[evilmonkey]

Just bought a Military surplus M101A2 trailer and I'm looking for some trail conversion ideas. My current plans for the trailer are to:

1. Remove surge brake system.
2. Remove drop stand and install standard trailer stand.
3. Remove existing pintle mount install 4-8 hole trailer mount plate. http://item.mobileweb.ebay.com/viewitem?itemId=350673236337
I will weld it to the front of the A-frame bracket.
4. Remove and install new axle 3500# with 6 lug 5.5 inch hubs and new springs. This should drop some weight from the trailer.
4. Sell the surge brake and axle and springs.

Looking forward to everyone's input.

 

[ducatidom]

Check out the trailer section of the forums on Expedition Portal. Lots of ideas to drool over..........

 

[evilmonkey]

I'm browsing that site currently, and I'm joining it.

 

[ducatidom]

I am on that site with same screen name, I played with the expo trailer idea for a bit. Never went past research phase though.

 

[bucksnort]

 

[evilmonkey]

well i have the trailer, now i just have to improve on it.

 

[ChrisHaynesUSA]

you're going to need a tregg off road hitch.

And hot dogs (hattip bucksnort)

 

[Acasper708]

Bucksnorts is nice and versatile!
He has a piece a wood across with storage underneath and a air mattress or a regular mattress on top the wood.
Then if u want you can pull out the bed support and haul a load of dirt or what ever.


Sent from AutoGuide.com Free App

 

[skibum315]

:/ ... what's an "Expo" trailer? Is the Expedition Portal website now selling branded trailers? Sounds to me like you're trying to build a budget, high utility, off-road capable trailer ... but I suppose "Expo" is easier to say.

ccasion5: ... you've got some good ideas, others have suggested a few more. As with any project, I'd suggest sitting down and laying out your requirements/priorities, and then figuring out how to incorporate them into the build.

A trail-capable heavy duty utility/multi-use trailer is going to be a very different setup than a base-camp type trailer ...

Do you want any kind of integrated water or power system? I don't see anything mentioned about that ...

How do you intend to use it? Thinking a bit about that, should help you figure out how to prioritize areas to upgrade/improve.

 

[evilmonkey]

I'm removing the A-frame bracket tonight and taking it to work to weld the U shaped hitch mounting plate on to it. I will post before and after pics.

I ordered this channel mount to weld to the A-bracket. I'm going to use a lunette eye and pintle for towing off road, I believe it provides the best freedom of movement during towing (I've been using this setup for 18 years for work ).

http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200312040_200312040

 

[evilmonkey]

:/ ... what's an "Expo" trailer? Is the Expedition Portal website now selling branded trailers? Sounds to me like you're trying to build a budget, high utility, off-road capable trailer ... but I suppose "Expo" is easier to say.

ccasion5: ... you've got some good ideas, others have suggested a few more. As with any project, I'd suggest sitting down and laying out your requirements/priorities, and then figuring out how to incorporate them into the build.

A trail-capable heavy duty utility/multi-use trailer is going to be a very different setup than a base-camp type trailer ...

Do you want any kind of integrated water or power system? I don't see anything mentioned about that ...

How do you intend to use it? Thinking a bit about that, should help you figure out how to prioritize areas to upgrade/improve.

me and the wife are talking about how far down the rabbit hole we are going to go with this project.

 

[Xterra_Brit]

Just remember....you'll end up further down the rabbit hole that you plan too, these projects always do, lol.

 

[evilmonkey]

Here is a pic of the trailer I purchased for $150.00 :rockin:

 

[ChrisHaynesUSA]

nice read on off-road couplings

http://www.campertrailers.org/couplings.htm

 

[TN4x4Xterra]

PM me where you bought the trailer. I'm in TN.

 

[evilmonkey]

PM sent

 

[Lizardking]

Nice buy for $150! It looks in pretty decent shape.

For a very minimalist build I used to think about a truck bed tent and some cots... or a roof top tent for a little less minimalist. That way you can keep the bed for hauling around stone if you so desire.

I am still in the dreaming stage though... and here in PA I don't have too many places to go that you can't drag a regular pop-up to so I keep talking myself out of it. See... i did it again.

 

[Golf286]

Nice buy for a $150!!! I purchased an M416 about 6months ago and I'm in the process if building up as an Expo trailer also.. My plan was to use the AT hitch but I may look at the one Chris Haynes suggested..

 

[klainmeister]

Funny, I'm looking at the Dinoot tubs and accessories. It turns out they live about 3 miles from my parents, so whilst I'm visiting next week, I hope to see what they're up to. I really like the idea of having a spare, tools, water, gas and a rack up top for bikes...ready to go whenever!

 

[evilmonkey]

the dinoot build looks cool, its a very interesting concept.