Should I buy this trailer?

[SWbySWesty]

Hi Guys,

So yes, I've been starting all the debates in the Fireside area about FWC vs trailers and such and I didn't know what to do. Then THIS comes up for sale from a Jeep guy near me:

He wants $1,000 for it. It was the flatbed 416 trailer and he modified it to have the wooden sides (which can be removed) with the wooden rear removable to load/unload cargo. He used it as a camping trailer and built it as such. It has the original lights, an auxiliary fuel tank underneath, jerry can holders, a water tank on the inside, cover and two ammo boxes on the fenders...seems pretty good for what it is. Would make a good start to a camping trailer to hold "dustable" gear.

What say those with experience? Forge ahead or steer clear?

 

[Ford Prefect]

Paying for a trailer basically comes down to what do YOU think it is worth.

Personally I would not pay that much, but I have seen similar trailers without all the added gear for nearly as much, and the actual 416s for more, so... Up to you if you want to do it. If I were in the position to do it I might consider it.

 

[Backwoods Rambler]

I don't own one, but the trailer seems really well setup. I'd probably prefer fixed sides made of steel or aluminum, but that's an easy fix.

How heavy are these military trailers?

 

[SWbySWesty]

I think they run ~500-600lbs. If loaded correctly, one can move them about with one hand fully loaded.

 

[go4aryd]

I don't like dust in all my stuff (or mud if raining or any condensation), so my useage would be to wait for something that could be a dust guard/weather protector - but to each their own. A large thule bag might suffice for some to keep out the dust.

 

[JIMBO]

:sombrero: I can move my Tentrax, but it takes both hands, if you could do it with one hand, that would mean you didn't have enough tongue weight to tow the trailer ANYWHERE, so that wouldn't work !!

Loaded, somewhere between 800 and 1400 lbs makes a real manageable off-road pkg !!

:costumed-smiley-007:costumed-smiley-007 JIMBO

 

[Ford Prefect]

I don't like dust in all my stuff (or mud if raining or any condensation), so my useage would be to wait for something that could be a dust guard/weather protector - but to each their own. A large thule bag might suffice for some to keep out the dust.

Yes, but if you just take a little 1/4 OSB and slap it on the sides and top then caulk it you would be just fine for keeping out the dust.

 

[SWbySWesty]

I'm thinking I'm going to go for it. If I decide it's not for me, there's a market for it and I'll resell. Live life, don't watch it.

 

[vanderpooch]

Live life, don't watch it.

NICE!

Good Luck!!!:victory:

 

[TacoDell]

nice trailer...

unique looking for sure...

But I'd want to ditch all that stuff and build or purchase a sheet metal tub for that frame.

so for me... the asking price, would be a little high for my consideration.

 

[Maximus Ram]

If you like it, offer him 6 and go from there.

 

[bj70_guy]

If it were me I'd hold out for a 416 or better, an M101cdn because it suits my needs better.
Seems a bit pricey to me, but if it works for you I'd go with Maximus' suggestion :sombrero:

 

[XJBANKER]

You had to figure in how much money do you estimate you will have to put into it and see if it is worth holding out for 416

 

[greentruck]

The thing about this sort of deals is whether what's on it is stuff you'd otherwise spend the resources -- time or money -- to add to another trailer that didn't have what you need.

If well-maintained, that's worth some money right there. It looks like it's had some love, but you can judge things like that better than we can from the pics.

It's not exactly what I'd do, we have a M101 CDN, but I can see it's charms. If you run a big, cushy camp or seasonal moves to a cabin, you can load it up:wings:

 

[SWbySWesty]

OK - having had the weekend to think about it, I decided against the trailer. I should focus on organization and utilization of my roofrack too!

Besides, if you have to question whether or not to do something, you probably don't.