Project Gryphon M101A3

guts

New member
It seems like you are working very efficiently; however I think you are doubling your work in a few spots by painting then grinding then welding then painting again... Just a thought. I love the trailer. Can't wait till I have the room to build my own!
 

Phoenix

Adventurer
It seems like you are working very efficiently; however I think you are doubling your work in a few spots by painting then grinding then welding then painting again... Just a thought. I love the trailer. Can't wait till I have the room to build my own!

Thank you for the compliment on the trailer and agreed regarding increasing the work.

In my (tongue in cheek) defense, fall in NE USA is no time to leave metal exposed. I might have been able to save some time by just hitting everything with primer and leaving it for the final paint. One of my problems, oh look a squirrel, is that I like to have the trailer ready to go after each modification I finish, and I keep changing things, ohh something shiny. Every modification gives me an idea for the next one.

Going to add a few tie downs today, naturally that will require me to repaint the front of the trailer.....

im·pet·u·ous
imˈpeCH(o͞o)əs/

adjective

acting or done quickly and without thought or care.
"her friend was headstrong and impetuous"
synonyms: impulsive, rash, hasty, overhasty, reckless, heedless, careless, foolhardy, bullheaded, headstrong, incautious, imprudent, injudicious, ill-considered, unthought-out;

More
antonyms: considered, cautious
moving forcefully or rapidly.
"an impetuous but controlled flow of water"
synonyms: torrential, powerful, forceful, vigorous, violent, raging, relentless, uncontrolled;
 

Titanpat57

Expedition Leader
In my (tongue in cheek) defense, fall in NE USA is no time to leave metal exposed. I might have been able to save some time by just hitting everything with primer and leaving it for the final paint. One of my problems, oh look a squirrel, is that I like to have the trailer ready to go after each modification I finish, and I keep changing things, ohh something shiny. Every modification gives me an idea for the next one.

;

welcome to my world...man did I lol...
 

Phoenix

Adventurer
This is currently being resolved by acquiring the EUC from GL.

Once I have that document, titling in PA should be possible.

I'm leaving PA and headed to VT on Thursday, so I wanted to make sure there was a license plate on the back of my trailer.

Just a little CYA
 

Phoenix

Adventurer
Trailer at VTOW&R.jpg

The trailer, tent, and awnings all worked as or better than anticipated on its maiden voyage to Vermont Overland Workshop & Rally.

Used the trailer as base camp. Still have a few things to work out before its ready for a back country adventure. Most likely those things will be leaving a few items at home in order to set up and break down quicker.

We (two people) were able to raise the rack, deploy the tent, and set up the awnings in less than 45 minutes.

Base camp break down, after being there for 3 nights, and excluding washing up after breakfast took about the same. We were taking our time as neither of us were motivated to leave Vermont.
 

Phoenix

Adventurer
Such a cool setup. Well done.

Thanks Adam. The tent was awesome. We kept all the windows zippered up and left the door unzippered but down each night. Amazing how warm it was. When I emerged one morning, there was enough heat trapped in the tent that it looked like exhaling on a cold winter's morning. Headed out for another long weekend in November. Tent and bedding are just sitting here, ready to go.
 

Phoenix

Adventurer
I've gotten a chance to use the trailer on a few trips. I've learned a ton, and have a 5 day trip scheduled for June. So it is time for another phase of mods.

This phase will include weight reduction.

I am now open to the idea of swapping out the 37s on beadlocks to go to 35s that match the Jeep. For the trip in June, my desire is to carry two spare tires, and I'd like those tires to work on my Jeep or trailer. Also, the 37s with the run flats inside them have to weigh ~120 lbs each. Along with the lunette and surge brake being swapped out for a max coupler and ebrakes, I believe can get a few hundred pounds off the trailer.

Does anyone know if there are any builds on here or steel soldiers were someone kept the axle, but swapped out the hubs to ebrakes? I have searched both sites and had no luck.

Would it just be simpler to but a new 3500 lb drop axle with ebrakes?

Does anyone know if there are ways to retain the parking brake setup found on the M101A3 if I buy a new axle?

Can anyone suggest a company that I can call to ask these sorts of questions?
 

dstock

Explorer
Check out my build, I am in the process of doing the same thing, it should be helpful. Sorry on my phone so I can't link it
 

RagnarD

Adventurer
The tires and surge brake are heavy. From my online research, a hub swap is not possible without changing the axle.

Pretty good info in post 3

http://www.steelsoldiers.com/showthread.php?48057-M101-A2-amp-A3-Axle-Spindle-Question

Just order brake backing plates with park levers and you should be able to use the park levers and cables from the trailer with minor mods.

Most people seem to go with a straight axle as ground clearance of the trailer is not less than the tow vehicle.
 
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