PPansini10's M101 CDN2 Overland Trailer Build

[PPansini10]

This will be my first thread here on the portal, but I'm a long time viewer and have learned so much from here. I have a build thread already for this trailer here: https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/ppansini10s-m101-cdn2-overland-trailer-build.437106/ but since I bought the trailer from an expo member and its a true overland build, I really wanted to share it here too. Eventually I'll get my truck build on here too!

Heres the specs on the trailer when I bought it:
1992 M101 CDN2 1/4 ton military trailer
3500lb axle w/ SUA leaf spring setup
Lever-activated Hydraulic parking brakes
Original weather-proof canvas cover
Custom tailgate by previous owner
24v to 12v electrical conversion
Recessed waterproof LED tail lights
Rear 2in receiver

Work done/to be done by me:
Complete teardown of trailer
3500lb replacement axle w/ matching Toyota hubs
SOA leaf spring setup
New shocks
Weld new extended tongue
Max coupler
33in tires with 17in FJ steelies
Telescoping rack system for RTT and awning
Tongue Box w/battery
Solar power
Professionally sandblasted and painted
And whatever else I can think of

Pics of when I brought it home:









A picture of the truck that'll be towing it:

 

[PPansini10]

First was the tear down.. Virtually everything was taken off except the leaf springs at this point. I wasn't sure if I was going to replace them but eventually decided that it would be a good idea to ahead and remove them and replace them with a new set.











Slowly but surely, the replacement parts starting arriving. New-to-me tires (used from a friend of mine), axle, FJ steelies, and shocks from NAPA. Welded on the new axles seats and then switched the suspension from SUA to SOA to see how I would like it. Still have the stock springs on here, but wanted to get a visual on the SOA setup before committing:

 

[PPansini10]

Next, I decided to change out the leaf springs. The new ones I ordered are made for a 1940s era Jeep Willys, which is pretty neat being that they are the exact same size from end to end. The are however, a bit thinner, so I ended up buying some new hangers and welding them to the trailer. After a lot of heat, drilling, grease, and a mess the leafs were finally out:

 

[PPansini10]

After the new parts were on (minus the shocks) I decided to take the trailer out for a little shakedown run. The pintle setup worked okay, but the banging sound from the hitch was too much to handle for me so I decided to order the max coupler shortly after. Was very happy with the trailer's performance though:

 

[PPansini10]

Next was mounting up the new shocks and "refurbishing" the reflectors. They're one of my favorite parts on the trailer. Also got the max coupler in the mail too and picked up the steel I needed to make the new tongue and rack.

 

[PPansini10]

Now started the fabrication process. The extended tongue is up first. I used 3/16" rec. tube steel. First i cut off the little tabs on both sides of the trailer, then started to cut out my pieces and lay everything out. Got the receiver hitch in the mail as well. When it was all said and done, the tongue came out a bit longer then what I visioned. I must have done some math wrong when planning everything out, but the space will be used. I plan on putting a tongue box up front, and maybe a cooler or a smaller box as well. As far as weight distribution, I think I'll be okay with the gear, tent, awning, rack, and possibly spare and tire gate all over the tub and in the back but we'll see i the end when its all finished. I'm really happy with the angle I'm able to achieve when backing up the trailer. This will help greatly if I ever need to turn around in a tight spot.

 

[JKChad]

Great work so far! Interested in what route your going with your RTT rack. I'm dropping my trailer off next week to have an adjustable rack built for my RTT. Good luck with your build!

 

[PPansini10]

Great work so far! Interested in what route your going with your RTT rack. I'm dropping my trailer off next week to have an adjustable rack built for my RTT. Good luck with your build!

Thanks, I'm actually just finishing up the rack today. I'm playing catchup with the pics on this new thread but I'll try to get them uploaded here tonight if I can stay up any longer. The rack started here, with some steps i guess you call them. I originally was going to fab up all new fenders but after finishing all 4 corners and mocking up the stock fenders, I liked the way it looked. I could always add on down the road if I find is necessary. After I finished those, I made my rack and then mocked it up to the trailer tub to make sure everything would fit right. After that, I tacked, then welded 1.75in legs to the steps, and then mocked up again. Lastly, was cutting up 1.5in legs that would be welded to the rack, and then slide down the larger legs, allowing me to lift the tent when camping, and lowering when traveling and storing in my garage.

 

[PPansini10]

After I was finished welding the rack, I ordered some gas struts that will assist in lifting the rack when camped. While waiting on those to arrive, I boxed in all my open steel on the trailer. Then it was time for a test fit to make sure everything cleared the garage and that i didn't have to make anymore modifications. Super pumped seeing everything up and mounted. I welded on the CVT awning brackets to the rack and bolting it in. Threw the tent on top and just like that, it was all coming together.

 

[PPansini10]

This is where I'm at so far with the trailer. Got my struts and my landing leg in the mail. The leg I was able to weld up right away, and I can't believe I've made it this far without having one yet. Before installing my struts, I needed to make some tabs to weld onto the rack, then drill holes to be able to mount up the struts and also give them something to lift the rack by. After installing in my garage, I gave the rack a lift, and I'm very impressed at the height of the rack when fully lifted up. I gained about 3.5 inches of height when the rack is fully lowered because of my placement on the tabs, but the tent and awning still cleared the garage, and I wanted my placement of the tabs to allow the tallest rack i could get when camped. I didn't get a chance to get a picture of the tent and awning up on the rack when lifted, but did when lowered. Next is gonna be drilling some more holes in the rack so I can set some pins at the lowest and highest settings to keep everything locked in place.

 

[SoDakSooner]

Looks great. Giving me lots of ideas for My US m101...

 

[PPansini10]

Looks great. Giving me lots of ideas for My US m101...

Thanks! Im happy to finally get the build up on here

 

[PPansini10]

Some small updates on the trailer. Bought and installed some pop pins for the rack. I'm really happy with how they came out and it makes locking the rack in place much easier. I do think I'm gonna need to buy some beefier struts though to lift the rack easier. I also bought a small hitch receiver and welded it onto the tongue. This will house the coolest trailer mod yet.... The bumper dumper

 

[PPansini10]

Got the trailer all put back together, hopefully only 1 or 2 more teardown left for paint, but I want to take it out on a short trip to make sure theres no other mods or major changes I have to make. I also needed to make a real license plate mount so I knocked that out today with some steel flat bar I had laying around. Came out good, and I added that little overhang in order to mount a small LED strip for nighttime driving and to make it NJ complaint.
Piece I started with:

Cut up:

Mocked up:


Welded up and then welded to the trailer:


Drilled holes and attached:

And boom finito:

 

[PPansini10]

Also decided to wire up the brake lights and take the trailer out for a quick spin. This was the first time towing it with everything set up and it towed great. Very excited to get it rolling and put to use soon!