M105 Inspection CHECKLIST

[USAFSS-ColdWarrior]

I will be going to check out a private-sale M105 trailer in the coming days (Monday or Tuesday of next week) and request a quick education, please.

I'd like a capsulized checklist of things to beware of on this type trailer.

Here's some background:
- I do not know which variant of the M105 series this is.
- I'm no stranger to looking at lights, tires, paint/rust, sheetmetal damage etc.
- I do not know the year, manufacturer, etc.
- I have been told it has sideboards, but bows may or may not be present. (Hoping for fiberglass).

Anywaze... What else should I be looking at and looking for?

Thanks!
John

 

[Recovry4x4]

Tires, bearings. Tight lunette and no cracks or rust through on frame. Thats about all you need to get it home.

 

[gunboy1656]

AS I found out the hard way, check the inter-vehicle connector.

 

[USAFSS-ColdWarrior]

One more fact....

If purchased, this will be a whopping 17 mile recovery!!!!

 

[koolex11]

I don't know about the 105, or what kind of vehicle/hitch you plan to use, but I was surprised when I went to pick up my 101 and the safety chains were too short. 17 mi. is probably not much of a concern, but I was going 200 on my first recovery and I had to run all over MD to find some longer chains! Still better safe...

 

[emmado22]

Connect trailer and air up the brakes, jack up a tire on the trailer. Give jacked up tire a good spin, and hit brakes on truck. Trailer tire should stop immediately. Repeat for other side. If tire keeps spinning, there is some sort of brake problem. Might be a bargaining chip for a lower price. 2 people makes this an easier process. Also a good time to check for bearing play.

 

[Ripcord01]

I wish we coud do this at GL. Wouldn't they be pissed?

 

[RANDYDIRT]

Just make sure you release the brakes before puling off.

Dirt

 

[scrapdaddy]

What type of truck are you using for the recovery. If it's a pickup, make sure you get the seven hole adapter plate for your pintle, you'll need all the height you can get. might have to spin the lunette.

 

[emmado22]

Bring a jack to get it on and off the pintel if your not using a Deuce. Trying to spin the pintel while onsite might not work. That usually takes lots of PB Blaster over a few days and a sledge hammer.

 

[paulfarber]

I would not hook up the air to the trailer. For an empty 105 you will not need it.

My list for my just picked up 105 was:

Check air pressure and lugs.
Hook up to pintal (or have the GL guy drop it on the pintal with the forklift) chains and lights.
Test lights.

Drive a mile or so and feel hubs.

For 17 miles you have little reason to worry. I drive mine 300 miles.

And unless you have an extra set of bearings you can't do anything bout it anyway.

 

[fyrguy]

i am going to pick one up on Monday. they seem to be in good condition based on photos. i will be in a LIFTED 1 ton chevy, so i am not to concerned there. are there any special things to get breaks "unstuck:" if they are? what about the lights? i know it is 24 volt, and i have magnetic ones for the short tow to my brothers house, but what about conversion to 12v any simple fix for the long trek home form my brothers to my house? any other tips?

 

[USAFSS-ColdWarrior]

GREAT INPUT ! Thanks!

First off - The recovery vehicle is The Ark (1968 M35A2 - Deuce) - see link below

Next - Since The Ark does not at this time have either rear shackle, I will SAFETY CHAIN the trailer to the BUMPERETTES.

IF there are no SAFETY CHAINS on the trailer, I always carry a 30' chain that is more than ample for this purpose.

"Roger that" on the pintle, jacking, wheels, lugs, and bearings.

IF any major squawks are noted, I WILL be able to leave the trailer in the seller's yard (at his residence) and return with anything needed for repair before dragging it home.

I will also be inspecting ALL rubber parts: Tires, Hoses, exposed Wire Insulation, etc.

***************

Is there ANYTHING ELSE that y'all can think of.... it's still a few days away.

 

[USAFSS-ColdWarrior]

ADDITIONAL - - -

I will be taking as a minimum:
"Quick Box" of tools, including THE BFH.
Bottle Jack and Blocks & Lug Wrenches.
WD-40.
Blaster Spray.
Pry Bars & Cheaters.
Duct Tape.
Cell Phone.
Drinking Water.

Depending on my gumption, I may load the BIG TOOL BOX - 500+ pounds, but since that may not be necessary, it seems reasonable to take my chances and risk a second round-trip if I need to bring in the "big guns".
It's like, load BIG BOX and not need it, or risk a second trip.... Hmmmm.

I will ask the guy about air in the tires, how recently he's moved it, etc when we confirm the recovery date/time.
That will probably dictate whether or not I go light or heavy on the preparedness.

 

[onegmjack]

Mite go by NAPA or Large Truck Shop,pick up new seals for the glad hands.Mine were worn where you twist them together,had a small leak.I did not want to run my compressor to death.You can also get the shackles for the safety chains at Tractor Supply,Harbor Fright or Northern. I can't remember the size,but you can measure the pin size and the width. That was the things I ran into.Dwight

 

[two.fiveM35]

Bring a jack to get it on and off the pintel if your not using a Deuce. Trying to spin the pintel while onsite might not work. That usually takes lots of PB Blaster over a few days and a sledge hammer.

Yes I agree with the jack, because you may not be able to lower it enough to get it onto you hitch. 17 miles you won't need to bring much , maybe magnetic tail lights.

 

[Ripcord01]

The "ark" is the Deuce. So he will have lights; air for the brakes, and a lot of power to pull it. Good journeys and don't forget the Water and lots of it.. You might want to bring a few new light bulbs.

 

[emmado22]

I didnt say you'd NEED the brakes on the trailer, but it is a good bargaining chip for a few bucks off if they dont work. Always good for haggling the price.

 

[gunboy1656]

ADDITIONAL - - -

I will be taking as a minimum:
"Quick Box" of tools, including THE BFH.
Bottle Jack and Blocks & Lug Wrenches.
WD-40.
Blaster Spray.
Pry Bars & Cheaters.
Duct Tape.
Cell Phone.
Drinking Water.

Depending on my gumption, I may load the BIG TOOL BOX - 500+ pounds, but since that may not be necessary, it seems reasonable to take my chances and risk a second round-trip if I need to bring in the "big guns".
It's like, load BIG BOX and not need it, or risk a second trip.... Hmmmm.

I will ask the guy about air in the tires, how recently he's moved it, etc when we confirm the recovery date/time.
That will probably dictate whether or not I go light or heavy on the preparedness.

I took less then what your planning and mine was a 280 mile journey one way.

 

[USAFSS-ColdWarrior]

I didnt say you'd NEED the brakes on the trailer, but it is a good bargaining chip for a few bucks off if they dont work. Always good for haggling the price.

Of course, anything revealed in the inspection "can and will be used against him in the court of" Haggling and Price Negotiations.

I'll fill in "The Rest of the Story" if and when the deal is DONE.