M101A1 Electrical Questions

[hoffy85]

I just picked up a M101A1 trailer the other day. I've done some researching on the lights and wiring. So far I've found that they're set up with a 24v wiring and lights. I saw that many ppl just wire them for 12v. I was curious if anyone sells an updated "ready to go" wiring harness that you can just reinstall in place of the old one?

Also can I put 12v bulbs in my 24v lights?


Thanks in advance
Jeff

 

[doghead]

Try scrolling down the page and reading some of the similar threads.

All the questions you have been posting have been covered at some point.

Spend some time searching and you will find most of what you need.

Yes, change the bulbs and the trailer plug. Diagrams, schematics and bulb numbers have been posted many many times.

 

[hoffy85]

I've gone through all the articles listed below and a few others. I found out that I can use 12v bulbs in place of the 24 volt ones. I also couldn't find much on a newer wiring harness. I did find one article that said you could buy one but the link didn't work. Sooooo.......can I get a new 12v wiring harness that's ready to go with a 7 prong plug for my 2003 chevy duramax?

 

[papakb]

There is no rewiring necessary to use 12v bulbs in your 101 trailer or any military vehicle for that matter. With the exception of the dash lamps and the one in the turn signal switch (BA9s) all the bulbs all the BA15 based lamps and are available in 6, 12 and 24 volts. All you need to know is whether you need a single contact base (BA15S) or a double contact base (BA15D). For true universal use I'd suggest replacing the bulbs with today' LED replacements. Most operate on 10-30 volts so the same trailer you pull with your 24v military vehicle can now be pulled with your Dodge Ram truck without having to switch bulbs.

 

[MWMULES]

Just build an adapter like the on on this thread http://www.steelsoldiers.com/showthread.php?31824-Civy-truck-to-MIL-trailer-wiring-info or used the wiring diagram on that thread and disconnect mil plug and lead cable and hook in a civi one.

 

[hoffy85]

That link is great! I think I kind of have everything figured out. If I needed to replace one of the wires in the set up what size or kind of wiring would I need to use?

 

[MarcusOReallyus]

Use the same as what's there. No biggie. Don't over-analyze it.

If you are using a 7 pin connector, I have to ask a question - do you have separate turn and brake lights on your truck? If you DO, you will need a converter box to use your current setup with your trailer. If you have the tow package, that's probably built in.

https://www.etrailer.com/t1-2003_Chevrolet_Silverado.htm

 

[hoffy85]

It should be built in. The 7 flat connector is near the bumper and tow package. Also some of the wires on my trailer have just been messed with over the years by someone else. What gauge wires should I be using? 16 gauge?

 

[doghead]

I think it's 14ga.

 

[MarcusOReallyus]

On the trailer side, it's probably 16, but when in doubt, go big. You won't be wrong with 14 gauge.

 

[Warthog]

Hoffy, please edit your user profile to list your State of residence. It is a site requirement.