M1101 spare tire carrier and other mods

[Jim Dow]

OK, this weekend I finished the 12v system providing 8 LED light fixtures (including 2 outside spot lights), a 12v power outlet with 10' extension cord, a voltmeter, and two (2) USB charging ports for cell phones.
The 110v system was installed earlier - to include four (4) weatherproof outlets - for use with a generator to charge the AGM batteries.
This is how the trailer looks now.

Next, and final, I'll install the generator rack along with the gas can rack and the cooler/LP gas rack. Maybe I'll finish before turkey season ends.

 

[Jim Dow]

Loading even a small amount of camping gear on board makes the trailer look like progress has been made.
I can't wait to get it out on the trail for the first trip.

 

[Jim Dow]

I received a question regarding the mounting of the license plate.

The license plate is mounted to a piece of steel angle iron which is welded to a 2" x 2" hitch extension purchased at Lowe's. The hitch extension had to be cut back a couple of inches to insure that the holes in the rear support leg mount aligned. I just used a bolt to secure the cut-down hitch extender/tag mount to the support leg mount. If I need to use the left support leg, I simply remove the bolt/tag mount; and I'm good to go.

 

[Jim Dow]

In my response to the question about mounting the license plate, you can observe the added 18" LED (taillight/stoplight) light bars. I mounted these to ensure that my taillight/stoplights were bright. These LED lights were purchased from an online truck accessory store.

 

[Jim Dow]

Now I'm constructing some fold-up/retractable steps (with a landing & handhold) for entering the trailer safely. These steps will be attached to the bumper.

 

[Jim Dow]

Actually, my friend Ed (fishing/hunting buddy) constructed the steps. I just put in my two cents worth of engineering.

 

[Jim Dow]

At this point in the conversion, there have been NO holes drilled into the trailer; and there have been NO welds applied directly to the trailer.
I make this observation; because I have read other posts/comments to the effect that the M1101 trailer (constructed of aluminum) provided very few/if any hard points to support modifications to the trailer.
I assure everyone attempting a conversion of this trailer that there are plenty of ways to add parts/attachments to this trailer without drilling additional holes and/or welding supports to this trailer.

 

[Jim Dow]

Today (April 5, 2015) is supposed to be the day the from racks (fuel can, water can/tubes, and generator) are welded to the removable base plates.
From the attached pictures, you can see the removable base plates/vertical tubes that the racks will be welded onto.

 

[Jim Dow]

Welding the front rack

OK, today (April 7, 2015) I had the front rack welded in place. Space for a fuel can, a water can, the two water tubes, and a generator (see two forward struts). Now I just have to re-paint the steel and tidy up the place.

 

[Jim Dow]

This past weekend I (my friend Ed and I - mostly Ed) built a foldable table to mount on either side of the trailer. The table is mounted into the vertical formed slots on either side of the trailer. The table is mounted using NO screws/NO welds/NO bolts; it simply fits into the slots.

 

[Jim Dow]

Regarding the side table, the two white PVC pipes will be used to support a tarp over the table. A hold is drilled into the table top; and a pipe is inserted through each hole. Each pipe will be pulled against the bottom edge of the trailer; and the lower end of each pipe sits on the ground.

 

[OldTow]

I really like this idea, but can you show those of us like ME that are just "plumb dumb" some more pictures of the table folded up, and what is holding it up please?

 

[cyclic]

The wood is cut to length, it fits under the aluminum top lip of the trailer. Gravity holds it. Interesting idea, but I don't like how soft the aluminum is and any major weight will bend the lip. I can easily flex it with just finger pressure.

 

[Jim Dow]

The aluminum is soft and heavy weight would permanently bend it. In my case, the table is elbow height to lessen the likelihood that someone would sit on it. My table is intended as an eating table ONLY. I have another foldup table to support a small LP grill and other stuff.
The table for the side of the trailer simply folds up to be slid into the bed of the trailer when we move on down the trail. It's the first thing out of the trailer when we stop.

 

[Jim Dow]

Well, I have finished my M1101 mod to create a hunting/fishing/bugout trailer.
Here's a pic of the finished product.

 

[Jim Dow]

Well, I "finished" the conversion; and I took the trailer out for a camping trip this weekend - shakedown cruise.
Everything worked out fine; except I discovered that I needed one additional 12v plug.

 

[T. Highway]

I really like how everything turned out with this trailer. The only thing that I would still modify is the Blue tarp Rain / shade fly.

Bert

 

[Jim Dow]

Yes, I'm working on getting a more appropriate color for the tarp now. However, I did not let that deter me from using the trailer on this trip.

 

[John Galt]

Very nice. Do you tow doubles with the trailer and boat?

 

[Jim Dow]

No, I don't tow doubles (trailer & boat) - not in Alabama.