New Memeber, New to MV, Need M101 Advice Please

[bob95065]

As the title states I am new to Military Vehicles and new to this forum.

I am interested in a M101 series trailer for hauling firewood. I have a 1997 Dodge 2500 4x4 with a Cummins diesel engine that I will use to pull the trailer.

I searched the forum for information on M101 trailers. I think the M101A2 would best meet my needs. I am interested in a trailer that I can get parts for easily. It seems like the m101A2 would be easier to get tires and rims for than a A1 or A3. Is this true?

Are parts available for the brake systems on these trailers? I am thinking about the master cylinder, shoes and brake hardware in particular. What about the wheel bearings and hubs? I am a mechanic so labor isn't a problem. If I can't get parts my skills are useless.

Is there anything in particular I should look for when I am looking at trailers? From the forum the bows and tarps are expensive to replace. I have read stories of locked brakes and bearings. Also the front of the box tends to rust out first. Out here in California rust isn't as big a problem as back east so it shouldn’t be as big a concern. Is there anything else I should look for?

Any help that you can give me is a appreciated. We heat our house with wood and a heavy duty trailer such as a the M101A2 is a welcome addition to my fleet. I want to make as educated a purchase as I can so I can get the trailer to work ASAP.

Thanks,

Bob Elliott

 

[therealsundance]

All parts are available and the A2 does use chevy 8 bolt rims from the 80's. The simplicity of the A-1 is nice and it is one stout trailer.

I just sold my A-1 and miss it already. was a firewood haulin' SOB!

 

[KsM715]

All parts are readily available (especially easy if your a member here) and the a2 and a3 will take the same 8lug wheels. The a3 just has more room for HMMWV wheels but it will take a standard 8 lug that the a2 has.

 

[number9]

Deciding factor for me is the A2 is 45"'between the fenderwells and the A3 is 55". 10" is a lot of room. You can change the HMMWV wheels out for standard GM 8-lug wheels you could prob find in most any junkyard or craigslist.

...

 

[Nonotagain]

Deciding factor for me is the A2 is 45"'between the fenderwells and the A3 is 55". 10" is a lot of room. You can change the HMMWV wheels out for standard GM 8-lug wheels you could prob find in most any junkyard or craigslist.

...

To me that's the main reason to get the A3 trailer.
I own three M101a3 trailers. Two of the three I retained the HMMWV running stock on, the third uses civi tires, 245x75-16's load range E.
I like the lowered loading height for most applications, but there are times when I go off-road for firewood the extra ground clearance of the HMMWV tires and raised axle make a difference.
My vote goes to the A3.

 

[amaverick88]

I would say either a2 or a3 just because rims are easier to find. Also I would get one with an adjustable landing leg instead of the non adjustable landing leg.

 

[number9]

I would say either a2 or a3 just because rims are easier to find. Also I would get one with an adjustable landing leg instead of the non adjustable landing leg.

Yes - the non-crank landing leg sucks! I've got an M116A2 chassis trailer with it and I won't buy another trailer without the crank type landing leg, won't even consider them.

...