M101A1 Build

SO several years ago I ended up with a super useful M101A3. From that point on, the M101A1 was largely ignored. I even went as far as to install a steel topper off of a pickup truck and use it for storage. After a while I got tired of seeing it (as usually happens) and hitched up and hauled it away. Dropped it off at a friends house as a gift. It ended up at the FL Rally site where it sat for a couple of years and has now made it back south and it being resurrected. The A1 axle and NDTs were scrapped in favor of a 5200# axle with the bolt pattern to match the M1009 that will be towing it. M1009 rims and matching 33" tires were used as well. Thus far the frame has been blasted and painted with all new wiring harness and LED tail lights. The bed has had the fenders removed and are awaiting install a little farther out. The steel topper will be re utilized but with mods. It was elevated 4" and had removable jacks placed at all 4 corners so that it could be removed anywhere. Inside there will be a 50 gallon transfer tank in the nose of the topper. The topper has tons of LED strips and lights up nice inside. Attached are a few pics of where the trailer is now. Progress is slow but as it does progress, I'll add pics.

A few more of the topper. Note in the previous post, there is a spare tire hoist. The spare will be under the trailer. In the front you can see where the filler is so that the transfer tank can be filled from outside. Also a pic of the transfer tank, frame and battery to operate same.

Looks like it should be a cool project.

Looks good so far. When you get to the spare tire hoist, please post up. My Son is building a 101a3 for camping and we're not set on a spare location.

Thanks for posting this, Ron

I am looking forward to this build. Need more ideas for my 101A2.
Post pictures on the tire hanger.

Recovery... what paint are you using for the build? What did you paint the chassis with?

michigan4x4 said:

Recovery... what paint are you using for the build? What did you paint the chassis with?

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Not my build, I'm just the press guy. It's Sherwin Williams Genesis

I'm trying to decide what to do with my M101. I know I pushed a little harder than I should have on the way home. Noticed the A1 tires were getting warm when I stopped for fuel. Wish I could just find some tubeless wheels for it.

I don't think there is any way to keep the NDTs cool. Fully inflated on an empty trailer at 55 they get hot. If you plan on towing it with the CUCV, change axles. Timntrucks may still have an A3 axle I traded him a few years back.

or you can use athe Michelin XZL 255/100R16 tire, that's a Radial tire to be used with or without tubes! (says so at the tire itself!) and 255/100R16 is the Metric replacement from 9.00/16, and they have a awesome 3750 Lbs single and 3525 Lbs dually capacity.
and they fit the original M-37 rims!

Ooooh, that is nice!! Can't wait to see the finished product, thanks!!

Here are 2 shots of the spare tire tucked underneath. I'm waiting on a side shot but it looks like it belongs there. The tire hoist was off of a mid 90s Chevy truck and was a $7 junk yard purchase.

That is a good idea!
I am stealing this one!
Thanks!, Keep us posted.

Here are 2 more. Even though it's a 33x12.50 tire, ground clearance is still good.

You gonna mount the tail lights upside down? I saw someone else do it and it helped with visibility.

Recovry4x4 said:

Also a pic of the transfer tank, frame and battery to operate same.

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Nice M275/M59/M47/M342 tank!

Recovry4x4 said:

Here are 2 shots of the spare tire tucked underneath. I'm waiting on a side shot but it looks like it belongs there. The tire hoist was off of a mid 90s Chevy truck and was a $7 junk yard purchase.

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Great idea!!!!!! I will do this as well!!!!!!!!!!!!

hndrsonj said:

Nice M275/M59/M47/M342 tank!

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Don't be jealous, a friend of mine got me that NOS for a pittance. I owe him!












Thanks Jim.

Recovry4x4 said:

Here are 2 shots of the spare tire tucked underneath. I'm waiting on a side shot but it looks like it belongs there. The tire hoist was off of a mid 90s Chevy truck and was a $7 junk yard purchase.

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Thank you, we're going to the junk yard, need several of those.

Try to find a hoist off of a 3/4 ton if you can. The hook that attaches to the rim is bigger for the larger center hole.