Buying military surplus trailers has gotten complicated with all the questionable listings and incomplete information flying around auction sites. As someone who’s owned and used everything from M101s to water buffaloes over the past fifteen years, I learned everything there is to know about what makes these trailers worth buying. Today, I will share it all with you.
Military trailers multiply the carrying capacity of your tow vehicle, built to haul everything from ammunition to water to generators across the world’s roughest terrain. When these trailers hit the surplus market, they find second lives in civilian applications where their robust construction and all-terrain capability are actually appreciated.
The M101 and M105 Trailers
Probably should have led with this section, honestly. The M101 3/4-ton trailer and its bigger brother the M105 1½-ton trailer served for decades as general-purpose cargo haulers for the military. These simple, rugged designs feature steel beds, pintle hitches, and leaf spring suspensions that just keep working. Their simplicity means minimal maintenance and easy repairs when something eventually does break.
Civilian buyers value these trailers for off-road use where regular trailers would get torn apart. The M101 especially has become incredibly popular as a camping trailer base—I’ve seen owners add tent structures, full kitchens, and elaborate storage systems. The trailer’s ground clearance and rugged construction handle terrain that would destroy even expensive civilian off-road trailers in a single trip.
M1101 and M1102 Trailers
The M1101 cargo trailer and M1102 high-sided variant represent the current generation of light military trailers. These were designed specifically for HMMWV towing and feature improved suspension, some composite materials, and modular configurations that the older designs lack.
Surplus M1101s command premium prices for good reason. That’s what makes them worth seeking out. The combination of modern features and proven military durability is hard to find anywhere else. The fold-down sides make loading much easier than the older fixed-side designs, and the independent suspension handles high-speed towing significantly better than the leaf springs on vintage trailers.
Water and Fuel Trailers
The M149A2 400-gallon water trailer—we used to call them “water buffaloes”—provides mobile water supply for field operations. Its tank, pump, and distribution system were designed to serve entire military units. Civilian applications include construction site water supply, firefighting support, and agricultural use where you need serious water capacity.
Fuel trailers range from small M1095 300-gallon units to large tanker trailers carrying thousands of gallons. These specialized trailers include pumping systems, grounding equipment, and safety features required for hazardous cargo handling. Not everyone needs one, but if you do, the military versions are built to standards that civilian equivalents rarely match.
Generator Trailers
Mobile generators mounted on trailers provide electrical power wherever you need it—exactly what they were designed for. Military generator trailers range from 3kW units that originally powered squad equipment to massive 100kW+ generators that supported entire headquarters operations. Many include environmental enclosures and fuel tanks sized for extended unattended operation.
Surplus generator trailers are highly sought after for emergency preparedness, construction work, and off-grid applications. Their robust construction and reliable engines provide power in conditions that would destroy civilian equipment. I’ve seen these things run through hurricanes and keep going.
Finding Surplus Trailers
Government surplus auctions through GovPlanet and other vendors regularly offer military trailers in various conditions. Prices vary wildly based on type, condition, and completeness—I’ve seen identical trailers go for prices that differed by thousands depending on who was bidding that day. Buyers should verify title availability and inspect carefully before bidding; military trailers may have hidden damage from years of hard use that photos don’t reveal.
The military trailer’s reputation for durability drives civilian demand, and honestly, that reputation is well-earned. A well-maintained surplus trailer may outlast multiple civilian equivalents, which justifies paying premium prices for quality examples. Just make sure you’re actually getting a quality example before you hand over the cash.
