What is this piece on M101A2 trailer metal bow ?

[Trailboss]

I've read the TM and searched, but can't find the purpose of this U-channel bracket on the newer metal bows. I took them off, and the bows stay in place, I tried to adjust them to raise the bow height, but no go. One bolt is in a hole and the bottom is in a slot in the channel and hole in the bow upright. In the photo, you can see where I've removed the U-channel on the bow on the left. Just wondering if anyone has an idea what they're used for?

 

[lfhoward]

I think you’re on the right track about them being used to keep the bows at different heights. The current setting looks like the lower of two placements. Try this:

1. Loosen the lower bolt but leave in place.
2. Remove top bolt.
3. Lift the bow and slide the bracket down until the top hole in the bracket is over the middle hole in the bow.
4. Reinstall the top bolt.
5. Tighten the bottom bolt.

I bet your bows will stand 6 or 8 inches higher when you put them back in their slots on the trailer.

 

[Trailboss]

Nope, tried that, the channel is smaller than the bow upright receiver, so slides into the receiver. The bow height is unaffected. Since it does add volume to the bow upright, it might keep the bow from moving around as much in the receiver, but that's all I can guesstulate.

 

[juanprado]

I think that is the adjustment so they can also be used on a m105 as it is the same bow but spaced differently with the holes? Don't have my m105 at the house to look at?

 

[shotty]

I think that is the adjustment so they can also be used on a m105 as it is the same bow but spaced differently with the holes? Don't have my m105 at the house to look at?

Thats exactly what they are and why they are like that. They also adjust in width for the same reason.