MMZ trailers: description, technical characteristics

Hi all! Today I would like to touch on a topic that will in many ways take us back to the past, but at the same time will allow us to remain in the present. After all, we are talking about the MMZ trailer. This is a Soviet-style development that has a long history of existence.

Although the manufacturer’s arsenal included models such as 8113, 81024 and even tractor trailers marked 771 and 771B, the main asset of the manufacturer is still considered to be model 81021. It is this trailer that we will focus on, and also compare its characteristics a little with the more advanced version represented by 81024.

Just looking at the photo, you can understand that you are unlikely to be able to buy a new MMZ. Just recently I came across an advertisement with an offer like selling MMZ in perfect condition. The condition is really good, there are springs, a well-preserved awning and even polished wheels. But now almost all MMZ in this form are alterations, where spare parts were changed, the same lights, springs, etc. were restored.

A little history

The author or creator of such a trailer is the Mytishchi Machine-Building Plant. Hence the name MMZ. This enterprise is an integral component of the association, which is widely known as Metrovagonmash. Even during the times of the Union, the plant produced an extensive range of products, among which there was a place for passenger trailers.

MMZ began producing trailers for passenger cars back in 1972, which was far away for many of you. This was due to the fact that the AvtoVAZ company actively began to fill the domestic market with its cars. You may be surprised, but today there are about 200 thousand still serviceable trailers produced by the Mytishchi plant. With proper storage and preservation, serious results can be achieved. Although MMZ are mostly in demand among those who are interested in buying and converting trailers.

It cannot be said that these trailed vehicles have an ideal body, unique technical characteristics or other undeniable advantages. No. It's just a good trailer of high quality, which was in its time. This allowed them to survive to this day.

Conversion of MMZ 81021 trailer to springs

Hello, friends! Since a factory trailer cannot always fully satisfy the needs of its owner, many decide to make structural changes to the vehicle. All possible modifications to the trailer are aimed at achieving those characteristics that will suit you.

But what can be created from it and how much can trailers be modified? Let's talk about this.

Legality of modernization

I will not talk specifically about how to do this or that tuning. Is it possible to change the design at all? This is the first question that needs to be answered.

I'll say this. Some changes may not require any adjustments to your documents. But radical tuning will potentially become the subject of disputes with road service employees.

Therefore, before turning your regular car trailer into a camper or using it as a motor home, seek advice from the traffic police.

Tuning requires obtaining appropriate certificates of changes in the design of the vehicle. You will have to go through a number of offices, pay state fees, stand in lines, etc.

Although many simply ignore it. They modernize the trailer the way they want, and on the spot with the traffic police officers they find out how legal it is and how to circumvent such prohibitions. If you want to get rid of unnecessary traffic stops and incomprehensible fines, go through the lengthy but legal procedure of re-registering a trailer. This is the best option, in my opinion.

Well, or instead of converting it to a PVC boat, immediately buy yourself a trailer designed and certified specifically for such purposes. Remodeling is a troublesome task, although it is always nice to see the results of work done with your own hands.

Why is this necessary?

And indeed, why take and change a ready-made trailer if initially its layout or design suited you completely?! The question is purely personal and depends on the individual needs of the car owner.

Purpose

The first serial trailer from MMZ was the immortal model 81021. It was created specifically for installation on VAZ cars.

Initially, the model was developed as a tow hitch for the VAZ 2101, that is, the Soviet Kopeyka. It is not surprising that the vehicles received similar shock absorbers, identical bearings and even identical wheels. In fact, all the components of the chassis for 81021 were already there. All that remains is to install them on the body and make some modifications. Thus, the plant came up with an ideal partner for Kopeyka, which the owners of these cars immediately took advantage of. They started buying 81021 very quickly and actively.

If we talk about the dimensions of the pioneer, they were 1850x1600 mm. This made it possible to transport all kinds of cargo, making the trailer universal and multifunctional. The design provided for a side with a height of 450 mm and an awning, which was installed on a metal frame. As a result, the total volume of the MMZ was about 1200 liters.

