M101 military Cargo Trailer Question?? HELP!

[Tim Powell]

Hey Crew. I need some help. I found a 1989 M101 I think I'm going to purchase. This is the proper trailer to pull behind our 1952 M-37 correct? Anyway I am looking at an adapter made by Wallace Forge to pull my trailer home so I do not have to modify the pintle-ring on the trailer. If I use my pintle hitch in my receiver it will sit to low in the front. If I use my ball-mount we pull our boat with it has enough rise to pull the trailer level. I'll try and attach a link to what I'm looking at. It will be the one for a 2 5/16 ball. (2405217 RCA48516 2-5/16 2-1/2 1 to 1-1/2 3500 350 14 lbs) http://www.wallaceforgecompany.com/ball-coupler.aspx
I need to know the specifications of the pintle or lunette ring on the M101 trailer to make sure the addapter will fit.

[mozark]

Tim,

If it's an 1989 it's probably an M101-A2, which means that it is equiped with surge brakes. Similar but different than an M101.

I have an 1988 M101-A2, great trailer, not quite as well built as an M101, but still an able piece of equipment. Looks fine behind an M-37, but not absolutely "correct," but the brakes are a huge asset if you haul with it.


MM

[Tanner]

Be aware as well that the rims on a M101A2 trailer will not be Budd 5-bolt rims like those on a stock M37... you'll need a different spare for the trailer. If you get an M101A1 with the Budd rims, you can use the spare tire from your truck on the trailer - nice benefit.

Tanner

[Tim Powell]

This is the one I'm looking at. Appears to have the same wheels as my truck. Just need to know the ring size specs.

[cuz]

I found a 1989 M101 I think I'm going to purchase. This is the proper trailer to pull behind our 1952 M-37 correct?

Depends. A lot of folks want a period correct trailer just like folks looking for a correct dated gas can or tire.

The M101(early hand brake and removable intervehicle cable) was built in the early fifties. The M101A1(later hand brake and fixed intervehicle cable) came in the 60's or thereabout and the M101A2 (surge brake system and changes in side boards) in the late 80's early 90's.

Since you will find this trailer useful behind your truck I would invest in a pintle height adjustable adapter plate fro you receiver. The adapter you have selected may fit the 101 lunette ring but it will be a tight fit. The 2405205 may fit better.

.Cat #
2405205
2405217
Part #
RCA48178
RCA48516
Ball
2 & 1-7/8"
2-5/16"
Inside Dia of Ring
2 to 3"
2 1/3"
Thickness of ring
1 to 1-1/2
Max. Capacity
3500
Max. Verticle cap.
3500
WT EA.
14 LBs
14 Lbs.

The measurements for the M101 and M101A1 are:

Lunette size.JPG (182.98 KiB) Viewed 3599 times

Heights are:

Lunette height sm.JPG (156.81 KiB) Viewed 3599 times

I use this set-up

http://www.wallaceforgecompany.com/high ... apter.aspx

[Sal]

Tim. This is what we have on my sons Jeep. It came in handy when I picked up my trailer and it also has a ball so he can tow his trailer with the same hitch.



Sal

[Tim Powell]

Here are a couple of shots of my ball-mount we use to pull the boat. Sorry about the dirty truck, it's usually not that dirty, we just got home last night. The only reason I'm looking at the adapter from Wallace Forge is I'm trying to save a few dollars. I've got a pintle hitch but it comes straight out of the receiver hitch with no rise.
THANK YOU ALL for all the pictures and help. Once this trailer gets home it will be strictly for the "M". I have other trailers for hauling!

[Brett]

I would just use the pintle hook you already have have. It should work fine. I don't think you will have any problems getting it home with it riding a couple of inches lower at the tongue. I would choose that over the adapter setup.

Brett

[cuz]

Looks like your receiver is just about the same 22" in my measurements. So you should have no problem pulling that M101 home. Take a stout bar like a heavy old jack handle and a 3/4" socket set along with a heavy hammer and some PB Blaster with you so you can rotate the two position lunette if need be.

Also bring a 2 to 5 ton hydraulic or scissor jack to raise each wheel off the ground and spin it so you can hear the bearings and check their condition.

You can use a magnetic set of towing lamps or now would be a good time to make up an adapter that matches your truck's light plug with the military plug. If you make an adapter bring along a few 12 volt bulbs for the tail lights. I have an adapter cable for mine since I use it often with the Silverado 1/2 ton. Pulls very nice at 60/65.

It looks like an M101A1 with M37 wheels and a handbrake system. The lunette is in the high position right now. You might be able to get the seller to rotate it down for you before you even get there.

[Tim Powell]

Again with the dirty rig. I am embarrassed! OK, that said, here is my pintle hitch sitting in the receiver. As far as lights I have a set of towing lights I'll use to get it home.

[cuz]

Looks like only a 2 or 3" down pitch on the drawbar for the trailer. Should tow just fine.

[Tim Powell]

Thanks Wes. Still waiting on the owner to call and finalize all the details! I'd like to go after it today but leave for work Wednesday so I better wait till next week! Don't need a tired trucker on the road!

[k8icu]

Yeah just hook up to your pintal and tow that thing home. I've towed M101 and even the M105 which goes behind a M35A2 with a Ford F250 in the past, so you should be good to go with no problems. Good find on the trailer!

[Tim Powell]

Got everything covered on the towing but now there is a hitch. Might not be able to go next time I'm in off the road. Looks like I'll have to wait a few more weeks but I trust it will work out for the best. Sometimes you need a "plan B". I'll keep everyone posted on the progress. (Finally did get my F-350 washed and cleaned!)

[jeepdud]

Got everything covered on the towing but now there is a "hitch."

Thought you were looking for a hitch now you have one. Couldn't resist!!!!!