M116A2 that can grill a cow... Build !!

[dirtweazle]

Now that i have your attention...

This build has been a seed for 10 some years. Came to fruition about 3 years ago. Figured out what I wanted to start with and its priorities. Easier to start with someone else idea and modify it, right? Not some HF bolt together or a rusted out dual wave runner hauler. Heavy duty chassis, battery powered, propane, solar recharge and plenty of water, tent on top. Oh and a sink, shower and a little grill. First searching M100 was ideal but just too small. M101 was just too big (Full size) and aluminum that i can't weld to. M116A2 came into view and found one for $800 amazingly in So Cal.. Dude i bought it from had a few running Pinzgauer. Running street legal in Cali just to piss of the Sheriffs. Cool dude and thanks.



At the time my hauler was a 2K Jeep Cherokee with 4.56 gears, 33's and a 4.6 stroker with all the cooling options i could do. One trip pulling up Sierras and back Grape Vine, it was time for a new tower. Buddies Chevy Diesel proved that on an awesome next trip. But not so good at daily driving. Now I have a Toyota Sequoia 2wd (but oh well). With 275's BFG AT...

I will now start posting relevant pics with descriptions every few days till i'm up to date.

Please ask questions and make comments but also make note what picture / post your talking about.

 

[dirtweazle]

This m116 had the fender mod at factory. Bummer, too wide for me and the Jeep.. Buzzzzzzzzz and weld some square.

BTW i am a Master Machinist by trade and not a welder, plumber, carpenter, wood worker, philanthropist, psychic fortune teller, nor gynecologist. Some of the things i may say, do or portray may seem odd or wrong. It might be. Copy at your own wrong doing. I was once married.

 

[dirtweazle]

New swing arm axle with mounts. Orig was a 5 ton axle.. Not needed. Went with this 3,500 flex ride torsion axle from South west. Custom axle perches. Did me right. It was at the extreme of what they could do but it works on frame rail locations to axle arm.

Yes i had to open up the center of the Jeep Wrangle rims to fit the hub of standard 5x5 trailer hubs.
(Added swing axle shot)

 

[dirtweazle]

Lets just say at this point i finely in my life became lucky. Guy at work was moving and gave me his mill.. Just pick it up with all tooling.. Lots of work to get it home but whatever. Price was right.

First and last time it was used as a hauling trailer. Well... wait.., Hauls my camping ********... Whatever...

 

[dirtweazle]

Added tail lights got at swap meet for $20. Full harness.

 

[dirtweazle]

Needed a stable platform to have a tent that high. Saw this in a Wallyworld parking lot where the cops have a security camera trailer setup. Had similar outriggers and had was a great idea. Trailer jacks are from Harbor Freight.

 

[dirtweazle]

This one i got professionally welded. Kept the lute for security, strength, articulation, and the offroad articulating joint was expensive. Ball and cup was just not going to do. Also added security when lute is removed and reinsert locking pin.

 

[dirtweazle]

First visible mods made.

 

[dirtweazle]

Cow warmer ideas and location. Full 5 burner Turbo for $100. I'm really liking offerup. Needed new jets for propane and knobs. PIA to find but dammit, China makes everything.

 

[dirtweazle]

Frame.

 

[dirtweazle]

Drawer supports.

 

[dirtweazle]

Drawer.

 

[dirtweazle]

Moo warmer.

During grill use it was a bit floppy. These are 500# drawer ball bearing sliders but after first trip i did add tripod legs to end of pull for support. Need to remove them but would be cool if built in and flop down. Linear actuator may help in this.... Hmmmmmm.

 

[dirtweazle]

25 gal water tank and pump installed. erectrickery installed as well.

 

[dirtweazle]

Eeeeeeeeeee! tent arrived!!!!! Smittybilt 2883 Overlander XL. This thing is awsome. Ordered a 3" KING!!!!!! gel mem foam mattress. Fits well but Cal King may do better but you pay for it in sheet selection and cost for some reason. Little hard closing with stock (crappy) mattress as well. (May do a 1" airbed under.?) Installe dmillion color LED light strip, cig liter socket and USB hub in tent.

Um, just my luck. 15 min after this picture was taken lawn sprinklers turned on. I was inside doing something. .10 min go by and a swimming pool inside tent. Pull mattress and let everything dry out..