Figured since things are finally starting to move forward I'd create a build thread for my M101A2 that I picked up back in April of this year. I'd been working through a few different problems in regards to camping and hunting gear transport and storage and finally decided that a surplus military trailer might be the ideal solution for me.
A list of things I'm trying to solve (in no particular order):
1. Dedicated RTT mounting location--a RTT has been proven to get my wife to come out with me more frequently which is a priority to get to spend time in some wonderful places with her. Previously we'd have to put it on and take it off for trips or else I couldn't fit in the garage. I wasn't keen on parking outside as it is/was a fairly new vehicle and the cost to raise the header of my garage was over $30K; this is much cheaper
2. Ability to transport 4-5 large 120qt coolers for big game (along with heads/carcass that I wouldn't want inside vehicle anyway); my hunting buddy moved to Louisiana last year and as a result flys out to Colorado now. I needed a way to transport mine and his game back should the need arise--this means our packs, gear, and coolers not to mention the game itself like racks, heads, capes, etc
3. Ability to have a dedicated camp that I can drop and disconnect to go wheel or run trails; RTT on the roof means packing it up every morning and setting it back up every night. Being able to store on a trailer means I can disconnect the trailer and leave it where I want to camp. I never have to risk someone taking my spot, I don't have to deal with continually stowing and setting up, and I have secure storage for loose items I want to pack away while we're gone.
Build Plans:
1. Build a rack for RTT and awning utilizing linear actuators for storage/driving or "deployed" heights
2. Change out the absolutely garbage wheels that came on it
3. Timbren Axle-Less Suspension w/ electric brakes
4. Full strip of bed from frame, ground up sandblast and Raptor lining or LineX coating of both bed and frame
Build items that weren't planned for, but have now presented themselves:
1. Rewire trailer lights
2. Find new solution for chains
3. Convert surge brakes/lunette to a 2" receiver to utilize a Max Coupler
April 2024
I found this trailer for sale on Facebook just outside of Fredericksburg, TX. As it so happened, the wife and I were making a trip down there for our anniversary, so I reached out and found somewhere for us to meet on the drive home. This particular trailer was especially appealing due to the fact it already had a Diamondback 270 lockable cover installed. I was wanting an enclosed storage solution so that when my hunting gear is in the back it would be much more difficult for a thief to access than simply grabbing it out of the open bed. With this cover on I was a locking hitch pin on the tailgate away from having a completely secure bed. The fact that the trailer was listed for sale cheaper than the cover itself was an added bonus.
What I discovered as soon as the deal was done and I was hooking it up to drive home was that not only was the wiring harness too short to connect to my plug, but while the trailer was connected I could no longer open my swingouts and get into the back of my vehicle. A smaller less important detail was that the safety chains really didn't have a great way to attach to the bumper either due to their size.
Upon getting it home first thing I did is order a handful of Curt Quick Links, a new set of trailer safety chains, and a 4pin extender. I got the chains settled using a couple different sized quick links that would fit the Slee bumper as well as the existing tabs on the trailer. What I realized after the 4pin extender didn't fix my wiring issue is that the ground had gotten pinched and cut off. The whole harness had seen better days so I just bought a new one and wired it up fresh. With wiring and chains solved it was at least useable for the time being so long as I didn't need in the hatch when it was hooked up.
A list of things I'm trying to solve (in no particular order):
1. Dedicated RTT mounting location--a RTT has been proven to get my wife to come out with me more frequently which is a priority to get to spend time in some wonderful places with her. Previously we'd have to put it on and take it off for trips or else I couldn't fit in the garage. I wasn't keen on parking outside as it is/was a fairly new vehicle and the cost to raise the header of my garage was over $30K; this is much cheaper
2. Ability to transport 4-5 large 120qt coolers for big game (along with heads/carcass that I wouldn't want inside vehicle anyway); my hunting buddy moved to Louisiana last year and as a result flys out to Colorado now. I needed a way to transport mine and his game back should the need arise--this means our packs, gear, and coolers not to mention the game itself like racks, heads, capes, etc
3. Ability to have a dedicated camp that I can drop and disconnect to go wheel or run trails; RTT on the roof means packing it up every morning and setting it back up every night. Being able to store on a trailer means I can disconnect the trailer and leave it where I want to camp. I never have to risk someone taking my spot, I don't have to deal with continually stowing and setting up, and I have secure storage for loose items I want to pack away while we're gone.
Build Plans:
1. Build a rack for RTT and awning utilizing linear actuators for storage/driving or "deployed" heights
2. Change out the absolutely garbage wheels that came on it
3. Timbren Axle-Less Suspension w/ electric brakes
4. Full strip of bed from frame, ground up sandblast and Raptor lining or LineX coating of both bed and frame
Build items that weren't planned for, but have now presented themselves:
1. Rewire trailer lights
2. Find new solution for chains
3. Convert surge brakes/lunette to a 2" receiver to utilize a Max Coupler
April 2024
I found this trailer for sale on Facebook just outside of Fredericksburg, TX. As it so happened, the wife and I were making a trip down there for our anniversary, so I reached out and found somewhere for us to meet on the drive home. This particular trailer was especially appealing due to the fact it already had a Diamondback 270 lockable cover installed. I was wanting an enclosed storage solution so that when my hunting gear is in the back it would be much more difficult for a thief to access than simply grabbing it out of the open bed. With this cover on I was a locking hitch pin on the tailgate away from having a completely secure bed. The fact that the trailer was listed for sale cheaper than the cover itself was an added bonus.
What I discovered as soon as the deal was done and I was hooking it up to drive home was that not only was the wiring harness too short to connect to my plug, but while the trailer was connected I could no longer open my swingouts and get into the back of my vehicle. A smaller less important detail was that the safety chains really didn't have a great way to attach to the bumper either due to their size.
Upon getting it home first thing I did is order a handful of Curt Quick Links, a new set of trailer safety chains, and a 4pin extender. I got the chains settled using a couple different sized quick links that would fit the Slee bumper as well as the existing tabs on the trailer. What I realized after the 4pin extender didn't fix my wiring issue is that the ground had gotten pinched and cut off. The whole harness had seen better days so I just bought a new one and wired it up fresh. With wiring and chains solved it was at least useable for the time being so long as I didn't need in the hatch when it was hooked up.
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