Soon trailers began to be adapted for use on vehicles of other smaller classes. They were intended for cars that were then produced by factories such as AZLK, VAZ and IZH.

Interestingly, the trailer from MMZ, intended for AZLK, received the same design elements as those used on the vehicle itself. For such vehicles, the load limit was set at 135 kilograms. It should also be noted that the GAZ plant produced models for middle-class cars. That is, MMZ made trailers for the then elite and for many inaccessible Volga. The load on the coupling device was a good 50 kilograms, and trailers were allowed to be operated at speeds of up to 80 kilometers per hour.

At one time, 81021 was recognized as a necessary and extremely useful device. This was due to the fact that the trailer could perform several important functions.

Now on Avito and other portals you can find used trailers from different manufacturers, or purchase a new vehicle from a huge assortment. Back then the choice was limited.

But in fact, people did not need a huge choice. They were quite satisfied with the opportunities that MMZ provided them with. After all, with the help of their trailers it was possible to:

deliver industrial goods;
transport food;
transport agricultural products;
deliver construction materials.

Due to its versatility, MMZ has solved a number of transportation problems. The awning protected from dust and precipitation, the spacious body made it possible to transport fairly large quantities.

Types and purpose of MMZ trailers

The first serial product manufactured specifically for VAZ cars is the MMZ-81021 trailer. Initially, it was conceived and designed as a towed vehicle for the VAZ-2101 (popularly “Kopeyka”). They have identical shock absorbers, tires and bearings. In short, for the creation of MMZ trailers, spare parts for the chassis were already available, which also met the standards. The dimensions of the MMZ, which were 185 cm in length and 160 cm in width, made it possible to place various loads. And the 45 cm sides and the awning on a metal frame increased the useful volume to 1200 liters.

Subsequently, the trailer was used with small-class cars produced by IZH, VAZ and AZLK plants. Moreover, trailers for AZLK were equipped with structural elements identical to the Moskvich car. They have a load limit of 135 kg. And also trailers for the middle class of the Gorky Automobile Plant, namely for the Volga car, rolled off the assembly line. The direct purpose of MMZ trailers was limited to a load of 50 kg on the coupling device and a speed limit of 80 km/h. The basic prototype MMZ-81021 in those years was recognized as a necessary and technologically advanced device:

Delivery of small industrial and food products.
Transportation of agricultural products, construction materials.

Trailer MMZ-81021

The versatility of the trailer solves many transport problems. During the journey, the cargo is protected from dust and precipitation by a waterproof awning. This is much more convenient than transportation in a roof rack on a car.

We recommend the article: Trailer for transporting a car

Technical specifications

By the way, if you're looking for a frame number, your best bet is to look at the frame itself. Much depends on the specific model. At the same MMZ 81021, the nameplate was installed directly on the body. On other models it is probably stamped on the frame itself. Sometimes nameplates get lost, and the frame becomes covered with rust, making it difficult to find the number. But I think you can find a solution.

If we talk about technical characteristics, then it would be relevant to take model 81021 as a basis. Please note that the vehicle was intended for cars of different classes. Objectively understanding the difference between Kopeika, Moskvich and the same Volga, trailers were made with slightly different parameters.

As a result, approximately the following characteristics can be identified:

load capacity ranges from 135 to 285 kilograms;
total weight indicator ranging from 300 to 450 kg;
curb weight is 165 kg;
permitted maximum speed 80 kilometers per hour;
external dimensions are 1850x1600x450 mm;
internal parameters 1500×1000x380 mm;
the awning allows you to increase the volume up to 1200 liters;
track is 1300 mm;
ground clearance or simply ground clearance here is 250 mm.

Nothing impressive compared to the caravans of our time. But then these were extremely solid designs in their capabilities. So it’s not entirely correct to compare them with current vehicles.

