M116A1 hydraulic tool trailer - good platform?

Titanpat57

Titanpat57

Expedition Leader
I think you have to have a list of some pretty "specific" needs in order to say if it's right for you. I think initially they look like they might work..and if you're a light traveler it probably will. The doors are wing type, not sure how water proof they are, the inside isn't long enough for sleeping, you probably should do an axle swap with electric brakes...etc, etc...the list can go on.

Having come from a background with two RTT's on the top of the trailer, I now really like sleeping inside vs. the air, but that's me. The short answer is yes, but be careful not to put money and time into something you may do over....think it through..it may work for you.
 
Rutdigger

Rutdigger

Watch This!
Srpat said:
http://www.vintagemilitarytrucks.com/M-116A1_Hydraulic_Tool_Trailer.htm

Any opinions on this as a platform to build on? I like all the storage and compartments, but not sure if is too big and heavy. Looks huge, especially once a tent is mounted on top. But it seems like it weighs only 810 pounds empty.

Any opinions appreciated. Hope the link works. Thanks

Srpat
Click to expand...

I am thinking that is more than 810 lbs. I saw the tag but is that taking about the frame only or the whole rig? I think you have a really good canvass to start a very cool build there. I personally would gut the inside and start over in there with some lightweight metal and use those doors to the fullest extent possible. I also think that the top if the perfect platform for an RTT. IMO of course
 
yngbuck19

yngbuck19

Adventurer
Looks like an awesome platform to me really cool shell to start with. All the side compartment accesses and back swing down door has alot of potential and definitely will be perfect for a RTT of some kind. Good luck with the build if you buy it.
 
R

RagnarD

Adventurer
Pats trailer is awesome.

Srpat said:
Nice trailer. Just picked up a similar one off of craigslist. Paid too much, but it is exactly what I was going for. Mine has all of the interior storage compartments in it, which means two days removing a couple hundred rivets for me. So you have the original axle? And what are surge breaks? And why the max coupler vs the pintle hitch that I just spent $130 on to be able to tow it home?
Click to expand...

Your trailer does not have surge brakes. They are just hydraulic brakes that actuate when the tow vehicle brakes, the ring slides in a out of a housing. IME, they are jerky and installing a pin to back up is not practical. The surge actuators on the 110X series are much better.

A properly sized pintle hook/ring will not have much slop and minimal clanking. The worst thing to do is use a hook/ball combo. I use a pintle on mine and passengers usually comment how they did not notice any noise from it (once they realize that is the coupler I use).

One thing to consider with the max style couplers, is that they look more difficult to couple to the tow vehicle (unless on smooth, hard, flat surface with a wheel on landing gear). I look forward to your build. Looks like that trailer was just up the road from me, good thing you bought it :)
 
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P

pat bowen

Observer
11402614_10204549681637844_1725664935201360811_o.jpgI have had my trailer for about 4 years. Came out of Durango Co. The max coupler has been great. No issue at all. Lost trailer breaks when I went to it. Have pulled it around 5000 miles with no problem....YET.11128365_10204549681397838_3066353061138503267_o.jpgnew iphone 1392.jpg
 
S

Srpat

Observer
I thought some of you might be curious about what the trailer looked like when I picked it up. It had already been scraped for whatever hydraulic tools and fittings that it originally came with.

image.jpg

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The cubbies were sort of neat, but the entire rear end was useless for any kind of storage. Gutting the inside completely took some time. A previous owner had tried removing rivets, but this thing was built in such a way that even with no rivets at all, nothing was coming out. I ended up going thru 20 or so sawzall blades to get everything out.
 
S

Srpat

Observer
Axle and suspension options

Looking forward to spring and getting this trailer usable. I have done a lot of reading on new axles,wheel adapters, etc and am a bit overwhelmed by all of the options. I like the idea of the timbren axleless suspension because it is an all in 1 unit. But it seems that I lose my parking brakes if I go that route.

Can anybody give me some specific suggestions on what to change?
I like the idea of carrying one spare for both truck and trailer, so I want wheels to match my 6 lug Tacoma.
I like the 2 parking brakes and would like to keep them.

Wheel adapters from the military 8 lug hub to 6 lug?
New axle, shocks, and springs?
Timbren aleless?

Want to make a decision soon in case it ends up changing the trailer height. Seriously considering a CVT Mt Jefferson RTT if they ever put them on sale.
 
GI_Jeepin"

GI_Jeepin"

wander looking to get lost
Have you considered the alternative? Leaving the axle as is. I have had my M416 trailer for 8 years and have beat the crap out of it over that time. It has gone camping way out in the sticks of New Mexico a couple of times, was hauled from Virginia Beach to El Paso, TX and back and from Cincinnati to Virginia Beach 3 times. I have never had a flat tire and if I did I figure a plug kit would do well enough to get me home or at least off the trail. A good plug kit and small air compressor would be a heck a lot cheaper than what your planning. It would also leave money for other parts. I understand some folks really want that matching wheel look, but in reality, its not a must have.
 
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