M101a1/2 too much for a cj5??

Started looking at military trailers to haul camping gear maybe the occasional brush, and trips to hardware store. I know the preferred trailer of choice would be an M416 or M101 but i keep coming across the M101a1/2 usually in better shape for half the price or less of the 416/101. I know the M101a1 comes in at over a 1000lbs with milspec tires and wheels in place and is overall larger. I havent pulled with my cj5 befor so Im looking for some experience. Is it too much trailer?

note jeep specs: 360, disc brakes front 11" rear drums, 3.73s

 

the m101a1/2 is heavy for a cj.
you have the pulling power but with the narrow and short wheelbase and a high center, when the jeep slows for turns the trailer is trying to push you on your side. if you have a larger daily driver, colorado, dakota, envoy or a fullsize it would be alright to avoid multiple trailers but I would rather a lighter trailer for more useful load based on GVW. If anything happens, insurance can put everything on the operator if the combined rig was overweight. they will also base it on stock ratings so even if a cj6 has a 1 ton frame, axles, and engine; it is still rated as a cj6, allowing them to not cover

You could easily make something that resembles a m416.
you could also incorporate the things that are nice like a tailgate and use something cheap and plentiful like an amc20 for the axle (with surge brakes, parking brakes, track width, and lug pattern to match the jeep) run longer smoother riding springs, the frame and tub are simple enough to make in a garage.

 

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My friend has 2 m101s. It's my opinion that they are big for a cj. The size alone is one factor. With or without the sideboards, I would think visibility would be poor in the mirrors because of the size. Put a load in the trailer and the soon you're pulling maybe 2000 lbs total, or more. Seems like a lot for a cj. My friend's trailers look sort of big, even when he pulls them behind his full size van. I would opt for something smaller. Just my .02.

 

M101a2 is 1350lbs empty. The bed is 8 feet long and 6 feet wide. It's a huge trailer. For hauling camping gear, brush and hardware store runs you'd be much better off buying a cheap 4x8 utility trailer from Harbor Fright.

I wouldn't even consider towing a 1350lb trailer behind either of my CJ's.

 

Yepp I'm gonna start looking at some flat bed options and keep my eyes peeled for a deal on a 416door or 1101