M101A transport questions

[johnspies]

Hi,
I am the literal 'newb' and perhaps pulled the trigger a little too early on it but....I won the auction in Hooks, TX and will need to pick it up.

So, here goes.....

I have a 2000 landcruiser and wonder about a couple of things relating to getting it home. Will the lights hook up or do I need to use some magnetic lights to get it home? Will the lunette height be a problem? I know I have to get a pintle hitch, that's no problem but do I need an adapter to raise the height? If so, how much?

Can't think of any other potential issues but am eager to hear your input.

cheers!

 

[gunboy1656]

As for the lights, you will need a set of magnetic ones, due to the power difference and the connection difference. OD Iron, makes and adapter for the trailer, but the lights will be dim.

The towing height should not be much of a difference, since they were designed to be towed being pickups.

 

[M543A2]

The lights on the trailer will probably be 24 volt, so they will not work. The light cord plug will likely not fit your current vehicle plug. You will need a magnetic bar.
I would not worry about lunette height too much to get it home, but others who have one on this site will hopefully give you a hitch height to help you be better prepared.
Other than that, check tires for condition and pressure, brakes free (if it has them), and check for loose wheel bearings by push/pulling the top of each wheel laterally to feel for free play. You should feel some, but not too much. I have brought home several 1 1/2 ton trailers with no problems.
Regards Marti

 

[markmontana]

Ha- you sound like me a while back.

I have the pintle on an adjustable height receiver. I use a 1 ton truck, and even then I need the pintle near the top. It won't hurt anything to have the trailer ride at a slant.

Should be an easy trip for you. Good luck

 

[johnspies]

Must be me but I can't find the adapter on OD Iron.....any other sources? I'd just as soon buy the adapter and not mess with new lights, new wiring, etc. unless I have to. They don't inspect here in Arkansas so I have to think I'm good if the lights are a little dim.

 

[gunboy1656]

Here you go.

OD Iron LLC Military Vehicle Parts and Accessories

 

[johnspies]

Pricey....what's your opinion? Buy some cheap magnetic lights to get home and then rewire at some point or pay the 90 bucks for this?

 

[SCSG-G4]

If you are going to use the trailer only with a civilian vehicle, pick up some 12 v bulbs and the adapter. It's usually easier to get the magnetic set and drop the tailgate for them to sit on (I've only pulled M105/103 trailers - YMMV) as they can be moved from one trailer to another. But only if you are expecting to wind up with a 24v system to do the pulling on a regular basis.

 

[deucebigalo]

If you can find someone with a parts truck, like a M1009 or M1008 you can use the electrical hook up from the rear bumper, I did this and wired mine up to a flat four and I and changed the bulbs to 12v and I have no problem and this is a cheaper solution. I tow my M101A1 with a GMC envoy or an H3 and I have no problems it tows like there is nothing behind me. The alternative like the other guys have said is magnetic lights, but I think that a P.I.T.A. but not bad for your recovery though.....best of luck with the trailer.

Joe

 

[41cl8m5]

hooks has a goofy secrurity pass system. Could be 5 minutes to 2 hours depending on how many "guest" show up at the same time. Don't foget all the required paperwork or you will not be let in. Also dont bring anything you don't need, the more you bging the more they will look for more at the check point. One other thing, if you show up early for your recovery appiontmnet be ready to get yelled at by the on site GL boss about it. I was 1 hour early to be safe got through the security really quick (no one in front of me). I knew I was early and was willing to wait but I was not given a chance to explain being early. About 10 minutes later I was escorted to my score A M101a2 by another GL employee that was very nice to work with. By the way I was rerminded they will not help with loading, It must be all done by you. Just FYI.

 

[41cl8m5]

Oh yea U must turn over all recording devises at the check it point. NO CAMERAS AT ALL or Sound recording stuff is alowed in. You will be required to serinder it at the check in point. Cell phones are OK but don't get caught taking pix with it at any time.

 

[Boatcarpenter]

Don't forget that you can flip the lunette to the lower position which will drop the height that you need your pintle hitch about 6 inches or so. Look at Markmontana's picture earlier in the thread and you will see.
BC

 

[m16ty]

Here you go.

OD Iron LLC Military Vehicle Parts and Accessories

That adapter is for towing a civilain trailer with a MV, not the other way around as is needed to tow a M101 with a civilain vehicle.

 

[ARYankee]

If you need some help let me know. I'm not too far from Hooks. I'd go to Harbor Freight and get the cheapo lights temporarily until you figure out what you want to do.

 

[ralbelt]

There is a coupon in the latest Guns and Ammo magazine for the magnetic lights, Reg $ 29.99 with coupon $10.00. I'm going to go get a set to pick up my M101a1.

 

[moose53]

I made an adapter using a used MV trailer socket and a flat four pigtail. cost about $14.00. replaced 24v bulbs w/12v which solves the brightness issue. my pintle is raised about 3" on my F-150 and the lunette on the trailer is flipped to the lower position. tows level and tracks nicely. if you do a quick search here on steel soldiers you'll find several threads on how to wire the adapter...

Jim

 

[bryan70546]

all you need to do is go to Haborfright and get a magetic light set up i paid 10 bucks for mine. make sure you have your current vehicle registation and proof of insurence . I went to hooks a few months back , i was treated very good by mrs.Neely and her staff , i was early but told her i would be sleeping in my truck till they were ready for me , When they were ready she came and got me . The check point was not bad all they did was wave me threw and told me to be sure to buckle up.Good luck

 

[jimbob1111]

Hi
I've picked up @ Hooks several times, 1 time the line to get my pass started outside the building, went down the little hallway, back up the little hallway and into the office! I've been waved through the checkpoint every time.
Don't forget the ZIP TIES or those HF lights won't stay on long. I bought the 9.99 set with the cupon & have used on 2 trailer recoveries.
James