Recovery

Repairing an MMZ trailer can be done as follows (the original model was practically coming apart at the seams):

Resuscitation begins with a thorough repair of all cracks by welding. Next, the diagonals are checked, the sides are pulled together with soft rolled wire and the corners are further strengthened. A couple more amplifiers are welded onto the bottom part. This operation is due to the fact that in the standard version the bottom is equipped with only one amplifier, which is not enough for full operation. As a result, the metal breaks and the bottom simply falls through.
You can use improvised means to weld a new body bottom as an additional layer on top of the main element. Several pieces of iron 3 mm thick are quite suitable for this purpose. To begin with, the segments are welded together and then with the main coating. For reliability, the entire structure is fixed with bolts and press washers.
We install reinforced springs.

After restoration, the MMZ-81024 trailer was subjected to increased loads (transportation of cement, sand, crushed stone). After 4 months of use - no complaints, even compared to the new model.

Quite often situations arise when a car owner would like to change something in his car or trailer. Is it possible to modify the trailer of a passenger car and how much so that there are no questions from the traffic police?

Typically, experienced drivers say this: the law allows vehicle updates that do not make significant changes to the manufacturer's design. Therefore, if you want to raise the sides by 10 centimeters or install an awning frame on the platform, or paint the body in a fashionable color, then do it completely calmly.

And if you decide that for the further operation of the towed equipment you need to double the load capacity and install a second axle, get ready for the fact that you will have to go through a certain number of authorities, spend a lot of time in queues, conduct a technical examination and register changes made to the design diagram vehicle. This is, of course, not the most pleasant pastime.

But this is better than excesses on the road, when you have an urgent trip, they are waiting for you somewhere, but they will not wait for you because law enforcement officers stop you, present you with a fine, deregister your vehicle, and take away your license plate.

Rather than wondering whether it is possible to convert a factory trailer so that it carries twice as much cargo or make a motor home out of an ordinary cart, it is better to immediately buy trailers with the appropriate parameters.

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What do drivers most often want to change in their vehicles when they need to decide whether a trailer can be modified?

Increase the carrying capacity of trailed equipment.
Make the trailer more reliable and durable.
Increase the dimensions of the body to transport long loads or oversized luggage.
Expand the functionality of the vehicle, for example, install on the platform the equipment necessary to lift the boat out of the water.
Improve the design of the towed vehicle.

If it's just a matter of design, can a car trailer be redesigned to make it look more modern and stylish? Here, most likely, no one will prohibit you from updating if the basic design remains the same. You can:

coat the body with a new paint and varnish;
install the latest reflectors and headlights;
replace the worn awning with a new or original plastic cover;
install LED strips around the perimeter of the body for illumination;
replace wheels and tires.

Such updates do not change the factory design, do not affect vehicle control, do not affect the stability of the road train, and do not threaten traffic safety. The trailer just began to look more modern, this is not prohibited.

What can be modified in a passenger trailer to increase its durability and reliability?

You can replace conventional optical equipment with LED optics; it is more economical and does not require repairs much longer.
Provide a frame for a modern awning that will minimize the aggressive impact of weather factors.
Cover the bottom of the platform and the body with additional plywood.
Carry out additional anti-corrosion treatment.

Such events, as a rule, do not raise questions from traffic police representatives.

What can be done to expand the functionality of the trailer?

install fastening equipment;
install additional equipment: washbasin, storage for tools, support wheel, if it was not there initially, etc.;
extend the factory drawbar to transport long pipes, logs, fittings, etc.

Although we must understand that a significant increase in the external dimensions of the vehicle cannot go unnoticed and will be of interest to the traffic police. Also, you should not turn a flatbed trailer into a full-fledged platform for a boat or yacht. Too significant alterations are necessary for this; it is better to immediately buy specialized equipment.

Increasing the load capacity, installing a second axle, a braking system, and replacing the suspension are major changes in the design of the vehicle. Is it possible to modify a factory car trailer like this? Experienced drivers will not advise you to engage in such global tuning. Spend effort, time and money on alterations to the design, and it’s not a fact that the final result will be of sufficient quality.

