Finally won an M101A2??

[jjenson1]

The reason I add the question marks is that the listing was for an M101 trailer but I think it is an M101A2 based on the surge brake in the pictures. The listing was also missing the year. I'm thinking it is a 1990 but I'm not sure. What my real question is though is why do the tires/wheels stick out beyond the fenders? Others I have noticed are not as wide.

In any case I submitted my EUC paperwork tonight. This is my third trailer, but my first M101. The others were M105A2's. This is getting to be an addicting hobby!

 

[gimpyrobb]

Looks like it could be on an A3 chassis. Looks like you got the crank up landing leg too. Good score.

 

[Bobert]

I saw a couple trailers like that at that sale. I was wondering if the wider axle meant it was an A3. Looked like a good lot of trailers.

 

[jjenson1]

I think you guys are right. It does look like an A3 now that I check out more pictures of others'
Robert -- This one is sitting at the base located in Johnston Iowa. That can't be too far south of where you are at. I have only been to Ft. McCoy in WI and Camp Ripley in Little Falls MN for other trailer recoveries. This one is about a 5 hour drive for me. That location had 20+ of these M101's on the last round. That auction is over with now so I can mention there were quite a few available.

 

[gimpyrobb]

Looks like that trailer came with all the goodies! I had to add the rear landing leg to mine. Shame you got the A3 frame with an A1/A2 bed. Those are not 48" between wheel wells. Been thinking of cutting and widening mine. Lots of work if you decide to do it.

 

[Bobert]

Camp Dodge is pretty close to me. I got a M101A2 from there 2 years ago and it was in great shape. These looked like fresh paint and everything.

My dad won an ammo trailer from that sale, Hopefully it is a good one too.

 

[Recovry4x4]

It could also be the M116A2E1 chassis but either way it has the wide stepped axle. Find an M116A3 genset trailer, they have fender extensions that will help cover that up. Still a nice find.

 

[jjenson1]

Well I picked up my trailer eariler in the week from Camp Dodge (646 miles round trip) and sure enough it is an M101A3 box with a M116A3 frame. I have attached pictures of the ID plates from the side of the trailer. The trailer is also dated 1993 which is newer than I thought it was. govliquidation didn't have a date on the listing. It is missing the crank for the leg and other minor things such as a few pins to hold the rear gate together. Not a big deal at all.... I have one question. The third picture shows a 3/4 hose that comes from the surge brake, what is that for? It appears it should be connected to something. I have to do some reading I guess.
This thing pulled easy with my 1 ton Dodge like I had nothing behind me. The surge brake seemed to shudder some when I came close to a stop.

 

[blybrook]

Nice score, that hose you see is the vent hose for the brake cylinder and should vent to atmosphere.

As for the shudder, check the fluid level, but you may have a piston actuator starting to go, there's a few threads about this item.

There is a thread about making fender extensions in elsewhere in this forum header. I don't have the thread link right at the tip of my fingers, but it can be done.

Bill

 

[KsM715]

Here you go.

http://www.steelsoldiers.com/trailers/50035-m101a2-3-fender-extensions.html

 

[mistaken1]

"modified with heavy spring kit" .... sweet score.

 

[jjenson1]

According to the manual, the difference with the M116A3 is the 1 ton rating. So I guesss that means I technically picked up a 1-ton trailer, not a 3/4 ton. SWEET I guess that is what the "modified with heavy spring kit" means. Evidently they were trying to phase out the M101 cargo box or something. On page 26 of 415 it says -->

The cargo body, which is a feature of M101 Series trailers, can be easily removed. The old-style
cargo body is being phased out. The new-style cargo body adds reinforcements and U-bolt lift points​

to ensure that the cargo body can be lifted without danger and without using spreader bars.

 

[Gottlos]

That is a sweet lookin' trailer! At the risk of being rude would you mind telling how much the winning bid was? My wifey has kind of given me the blessing to go after one and I'd like to know roughly what one costs. Thanks.

 

[rosco]

I won one up here, if it ever clears Battle Creek, for $460. I have also seen them go for twice that. I have heard it said that it is hard to find them that go real cheap. It seems like a real serviceable unit.

 

[jjenson1]

I got this one for $275 but by the time they add fees it was $320. Plus $120 worth of gas to go pick it up.
This sale had 20 or more available at the same time. You end up paying a lot more if the sale only has 3 or 4 available.

 

[Wolf.Dose]

The shudder as you call it is based on a failing shock absorber which is incorporated into the overrum brake head; a known problem. Replace it to a new one and the problem is gone.
For me it looks like the wrong rims, not wrong tire. Back spacing is inpropper.
Wolf

 

[Wagner]

How can you tell from the pictures on the GL if a M101 trailer has surge brakes? Do all A2s delivered after a certain date have surge brakes?

 

[blybrook]

How can you tell from the pictures on the GL if a M101 trailer has surge brakes? Do all A2s delivered after a certain date have surge brakes?

You'll see the brake controller assembly at the lunette. If it doesn't have this, then you're looking at an older trailer.

If you look at the photos at the beginning of this thread, you'll see the brake control above the lunette.

HTH

 

[Wagner]

What does the lunette look like...is it part of the trailer hitch assembly or the ring that attaches to the pindle?

 

[blybrook]

What does the lunette look like...is it part of the trailer hitch assembly or the ring that attaches to the pindle?

It is the ring that goes into the pintle hitch on the tow vehicle. There's been a few good threads about the differences on the 101 series trailers recently that may have more information for you as well.