M116A2 camper

[xiongy]

I always wanted to build a teardrop, and on an M116 frame, that'd be awesome!

 

[Barrman]

One reason to change the hubs if not the entire axle is spare tires. Put 6 lug hubs that match the 1009 on there and that problem is gone.

Another thing to think about is a pop up type design. Nice flat air foil shaped top for driving, raise the roof as much as you want for changing clothes and sleeping. Maybe even have fold out sleeping areas over the wheels?

I spent a few hours trying to make M35 up rights and bows fit my 101 yesterday. The end goal is the same. Sleeping quarters that can be dragged around behind the M1009. I just don't like the idea of a 54" roof due to military cargo cover sizes. That really hurts my back in the mornings.

Like you, I don't want the plywood look either. Keep the ideas rolling.

 

[Pawnshop]

If I can keep the brakes then I will change the hubs, otherwise I will mount a spare in the trailer somewhere. I fell asleep last night with visions of teardrops in my head Now comes the hard part, paying for it!

 

[gimpyrobb]

I have been eyeing those roof top, fold open tents. They are SHARP! Price seems to be the down fall though. I will have to keep an eye on this thread too. You guys are no good for me!

 

[nattieleather]

I like the idea of the drop in bed camper mounted to the frame. Of course the HMMWV Ambulance look would make a cool trailer also. You could mock up a design easily I'm sure. If I wasn't at work right now I would do a little photoshopig to get you thinking. Good thread keep us posted.

 

[maddawg308]

If you want a camper without doing something permanent, just just the top bow set, the complete vinyl cover, and bolt down your cot and misc stuff inside. Installing an S-250 shelter, or concocting a metal shed-type camper over the trailer might make it too heavy for your M1009.

 

[Green_gator]

A used pop up camper could work well and they are relatively inexpensive for the more primitive ones. One issue I could see with the tear drop, and I think why they set the wheels so far back, is opening the door on the side. With the axle centered on the trailer you may run into an issue with the opening size for a door. This is a photo of one built by Little Guy trailers. It weighs 1,020 lbs with 100lbs tongue weight. Length is 92" long X 71"wide X 43'high for an interior and this is the largest one that they make (Little Guy 6 Wide). I looked long and hard at these so I could tow with my small car but could not get over the price issue. Keep us up to date on the project and post photos if you do build.

 

[Brentzilla]

Ive wanted to do a M105 + radio shelter, but looks like some fab work would be in order to get up to fit together, good luck with this project though Ill be watching

 

[Pawnshop]

I picked up the trailer today and it is NICE! Not new by any means, but still too nice to mod. I have decided to build my camper on the other "M101" I already had that is a lot uglier. It is a M116A2 E1 with a M101 box on it, the "E1" is the heavy spring/frame variant rated at 1 ton (off road). The frame is 46 x 96 so my tear drop is basically going to be a 4x8 or "four wide" in teardrop terms. G_G, I thought about your point about wheel placement, I forgot to put the tape on it but just looking at it I think there will be plenty of room forward of the wheel for a door big enough for my fat arse. I am concerned about tongue weight, I don't understand why teardrops have so much real estate forward of the axle, that has to make the tongue weight excessive, I think my design will be much easier to handle. Design is next, will keep you posted.

 

[Brutusdog]

Try looking at the trailers Tent Trailers - From Trailer to Tent in 5 Minutes! They are tent trailers, but pretty cool.. Seems like you could do something similar with your trailer

 

[Pawnshop]

No tents! I don't have a problem sleeping in a tent, I just hate erecting them! My desire here is to have what amounts to a tent I will not have to pitch, I can pull over and climb in, no assembly required...

 

[Djfreema]

Steel Soldiers :: Military Vehicles Supersite

Here's some pics of member Mike Pop's Unimog radio box mounted on an M105 trailer frame, I always liked this setup.

 

[Djfreema]

http://www.steelsoldiers.com/trailers/15294-mike-pop-question.html

Here's another link with more info and interior pics.

 

[wehring]

will this work?

I am near Houston. Will this work for you?

Justin Wehring
979 997 3112

 

[wehring]

with tent

I know you said no tents but you may consider a roof top tent. <5 min from key off to climb in. It opens like a children's pop up book. NO assembly... just open and climb in. We sleep 4 adults ( I am 6' 225#) with plenty of room.

Justin Wehring
979 997 3112

 

[srodocker]

how much do one of those rooftop tents run?

 

[gimpyrobb]

Lots. I have been looking for one cheap. No luck yet.

 

[nattieleather]

I know you said no tents but you may consider a roof top tent. <5 min from key off to climb in. It opens like a children's pop up book. NO assembly... just open and climb in. We sleep 4 adults ( I am 6' 225#) with plenty of room.

Justin Wehring
979 997 3112

Watch that first step doc...it's a loo loo!

That's my fear of those things is that I'd get up one morning or in the middle of the night to hit the latrine and I would fall to my death.

 

[Pawnshop]

Does anyone know how much a M101 BED weighs? Just the bed, not the whole trailer. I am trying to determine my total weight before I start the tear down/build process.

I think this camper has to be a "weekender" style, with flat panels instead of curved, and all painted plywood. What I WANT is an aluminum teardrop design but I think that style is a little too ambitious for my first build. My NEXT build however...

 

[mkcoen]

I know you're looking for the "tow behind" type but for others looking for the "perfect" MV Camper but not wanting something as big as a M109 I would suggest the M1010. Heat, A/C, better fuel mileage, sleeps four, AND you can go through most drive-thrus for that late night snack.

Of course for those longer trips or when you want to take a small town with you I suggest the MV in the background. Fuel mileage is a litter worse though.