Airmonger's M416 Build

[Airmonger]

Getting some work done on the trailer....at this rate it should be finished next week.

Latches are finished.

New tongue is coming along very nicely.

I also order The DIY mounting kit for my Eezi Awn 1600 so the RTT can be moved off the top of my LX450, Scott Brady would be so proud.

 

[Mark Harley]

Looking good, I like the tongue addition.

 

[Airmonger]

The real man behind the build. I learned to weld from my friend Opie when I was 16. I can do some welding and fabricating, but I still turn to him when I need or get stuck. He built dozens of trailers so I trust his opinion when it comes to this sort of thing.

Tongues in place.

Now I'm working on the tailgate. Opies suggestion was to get a thin piece of plate sheared out to replace the cut out part. With as crocked as it is now from being torched welded and re torched I think hes right.

 

[Airmonger]

New Tailgate.

 

[Airmonger]

I lucked out and I was able to get a good amount of work done on the trailer today. This is about all I am going to do to the trailer for now other than shoot it with epoxy primer.

It may not be the most efficient use of the tongue space, but with the tailgate I wasn't sure where else to mount the spare. Also there is still plenty of room for some Jerry cans.

I also had a chance to tow it and I am very pleased with the length, turning radius and tracking.

I don't need a box on the tongue since my lx450 has a dual battery setup and the fridge rides in there. Also I will probably only use the trailer on longer trips that have a basecamp otherwise Ill throw the RTT back on the Cruiser and go sans trailer.

Tow Rig

 

[GGimbert]

Where did you get your hinges and lockable latches for the lid please?

 

[Airmonger]

Where did you get your hinges and lockable latches for the lid please?

Latches are from McMaster Carr "G" on the linked page.

http://www.mcmaster.com/#standard-draw-latches/=hg8p0n

The Strap Hinges of this variety - Not sure if this is where I got them but they look the same. Google 'Greasable Strap Hinges" to get some good results, I thought they looked preferable to the piano hinge given the weight of the lid.

http://www.trailerpartsandhitches.com/index.php?route=product/product&product_id=766



Operation Lipstick on a Pig is a success. I wasn't planing on painting it such a pretty color but they had this in the bargain bin at KC auto Paints. $20 for 2 quarts!
I am thinking some new shoes and she'll be ready for the summer. I just have to dig a little deeper in the wallet, I was quoted $450 for 3 LT trailer tires. :Wow1: Well see.

 

[Mark Harley]

Very nice work, I like the color too!
What are the plans for the tongue area?

 

[Airmonger]

Very nice work, I like the color too!
What are the plans for the tongue area?

Thanks for the kind words. I want to mount some gas cans up front on the tongue along with the spare tire and Trasharoo. I have a piece of aluminum painted diamond plate to cover the hole.


Also there appears to be a shortage of Universal RV Stabilizer. Every place I have called is out and one told me all 7 warehouse they order from are out. Not sure what to do since I already painted the trailer and dont want to go back and fab something. I may just have to wait.

 

[Airmonger]

Free tires!

I priced out a set of tires for the trailer and they came to $570.00...that's more than I paid for the little guy. Luckily I was able to find a good set of FREE Goodyear Wrangler 245/75/16s. They are a little wide but for the price I am willing to give it a shot. Also the tire shop said they would mount them for free. Apparently today is my lucky day.

Pre OP

Post OP - with new (to me!) tires and Eezi Awn Mounted.

When I got the trailer back I noticed that all the tire have different load ratings. C,D & E with the E rated tire mounted on the spare. Ill probably move it around an just go with it for the time being. Also I promise the next photo won't be a driveway shot. Im going to get it loaded up and go for a shake down run Friday/Saturday. Stay Tuned!

 

[Mark Harley]

Very nice!

 

[DonBeasley]

Nice job!!

Apparently I need to move where you are, there is no free stuff in TX!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Airmonger]

Eagle Creek Shakedown Run

Leaving town after work on Friday. I didn't even make it out of town before I got a flat on the only C rated tire in the bunch.

Its 11 miles to the river and maybe another 5 to the end of the road. I hear there is an old home stead but my passengers weren't feeling adventurous.

Lodging found!

It literally takes 5 seconds before they are covered in dirt.

Packing up and heading out.

Salmon River, ID

End of the Road according to Fish & Game.

The trailer survived! The Suspension is probably the weakest link as the springs sit kind of flat with the trailer all loaded up. Also the banging of the pintle hitch can get annoying. Also there is a slow leak in the D rated tire, The one and only E rated tire is going strong. I will probably mount the 200 lbs gas shock on the lid as its rather hard to open and slams shut if your not careful. Other than that the trailer worked as advertised, I really like having the RTT at about the 5 foot mark. Its much easier to deal with than being on the top of the cruiser.

Cheers!

 

[shortbus4x4]

Nice trailer build. I have had nothing but problems offroad with C and D tires, they get flats way to easy. I run E or better and haven't had an offroad flat since then.

 

[jkce72]

How was the road? Any snow, wash outs?