After a 300-mile journey and a 4.5-hour drive, I'm pleased to report that my M1101 from GovPlanet has finally been freed. I will forever refer to this trailer as the Gov Planet Refugee.
This morning, I dedicated some time to working on the trailer with the primary goals of cleaning it thoroughly and completing the 12V wiring. Initially, I hand-washed the trailer but found that additional power was needed to achieve the desired result. After the initial wash, I took it to the car wash up the road, and now all the dirt, grime, and algae are gone. The trailer looks much better cleaned up, and I discovered that there’s black primer beneath the sand-colored CARC paint.
Given that I may own a HMMWV one day, I decided not to entirely remove the 24V wiring, recognizing that maintaining original components can preserve value over time. I pre-terminated the 12V 7-pin trailer harness with Packard connectors, and the install went smoothly. However, I found that these connectors require a bit of effort and perform best when cleaned and lightly lubricated. I plan to revisit this later to add covers or heat shrink over the unused connectors to protect them from dirt.
I had preemptively researched and purchased a box of 1156 and 1155 bulbs, only to find that both trailer lights use 1156 bulbs. It seems that in 2012, some revisions were made to the lighting on these trailers; mine is a 2008 model, and I’ve noticed that a few of the corner running lights differ on newer models. One of my lower running lights is out, but it's not a major issue.
For those seeking a good deal on taillight bulbs, Ace Hardware offers the best price at $3.99.
The primary motivation behind acquiring this trailer was to transport a golf cart, which fits well. However, the tailgate currently hits the leaf springs. I’m considering fabricating a new, lower tailgate that will resolve this issue. I just need to track down a set of the lower hinges if possible. Additionally, I’m thinking about adding a top to the trailer for future camping use.
This weekend, I might tackle the hubs.
Absolutely thrilled with this trailer, for the money I don't think there is anything better.