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

[JKJenn]

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?

Have you taken a look at this thread?

I was planning on ordering the wheel adapters listed there.

 

[FredB]

I'm pretty sure there is an M-416 field manual on line. I swapped out the axle on mine, so I never looked at the brakes. You can get custom axles fairly cheaply, but not with a parking brake. Electric brakes are cheap, but I don't know if they can be modified to work for a parking brake. Hydaulic brakes could be, for more cost. Seems like I've seen a parking brake kit on a trailer supply place, but it was pricey. Sorry for no details, it's all out there on the web somewhere.

 

[BrettDez]

Tires came in for the trailer! Wheels arrive this week as well.

So, now I am in an internal debate.

I cannot return the adapters, so I am completely out that money, the company will only accept exchanges and they don't offer what I need. I have two choices, any input?

1) I like having a parking brake, so I get custom adapters made to fit the stock M416 hubs. Probably $150 to $200 for both.

2) I forget about the parking brake and just use wheel chocks, buy a whole new axle. About $150 plus shipping fom ABC Trailers.


Thoughts? Advice?

 

[AndrewDM]

Tires came in for the trailer! Wheels arrive this week as well.

So, now I am in an internal debate.

I cannot return the adapters, so I am completely out that money, the company will only accept exchanges and they don't offer what I need. I have two choices, any input?

1) I like having a parking brake, so I get custom adapters made to fit the stock M416 hubs. Probably $150 to $200 for both.

2) I forget about the parking brake and just use wheel chocks, buy a whole new axle. About $150 plus shipping fom ABC Trailers.


Thoughts? Advice?

Buy the new axle and then exchange the adapters to go from the trailer hub to matching Jeep wheels.

-Andy

 

[BrettDez]

Thanks, if I go with a new axle, I won't need adapters as I'll just get an axle with matching lug pattern and correct length.

I do wish I could keep the parking brake, it works really well. It's too bad I'll lose it...

 

[dodgerex]

have you checked out http://www.steelsoldiers.com/forumdisplay.php?56-Trailers tons of info on military trailers.

 

[JPNCA]

I ditched the parking break
1 never really liked it any way
2 never camped anywhere there wasn't a rock or a chunk of firewood

 

[BrettDez]

I hear ya, my concern is just that it takes a much bigger rock on 35s.

I'll probably go with a new axle though. Just wish I could keep a parking brake.

 

[JPNCA]

Never had much trouble with 33s
I changed out my axle. Very happy with it
Just my opinion. Good luck with the build

 

[BrettDez]

Yeah, I'll be going with your recommendation. Part of me just still wishes I could have a parking brake.

 

[AndrewDM]

Thanks, if I go with a new axle, I won't need adapters as I'll just get an axle with matching lug pattern and correct length.

I do wish I could keep the parking brake, it works really well. It's too bad I'll lose it...

You may need the adapters to clear the trailer hub, depending on the wheel you will be using. If you have already checked the wheel opening and the trailer hub for clearance, then you won't need the adapters.

-Andy

 

[BrettDez]

Andy,

Thank you for pointing that out! I didn't even think of that. If I need spacers anyway, it'd be cheaper to just get a custom-made adapter! No point in buying a whole new axle AND a spacer. Might as well just use an adapter right from the start.




So, now that I have already thrown money down the drain on adapters that won't fit the hub. Does anyone have the exact specs for an adapter compatible with the M416 hub? I'd be going 5x5.5 to 5x5, but need the exact diameter the middle needs to be bored out to. I know two inches thick.

Thanks.

 

[tdittyrocks]

Yeah, I'll be going with your recommendation. Part of me just still wishes I could have a parking brake.

You can get a Dexter 3500# axle with 10" electric brakes and a manual parking brake. I bought mine for my M416 from a local Redneck Trailer location.

 

[DonBeasley]

Thought I would join in on this. Adapters are always kinda tough for these axles due to the big hub but I do know that USWheelAdapters.com in Aurora, Co has done them before. They will just need dimensions. Since I run a CJ I did not need the adapters but I did need the SOA to get my 33's under and still have some clearance. The info on my build thread will explain the easy way to do the SOA and keep the e-brake with just a couple of added brackets and some all thread to make up for the new location of the cable. Brakes are adjustable and it is in the M416 manual. It is on the net but drop me a note if you need a copy and I can shoot you a pdf.

My lid is on 1" tubing so I welded angle iron to the top rail and adjusted it for square and level since my top was and my old trailer was not.

Hope some of this helps.

X2 on not cutting a good M416 for a tailgate. Good call!!

 

[Hondarider]

Fearless Fred Goeske at Wheeladapter.com is your guy for adapters. His customer service and quality is exceptional. He called my house within 15 minutes of me sending an email and we discussed the spacers. I whipped up a quick AutoCad of the M416 hub and he made these in just a couple days. This was about 2 weeks ago so if you tell him that you want the same ones that he made for Ross Bentz in Massachusetts, he should know exactly what to make. He got me from 7/16-20 studs in a 5x5.5" pattern on the trailer to hubcentric 1/2-20s on 5x5. They fit Jeep JK wheels perfectly with the hubcentric center that keys right into the wheels. These things are like art work and they clear the big domed axle cap on the M416.

http://i1088.photobucket.com/albums/i334/rbcsci/2009%20Jeep%20Wrangler%20JK/IMG_0042.jpg

http://i1088.photobucket.com/albums/i334/rbcsci/2009%20Jeep%20Wrangler%20JK/IMG_0043.jpg

http://i1088.photobucket.com/albums/i334/rbcsci/2009%20Jeep%20Wrangler%20JK/IMG_0044.jpg

I can't recommend this gentleman enough.

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