And don’t forget about the need for technical expertise, preparation of technical documents, registration and other paperwork.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=17QcPc-Ql3M

Towbar for Renault Arcana: manufacturers, installation nuances, design choice

Finally, let’s look at a few nuances that relate to the design and design of a trailer from MMZ.

The following points can be highlighted here:

The frame is welded and includes a pair of longitudinal beams with a trapezoidal profile and 3 traverses;
The total weight of the frame is about 27 kilograms in the classic version. But when repairs and modifications are carried out, the parameters may change;
The coupling head has a conventional locking mechanism with an overrun brake and an additional safety chain;
The body is made of sheet steel, the sides are welded;
The body is connected to the frame with bolts;
There are wheel compartments and a rubber-based floor cap;
The sockets necessary for installing the arc under the awning are provided;
Rear and front collapsible sides appeared after 1986;
Corrosion protection was achieved using mastics;
It was only in the early 90s that galvanizing began to be used;
The awning was made on the basis of tarpaulin fabric and eyelets were installed in it;
The trailer was equipped with 4 arches;
Support posts are mounted on the cross member and allow you to block the springs;
The chassis is made of an all-metal axle with earrings for mounting the suspension and places for mounting wheel-type bearings;
The suspension is independent and mounted in the middle of the frame. Includes a pair of shock absorbers in springs, a pair of bump stops, conical buffers, a pair of longitudinal bars and one transverse one.

MMZ - trailer for a passenger car: technical characteristics, modifications, repairs

The MMZ trailer has been in serial production since 1972. The device is designed for transporting various types of cargo and tourist equipment. The base tractor for this unit is the VAZ-2101. Both vehicles have the same components: tires, shock absorbers, bearings. The MMZ trailer can be used in conjunction with other passenger cars of domestic and foreign production, which are equipped with a standard towing unit.

Device

The towbar under consideration includes the following parts in its design:

Frame and drawbar.
Awning with arches.
Body.
Chassis.
Lock.
Support stands.
Electrical equipment.
Alarm system.

The frame of the MMZ trailer is made of steel by welding. It consists of a pair of longitudinal beams and three transverse elements. The spars have a trapezoidal cross-section (50/32/25 mm) and are made of steel. A locking device is welded in the front part of the converging side members. In the middle there are brackets on which the suspension springs and hydraulic shock absorbers are mounted. The rear cross member is equipped with buffer and support strut mounts. In addition, holes are made in the frame for bolting the body.

Characteristics of MMZ trailers

The body part is made of steel by welding. The bottom and sides are made by stamping from sheet steel (0.7 mm). Wheel niches are located inside the body near the side walls. The floor is covered with a rubber corrugated cape. The upper frames of the sides are equipped with sockets for mounting awning arches, which are pipes of a certain diameter. The awning itself is made of tarpaulin, fixed to the arches using a special cord, which is threaded through eyelets located along the edges of the canvas.

The lacing is carried out between the eyelets and thrown onto the strapping hooks, which are welded to the sides. The chassis of the MMZ trailer consists of the following elements:

Wheels with VAZ-2101 type tires.
Tubular axle with axles welded at the edges.
Transverse and longitudinal rods.
Spring suspension mechanism.
Telescopic type hydraulic shock absorbers.
Shock absorber fixing brackets.
Rubber buffers.
Otboynikov.

Equipment

The MMZ passenger trailer is equipped with three support legs. They are mounted on a platform to block the suspension springs. The electrical equipment of the device is of a single-wire type, powered by the vehicle's on-board voltage of 12 V. It also includes a pair of tail lights, a license plate light, and a set of wires with a plug.

How to use your smartphone as a navigator

That's actually all I wanted to tell you about MMZ. In fact, the Mytishchi plant became the starting point for MMZ trailers, as they were then produced by many other enterprises. According to some, production was established at 800 factories. Whether this is true or not, I cannot say for sure.

If you have anything to add or have questions, ask them in the comments.

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