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M116A3 Fix-up & Conversion Thread

CallMeColt

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One is the rear kickstand. Since I put smaller tires on, it is to long to be useful really! I took it off to see if I could just unscrew the foot all the way & have it machined down a few inches. Apparently, it can't be done... at least by hand. Didn't dig much farther yet.

Second one is a little bit of vibration on the fuel tanks bottom. It hits the rail it's mounted too. Think I can solve this with some rubber grommets or small engine mounts of sorts.

Still need to paint the whole thing. Had to rebuild my trucks rear hub. Delayed me a bit on other projects.
 

CallMeColt

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Did my first pull long pull with the trailer since I did the work to it & mounted the MEP-802A. Was about 450 miles. Mostly highway. Speeds up to 80 MPH.

At some point, most of the lights stopped working. Guessing it's a ground issue.

At very slow speeds stopping, the brakes seemed to buck a little. Could this be because the trailer is still slightly tilted forward?

New tank worked like a charm! Going to add a better vent to it because it builds up more pressure than I'd like & it causes some of the fitting to leak ever so slightly.

Extremely please with how much less rattling this trailer has over my previous one for the MEP-802A.

Off topic question... is there a cut off to how old a post can be to edit it?
 

Coug

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At very slow speeds stopping, the brakes seemed to buck a little. Could this be because the trailer is still slightly tilted forward?
I've been reading back through the forums and researching the brake system, every time the topic of bucking has come up it seems to always be the shock inside the brake actuator assembly.
 

CallMeColt

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I've been reading back through the forums and researching the brake system, every time the topic of bucking has come up it seems to always be the shock inside the brake actuator assembly.
I have a brand new one in there. First time towing with it installed.
 

CallMeColt

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It’s probably the angle of the trailer in relationship to the tow vehicle.
I figured this could be it. I want to get the lunette modified & have an adjustable channel welded on so I can lower the ring a bit more. It's close to level but still slightly tilted forward.
 

CallMeColt

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So, I found the problem with the trailer lights.

I believe when the lightening hit the tree the trailer was parked next to a few weeks back some of the electricity from it went through the trailer & the lights took a beating.

Grounding wire on one was blown off. Fixed it by putting a new end on & drilling a hole, then securing it with a screw.
69957973_2510432352329208_5157115185340612608_n.jpg

One of the light bulbs is very burnt.

70352759_399037810802818_161600360715124736_n.jpg

Had 1 got set of bulbs. After fixing the ground, I tested both sides & it was good. Glad it wasn't worse!
 

CallMeColt

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Wilson County, Texas
I've been very happy with the trailer so far! Have taken it on quite a few trips.

I decided to add a cord holder so the cord wasn't tangling with everything else in the toolbox. Also finally got a good RTIC cooler & use the strap down kit to mount it to the trailer for trips out to my off grid place.
78430087_2043290515774699_4989271647279120384_n.jpg
 

KnobCreek

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Arlington Heights IL
So, when I was looking up all these parts, I found a cool solution for those that want to trailer to ride more level. Toledo Part number 10634.
View attachment 769494

Can't seem to find it anywhere though. Might be a more cost effective solution for getting the trailer to ride level with multiple civilian or military vehicles & keep the tires that come with it.

Did you ever find the Toledo Part number 10634? What was your solution for the channel mounted lunette?
 

CallMeColt

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Wilson County, Texas
Did some minor work on the trailer.

Re-routed the electrical leads out the bottom of the generator then cut a small hole for them to come up. Downsized to 3 outlets.

Did this for two reasons... one was to change to 8 gauge wire.. Other is to the tarp could come all the way down to the mounting real of the trailer.

Going to get some heavy duty zip ties to keep the lead snug so it doesn't vibrate & potentially wear a hole.

85047027_516894528954582_1475540391112474624_n.jpg 83456206_200919161307937_1853796150826500096_n.jpg 84971829_635779630507813_8035893886809276416_n.jpg 84976856_188881965503819_6727980885234155520_n.jpg 85066122_2693545590682799_8589303712843825152_n.jpg
 

reset2

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Myersville MD
I've been very happy with the trailer so far! Have taken it on quite a few trips.

I decided to add a cord holder so the cord wasn't tangling with everything else in the toolbox. Also finally got a good RTIC cooler & use the strap down kit to mount it to the trailer for trips out to my off grid place.
View attachment 784431
Alright I have to ask. The military has the control panel facing forwards on all that I looked at on GovPlanet and yours is facing back. Was that intentional for the fuel tank or another reason. Also is that a generator specific tarp (tan) you have or did you make it? I have a camo gen set (see Signature) and its facing forward and needs a blankie (tarp) for the cold nights 🥶.
 

CallMeColt

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Supporting Vendor
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Location
Wilson County, Texas
Alright I have to ask. The military has the control panel facing forwards on all that I looked at on GovPlanet and yours is facing back. Was that intentional for the fuel tank or another reason. Also is that a generator specific tarp (tan) you have or did you make it? I have a camo gen set (see Signature) and its facing forward and needs a blankie (tarp) for the cold nights 🥶.

I could swear I have seen them setup both ways but never paid that much attention. I did it so that I could access the controls easier & because I wanted the tank closer to the truck.

I ordered the tarp custom with the dimensions from the TM.

EDIT: This is an old post, but I am going to be selling these covers regularly now.

I went a few inches shorter on the high so it would fit snug. I added the clips & extra grommets. Clips work great on the trailer so you can wrap them around the rail the generator is bolted too.
 
Last edited:

zebedee

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M116A3 Surge brake grenaded!


20200331_161717.jpg
Damper took a hit too.
Hopefully I can unpeel this lot and see how it was originally made. May have to cut out the whole center and re-man it. Issue will be making it the correct size to engage the spring retainer.
20200331_143122.jpg20200331_161702.jpg
I guess there's no "REPAIRING" the damper! Shake, rattle and pour out all the old pieces.
 
Last edited by a moderator:

zebedee

conceptualizer at large
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Central NY
Wow $122 for a new shock from Croft.... I think I'll keep looking, or bouncing.
 
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