use either a tonneau cover or camper top from standard pickup trucks.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

 

[familyof7]

What style cover are you planning on? Flat with the top of the tub or raised above the top. There have been quite a few I have seen where the owner was able to use either a tonneau cover or camper top from standard pickup trucks.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

I am looking to build/buy something similiar to what parapyropig`s build has. that was honestly the build that got the ball rolling for me, until i saw his build i was still debating to build or modify.

 

[EmersonHart13]

Just leave the CARC there. That is what I am doing.

 

[familyof7]

I thought about that, but there is some sheet metal the needs to be straightened due to the wrath of Private Schmucatelli. Plus there is a lot of chipping already. So I figure respirator and a HEPA vacuum wire wheel it off then primer. Then I am thinking some bed liner on the inside. Possibly silver metallic on the outside to match Jeep.

 

[familyof7]

I am starting the planning process for axles. Has anyone used hydraulic rotor/caliper systems? I am thinking going this route because they have more stopping power then drums. Any thoughts? Experiences?

 

[Mark Harley]

Here are two great builds.....

http://www.expeditionportal.com/for...d-a-Military-trailer-to-build-a-family-hauler

http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/threads/117096-1953-M101A1-RESURRECTION

 

[familyof7]

Thank you. Both very nice builds. I will for sure star those for later.

 

[familyof7]

So decided on raptor liner to coat the trailer.

Talked it over with Dexter axle and have figured out best route with axle replacement. Heavy wall 3in tube with 5on5 hubs steel wheel tire combo has no fitment issues.

Have a good lead on a reading cap to make it an enclosed space.

Now to figure out the overall ideas for: food storage, water, power, sleeping arrangements, propane for hot water and cooking.

Anyone have good ideas on the above subjects.

I am thinking interior and exterior lights. Ports to charge cameras, other small devices. An inverter for 120 devices.

Water I am thinking of an RV tank that fits over axle and holds enough for family to drink and wash for 3-4 days at a time. Insulated and recirculating pump to keep it fluid.

For foos storage I think it would be a small/medium 12v chest fridge/freezer and build a practical cupboard for some canned/dry goods.

Propane is pretty straight forward either BBQ size bottle or a RV horizontal tank.

Power a series of either AGM or Li-ion batteries with solar (possibly wind think sail boat turbine) all mounted in a tongue box as send to be the standard design.

 

[familyof7]

I was reading the reviews of a few turbines. And the more I look the more of a novelty they seem. The solar makes sense, but wind now on the move.

Is that water heater a in demand or a 5/10 gal Rv style?

 

[US CAV SCOUT]

These trailers are great DIY projects, pretty simple. I am doing one now that I will try to put a post up for.

took it all apart, rust abatement completed, rewired the entire trailer and added running lights, primed and painting this week. Had the tongue extended and set it up to take mult platforms for either max coupler or ball. Adding a tongue box and jerry can holders. It came with hoops and a cover, modifying that to act like a lower cover and be hinged at the hitch end and raise up with sleeping area in there.

good luck and have fun