M1101, M1102, S-250 Shelter

[blisters13]

I tried out my S-250 in one of my M1102's the other day. Loaded it in, but the legs I made were for the M101A3 and did not clear the wider M1102 sides, so had to block the shelter up about 3 1/2" (two 2x4's). I took it out and pulled the combo at 50 m.p.h., then 55, 60, 65, and 70; it was very stable. At each speed I whipped the steering a bit to cause trailer fishtailing and the combo settled out in about three diminishing oscillations; i.e., the combo pulled d@mn great! Too bad for me I can't convince the wife this is a good camping set-up. Combo was pulled by a 2000 Dodge Dakota quad-cab 2wd with the 4.7 V-8 and auto trans. No special suspension or other mods. 12" hitch riser to get the trailer close to level. About 20 p.s.i. in the trailer tires. Did not have to cut anything down or leave the tailgate off.



This same unit resting in the back of an M101A3 with the air conditioner installed at the rear next to the doors caused bad fishtailing above 40 m.p.h. Probably due improper weight distribution (A/C unit weighs about 150 lbs) and maybe bad shocks on the trailer axle; not sure. Need to try towing the S-250 in the M101A3 again without the A/C unit after checking the shocks.

 

[R Racing]

That looks good !!! Best to be tongue heavy when towing . If tongue light you will fishtail.

 

[R Racing]

It looks like the m1101 and m1102 have the axle set back about 6 inches more than the m101. Which would help them be more tongue heavy

 

[blisters13]

R Racing: You may be right- didn't think of that. Will measure them when I have time.

 

[blisters13]

I measured the trailers I have: M1102 and M101A3. From the center of the hub to the center of the hitch lunette was only a difference of about 2" (the M101A3 was actually longer), and they are the same width to the outside of the tires. So I think the biggest reason for better tracking was the removal of the 150 pound A/C unit at the top rear corner of the shelter, and possibly better shocks on the M1102.

 

[dstang97]

I have the same set up in my m101a2. I made it into a camper also. Got any pictures of the inside. Look for my build thread in a week or two.

 

[blisters13]

Inside of my shelter; was a telephone switching center. Left side, then right side:



Removing the telephone panels in the walls would allow for windows. There is some kind of blower (probably for ventilation) in the upper front wall.

 

[blisters13]

I did some work on it: the hitch was damaged; see this thread, pages 2 & 3: http://www.steelsoldiers.com/showthread.php?113731-m101a3-woes

I took it for a test drive with an S-250 shelter in the back (about 775 pounds); got up to 65 mph in steps and no fishtailing even after causing it on purpose. Also three "emergency" stops and no pulsing or other braking problems. I really believe it was out of balance with the AC unit on the upper rear.

 

[Recovry4x4]

When I put my golf cart in my M101A3 I have a sway problem. The cart is very heavy in the rear. I ended up strapping a spare on the tongue against the front of the bed. It worked out great.