Military trailers

[gdsqdcr]

Hey folks

I currently have an aging trailer that was once a 1940's GMC pick up. It has seen better days. I use it for the house projects, remodeling, dump runs and firewood pick up. I usually over load it as the capacity is around 50lbs. I never complained because it was free.

I want to replace it. Some folks have suggested that I buy an old military trailer, ie m101. So here come the questions;
1. Is the payload on road more than the 1500lbs that they quote for off road use?
2. How well do these things tow behind a civilian truck? I have a 2004 GMC Sierra 4wd.
3. Those that I find selling them are offering the military repair manual with it. How hard is it really to upkeep this trailer?
4. What is a fair price for a used one?

I know about the pintle hitch, surge brakes and wiring differences. Is there anything else I need to know/worry about?

Thanks!
Anthony

[Bluerauder]

I want to replace it. Some folks have suggested that I buy an old military trailer, ie m101. So here come the questions;
1. Is the payload on road more than the 1500lbs that they quote for off road use? Mostly 3/4 ton (M101, M101A1 and M101A2. The M101A3 was rated at 1 ton. Military ratings are generally the OFF ROAD rating.

2. How well do these things tow behind a civilian truck? I have a 2004 GMC Sierra 4wd. They were designed to be pulled behind a Military M37 3/4 ton truck, a HMMWV or an M880 CUCV (also known as a Dodge Power Wagon back in the '80s)

3. Those that I find selling them are offering the military repair manual with it. (The technical manual is TM 9-2330-202-14P and covers maintenance and parts up from operator to depot level. You can probably find one on-line in PDF version.)

4. How hard is it really to upkeep this trailer? (My experience has been that the 3/4 ton trailer is pretty low on maintenance burden. Tires, lube, axles, and hand-brakes and occasional spot-painting should make it last for years. Of course, many have already been around since the 1950's so I would lean toward one of the M101A3 to get the newest version -- still 25-30 years old).

4. What is a fair price for a used one? (No idea.)

FYI .... The M101 trailer has a pretty high center of gravity. If you tend to overload, this will be even more of a problem. Off-road speed is very limited and these trailers can tip rather easily. JMHO.

The M-101 Trailer, Cargo, 3/4 ton is a single axle, two wheel, steel frame cargo trailer designed to be towed by a 3/4 ton or larger truck. A welded steel box body is bolted to the frame. The body is equipped with a tailgate and mounting brackets for cargo racks and a frame for a tarpaulin cover. A steel A-frame is bolted to the frame with an attached one-position lunette, landing gear, and two hand brake levers. The M101 is designed to operate on all types of roads, cross-country terrain, and in all weather conditions. There are no restrictions on the M101 for movement over primary and secondary roads, however, it is restricted to a maximum speed of 15 mph when towed cross-country.

The M101 Trailer, Cargo, 3/4 ton, was manufactured in the 1950s and 1960s as the trailer for the M37 3/4 ton cargo truck. Multiple manufacturers produced the trailer under a series of contracts. The M101 remained in use for decades as a general cargo trailer towed by any of the commonly used military vehicles rated for 3/4 tons or more.

The M101A2 wheel lug pattern matched the M880 truck and had tubeless tires. The M101A3 one ton trailer was towed by the HMMWV when the HMMWV was introduced in the mid-1980s. To improve performance and simplify logistics, the M101A3 trailer included modifications such as a longer axle and increased ground clearance, and was fitted with HMMWV wheels and runflat tires.

Link here >>>>> http://www.olive-drab.com/idphoto/id_photos_m101_trailer.php

[BigCars4Ever]

Wouldn't something like this be more practical?
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00981780000P?sid =IDx20070921x00003a&ci_src=14110944&ci_sku=00981780000P#desc

[gdsqdcr]

Wouldn't something like this be more practical?
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00981780000P?sid =IDx20070921x00003a&ci_src=14110944&ci_sku=00981780000P#desc


I have found trailers for less than that. What I am looking for is weight capacity. I want to be able to carry 2500 lbs.

I hav looked at the sears/hd/lowes trailers, just not durable looking.

[BigCars4Ever]

That's some serious weight. I see why your looking at the military trailers.

[gdsqdcr]

That's some serious weight. I see why your looking at the military trailers.

Did I forget to mention I broke he shock mount on the trailer with a load in it? Took a bump on the freeway and then wondered why the trailer was dragging the bumper. Oops!

Also had a small load incident in my Sierra. Apparently a 1500 is not meant to carry 2000 lbs.

Yes I know I need a heavier duty truck, but until this Sierra dies, it ain't happening. Currently has 130k, and the only two issues, bent rear axle (wonder how that happened!) and a water pump that leaked at 110k. Tune up, oil changes and brakes.

[Vortex]

Those military trailers only make sense behind a milspec vehicle. They are unstable on roads and only meant to be pulled at speeds up to about 50 mph max. Civilian trailers are plentiful and cheap, you would be much better off getting one of those.