Converting Army Trailer to Overland Camper!! (M101 A1)

My vision for the M101 Army camper is finally comming together as we finish the painting and install the topper, roof top tent, and accessories! Looks Awesome!
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[@jaforsel]

Great video! (Please use a jack stand with the jack)

[@michaelmathis1961]

You did a great job. I know it is costly to make mistakes but let me give you some advice. We can never know everything about everything so that is why there are experts in specific fields like paint dealers, axel supplies, bearing supplies, and anything you may need. Always ask them how to do what you are wanting to do. The most stupid question you can ask is the one you do not ask, like the one about greasing the bearings and installing wheel hubs. Like this video, there are tons on here where people explain how to's so research them out next time. They will save you lots of time and money. By the way, great looking trailer and a fun video. Thanks for posting.

[@Leatherkid01]

Your son should smear bearing grease on your new bearings haha.... Hes an expert

[@9thGenerationCajun]

Get Buddy Bearings for a boat trailer they have grease fittings. You can pump grease into it as needed.

[@roundsm18]

Joyous fun. Military trailers are prone to bearing failures frequently. At least it didn’t fly off on the road. The axle assembly used is ironically a standard Dexter axle. Army TMs are available on the internet for anything that could be purchased as surplus, however the manual does not contain a torque spec. Look up the axle weight, go to dexter and get a torque spec from them so at least you don’t experience the same outcome. One comment mentioned using a good grease, definitely do that. I pull my trailer bearings and inspect them annually, it’s kind of a big deal.

[@Bward216]

Loving this trailer build. Makes me want to make one but will rarely get used

[@tanglediver]

Here's my o.o2 cent review; (I do that exact work at the day job.); the inner bearing cone HAS spun-welded to the spindle. Yes, you can cut them off, with a die grinder and cut-off wheel. But be VERY careful, or you can destroy the axle. 85% of the damage is usually on the bottom edge of the spindle/bearing surface. (Lie under the spindle and look up.) Now change die grinder attachment to a roloc holder and sanding disc to polish the gouges out. Be gentle. Then change to the scotch-brite pad in the roloc holder and smooth out the sanding striations. You are finished when the clean/new bearing slides smoothly over the spindle, SMOOTH! At the hub, you SHOULD change the pressed in races in pairs, both inner and outer. A hammer and large taper punch will get them out. Then to press in the new races, we like to use aluminum round race seating "pucks", (available at an auto parts store). THEN you can add freshly greased, new bearings. and install new grease seals. It's good to roll the hub as you gently seat the bearings, it should take almost no effort. Roll hub and set spindle nut torque by hand, then back off "a smidge". Set the spindle nut with the new, appropriate keeper. Replace the dust cap with new cap, the old ones can fall off easy, that is a BAD thing. We always recommend using anti-seize on stud threads, torque to 120 ft./lbs. max. (For 1/2 - 20 studs.) Done, but expect that spindle damage like this lessens the service life of any axle, so be aware. Do not over grease ez lube spindles, as this only leads to grease seal failure. No, not the mama.

[@slateslavens]

Agreed. I would also recommend hitting your FLAPS (Favorite Local Auto Parts Store) and getting a $5 cone bearing packer and a good grease gun. Snot the hell out of the bearings, the cups, and pack the hub cavity with grease. make sure you get the right grease!

[@aranbywillikers9889]

That looks great buddy!

[@marcfournier823]

When your tire passes you on the highway you'll know you should have swapped out the axle. Ultra cute kid and he obviously understands a thing or two about lubrication. LOL

[@artm6723]

Nothing wrong with learning something new as long as no one gets hurt! Also, you have a very "interesting" way of painting, but it works for you.

[@fishontro]

I picked up my M101A1 several years ago and swapped axles. Really like the idea of converting it into more of a camp trailer rather than just utility. I do not want a RTT on my 4Runner, I like being able to set up a base and go play. Keeping an eye out for a decent shell now.

[@singletrackftw]

That thing turned out really well. This has been an awesome DIY trailer transformation.

[@alphafox3150]

Now I have to buy a trailer!! Come on!!! Awesome job, bearings should be fine now. Keep these videos coming.

[@natninevisuals]

Saved yourselve thousands of doll hairs

[@cabinbythelake]

Nice trailer! With the addition of the canopy I'm impressed....looks great!

[@aranbywillikers9889]

'Hanging out, probably drank too many beer.' This is a synopsis of my career as an amateur mechanic.

[@abdullahmahmood3040]

I really liked the army green but wow the end result of the white on white with the canopy really popped! Also love how you guys make the most out of Sterlings poopy situations instead of getting disappointed about it lol

[@mokiwun1607]

May want to make a flip up shield for the front window. It will save it from the KM3 rock slingers! Cool rig, most trailers don't run shocks.

[@wvoutdoorsman5326]

Trailers looking awesome!!! If the hatch and tailgate shut and latch it’s like they were made for each other. I run a cap on my Tacoma and I love it. Great for gear protection. Sterling cracks me up!!! I bet your getting paid back for your childhood🤣 Silent Smearer🤣🤣🤣

[@thegreek8962]

Did that turn out great or what !!!!!!!!!!!!! Stay safe, Have fun,,,,, Always

[@DIYM105Camper]

Wow that’s one good looking m101...

