Sorry...Another M101a1 wheels/tire question

[BKCNTRY470]

My M101A1 trailer is in good condition. Have had it for a 9 months now. The biggest trip was from SLC to Yellowstone loaded with camping gear at decent speeds.

The only concern I have are the tires. They look to be original (1960's Kelly Springfield). They have some cracking. No chunks missing from the tires. And the old rancher who sold it to me days he would drive to New York and back without any concern. So I am wondering when do you know is time to replace the tires? What should I look for?

I found an old timer willing to mount new tires on the original split ring wheels, the NDTs are more than what I would like to spend but if they will last 40 plus years like the Kelly Springfields I have now then I guess it makes sense.

Thoughts?

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[Barrman]

Normal tires figure 3-5 years and replace. Military tires, especially the old NDT tires have nylon cords that hold up very well seem to last forever. But, they do age out before wearing out in most cases. It really depends on your intended mission for the trailer.

Military vehicle speeds and light loads. Keep them full of air and enjoy.

Highways speeds, long trips with loads and I would suggest new tires. If you put radials such as BFG all terrains on there. Get radial tubes and all will be well.

 

[juanprado]

If you can find STA super lugs reasonable; they are better than the ndts.
I have a trailer with some deep cracks but don't sweat it as they are 16 ply and tough as nails. Look nasty but run cool. Just made a 400 mile trip monday on my 60's m116 variant.

I do carry a spare with a new tube and flap.
I have had tubes literally fall apart. That is the weak point. Trying to find a 900x16 flap or tube with the correct valve in stock on the road would be zero chance of success.

Old school truck shops will work on the lock ring rims but dont expect to find one on the road. They are not split rims.

 

[mrbushhog]

I bought some new NDT tires from summit racing about a year ago for my m101. vintagepowerwagons.com has new 17" one piece wheel with stock 5 lug spacing. $535 though.

 

[xjghost]

I recently got one of these trailers free. I stumbled across this recent thread and was wondering if anyone could confirm if these are the rims for the trailer?

 

[NDT]

Yup.

 

[xjghost]

Yup.

Thanks. I know the lug nuts use a 1.5" socket but what thread size and pitch are they? I know left is left handed. Lug nuts are the last thing I need to start putting it together.

 

[mrbushhog]

I need a rim. if you have an extra to sell, let me know.

 

[xjghost]

I need a rim. if you have an extra to sell, let me know.

More than likely I will have an extra. Right now trying to figure out lug nuts. Not a lot of info out there on thread pitch and size of them.

 

[NDT]

More than likely I will have an extra. Right now trying to figure out lug nuts. Not a lot of info out there on thread pitch and size of them.

That system is called "Budd" and has been around since the 1930's and still used today, thread 3/4-16. Any HD truck supply house will have that lug nut in stock by the bucket full.

A good source:

Vintage Power Wagons - Vintage Dodge Truck Online Parts Catalog

 

[xjghost]

That system is called "Budd" and has been around since the 1930's and still used today, thread 3/4-16. Any HD truck supply house will have that lug nut in stock by the bucket full.

A good source:

Vintage Power Wagons - Vintage Dodge Truck Online Parts Catalog

Thanks! I appreciate the help.