Convert Your Rugged Trailer to an Independent Suspension and make it More Versatile
The M1101 is the original overland trailer, but with its solid axle suspension, you really can’t call it an overland beast. People like the M1101 because it’s relatively small and light so it can be towed by smaller vehicles, they are easier to maneuver through wooded and off-road areas. Giving your M1101 a proper suspension upgrade with Timbren Axle-Less suspension, will allow you to take it anywhere your off-road tow vehicle can go.
What is an M1101 trailer? Where did it come from?
The M1101 cargo trailer is designed to be fully compatible with and towed behind a military High Mobility Multi-Purpose Wheeled Vehicle, (HMMWV). The trailer has the same width, ground clearance, and wheel track as the HMMWV. Because of its lightweight, only 1460 lbs, it is easily towed behind any truck or SUV.
The M11 Trailers are built in the same factory that is known for their exceptional craftsmanship, Access Mfg. Since 1949, U.S. governments (Federal, State, Local), military, large corporations, small businesses, and tradesmen have relied on Tradesman Truck Tops by Access Mfg. You, too, can now enjoy the benefits of years of research and development, quality improvement, and exceptional craftsmanship.
The M1101 Cargo trailer was designed to be towed behind the military High Mobility Multi-Purpose Wheeled Vehicle, (HMMWV). The trailer has the same width, ground clearance, and wheel track as the HMMWV.
Why are they so popular for off-road enthusiasts?
- Rugged: The military M1101 trailer is the toughest off-road trailer on the planet. It’s the perfect off-road trailer for so many applications: adventure, expedition, overland, backcountry, world traveler, tradesman, cargo hauler, toy hauler, or just a simple weekender.
- Price: The M1101 can be purchased fully refurbished for as little as $1850.00 US.
- Size & Weight: Because of its lightweight aluminum frame – only 1460 lbs – an M1101 can be easily towed behind any truck or SUV. Due to their relatively small size, they are easier to maneuver through wooded and off-road areas.
What kind of upgrades should you consider?
There are any number of upgrades for the M1101 trailer suspension. There are only two trailer suspensions worth looking at:
Rubber Torsion Axles
With Dexter’s TORFLEX® rubber torsion suspension axles, you’ll have no concerns about damage to precious cargo due to road shock. TORFLEX unique independent axle suspension means a smoother ride for your trailer and greater peace of mind for you.
Dexter’s TORFLEX is a torsion arm suspension that is completely self-contained within the axle tube. It attaches directly to the trailer frame using brackets which are an integral part of the axle assembly. The TORFLEX axle provides improved suspension characteristics relative to leaf spring axles through the unique arrangement of a steel torsion bar surrounded by four rubber cords encased in the main structural member of the axle beam.
Except for periodic inspection of the fasteners used to attach the axle to the vehicle frame, no other suspension maintenance is required on TORFLEX axles.
Axle-Less Trailer Suspension
The Axle-Less trailer suspension can turn any M1101 military trailer into an off-road beast. ‘Axle-Less’ means no through axle. And when there’s no through axle, it’s a whole new ballgame! Once the solid axle has been removed and replaced with the Axle-Less suspension, the M1101 will be able to go anywhere your off-road tow vehicle can go. In fact, here are three advantages you get with Axle-less trailer suspension
- More ground clearance
Because there’s no through axle underneath the trailer, you get a lot more ground clearance. No need to worry about damage to the axle from rocks and stumps. There is no axle to damage!
- Greater control
As we have said, there is no axle. The Axle-Less suspension is bolted to the frame of the trailer. This allows the suspension to operate just like an independent suspension. What affects one side of the vehicle doesn’t affect the other. Left-side and right-side components work independently of each other.
- Smooth and quiet
The reason you get a smooth and quiet ride has to do with its unique design. Here’s the thing:
The Axle-Less has 2 rubber springs: one for the jounce and the other for the rebound. These 2 rubber springs – particularly the small rebound spring – keep the trailer from bouncing around. So, whether your trailer is loaded or unloaded, you maintain a ride that’s so smooth and quiet that you’ll forget you’re towing a trailer!
The M1101 military trailer is a popular choice for any off-road enthusiast for three good reasons:
- Rugged aluminum construction
- Easy maneuverability
- Reasonable price
The best way to transform the M1101 trailer into an off-road beast is to install a proper axle-less suspension upgrade from Timbren. For best results, we suggest you take a look at the Axle-Less trailer suspension.
