M116A3 Fix-up & Conversion Thread

[CallMeColt]

One is the rear kickstand. Since I put smaller tires on, it is to long to be useful really! I took it off to see if I could just unscrew the foot all the way & have it machined down a few inches. Apparently, it can't be done... at least by hand. Didn't dig much farther yet.

Second one is a little bit of vibration on the fuel tanks bottom. It hits the rail it's mounted too. Think I can solve this with some rubber grommets or small engine mounts of sorts.

Still need to paint the whole thing. Had to rebuild my trucks rear hub. Delayed me a bit on other projects.

 

[CallMeColt]

Did my first pull long pull with the trailer since I did the work to it & mounted the MEP-802A. Was about 450 miles. Mostly highway. Speeds up to 80 MPH.

At some point, most of the lights stopped working. Guessing it's a ground issue.

At very slow speeds stopping, the brakes seemed to buck a little. Could this be because the trailer is still slightly tilted forward?

New tank worked like a charm! Going to add a better vent to it because it builds up more pressure than I'd like & it causes some of the fitting to leak ever so slightly.

Extremely please with how much less rattling this trailer has over my previous one for the MEP-802A.

Off topic question... is there a cut off to how old a post can be to edit it?

 

[Coug]

At very slow speeds stopping, the brakes seemed to buck a little. Could this be because the trailer is still slightly tilted forward?

I've been reading back through the forums and researching the brake system, every time the topic of bucking has come up it seems to always be the shock inside the brake actuator assembly.

 

[CallMeColt]

I've been reading back through the forums and researching the brake system, every time the topic of bucking has come up it seems to always be the shock inside the brake actuator assembly.

I have a brand new one in there. First time towing with it installed.

 

[Tinstar]

It’s probably the angle of the trailer in relationship to the tow vehicle.

 

[CallMeColt]

It’s probably the angle of the trailer in relationship to the tow vehicle.

I figured this could be it. I want to get the lunette modified & have an adjustable channel welded on so I can lower the ring a bit more. It's close to level but still slightly tilted forward.

 

[CallMeColt]

So, I found the problem with the trailer lights.

I believe when the lightening hit the tree the trailer was parked next to a few weeks back some of the electricity from it went through the trailer & the lights took a beating.

Grounding wire on one was blown off. Fixed it by putting a new end on & drilling a hole, then securing it with a screw.


One of the light bulbs is very burnt.



Had 1 got set of bulbs. After fixing the ground, I tested both sides & it was good. Glad it wasn't worse!

 

[CallMeColt]

Had an adjustable channel put up front so the trailer will no ride level. No more bucking at a slow stop!

 

[Tinstar]

That turned out really nice.
Looks good sitting there nice and level.

Nicely done.

 

[CallMeColt]

I've been very happy with the trailer so far! Have taken it on quite a few trips.

I decided to add a cord holder so the cord wasn't tangling with everything else in the toolbox. Also finally got a good RTIC cooler & use the strap down kit to mount it to the trailer for trips out to my off grid place.

 

[Tinstar]

Looks good!
Your little helper is ready to go also it seems!

 

[CallMeColt]

Looks good!
Your little helper is ready to go also it seems!

Yes, she's always helping me out. Got her a little tool bag with small tools of her own. The kids use the trailer as a climbing toy when it's parked.

 

[KnobCreek]

So, when I was looking up all these parts, I found a cool solution for those that want to trailer to ride more level. Toledo Part number 10634.
View attachment 769494

Can't seem to find it anywhere though. Might be a more cost effective solution for getting the trailer to ride level with multiple civilian or military vehicles & keep the tires that come with it.

Did you ever find the Toledo Part number 10634? What was your solution for the channel mounted lunette?

 

[CallMeColt]

Did you ever find the Toledo Part number 10634? What was your solution for the channel mounted lunette?

No, I didn't. I just had the local trailer shop weld an adjustable channel in place of the fixed ring. Cheaper that way anyways.

 

[CallMeColt]

Did some minor work on the trailer.

Re-routed the electrical leads out the bottom of the generator then cut a small hole for them to come up. Downsized to 3 outlets.

Did this for two reasons... one was to change to 8 gauge wire.. Other is to the tarp could come all the way down to the mounting real of the trailer.

Going to get some heavy duty zip ties to keep the lead snug so it doesn't vibrate & potentially wear a hole.

 

[reset2]

I've been very happy with the trailer so far! Have taken it on quite a few trips.

I decided to add a cord holder so the cord wasn't tangling with everything else in the toolbox. Also finally got a good RTIC cooler & use the strap down kit to mount it to the trailer for trips out to my off grid place.
View attachment 784431

Alright I have to ask. The military has the control panel facing forwards on all that I looked at on GovPlanet and yours is facing back. Was that intentional for the fuel tank or another reason. Also is that a generator specific tarp (tan) you have or did you make it? I have a camo gen set (see Signature) and its facing forward and needs a blankie (tarp) for the cold nights .

 

[CallMeColt]

Alright I have to ask. The military has the control panel facing forwards on all that I looked at on GovPlanet and yours is facing back. Was that intentional for the fuel tank or another reason. Also is that a generator specific tarp (tan) you have or did you make it? I have a camo gen set (see Signature) and its facing forward and needs a blankie (tarp) for the cold nights .

I could swear I have seen them setup both ways but never paid that much attention. I did it so that I could access the controls easier & because I wanted the tank closer to the truck.

I ordered the tarp custom with the dimensions from the TM.

EDIT: This is an old post, but I am going to be selling these covers regularly now.

I went a few inches shorter on the high so it would fit snug. I added the clips & extra grommets. Clips work great on the trailer so you can wrap them around the rail the generator is bolted too.

 

[CallMeColt]

I got the vibration isolators for the fuel tank in today & installed them. Hopefully it makes a difference.

 

[zebedee]

M116A3 Surge brake grenaded!



Damper took a hit too.
Hopefully I can unpeel this lot and see how it was originally made. May have to cut out the whole center and re-man it. Issue will be making it the correct size to engage the spring retainer.

I guess there's no "REPAIRING" the damper! Shake, rattle and pour out all the old pieces.

 

[zebedee]

Wow $122 for a new shock from Croft.... I think I'll keep looking, or bouncing.