Antmax26's M762 Offroad Trailer Build for motorcycle

[antmax26]

I am in the middle of building a M416 camping trailer and I find that there is a flatbed version of this trailer called the M762. I had my motorcycle trailer stolen a while back and had always looked for a replacement but wanted something a little more off road worthy. I started looking through different forums and Craigslist to see if I could find one. They are rare. I eventually found one local. Upon inspection it had a large amount of cancer and the origional higher pinle mount had been cut off. I wanted one as origional as possible so I had to pass. I even found a very nice origionals one in Arizona and contemplated the long drive from Georgia. When I made the call, it had just been sold 2 days prior. I had given up in hopes that if I ran across one one day it was meant to be. I went for a week to South Georgia and I had heard of a small shop that sold military vehicles. I thought I would stop by to see if they had any leads on a M762. I drove on the lot and found a lot of early jeeps for parts and the shop was closed. While turning around i notice what I had been looking for hidden under a tree way across the property. I could not believe that it was here of all places. I jumped out and snapped a few pictures. After about a month of calling and working out the details, I was a owner of a M762. Now starts the build to my off road motorcycle trailer.

 

[antmax26]

When I purchased the trailer I knew that the area around the trailer had been burned and that a valve stem had melted off flattening a tire and some of the wires had damage. Also sometime is its history it had damage to one of the fenders. My Dad helped me to pick up the trailer as I was 200+ miles away. We knew we were going to put it on a trailer to get it back to his house but when loading, they found that a tire was frozen and would not rotate. I was hoping that it was the drum brakes just rusting to the drum. A few weeks later I was able to travel to my parents and get the trailer unloaded and started to work on the frozen wheel. I pulled the trailer with my truck, stopping to back up and forward a number of times but no luck. I took the tire off and tapped around the drum with a 5lb hammer. I still could not move the drum. I put the tire on for more leverage and felt a little play when rocking back and forth. I continued and more and more play. After about 10 minutes the tire was free. I went and picked up a cheap used tire and put it on the trailer. I took the trailer on a few dirt roads and through some farm fields to loosen up everything. I also used a very healthy coating of PB Blaster on every nut and bolt.

 

[antmax26]

I left the trailer alone for two weeks until I had a long weekend. I started tearing down to every nut and bolt. Most were stubborn even with ample amounts of PB Blaster. I bagged every nut and bolt with notes from where it came from on the trailer. Once torn down i loaded it on the trailer to take it to get blasted and powder coated. I am planning on going with a flat black. But before I get it powder coated i am going to get the metal fender repaired and the landing leg straightened. I was happy with the condition with only small amounts of surface rust. It did have multiple layers of the old military paint which I have read several warnings about its toxic nature.

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[antmax26]

During the tear down I had an unusual part fall out of the leaf springs. I noticed that it was actually part of the leaf spring. I went and looked at the other side and anothe was broken and I was able to pull the same piece out. I had not planned on replacing these but I guess it is better to find now than later. Did a little research and found a company with free shipping over the holidays and the order was placed. It turns out that the leaf springs have multiple vehicle uses such as the front leaf springs off of a CJ2 and CJ3.

 

[antmax26]

I had some time off and went and ordered all of the replacement Grade 8 nuts and bolts. I also picked up the 3 1/8 straight grease fittings for the pintle sockets. Although I will never use the top one I am replacing along with the two bottom ones. I will likely tow using the lower socket as my M416 rides almost level in that position behind my FJ. The part number for the grease fittings are 362271.1 and was easy to find at the auto parts store.

 

[antmax26]

Today I went ahead and bought new shocks for the trailer. I searched around and a majority of postings replaced the military shock with a NAPA shock #94038. Some report that the shock is made my Monroe. I am trying to have everything ready when the trailer is complete so I can use it this spring.

 

[hansrober]

I cant wait to see your plans for this one. You do not see a lot of bike off road bike haulers.

 

[antmax26]

All of the parts came back from the powder coating and they look great. Had a few days off in a row so here is how my morning started. I hope to have it completed by the weekend.

 

[antmax26]

More pictures of the build

 

[antmax26]

All back together.

 

[antmax26]

Well the first shake down run from South Georgia to Atlanta did not go so well. About 60 miles into the trip I get a call from my girlfriend that the tire is bouncing and looks smaller. I had just noticed as little vibration so I pulled over. Sure enough, a nice flat. Not even a valve stem to try. Super Bowl Sunday and no spare. I found out that Wally World does not work on tube tires and all tire shops are closed. Google to the rescue, I found a 24 hour mobile unit. 2 hours later back on the road. One hour outside of Atlanta a quick stop and I check the trailer over. I notice that both wheels move when pushed in and out-not a good sign. Worried that the new bearings may be shot i limp it back to Atlanta and call it a night. Next day I drop it off at a trusted mechanic. When I pick it up i am told that the axle nuts were just loose.

 

[antmax26]

The second shake down went much better and I remembered the spare. No complaints, and the forestry service roads were rough and gave it a good work out.

 

[antmax26]

I have been thinking of ways to secure the motorcycle loading ramp. I tried to design a slide for the ramp under the trailer but decided against due to clearance issues. I also searched for a large ammo/mortar can that could hold the ramp. I eventually found two ammo cans that would hold the ramp on the ends. I cut the bottom out of one and made two mounts that used the existing fender mount bolts. I only plan on using the trailer for one bike so there will not be any clearance problems on the deck.

 

[antmax26]

I had a chance to load my bike for the first time and everything worked as intended. It is a little tight on the ramp side storage cans.

 

[antmax26]

I also had the chance to work on a jack and leveling support system for the back of the trailer.