New M101A2 in Pearland, TX

[westhomas]

Bought this off of craigslist in the greater Houston area a couple weeks back. Thought I'd say hi and introduce myself.

I'm going through the gov't hoops to try and get this thing registered. So far I've done my inspection with the local auto theft division and next up is trying to get a VIN.

 

[harleyhouse]

Nice what are the plans?

 

[K9Vic]

Welcome, nice trailer!!

You do not need a VIN in Texas, register it as a home made trailer and use the Serial Number on the data plate and manufacture company with model year. I have titled multiple M101A2 trailers with just that information in Texas. There is no need to waste time and money trying to get a SF97 from Uncle Sam when it is not needed here in Texas.

 

[Tinwoodsman]

Roger that. Don't waste money on an SF-97. TXDOT would not even look at mine and just registered it with the Bill of Sale.

 

[westhomas]

Hmmm... sounds like I was talking to the wrong guy at the local title office!

Ok, try #2: register it as a utility trailer. Will do! Thanks!

 

[westhomas]

Nice what are the plans?

Camping, long distance hauling, etc. We were running out of room with our huge dog and two boys. Figured this was a good start.

I'd love for it to look like the attached pic eventually. Do you know who's this is?

 

[westhomas]

Wheel Adapter 8650-6550A Wheel Adapters

Anyone have any experience with these?

 

[K9Vic]

Hmmm... sounds like I was talking to the wrong guy at the local title office!

Ok, try #2: register it as a utility trailer. Will do! Thanks!

Yes you were talking to the wrong guy. If anyone in these rural areas of Texas have questions about titling vehicles/trailers, ALWAYS call Austin or the main city office in like Dallas/Fort worth or Houston. I had a friend almost get screwed out of a few hundred dollars because the small county tax office did not understand state laws on auction vehicles that tax if what you pay, not presumptive value. He got it fixed as I told him to call the Comptrollers office and they educated that small county tax office of their error. He did get a refund on the difference, so it worked out in the end.

The M101 is a utility trailer, not cargo trailer. You will likely need to take a picture of it with you for them to see. Make sure you have the tarp off or up so they can see it is not enclosed.

 

[westhomas]

Yes you were talking to the wrong guy. If anyone in these rural areas of Texas have questions about titling vehicles/trailers, ALWAYS call Austin or the main city office in like Dallas/Fort worth or Houston. I had a friend almost get screwed out of a few hundred dollars because the small county tax office did not understand state laws on auction vehicles that tax if what you pay, not presumptive value. He got it fixed as I told him to call the Comptrollers office and they educated that small county tax office of their error. He did get a refund on the difference, so it worked out in the end.

The M101 is a utility trailer, not cargo trailer. You will likely need to take a picture of it with you for them to see. Make sure you have the tarp off or up so they can see it is not enclosed.

Good stuff! I'll give my local Brazoria county a chance at just filing the paperwork without asking them any questions and if they fail I'll shoot it up the chain a bit.

I had called them in advance and asked them specific questions about a trailer without a VIN.

 

[harleyhouse]

Many guys on the Expo run wheel adapters without issues.
Bolt them on tight with thread locker and you willbe fine.
Nice size behind your toyota.

Great ideas here:

Expedition Trailers - Expedition Portal

 

[fuzzytoaster]

They are great trailers. I have a few myself and I must say they come in handy.

 

[westhomas]

Many guys on the Expo run wheel adapters without issues.
Bolt them on tight with thread locker and you willbe fine.
Nice size behind your toyota.

Great ideas here:

Expedition Trailers - Expedition Portal

Oh yeah, I'm a big fan of the Expo. Thanks for the feedback. I'm going to order those wheel adapters and see how they work.

What size tires do you run? I've got 35" on the LC80 and they look mighty big next to my trailer.

 

[harleyhouse]

I run 235-85-16 hankooks that I ran on my truck 2500HD crewcab.
They were worn but still worked for the trailer and no need to carry a spare.

keep us posted on the build.

 

[K9Vic]

Every M101A2 trailer I have sold the person has used it for a camper with their 4X4 trucks/SUVs. In the civilian trailer market there really is not anything that is build as strong and can stand up to off-road use. Nor is there really any trailer that has the same configuration with the bows and tarp.

Please keep us updated on the build.

 

[harleyhouse]

Here are some ideas for you!

 

[westhomas]

Here are some ideas for you!

Nice!

 

[harleyhouse]

More eye candy!

 

[westhomas]

More eye candy!

Any of these have build threads to go with them?

 

[harleyhouse]

Not that I found, Just pictures on the web.

 

[john.dunlap]

Where has the trailer with the lady in the chair tent up been? How about some more pics from the owner? That is one awesome camping trailer!!!