Bedwell's M416 Trailer Build

[Bedwell]

I didn't see a newbie section so I will do a quick introduction. My name is Dylan, I have always been a Jeep guy but now will expanding into the expedition scene. Late night surfing the web and stumbled across an M416 trailer on one of our local offroad forums. I sent my buddy Greg the link and we decided to go and check out the trailer. Long story short, we will be going to pick up the trailer this weekend. Its a 1966 M416 with everything original except for the canvas cover (replacement) and the hitch was converted to a ball setup. First things first, is to get it home safely and get it properly tagged and titled (which will be a challenge!) I have alot of ideas running through my head, but I am already set on building some type of lid and setting a roof top tent on top. I would appreciate some feedback and suggestions on where to go from here. Enough talking, here is what I am working with:

Jeep: (Winter setup, has the half doors and summer top on now, also a few upgrades since then too.)





Trailer:

 

[Mark Harley]

Nice solid start! What are the build plans?

http://mainetrailerregistration.com/?gclid=CLPMg7KSwLcCFYWi4AodwBwA2A

 

[Matt]

Looks like the trailer is in great shape! Sounds like you have a plan. I spent a lot of time reading through other build threads on here to get ideas.

Some of the things I did was extend the tongue by making a new frame section up front, wheel adapters so I can run the same tires/wheels as my Jeep and new fenders to fit the larger tires. I'm picking up the steel to build a lid for it today.

Have fun with your build!!

 

[rockwood]

What a solid start. Reminds me where I started from. First thing I do is grab the grease gun and push grease into the zerks and take the wheel bearings out. Mine were running dry.

 

[Mark Harley]

Matching TUBE fenders would look cool!

 

[hesterj]

Nice looking jeep.

How level is the trailer behind the jeep now?

 

[Bedwell]

Nice solid start! What are the build plans?

http://mainetrailerregistration.com/?gclid=CLPMg7KSwLcCFYWi4AodwBwA2A

My main focus first is to get it properly titled in Maryland. Its a long process since it does not have title or vin.

http://www.mva.maryland.gov/About-MVA/INFO/27300/27300-31T.htm#homemade_trailer

It will be much easier to pass in stock form then when I am done with it. I want to get it tagged in Maine when everything gets sorted out.

Looks like the trailer is in great shape! Sounds like you have a plan. I spent a lot of time reading through other build threads on here to get ideas.

Some of the things I did was extend the tongue by making a new frame section up front, wheel adapters so I can run the same tires/wheels as my Jeep and new fenders to fit the larger tires. I'm picking up the steel to build a lid for it today.

Have fun with your build!!

Sounds like you have a nice setup, send me a link so I can read through. I am considering swapping to a larger 3500# axle to get the proper width and bolt pattern. Id like to keep the original fenders and do minor trimming if I can.

What a solid start. Reminds me where I started from. First thing I do is grab the grease gun and push grease into the zerks and take the wheel bearings out. Mine were running dry.

Noted. My buddy Greg couldn't believe how good of condition the trailer is in. He paid less for what I got mine for, but was missing the tailgate, alot of rust, etc. I think I got a good deal even though it was still an expensive purchase.

Matching TUBE fenders would look cool!

I like the original fenders to be honest. But who knows what might happen once it comes home and the build begins. :sombrero:

 

[Bedwell]

Nice looking jeep.

How level is the trailer behind the jeep now?

I don't know, we are going to pick up the trailer tomorrow morning. My jeep sits pretty low on 35s, so not sure of what lift configuration is needed yet for the trailer. (If any.)

 

[Flashole]

Nice looking trailer find and nice looking TJ too. :luxhello:

Post more pics when you take possession and keep us well posted on the modifications.

 

[Matt]

Sounds like you have a nice setup, send me a link so I can read through. I am considering swapping to a larger 3500# axle to get the proper width and bolt pattern. Id like to keep the original fenders and do minor trimming if I can.
:

Click the link "Matt's M416 build" below to get to my build thread.

A new axle with the right bolt pattern is an easy way to go. But I wanted to keep the hand brake and got the adapters made for free so that's the route I went.

Be sure to keep us updated with pictures as you go!

 

[Bedwell]

Nice looking trailer find and nice looking TJ too. :luxhello:

Post more pics when you take possession and keep us well posted on the modifications.

Ill be sure to get a few on our trip tommorrow when we go to pick up the trailer.

Click the link "Matt's M416 build" below to get to my build thread.

A new axle with the right bolt pattern is an easy way to go. But I wanted to keep the hand brake and got the adapters made for free so that's the route I went.

Be sure to keep us updated with pictures as you go!

I'll be sure to read through your build thread this evening. Greg swapped a 3500# trailer axle in his and IIRC the parking brake is still functional. He did move it so he could add the Harbor Freight box to the front tongue. I already am starting to get some ideas for my trailer build, just like the Jeep an endless money pit...

 

[Flashole]

I dumped the stock axle for a 3,500 with elec brakes. The parking brake really didn't seem like it was really worth saving to me. At least not more important than the elec brakes and wheels that match my TJ.

 

[Bedwell]

I dumped the stock axle for a 3,500 with elec brakes. The parking brake really didn't seem like it was really worth saving to me. At least not more important than the elec brakes and wheels that match my TJ.

Interesting. I will most likely switch to a 3500# axle eventually. The only thing I am concerned with is passing inspection (not sure if the parking brake is needed or not) so will keep it for now. Also would be handy for the campsite to pull the brake and not worry about the trailer rolling away.

 

[Bedwell]

The trailer was picked up this morning from PA. We had a late start due to some electrical issues with the trailer that was going to haul my trailer back home. We arrived in Landisville around 9:45am, paid and got the bill of sale and loaded up. We had to let air out of the tires on the M416 as it was a tight squeeze.

 

[Bedwell]

Photos the trailer: