M101A1 Recovery?

[epitts]

Is it OK to tow the trailer back or should it be trailered? Only going about 70 miles.

Thanks

 

[scoutmanadam]

as long as you do a all points inspection on the trailer, have all safety requirements, lights and all that, then go for it. if you have any doubts at all, haul it back, not worth the risk on a iffy trailer just to save a few bucks

congrats on the new trailer

 

[FASTNOVA]

Yeah, What he said.

 

[WARWAG]

If you decide to tow here back make sure you repack the bearing or inspect them. Some trailers have been sitting for YEARS and the grease can be hard and dried up. Its a SUPER simple job to do and would take about 15 minutes per side. If you dont know how to do it take it to a shop and have them check them out and repack them anyway. Then she should be good to go. Just check everything else out but those bearings are a must! Good Luck and post some pics.

 

[Barrman]

Just to say it again. Check the bearings. I picked one up 2 weeks ago. I pulled the bearing cap on the drivers side, found nice fresh looking grease, a tire that turned easily and bearings that were adjusted correctly. No cotter pin however. I put some bailing wire in there so the nut wouldn't work out and went to the other side.

The other side had little to no grease, barely turned and was also missing the cotter pin. I had brought along another hub/bearing/brake drum assembly just for this reason and slapped in on there instead of getting all dirty bringing what was there up to spec.

The point is you don't know what condition it is in until you pull the covers, turn the tire and check for play. Plan on doing that or hauling it home.

Lights, safety chains, lug nuts and stress cracks in the front frame are all things to also keep in mind.

 

[AMMO 23]

Best to just trailer it and work on it a home without GL people standing over you.

 

[epitts]

Best to just trailer it and work on it a home without GL people standing over you.

Sound like you mite be right. Could run it by the motor pool and have them check it out.

 

[Ratch]

If it were me, and it has been a couple times, I'd drive to the lot assuming I can tow it back, with a backup plan if I can't. You have to ask yourself, "What will I do if I get there and can't tow it as-is?"
My backup plan is usually asking the lot manager ahead of time if I can reschedule pickup if immediate recovery is not possible. Then I'd come back with a hauling trailer (rental, borrowed, etc). It's a gamble and may cost more with multiple trips (fuel, rental, time off from work), so you have to weigh the costs. If the cost of multiple trips is too high, plan your recovery as if the trailer is not towable as-is and rent/borrow a flatbed or car hauler to load it on.

Most often in my experience, they're roadworthy at pickup, but it's just smart to check them out a bit instead of kicking the tires and hooking up. Every trailer of 9 that I've picked up was ready to roll except one, which has a wobbly hub that I still haven't looked into, but would not have towed. I did tow it around the yard to move it and it was fine at 10mph...

The hub re-pack suggestion is a pretty good idea, and will save you later headaches if the current grease is dried out and you pull the trailer 70 miles. Personally, I wouldn't want to get into that stuff in the GL lot unless I knew it would be quick and easy. God forbid I do something crippling to the axle while I'm futzing with it and have to leave it there in pieces...

 

[rfischba1]

Ive towed many 101's with out any problems except one! What a mess, got to the GL lot and saw that the reason it was leaning in the GL picture was someone mounted a old jeep NDT tire on it , tire was dry rotted and would not hold air, brakes were locked up, quick fix with a shot of 10W-40. Hooked it up and went to start my M1009 , starter was shot! Had to be escorted out of the securty fence on Aberdeen PG by GL rep Hire a tow truck to tow me 55 miles home. Then had to go back the following week for the trailer with another tire.
Some things you just cant plan for. Murphys law. Towing cost me $350!

 

[epitts]

Pic's of the trailer if it is the same one, looks to be in good shape.