M-116 Chassis: Trailer, 3/4 Ton, 2-Wheel
The use of the M116 chassis as the basis of specialized trailers is widespread in the U.S. military. As examples, here are some specific cases:
- The Equipment Trailer Group (ETG) and the Antenna Transceiver Group (ATG) for the AN/TPQ-36 weapons-locating radar are based on M116A3 trailers while the Trailer Mounted Auxiliary Generator for the same radar utilizes the M116A2.
- Mobile Electric Power (MEP) generator sets in the most popular sizes are commonly towed on M116 series trailers. The HMMWV typically is the prime mover for these trailers while carrying additional equipment. With the maximum load rating of the M116 at one ton, HMMWV-towable power is limited to a maximum of 10 kW of power, usually either two 3 kW generators or one 10 kW generator.
- The Tool Outfit, Pioneer, Portable Electric Tools, Trailer Mounted (NSN 5180-00-289-9569 or 5180-00-914-2572) is housed in a rounded-top tool enclosure mounted on an M116A2 trailer.
M-116 Trailer, Cargo, 3/4 ton Specifications
| Length, overall | 147 in. (373.38 cm) |
| Width, overall | 71.3 in. (181.1 cm) |
| Width, track | 71.3 in. (181.1 cm) |
| Height, chassis | 30 in. (76.2 cm) |
| Weight, empty | 780 lb (354.12 kg) |
| Weight, maximum | 3160 lb (1434.64 kg) |
| Note: Dimenstions are based on the M116A2E1 variant. | |
Differences Between Models of the M116 Trailer
Differences between M116 series trailers consist of configuration variations in the electrical system, axle, brakes, wheels, frame, and suspension, as presented in this table:
| Model | FSN/NSN | Axle | Inertia Brake System | Wheels/Tires | Frame | Spring Leaves |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| M116 | 2330-542-5987 | Straight | No | Tubes?? | 3 in. | 5 |
| M116A1 | 2330-898-6780 | Straight | No | Tubeless/Radial | 3 in. | 5 |
| M116A2 | 2330-01-101-8434 | Straight | Yes | Tubeless/Radial | 3 in. | 5 |
| M116A2E1 | 2330-01-333-9773 | Straight | Yes | Tubeless | 4 in. | 6 |
| M116A3 | 2330-01-359-0080 | Offset | Yes | Tubeless/Runflat/Radial | 4 in. | 6 |
The above information is from TM 9-2330-202-14&P (May 1997). However, TACOM RD&E Center Technical Report No. 13556 (November 1991) presents the following table of model differences which is not the same as the TM:
Table 1: M116-Series Trailers
| M116A2 | 8740054 ?? |
| M116A2E1 | Improved Springs (7 vs. 5 Leaves) Improved Frame (4" vs. 3") |
| M116A2E2 | Offset axle Increased Track Width to 72 HMMWV Wheels and Tires |
| M116A3 | Improved Springs (11 Leaves) Reinforced Frame Adjustable Wheeled Landing Leg Two Rear Landing Legs M103 Shock Absorber |
M116 trailers are equipped with a chassis wiring harness that terminates at a covered junction box on the roadside drawbar. The intervehicular cable is fixed to the trailer. The trailers are equipped with a two-light composite stoplight-taillight configuration that may have standard lamps or LEDs. The trailers have both handbrakes and an inertia-actuated hydraulic brake system.
The M116A2E1 and M116A3 are variants of the M116A2. Heavy-duty axles, four-inch frames, and heavier spring assemblies allow for a greater payload than the M116A2. In addition, the M116A3 uses the HMMWV radial runflat wheel and tire assemblies.
Manuals for the M-116 trailer, that also cover the M101 cargo trailer, include TM 9-2330-202-14&P (August 1962, 7 October 1993, May 1997, or 1999). Other manuals for equipment based on the M116 chassis, such as generator sets, also include relevant information about the M116 platform utilized. For example, see TM 5-5180-220-12&P for the Pioneer Tool Trailer (NSN 5180-00-289-9569 or 5180-00-914-2572).
M-116A2 Chassis: Trailer, Cargo, 3/4 ton. Photo: Government Liquidation.com.
M-116A2 Chassis: Trailer, Cargo, 3/4 ton dataplate. Photo: Government Liquidation.com.
MEP003A 10KW generator set (NSN 6115-00-465-1030) carried by M-116A2 Chassis: Trailer, Cargo, 3/4 ton. Photo: Government Liquidation.com.
Antenna Transceiver Group (ATG) of the FireFinder AN/TPQ-36 weapons locating radar on M116A3 trailer, 161st Target Acquisition Battery of the Kansas National Guard, Operation JOINT ENDEAVOR, 20 April 1996.
M116 series trailers with MEP generator sets, USMC equipment park.
Tool Outfit, Pioneer, Portable Electric Tools, Trailer Mounted (NSN 5180-00-289-9569) mounted on Chassis: Trailer, Cargo, 3/4 Ton, 2W, M116A2. Photo: Oshkosh Equipment Sales, LLC.
Tool Outfit, Pioneer, Portable Electric Tools, Trailer Mounted (NSN 5180-00-289-9569) mounted on Chassis: Trailer, Cargo, 3/4 Ton, 2 Wheel, M116A2. Photo courtesy John Colwell, Vintage Military Trucks.
