Antmax26's M416 build to go with my Toyota FJ

[antmax26]

Well this build actually started a year ago, but I wanted to post as I used so many other build posted here to help with mine and hope that I can pass on ideas or help to others. I love camping and as the years have passed I find myself with more and more items to make the campsite perfect. I googled camping trailers and found incredibly nice well thought out trailers. The only downfall was thier price which I could not afford. I noticed that a few mentioned that they were built off of a Military 1/4 ton trailer called a M416. I eventually looked through the local craigslist and found a few for sale. I eventually was ready to pull the trigger and made a call. The seller had just sold the trailer. This happened for a few other trailers and I noticed that these do not stick around for long. I eventually found one out of state and worked out the details. The seller was nice enough to meet me halfway. I made the drive and did the deal. I pulled the trailer back for two hours via interstate with no problems. Although I was a little nervous as I had never pulled a trailer with a pintle hitch before. I will retrace what I actally did with pictures and information and learnings.

 

[antmax26]

I took the trailer on a one night trip camping in the North Georgia Mountains. It worked great with no problems. I returned the next day and inspected the trailer. I wanted to make this trailer into the ones that I had seen with a sink, lid, LP tanks, and so many other add on's. The trailer was not perfect as the floorboard had been replaced and the rear and front panels were a little dented, but it gave it character. I knew that I did not want to cut the tailgate out and I wanted it remove all of the rust to preserve as much of the trailer as possible. Over the next few weeks i set out to make calls to see where I could get the trailer blasted/cleaned and painted.

 

[antmax26]

i was able to find a company that would sandblast and powdercoat the trailer. I usually get Sunday's and Monday's off from work so I picked a nice weekend that I could tear down outside and get it to the shop for blasting and coating.

 

[antmax26]

I stripped the trailer down to every nut and bolt. I rented a Uhaul trailer and placed every part in the tub to take to the powdercoat shop. Everything went well but soaking the nuts and bolts the night before really helped. I arrived at the powdercoat shop and was able to select a flat black for the frame, fenders, and rims. For the tub I was able to match up a DuPont color to my FJ green.

 

[StringRash]

Can you post the DuPont color info? I just picked up a 416 to pull behind my FJ and I am really dreading buying matching green paint from the dealership.

 

[antmax26]

Absolutely, it is DuPont RAL 6020 Chrome Green, Semi Gloss. I am really happy with the match and it has been holding up to wear and tear. I was told that it is a small amount to order so a "special order" (extra charge) had to be made. But again, very happy with the match.

 

[antmax26]

The next weekend the lower half was finished and I started assembly. I went to a nut and bolt store to get Grade 8 replacements for the old hardware. It went together easily in a short amount of time. I was very lucky as I did not have a garage. While I was assembling I had a few neighbors come by and ask. It sometimes led to stories about family members who were in the military and saw one of these trailers at some time in the past. The next week the tub was to be complete and I would pick up with the trailer and just bolt the tub down.

 

[armygreen]

It is looking great! It looks like you are doing it right.
Have you seen my build? Check it out here>>>>>
http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/threads/126686-ArmyGreens-M416

 

[antmax26]

The next weekend I was able to pick up the tub on the trailer. The color match was spot on. It did however really show some of the imperfections in the metal. I did not really think to try and flatten out some of the originals. I am ok with it, but if I did it again I would smooth out the metal and probably replace the floor with an origionals floor bed. But again very happy with the outcome.

 

[antmax26]

I needed to get the trailer road legal so the first was wire and lights. The previous owner had installed standard trailer lights and they had worked fine. I had seen some of the origional metal lights that came with some of the earlier models and really wanted to use. They were black out lights so not much light for safety on the road. I ran across an article on how a few owners took off the metal lens covers and replaced with a lens cover that came off of a "gamma goat" vehicle. I set out for a search of the lights since the trailer did not come with them. I went to a Army Navy Surplus store and asked the owner where I could find a pair. He immediately said that he thought he might have a pair. He was able to find 2 and I was on my way home. I knew that the origionals trailer was 24 Volt and all that was needed would be to switch the bulbs for 12 Volt operation. I switched the bulbs and cleaned and painted the lights. I was able to find the "gamma goat" on a military parts online store and ordered. Once they arrived i installed and wired the lights with a 4 pin to connect to my tow vehicle.

 

[R.G.]

Nice work.

 

[406expo]

Looks good. I just love the m416 trailers, looked a long time till I found mine but worth it. You going to kinda use it as a utility trailer or throw lid on it and get crazy?

 

[antmax26]

I am looking right now for someone to make a lid. All of the welding shops so far that I have approached really act like they don't want to help. Looks like it will be more crazy than utility. More to come on that hopefully soon.

 

[antmax26]

I wanted a way to carry some LP gas and noticed on some builds trailers that had smaller tanks mounted to the side bu a small aluminum bracket. I did a Google search and found a teardrop trailer company out of California who sold them. I placed the order and decided that I needed a platform on the side. I wanted to make something light but strong and I did not want to drill any extra holes in the trailer or frame if possible. I drew up some plans and had my local welder make two platforms that would go behind the fender. I was able to mount the platform with out drilling any extra mount holes. The LP brackets arrived and mounted up perfect. It was a a tight fit mounting but that is a good thing when hauling the tanks on the road. I made a safety wire strap for both tanks for added protection. The tanks were kind of hard to find but one day I was in a small town hardware store and inquired. Sure enough, they could order the smaller 5lb tanks.

Very good customer service and great product
https://www.socalteardrops.com/parts.php?cid=8

 

[antmax26]

I liked the rear platforms so much I drew up some for the front also. I wanted to use already existing mounting points but I had to drill one hole on each side. I have not decided if I am going to use it as a water can mount or a mount for firewood.