101

101 CDN .....

My first trailer purchase was the venerable 101 model 3/4 ton trailer (the Bouncing Betty). This trailer is a 1953 A1 model with the old Dodge split rims and no surge brakes manufactured by Brantford Coach & Body of Ontario. This is a Canadian Military model, hence the CDN designation and was in amazing condition for its age.

I wanted to restore the trailer to good useable condition to tow behind the Unimog to haul camping gear and supplies to my off-highway campsites. The basic trailer was in good enough repair so I took off the body tub, sanded and primed the frame and under the tub, had the springs re-arched, and replaced all the hardware with new Grade 8 bolts.

The next step was to paint the frame and "running gear", re-install the body, and have the trailer taken to the paint shop to have the box painted Tan Gloss. After the paint shop was finished it was time to apply the Rhino Liner to the trailer bed and finish installing the top and canvas. I installed a number of tie-downs into the bed as it didn't have any from the factory. You can see the aluminum top that was made for it, which provides much more security for the cargo, as well as providing a better fit for the canvas top. The early 101's had two handbrakes (one for each tire) so you could turn the trailer on its axis.

After installing the canvas I added a few more touches to complete the project. The only improvement I plan to make from here is the addition of the Military LED lights to replace the cheap Civilian models. You can also see that I've added a few "clearance" lights to the trailer as well, which will also be changed to LED.

I have a few plans this year for this trailer so we'll see how they turn out. Below you can see the blackout tag (Happy face). The Military painted these white so that the soft light from the vehicle behind would reflect on it during night operations. I replaced the shocks with Gas-filled Monroe's and here you can also see the new Michelin XL tires (9X16).

I finally managed to get to work on the 101 Camper project. Click here to see what I've been up too....

I also found time to change out the lights to the Military spec. LED tail-lights, and Maxxima LED marker lights. This is a big improvement in safety and the Mil-spec lights look much more suited to it. I also finally installed the stabilization leg that I've had in the garage for some time. It sure comes in handy with the roof tent.

With my first trailer testing excursion, I managed to bust the light bucket on one of my LED tail-lights. As you can see above, they aren't very well protected. So, I borrowed a design from the M104 trailer and had a couple of light "buckets" made from steel to protect them. I also turned the lamps upside down in the housings since I mounted them higher up on the frame to keep them out of harms way. I had to turn them upside down so you could see them better while driving behind it.