Registration Numbers for M101 & M101A1 Trailers

[52 M-42]

Does anyone know how the military registration numbers were derived for the M101 & M101A1 Trailers? There is lots of information about registration numbers for the trucks, but I'm not able to find documentation on how the registration numbers were formulated and assigned to the trailers.

Any help would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks,

52 M-42

[sturmtyger380]

When I got my M101 trailer I looked into finding info on the trailer number on the tailgate. I could not find any pattern to it. Jeeps and such had the contract number as the first part of the number. I could not determine if the contract number was in the trailer number.

Please let us know if you find anything new on this. Alan

[52 M-42]

So far yours is the only reply. These low cost utility trailers seem to almost be disposable items; they just don't seem to be tracked like the more expensive, "capital equipment" type items like trucks.

I'll post anything I find out.

[PFC1952M37]

I was the Property Book Officer for several of my units.

Registration Numbers are assigned to new vehicles and remain the same for the life of the vehicle. This is the same for all accountable vehicles, weapons, and equipment. Registration numbers are used for accountability and only that. The agency to which a vehicle is assigned (US ARMY) and the registration number are applied as specified during the procurement process.

In most cases, the registration number is also stamped into a permanent part or a data plate that is attached with rivets and presumed to be permanently attached. The registration number is the one you use for DMV business.

Unit markings commonly called "bumper markings" are applied by the unit to which the item is currently assigned and are changed every time the item is transferred. These numbers are the only ones that can identify the assignment history of an item - if you can carefully sand off layers of paint applied each time the item was transferred.

[Carter]

Good info, thanks Paul.