M101 trailer 3/4t

[chris vickery]

I just aquired a Manac M101 trailer.
It has the 8 bolt type 5/4t wheels.
The CFR is 81-44075.
I was wondering if anyone has other info on this, where it might have been assigned to etc. as well as what model it is. I am thinking M101A2 as it has the surge braking system.
It does have DND property barcode labels indicating it was surplussed out of Montreal.
It is in quite good condition, the sheet metal is straight and 90% rust free. The undercarriage is very clean.
It uses top bows which appear to be about 1"x1" square tubing.
Also looking for parts and pieces for this traileras well as the appropriate MANAC manual.

[Ed Storey]

Nice M101 with a bit of history!

Serial FA581

It initially served in CFB Lahr until Oct 1993 when it was shipped back to Canada. After hanging around Ottawa and Kingston it was sent to the CCIFOR Signals Squadron Bosnia in Apr 1996, then to the Battlegroup in Jan 1997 followed by the National Support Element in May 1997 until returned to Canada in 2000.

Originally an ECC 132301 Cargo Trailer, it was converted to an ECC 132322 with Generator Set in Oct 95. Before being sold as surplus, it was converted back to ECC 132301 in Dec 2001

[rob love]

I am not sure the Manacs were a M101A2, or even referred to as a M101 in official Canadian nomenclature. I always remember just seeing the words "trailer, Manac, 3/4 ton".

The main difference in the body is the wider wheel well extensions to cover those 9.50X16.5 tires. It also has the later style of tailgate latches. As you mentioned Chris, it does have the standard SMP surge brake (still used today on the LSVW trailers).

I also have one of these out by the quonset. Nice enough trailer, but in all honesty it has never left the yard.

[Ed Storey]

Rob makes a good point, any official documentation I have on these trailers simply identifies them as Trailer, Manac, 3/4 ton.

[chris vickery]

Ed, much appreciated for the history lesson! I figured sooner or later I would end up with something with a story...
FA581 is indeed the serial from Manac.
Before you confirmed it to me, I was suspicious that it may have been converted to a genny trailer as there are some holes drilled in the floor.
Another interesting find was the spare tire. The spare is painted white over OD, flaking off at this point but obviously UN. I figured it was just an oddball wheel thrown on at surplus time.

Rob, a question for you. Did the Manac trailers use two piece hinged racks front and rear or is just the rear hinged and the front one piece?
It appears to me that the front two piece rack is incorrect as there is no provision for the locking pins to drop into the front top sheet metal.
Also, my trailer has 12v civvy type 4 pin lighting. Is this a post surplus civvy mod or did the military use 4 pin on the 5/4 or LSVW? The guy I purchased it from is the first civvy owner and he said it came that way surplus. I find that hard to believe.
I am also looking for a new surge setup as the one that is on it is not working as it took a hit of some sort and bent the metal housing. I do not think I can straighten it as the sheet steel is quite heavy. The lunette is OK but the housing is toast as is the master (cracked).
Any ideas where to look for said parts???

[chris vickery]

As advertised....