Any advantages to M105a2 over M1101/2 besides price?

[DMax82]

Hey guys, it would seem like I am a full on military trailer addict! Looking for number four. I see lots of M105s and M1101/2s headed for the auction block over the next couple of weeks. Looking at previous sales the 105s would seemingly be a bit cheaper. I see that they have about 240 pounds more payload capacity and are five inches or so narrower. Those are both plusses for me. Are those plus the price the only real advantages of it over the 1101/2?

Thanks! David

 

[Coug]

Downside of the 105s is they require air to operate the brakes, unless you swap to a civi axle with electrics.
I think the 105s are about 2700 lbs empty, and the 1101/2 about half that, so the 240lbs payload and being slightly narrower aren't much of an offset to the extra weight you start with.

105s are meant for bigger trucks, like the deuce and a half or 5 ton withe air brake systems, where the 1101/1102 is for the HMMWV and have surge brakes. The 1101/1102s are also going to be years, if not decades newer.

EDIT: so to answer the question, unless you're towing it with an air brake equipped truck, there's really no benefit in my opinion.

 

[DMax82]

Thanks for your reply Coug! I will mostly be using this in the woods, which is why the narrower track appeals. However like you said the extra weight pretty much balances that out and then some. I reckon I'll bite the bullet and spend more for the trailer that will better suit my needs.

 

[Tinstar]

You are talking about two completely different animals.
Unless you have the proper military truck, stay with the the M1101/2.

Sure the M105s are cheap.
There’s a reason for that.
They are a big, wide, heavy trailer that sits high and you will most likely never be able to have it sit remotely level with any civilian vehicle.
An air system is required for the brakes to work.
Did I mention it’s heavy?
Heavy tire/rim if you have to change a flat.

The M1101/2 is a much more useable trailer.
Surge brakes.
Much lighter and normal width.
Better lighting.
Easier all around to deal with.

Have a accident towing a M105 and the DOT and lawyers will have a field day with you.
It’s not designed to be pulled with anything smaller than a 2 1/2 ton 6x6 truck.
Sure lots of guys are doing it.
That doesn’t mean it’s safe or smart.

If you have a choice, I think you will be much happier with the M1101/2 series trailer.

 

[DMax82]

Thanks for the detailed reply Tinstar! You definitely pushed me over the edge to the M1101/2. Not excited about spending more money, but would much rather get the right tool for the job.

 

[FloridaAKM]

Go with the M1101/02 & you will never regret it, unless you own a deuce or larger truck!

 

[M813rc]

When people are unfamiliar with M105s, I like to share this picture of my Tahoe parked next to one of my M105s to give a better understanding.

M1101/2 trailers are actually pretty big too. Picture of my M1102 next to the same old Tahoe (taken 11 years later).

The only apparent difference between an 1101 and an 1102 is the data plate, it has to do with the tow rating of different Humvees rather than the trailers themselves.

Cheers

 

[Tinstar]

Great reference pics.
The SUV looks tiny next to the M105

Yes the M1101/2 is a decent size trailer but completely doable with a pickup or suv.

I personally pefer the M101A2/3s over the M1101/2s.
But that’s personal preference and another thread.

 

[DMax82]

Great reference pics.
The SUV looks tiny next to the M105

Yes the M1101/2 is a decent size trailer but completely doable with a pickup or suv.

I personally pefer the M101A2/3s over the M1101/2s.
But that’s personal preference and another thread.

Yes for me a good condition M101A3 would really be ideal. They are just so spendy.

Thanks for the picture M813rc! That really brings home how massive the M105 is.

 

[pmramsey]

There is a third alternative to consider. It is the M105A3. It is an all steel 1.5-ton trailer with surge brakes. They were made in the late 1990s to about 2005. They have 10 x 22.5 tires plus a spare and a screw jack like those found on the M1101 and 1102 trailers. The original jacks are unusally crapped out. I rebuild them with heavier duty BullDog jacks and replace the tires and wheels with 12.5 x 16 tires. The original rims are 6-bolt like the 2.5-ton trucks and the bolster trailer tires and rims fit perfectly on the M105A3 trailers. With a small mod, I often run 8-bolt, 265 x 75R16s on these trailers to match the tires on my Dodges. The standard M105A3 trailer lights are multi-volt LEDS 10-36 volts. If you pull the M105A3s with a CUCV like the one in the photos, one needs to upgrade the signaling
device to digital.