[@MichaelCook1981]

You should name it the Igloo.

[@edsonkidwell9813]

Lol the ointment caper. That was funny

[@lenward474]

Fill with grease. Tighten to no rotation and back off eight turn.test for smooth turn.

[@chadjacobsen1]

Awesome video. I will be buyi g one of these in a few weeks and plan on doing it basically the same but no RTT. just storage for camping gear and fuel. Love the Tacoma btw. We have a 2015 charcoal 4runner and plan on painting it to match. Keep up the good work man!!

[@sschraufnagel7376]

If you don't get enough miles out of the new bearings you can try repacking them with that diaper ointment... That sh!t was everywhere! WELL PLAYED!

[@jacobduncan8875]

So dope!

[@lenward474]

Too late but trick is Bering material is crystalline. Put met all block or heavy hammer under. Hit with another big hammer and it will shatter. Then polish surfaces clean with paper brake cleaner and use the best synthetic high temp grease.

[@wvmontani]

Penguins don't live in the Arctic; only in the Antarctic. LOL!

[@ravenfeather7087]

If I understand wheel bearings correctly, the bearing races don't rotate around the spindle so if you can get the spindle to a point where everything is in line when assembled you should be good. Assuming you grease the bearings liberally and don't over-torque the spindle nut (the one that holds the entire bearing assembly and hub on the axle). If the assembly does not align properly the bearings and or races will go prematurely. A warning though. A bearing/races/spindle, the assembly, can get worn so severely that the wheel will fall off. A co-worker was responsible for boat trailer maintenance and as we were driving to a work site and were turning a corner I looked out the passenger side window and had the dubious pleasure of watching the boat trailer wheel pass us and continue off into the ditch. A country road so no real consequences other than the convenience. BUT on a busy highway?

[@jacktudela4182]

Looks Cherry Maxx. I think those new bearings will last awhile as long as to u don't carry too heavy of load.

[@bucktalesoutdoors7566]

Love that expedition trailer idea....on the lookout for one to build for myself. Good job / great vid.

[@jorges2000]

It turned out great. Arctic ready 🐧❄

[@jorges2000]

Maxx Powell The ultimate snow trip

[@Ink_farm_art]

Great job, Mama Penguin! ❤️

[@newsooner1155]

Thank you for your service to our country!

[@clintnewellautogroup]

Loving your videos Maxx. We're sending some of our CNX Offroad swag your way!

[@electrohacker]

always inspect your trailer bearings once or twice a year and add grease frequently

[@bigvin7602]

“Water proof till he dies” 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@phillipo9727]

Great job may I say something though you need a jack stand. I’ve seen the O rings fail on those types of floor Jacks fail and can have a very bad outcome.

[@michaelsandoval6368]

That trailer is so sick man omg

[@johnyhuitron556]

The outcome was sweet. Nice trailer Max.... Can't wait to get my own.

[@mikerobbins5049]

Thats gonna make a really nice trailer...

[@jonathanweston2448]

It would really good to see how this turned out inside the trailer.

[@hawkie333]

That thing is really coming around! You should put some decals on it!

[@OnefastAZfarmtruck]

I think you may be ok. It just looks like the spindle is scored and it didn't look like there was a whole lot of metal shavings. I think your axle is probably more than plenty for that size of trailer.

[@jc-1-xj-212]

Besides the trailer looking really cool and the secret penguin name😂 your son is hilarious 😂😂

[@aarondavis5535]

Nice trailer kind building a camp trailer too mines a old boat trailer but I thank a old pickup bed trailer be ideal can get lifted leaf springs for them where the gas tank was can put a water tank are live gas there for spare gas I seen people put alternator on the pinion

[@Alex-pe4rj]

That thing is sick!

[@The_Paddle_Smith]

This is awesome stuff, Aaron Rodgers!

[@jessename7849]

If/ when you do need to replace that axle get an oil bath bearing hub. Dexter makes some

[@HydroEel1_]

Looks good!!! Should by easy camping with the fam!! I would say solar power is next but there is no sun where your from!!! Lol

[@Dfts83]

I hope you see this. If the diaper ointment is petroleum based you can use simple green to clean it up. And it is a safe degreaser.

[@sirswerdna]

Must be the camera lens, but it sure makes it look like the axle is bent....

[@peten6445]

Cool army trailer. I hope to pick up one for around 500.

[@pjrodriguez9755]

Dude you are freaking hilarious lol. One of my favorite KZbin channels right now. I love when your son smears stuff. Shit cracks me up. Absolutely pun intended there.

[@andreiarca3024]

The "silent smearer" lol

[@properpoolguy]

great job. Arctic Penguins RULE! lol

[@oldterm6978]

The boy is taking after dad. He is all greased up. I think you lucked out and have a grease zerk center shaft once done with axle you can pump grease into the whole bearing housing from that zerk (unless the hole in back is plugged. I have picture that shows path.

