M101A2 build

micoinde

Member
In 2016 I bought a GovDeals 1990 Kasel M101A2 and picked the “new toy” up from the Naval Base near Norfolk, VA.

Pulled it home to Delaware with no issues. I converted the 24v to 12VDC, installed new tail lamps, replaced surge brake and lunette with ball receiver on an extended tongue.

We used the trailer for “trailer stuff” and the occasional camp out with the addition of a Kodiak 8 foot truck bed tent.

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The Kodiak truck bed tent was different and a head turner out in the field although my original goal was to have a elevated rack mounted 3 person RTT.

Those plan changed when I saw this used Leer High Rise commercial topper.

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The original topper doors were chopped shorter on the bottom to fit within the trailer. Additionally, to address the “giant sail” as the front wall of the topper, I modified some internal braces to take in the top so there a slight angle at the front.

After a couple rattle can coats of flat desert tan , I added a 2 inch receiver at the front and rear to mount a cantiilever umbrella and / or sky chair arms.

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I added a Harbor Freight tongue box to house two 6V US Battery 2200 XC2 batteries run in series, DC to AC inverter, along with a NOCO GEN2 Battery charger, solar charge controller and shore line adapter.

The rack interfered with the original location of the parking brake handles, so the brake handles were moved to underneath the trailer body and swing in and out.

On top of the trailer I secured two 100 amp Renogy Panels

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In the interior, I installed a plastic enclosure to house a Blue Sea 12 fuse ST fuse block and rocker switches to control exterior and interior LED lighting, 12VDC outlets and the Fan-Tastic 12VDC ceiling vent fan.

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The “Internet(s)” searches gave me some ideas which I “stole” for a bench / bed system.

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We used this bench / bed for two trips and discovered the cot system is a better setup for us. I installed a removable floor system consisting of three 3/4 inch thick marine grade plywood sections each with black colored outdoor carpet.

We “bugged out” several times last year.

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The frame and skin of the topper is aluminum. Strong but not strong enough for standing on or attaching a “prospective” awning.

It is nice to have a friend with a shop and awesome tools, IE: JD2 pipe bender, notcher and a welder.

Picked up some 1 inch schedule 40 steel pipe and started a rack build.

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A portion of the ladder will be removable to permit complete opening of the right side window.

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Thanks for following and stay tuned for the build finish.




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Last edited:

micoinde

Member
Added a DIY 6x8 vehicle awning to the Tundra, cost < $85 plus two hours of sweat equity. I will probably copy this mod for an 8x8 awning for the trailer.
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micoinde

Member
The rear receiver is 2 inch receiver tubing pushed through square cut in rear cross member and welded to inner frame cross member.

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The extension is used to push another 2 inch receiver sleeve out enough to use sky chair mount when tailgate is down.

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micoinde

Member
Replaced the smaller Harbor Freight tongue tool box with a larger aluminum Better Built chest. The steel 2 inch angle base frame was my first venture into welding. Chest will hold marine batteries, Noco Charger, solar controller, & stuff.

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Last edited:

sonarman

Active member
Replaced the smaller Harbor Freight tongue tool box with a larger aluminum Better Built chest. The steel 2 inch angle base frame was my first venture into welding. Chest will hold marine batteries, Noco Charger, solar controller, & stuff. (Note: if you’re near the northern Delaware area, the original Harbor Freight tongue box is FREE for the taking, message me if interested)

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What did you paint box with?
 

micoinde

Member
Rust-Oleum Universal Satin Black Spray Paint and Primer In One from The Home Depot.


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micoinde

Member
I'm about to delve into my axle swap and as always, put the cart before the horse. I got a Dexter 3500 64 inch and a pair of 10 inch drums for electric and parking brake with a 5 x 4.5 bolt pattern.

I want to mount a pair of Toyota Tundra TRD alloy wheels which are 5 x 150 and HUB CENTRIC.

Any recommendations on a 5 x 4.5 HUB to 5 x 150 Toyota HUB CENTRIC adapter, there seem to be many available.

Thanks
 

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