M416 1/4 Ton Military Trailer Build - Smurfy - Input welcomed!

[BrettDez]

So, I am starting my build with the help of my friend, Dave. He's the real talent behind the build, lol! I am trying to keep it as simple as I can. Retaining as much of the original trailer look as I can. Below is a list of the planned goals.


-Matching 35x12.50R17 BFG KM2 Tires (Using Spring over Axle conversion with adapators to fit)
-Angled lid(raised angled back inward matching the angles of the top of the tub)
-Gas struts for lid to open
-"Roof Rack" Style Bars on lid
-Rooftop Tent mounted to cargo bars on lid(ARB or Camping Lab)
-5lb propane tank mounted for various uses(cooking/light/heat)
-Rear shackle mounts for recovery
-Dropdown tailgate
-Lengthened trailer tongue with Max Coupler hitch connection
-Tie Down eyelets inside to prevent cargo shifting
-Black Fender Flares
-Paint Matched Smurf Blue tub/lid


Pictures of Reciept::::

-It has arrived, hauler dropped it off after Ebay purchase!

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-First night in the garage!

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-Hooked up just for photo op in original condition

Please I welcome input, advice, and suggestions! Or just general comments! Thanks in advance guys!

 

[BrettDez]

<RESERVED FOR BUILD COMPLETION>

 

[BrettDez]

So, we took the military tires off and used the spare off of my Jeep(Smurf) to take some measurements. It appears the 1.25" deep adapter from 5x5.5 to 5x5 will work. We'll have to extend the fender flares outward for better coverage though!

Still need to do the SOA axle conversion, this was just for eyeballing.


If anyone knows of any used 35x12.50R17 BFG KM2 Mud Terrains, I am on the lookout! I hope to have matching so I only need to carry one spare on the trail!

 

[Mark Harley]

It will look even better with matching blue and black paint.

 

[toymaster]

That is the best looking starting point I have seen. I'd think about going with a black lid, blue tub, and black frame & fenders. This would match your jeep perfectly. Of course, this depends if you keep the hard top on all the time. I went with the same color tub and lid but my prefer going topless. Check the build thread below. The thread contains the best and stoutest looking rack I have seen. If you have the fab tools/skills I would suggest a design similiar versus a ready made roof rack.

http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/threads/88708-Pepe-Our-Little-Mule/page2

 

[BrettDez]

Taking a look at that, the lid looks great.


Question, how is that lid or how are most lids actually connected to the trailer? We were thinking of running 1x1 square tubing on the inside, in each corner of the tub, up to 1x1 frame just inside the curled lip but even with it. Then sitting the lid on that.

Any ideas / suggestions on lid frame mounting to the tub?

 

[BrettDez]

Repacked the wheel bearings with some full synthetic grease. The old grease was just disgusting, definitely needed it.

The brake on the passenger side of the trailer seems to be catching too much even with the parking brake off. How do I adjust the brakes?

 

[FredB]

I'd leave that one alone, and find one that is already bastardized to modify. Seriously, I'd rethink adding a tailgate. You have a tub that floats, why mess with it?

 

[BrettDez]

Because I don't want to have to lift the lid every time I need to get something out of the trailer. Especially when the rooftop tent is deployed...

What benefit does floating serve me? I have no intention of needing it to float...

 

[FredB]

Not so much the floating, but the one less seam to leak. I've had two different tailgates on mine. For me the only benefit was not having to lift heavy items over the lip of the trailer, which for an old guy is a good thing. My 416 was butchered when I started. Having an unbutchered one would change most of what I've done to it. .02.

 

[BrettDez]

As long as the tailgate is built right, I don't think there will be a problem with the seam. Once the trailer is on 35s with the SOA axle modification, it will be higher up. I definitely want a tailgate for easier access to the gear for the wife. Sure I can 'manhandle' stuff out of the main tub no problem, but I know that she would appreciate a tailgate access point for ease. And lifting up the lid each time with the tent deployed will get old very fast. So I definitely want a tailgate. Unless you have any alternatives? I'd love to save steps and not have to install a tailgate, but I don't see how I can avoid it. The height of the trailer with 35s and SOA will be too much for the wife to help with the gear.


I do need help with the brake adjustment. I don't see it anywhere? Is the only method by tightening or slacking the cable? Or is there an internal adjustment?

 

[toymaster]

The height of the trailer with 35s and SOA will be too much for the wife to help with the gear.

Yep, they get pretty tall but you need the clearance. Add nerf bars to use as steps. These not only help limit trail damage but allow easy access to the entire tub. At 5' 10" I use them a lot and the wife and kids could not do much if anything without them.

 

[BrettDez]

I think you guys convinced me, skipping the tailgate! Thanks for the input!

Any thoughts on the brakes?

 

[JKJenn]

Awesome rig! Subscribed!

 

[BrettDez]

Very disappointed, I was hoping to make some progress this weekend. But nope...

Ordered these new wheel adapters, but they do not fit over the center of the hub. And to machine it out further would cut into the unused 5x4.5 holes(the adapters change both 5x5.5 and 5x4.5, to 5x5). I worry that would weaken the adapters....

So now I need a new axle with a parking brake that is 4" longer than the stock M416 axle. Any ideas?