Found an M416 + noob = trouble...

[mtbcoach]

I've been lurking on the site for a while and finally registered so I can participate in the discussions. Found a bunch of great reads on trailer builds here and on ih8mud that gave me the inspiration to find one and start my own build.

So, somehow, through my searching, I find an M416 in Chattanooga that is in decent shape to build off of. Here are some pics the owner sent me...

He was originally asking $400 and is willing to drop the price to $300 + $275 for delivery to me in Cary. Seems like a decent deal to me since I don't have a pintle (not sure it would make the trip even if I did) or trailer to pick it up.

I've been able to find a bunch of links to suppliers and clear methods to get things cleaned up and ready for the build. One thing I haven't found is a good source for an off-road coupler, go with a pintle that swivels or go with an alternative method to allow as much articulation as possible.

My fantasy is to make a trailer capable of doing Rubicon. I did Rubithon last year for the first time with my daughters and want to drag my wife along this year. I know she will be more willing to come if I can build up a nice rig with an RTT for her to stay in. But, I'm not sure how reasonable it will be to expect a 6 month build up of something to be that capable.

One of the first things I'll need to consider is if going to ABC and getting a new axle/hub/brake set up so I can run the same wheels as on my rig or going to one of the air bag/shock independent suspension builds which "should" make it a bit more off-road capable, or am I wrong.

Any feedback on this first step will be greatly appreciated, please be gentle to the noob :violent-smiley-031: ...

 

[BigDaveZJ]

Look at the Lock N Roll setup for the coupler. And I would imagine the axle under there currently is in need of some decent repairs, so replacing it with one that matches the bolt patter on your rig is a very good idea. If you can get tires and wheels to match, even better.

 

[mtbcoach]

Look at the Lock N Roll setup for the coupler. And I would imagine the axle under there currently is in need of some decent repairs, so replacing it with one that matches the bolt patter on your rig is a very good idea. If you can get tires and wheels to match, even better.

Thanks for the ideas. Yeah, I'm pretty much assuming I'm replacing the axle. I've looked at the Lock N Roll set ups, they look solid just didn't know of other options...

 

[ntsqd]

I'm a little concerned about the rust holes in the bed rails. Replacement of each whole rail is likely the easiest repair method, but is a fair amount of fabrication. If you're on a 6 months time line that's a bunch of time that might be better spent elsewhere.

 

[mtbcoach]

I'm a little concerned about the rust holes in the bed rails. Replacement of each whole rail is likely the easiest repair method, but is a fair amount of fabrication. If you're on a 6 months time line that's a bunch of time that might be better spent elsewhere.

Yes, they concern me also.

I'm sorry to be slow. Do you mean that taking the time to replace the whole rail is such a "time suck" that I should look for a better trailer w/o this issue? I was considering doing a tailgate if it was too bad and needed a more in-depth repair...

 

[tommudd]

From the pictures it looks like there will be quite a bit of work just to get it back in shape let alone building it up from there.

Don't let me kill your dreams but just be prepared.

My wife has a great proverb in her native language (Swahili)
Bure aghali
(cheap is expensive)

But if you have the spare time, great shop to work in, and skills ....go for it

 

[mtbcoach]

From the pictures it looks like there will be quite a bit of work just to get it back in shape let alone building it up from there.

Don't let me kill your dreams but just be prepared.

My wife has a great proverb in her native language (Swahili)
Bure aghali
(cheap is expensive)

But if you have the spare time, great shop to work in, and skills ....go for it

I've got the time, space but no skills. Guess its time to learn something new...

 

[Cruiser]

It looks rather rusty,, but the rail is easy to replace,, as long as you can weld. The lunette rotates so you would want the pintle to mount solid.. Or go lock-n-roll.. best one if your going to go to a modern coupler. The unit looks odd tho,, the frame with the drop hoops is newer than the taillights and the A-frame has been modified.. If your dropping 575 I'd expect more.. or a better starting point.. I sold 3 this year for the $400 range that were in a lot better shape than that.. If I was coming down to the JD factory this winter I'd sell you my trailer less than your going to spend on that one.. and its in better shape..
Steve

 

[mtbcoach]

It looks rather rusty,, but the rail is easy to replace,, as long as you can weld. The lunette rotates so you would want the pintle to mount solid.. Or go lock-n-roll.. best one if your going to go to a modern coupler. The unit looks odd tho,, the frame with the drop hoops is newer than the taillights and the A-frame has been modified.. If your dropping 575 I'd expect more.. or a better starting point.. I sold 3 this year for the $400 range that were in a lot better shape than that.. If I was coming down to the JD factory this winter I'd sell you my trailer less than your going to spend on that one.. and its in better shape..
Steve

I guess thats what happens when I get set on finding something, I guess I didn't do as well as I could have. However, I may have a line on someone who can pick it up for me, saving the delivery charge of $275. I'd pay for his gas and a $100 pintle hitch for his Taco.

It is what it is, the "checks in the mail", I'll make do and see what I can make of it. Thanks for your feedback and I'll follow up once I get the build started...

 

[Cruiser]

For $300 its not bad,, the delivery charges is what would kill it for me at least.. You got that off Ron? Hes alright.. Its a shame,, I drive down to cary every winter usually,, for factory training at the John deere plant in fuquay and We used to stay at Cary.. Now up near the airport.. Shame you just couldnt borrow a landscape trailer from somebody and bring it back like that..

 

[mtbcoach]

For $300 its not bad,, the delivery charges is what would kill it for me at least.. You got that off Ron? Hes alright.. Its a shame,, I drive down to cary every winter usually,, for factory training at the John deere plant in fuquay and We used to stay at Cary.. Now up near the airport.. Shame you just couldnt borrow a landscape trailer from somebody and bring it back like that..

Yup, that is the tough part of the deal to swallow. But, I'm in kind of a tough spot that I don't currently have a hitch on my rig. I'm waiting on a new "high clearance" hitch that fits with my rear bumper. I don't want to put a lot of investment into something that I'll be changing out in the near future anyway. I'm heading off to Northern Tool today and see if there is a cheap way to attach a pintle w/o a bunch of expense and fabrications necessary.

Hopefully, I can get the guy I referred to above to pick it up for me and it tows back without issue. In any event, I'm excited to get my hand dirty with it and make it into a viable tool for some off-road adventures...

 

[Cruiser]

Just remember,, since its a mil trailer,, everything you take off keep off to the side.. You can always sell it later to recoup some of the initial investment.. If you go with a lock-n-roll you should be able to get good cash for the lunette assemble as a whole..
Good luck,, and take lots of pictures...

 

[mtbcoach]

Just remember,, since its a mil trailer,, everything you take off keep off to the side.. You can always sell it later to recoup some of the initial investment.. If you go with a lock-n-roll you should be able to get good cash for the lunette assemble as a whole..
Good luck,, and take lots of pictures...

I have every hope to "convert" it while retaining as much of the originality of its heritage. At least, those are the builds I've read that I'd like to model it after. As I mentioned in my initial post, first step is to get it into my hands, take it to a sandblaster and get it stripped so I can do an evaluation of its true condition.

And, I'm a photo-geek so I can assure you that I'll take more pictures than you will want to see...

 

[Cruiser]

Now that is a picture! Cant wait to see what you do with the trailer!

 

[mtbcoach]

Now that is a picture! Cant wait to see what you do with the trailer!

Thanks. It was a beautiful spot.

Looks like I have a line on a way to avoid the delivery fee. I still have to line up all the details but at most it will cost me the pintle hitch/2" receiver (~$100 from Northern Tool) and some gas money. The savings will help pay for the sandblasting fees at least...