M101A2 VS MUTT

[SV2IPW]

Is it possible to tow a M101A2 trailer with a Mutt????

[Rainman]

Hey SV2IPW,

It's possible, because I do it, but you'll find yourself using first gear, and my A2 grunts and groans every time it has to pull it. Have done Military funerals using the M101 as a caisson trailer for the casket. You'll tow a little more level if you can make a plate to allow you to raise your pintle on the M151 up a set of holes. It's about a 2" shift, but it does look better during the tow. I'll post pictures of the setup when I get back home (I'm at deer camp). If you plan to haul the M101 and a very heavy load, get a M37 or an M880. Once you get it rolling, it's not so bad at all.

Rainman

[Rainman]

Hey SV2IPW,

Sorry for the delay, but here is at least one picture of the M101A behind my A2. Note that the landing leg in the down position does not touch the ground.


The M101A has dump capabilities. Not for use at funerals unless your in a real big hurry!


Preparing for loading at the funeral home.


This was from my father's funeral in July 06.


Here you can see the level of the trailer to the vehicle. I have the lower bolts of the pintle in the top holes on the A2.

Rainman

[SV2IPW]

On the M101A1/A2 Trailer, is it possible to use smaller tires, like 7.00X16 ?

[Rainman]

Hey SV2IPW,
It may be possible, but not with standard M151 wheels. The center hubs on the M101 are much larger than the M151. If you locate something that would work, please let me know. That would drop the level of the trailer down to a much better height for the M151, but I am unaware of a suitable rim. The M101 has rims similar or the same as an M998 humvee.
Rainman

[rickf]

How about widening a 416 axle and mounting it under the trailer? It would probably look a little strange with a big trailer and small tires.


Rick

[sherwan_88]

Hey Rainman,

Nice Pictures, a very fine A2! . I wish i had one like it!
Love the flag idea!
It seems summers are quite pleasant in Ohio.
Also i was amazed to see the fenders, what are those? replacements or some rare form?

[raymond]

Also i was amazed to see the fenders, what are those? replacements or some rare form?

Those look like early Ford A2 front fenders.

[toptiger]

and thanks for giving those Vets their final ride in great style.

[Rainman]

Hey Guys,
Sitting here deciding if I should head to Findlay in the AM, the weather report is rain all day. What the hell, I'm going! I'll get to the questions here ...
Rick, I think the smaller tires would look no different than on the flat bed 1/4 ton trailers we used with M151's back in the day. It may be worth looking into.
Raymond and Sherwan, those front fenders, rear fenders, sides and dash are heavy gauge replacements in my "hybrid A2". I've had it looked at by many knowledgeable folks to include Weebee Dave P, K8icu, Bob Croce, and Ohiomutt. It weighs 400 lbs more than a stock A2. We all decide we can see what was done, we just aren't sure why it was done. It's an uncut A2 with a 71 AMG data plate. Here's where it get good, it has original toolbox and floors front and rear, even though the fronts are in perfect condition, yet they are overlayed with a flat replacement floor without drains. It had a ROPS on it that was removed, though the slant of the front floors still show the bracket mounting holes. The rear ROPS brackets still sit under the replaced rear no hole fenders for some reason. The original firewall is all still intact, and the "new body" was tack welded via small tabs around the firewall. The engine compartment is all original, as are the cross members and lower unibody. It ALL appears completely rust free, and very very well done. Dave P thought a sheet metal worker with too much time. Someone said the front fenders were similar to "Titan" fenders. It was suggested it was possibly a top cut, but the firewall is still there. K8icu thought it was an Encore till he saw it in person and agreed it was not. A local friend recently back from Florida says he saw a few "exactly like it" and took some pictures of them, but I have yet to see the pics. So for now it's known as a hybrid A2. I love it and it runs like a top with few exceptions. During the 3 parades it does on Memorial Day in 1st gear, it occasionally hiccups, but never stalls out. Most folks never see a difference in the body, and I was hoping the trailer and the flag draped coffin would keep the eyes busy and I wouldn't need to go into it, but that's my story, and I'm stickin to it. I have no idea who did the restoration, but I was told it was done 12 years ago in Indiana. I did buy it in Indiana, but that's all the history I have. I've owned if for 4 years
Toptiger, as you can imagine, it's an honor to perform what I call "the last detail". I offer my services at no charge for any US veteran or active duty personnel. Most funeral homes decline my offers for our veterans due to the fact that they charge $100 and up for their hearse fees. I've only done 2 missions, but have been trying to get a flat bed 1/4 ton trailer to use as a caisson trailer, but have not located one. Have invisioned having a dozen or two custom trailers around the country that MV folks could use for similar missions. Volunteers could use the trailers at no charge with their MV's as the tow trailers, with donations used to sustain the fleet. Local American Legions, VFW's, and DAV's might be used to store and control. What do you think, feasible concept or too difficult to control? Wanna sponsor me?
Off to Findlay,
Rainman
PS: Sherwan, the shell casing flag holder on the Marine front bumper was the idea of the previous owner also a Marine, and were bring home shells he personally fired at the North Koreans. When I bought the jeep he included the shells and it was converted back to an Army jeep with Army bumper, but that is my parade bumper.

[sherwan_88]

Hey Rainman,

Encore Hybrid or Original, its the cutest and the finest Mutt i have ever seen . Its so straight it has me doubting my eyes.