[@oldterm6978]

Looks like a great build. Make sure the canopy lines up (supported by sides well...don't want to crack it). Also you may want to fabricate a bed rail extension (enclosed) to raise canopy up to secure motorcycles in back (may look weird if higher than truck though...trailer bed sits high). Would it be better to put motorcycles in truck bed since your emptying out truck? I will be waiting to see what combo or solutions you come up with.

[@mrantone916]

Man you should have got a raptor bed spray kit . I did my fenders with it on my old truck,

[@ZionRanch]

I love the trailer!

[@zackeoff4164]

awesome trailer man.

[@jeffgeer529]

Love your videos man keep up the great content.

[@TheWindowCleaningWatchDude]

You are seriously my favorite youtuber you are going to be so successful on KZbin I have a 2017 tacoma pre runner build and love watching your videos for inspiration on what next to do to my truck haha

[@motech7168]

She's a beast bro!! nice!

[@squint0241]

Secret penguin expedition trailer 🤣🤣👍. That comment had me rolling... Lol. Looks great bud 🤙

[@themaninblack147]

That thing is so sweet

[@fran2395437]

Looks Badass!!!

[@paulquiroz4070]

Maxx… I believe you had a video when you went camping with this trailer, but I cannot find it. Did you remove it? Thank you

[@n2cycles]

Never drive on hard surfaces without eye protection. And they make sleeves to fix that.

[@smstoller06]

what was/is the size of your trailer. My os 8ft long but its 65 1/2 inch wide (inside) and 2 1/8 to the outside. and I can't find a camper/shell that is wide enough.

[@OnefastAZfarmtruck]

Sterling made my day😂

[@jsosa1957]

good job buddy

[@jdubshizzle]

This exact thing just happened to my off road trailer except I have to replace the axle. Also - get some jack stands!

[@daviddirom7429]

Wondering if u filled in all the holes in the trailer?

[@brianmorse8811]

Oh my gosh! You are so funny.

[@neverquit2640]

What's the topper?

[@JC-bx3bg]

I am looking to build pretty much this exact setup. Since you’ve already built one I’m curious what I need to look for when buying a military trailer and camper shell.

[@montebeerbower7796]

Love the trailer.

[@insaynbcr]

Looks like you have zirks on your axle tips. Did you go ahead and pump in additional grease after your bearing repack jobber? You can almost never have too much grease in your axle bearings.

[@TheWindowCleaningWatchDude]

Do you think you will do seats to your truck?

[@yanglu9555]

Awesome vlog. I really like the igloo camper and looks nice. So I was just thinking when you guys was putting the top on the trailer if you know anything about braking systems for off-road trailers, which it would be nice to put on this trailer. Just a thought.

[@liamsullivan7073]

looks sweet !!!!

[@JMS_Hunter]

Thumbs up for the penguin.

[@josephpaul6791]

Did you tighten the nut down spin the hub then back the nut out about a quarter turn? If tapered roller bearings are too tight, that will kill them also. I've done hundreds of these type bearings with no problems. Thanks for the Vids.

[@jspeerpls]

Pretty sure there was a crap ton of people calling out the grease job lol live and learn

[@kenuber4766]

With all your trailer problems from buying the wrong one to not knowing WTF, I think you should just stay on the porch! LOL

[@blackrainy2kace850]

What kinda camper top is that, or would any 8 foot f150 camper work?

[@soleilpitcher6972]

scene: on the dirt road going over laning. Mom:"where are the kids honey?" dad:"in the trailer with the dirtbikes and dogs" 😂 keep up the good work.

[@alexandersalsman7610]

The axle nut I think is supposed to be tightened to spec

[@SHWELL11]

Good shit!

[@aussiebloke2998]

Nice job but I would have thought you would have removed the jerry can holders before you started painting? Aussie.

[@TSGear]

Thanks for the shout out man. Looks like i need to upload more videos. Im a bit behind. Ha

[@andyoo11]

Looks like a new axle would not be a bad idea

[@huntlife4life238]

What ever happened to the trailer did you get rid of it ?

[@ravenfeather7087]

In my opinion you should try harder to force the grease into the bearings with your thumb and fingers.

[@mtnbiker49]

Since we are learning together......You did make sure to fasten the shell to the trailer, correct? lol

[@arcturas2012]

Use a jack stand !!!

[@KeepGrindingGarage]

What camper shell are you using for the trailer?

[@Maxx.Powell]

Ay man. It's a leer canopy for a Ford F150 long bed.

[@libradoaguirre4039]

Maxx, do you still have the trailer?. Which have been the pros and cons?

[@Maxx.Powell]

I sold it to a buddy. But he loves it! I thought it was awesome.

[@mazemarciel1574]

SOOOOOOO SICKKKKKKKKKK

[@brianbirc]

To not do something or pay to do something that needs doing is this issue. When buying it used it is common it is needing maintenance. Trailers have less things to maintain but mechanically the wheel bearings are the most important. Checking they are good and greasing them with fresh is done before use.