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Minimum tongue weight, bordering on dangerous, is 10%.

My M101A1s came with that feature and it’s super handy. Much safer to move trailer around when on a slight hill or trying to break the wheels free when stuck in mud, plus no more need for wheel chocks.

I’m guessing the advice is cost based; slipper spring setups are cheaper and “good enough” for your application - so why spend more? Regarding two bolts holding the spring, the rear of the slipper spring is limited on top and bottom by something (either range limiting bolts, or a bottom bolt...

Mass produced trailers are 14 to 18 gauge. And they are designed to haul 1500lbs of gravel and not get too dented up. For your trailer, what is the metal holding in? And how much do you care about dents? My preference is to spec the bed for holding a few hundred pounds of light camping gear...

https://expeditionportal.com/forum/threads/m101a1-diet-program.197478/ https://www.steelsoldiers.com/showthread.php?59039-How-to-lighten-up-an-M101-3-4-ton-trailer The rough math is 450 lbs for the trailer bed, and another 600 lbs for a lightened trailer chassis + suspension (frame, 3500 lb...

I’m kind of in the same boat - starting with an m116 frame (after dumping the 500lb 101a1 bed) and transplanting a Sears Bradley 6ft bed at a more svelte 266lbs. I’m considering adapting the m101a1 pocket stakes and bows, and wondering how much I need to beef up a lowered version (maybe 18”...

The m101a1 and a2 (a3 also?) were long running military trailers with a body on frame. The frame itself can be lifted by one person easily and has some flex, but is also capable of carrying over 2000 pounds. The trailer “frame” part is known as the m116 and when a 500lb body is placed on top...

I've been thinking the same thing. I'm building out a trailer using an m116 frame and a 6' Sears Bradley trailer body on top to greatly reduce the weight. Of course the military axle is long gone too, replaced with a 3500 lb one and wheels to match the tow rig. My dream trailer would have a...

If it's a fair price and you know the vehicles history then the Rubicon is a great vehicle assuming you aren't going crazy on big tires or hard core wheeling. For me, I'd pick that exact vehicle, 3" lift and 32" or 33" tires. Slightly better sliders, a way to carry a bit more fuel, and call it...

I love my 67 Apache. Bought used for $200 and weighs 400 pounds. Sleeps 4 comfortably in two big beds. I ran the original canvas for five years (still amazingly good after all those years, but a few stains and small tears) before paying Bear Creek Canvas $800 for a complete new heavy canvas...

Two parts groups here: The axle + bearing + hubs AND the spring. Going heavier duty (i.e. 5200 instead of 3500) gives you a more durable axle, bearings, bigger brakes, etc. But also costs you in weight and I see soooo many overbuilt trailers. Dragging extra weight around is less safe on the...

x2 for what Verkstad said. I have an M101A1 (yep, bigger trailer) I removed the parking brake feature from and I regret it. The new hybrid lightened M101A1 + Sears Bradley I'm building will have the parking brake feature.

I’m coming from the opposite direction. I’m lightening up an M101A1 trailer from the 100lb each 37” military tires and Budd rims to 235/85r16 on Toyota 6x5.5 rims. The wheels match the 4runner I’m towing with and tire height works out to be the same. A big heavy spinning tire is harder to...

Axle orders roughly need three things: - weight rating; 2k, 3500 lb, 6000 lb, etc - hub face measurement. The distance from the wheel mating surface at one wheel (where the wheel touches the axle hub) to the other wheel - spring center measurement Yep, there’s more but this gets us started...

I own two M101A1s and that axle is not stock. Just look at the lower axle ubolt perch - not military grade ;) For the bearings, pull a hub and measure both the inner and outer diameter of the spindle where the bearings sit. Very likely it's a standard size and you can order up new hubs. New...

Good question. I considered grafting another Apache trailer on top, but the frame is just a bit too narrow (assuming current track) or I'd have to move the wheels out which I'd prefer not to. Perhaps there are other pop-ups I should consider (ideas?). My gut feeling is the newer pop-ups...

Exactly what I'm thinking :) Only wrinkle is cutting off the existing cross braces from the Bradley trailer, but I guess it's only my time and some grinding discs!

Yes, frame weight included frame to spring brackets, all hardware, springs, hubs, wheels, tires and shocks. I'm going to see if I can pull a few spring leaves to soften them up and shave some more pounds. My maximim/gross trailer weight target is 1500 lbs and would like to hit 900 lbs fully...

I'm starting with the M101A1 because I know it's been designed by real engineers and tested exhaustively over 50 years under the toughest conditions. The frame also uses u channel which needs to be custom ordered if I built it myself. Most trailers are made from readily available box tubing...

I've been looking for a tent trailer that's more off-road capable than the 1967 Apache I already have. The Apache sets a pretty high bar, providing two large beds, almost 7' of standing room, and in a package that weighs ~400 lbs. A solid wood floor means we can use a Mr. Buddy heater and the...