M416 lid build
- Thread starter Fritzoc
- Start date
Roaddude
Long time off-grid vanlife adventurist
Fritzoc, I like this a lot, and will use it as a starting point for doing a top on my Bantam T3-C. I'll be interested to see what you use for a perimeter seal and how it turns out, too.
Wondering what entered the decision to have it open driver's side instead of passenger side? I've pondered that and can see an advantage to having it open curb side, so if I need to pull something out of the trailer while parked or on the side of the road to help someone, for example, I wouldn't be standing in traffic.
You're in KY, right? I may ask to stop by when coming down through there in the next month to see if your guy would do one for me. Design would be much the same, though a couple inches narrower for the T3-C than for an M416.
Thanks for posting the images and details.
Wondering what entered the decision to have it open driver's side instead of passenger side? I've pondered that and can see an advantage to having it open curb side, so if I need to pull something out of the trailer while parked or on the side of the road to help someone, for example, I wouldn't be standing in traffic.
You're in KY, right? I may ask to stop by when coming down through there in the next month to see if your guy would do one for me. Design would be much the same, though a couple inches narrower for the T3-C than for an M416.
Thanks for posting the images and details.
DonBeasley
Adventurer
Very nice lid and probably way lighter than mine. Had mine a few years and still works great. I like how struts were mounted.
Thanks. It open drivers side because I wanted it to open on the same side as the Jeep tailgate does.
Happy to show it to you and to connect you to the person who made it.
Latch and lock side.
Tailgate does not open with the lid closed. Essentially self-locking. Suppose I can modify this if I realize that I want access the tailgate with the lid closed - in bad weather...
Hinge side. Also a good view of the Thule tracks mounted on the lid.
Lid open. Painted the underside white for better light reflection. The black studs are the bolts holding the Thule tracks in place. Don't really protrude down too far, so they shouldn't detract from capacity. Used auto weatherstripping for the perimeter of the lid to seal it. Nice tight fit. Should be waterproof.
Roaddude
Long time off-grid vanlife adventurist
Whoa, Fritzoc, that's amazing! I'm glad you posted the update. That turned out just awesome, I mean, a really good looking trailer.
After pondering the amount of time and energy etc I'd have to put into my T3-C and M416 to get them the way I want for off-road camping--especially with no inside shop to work on them--and realizing I need something that can haul larger loads and stacks of flat sheet goods, I decided to get an XV-2 from Schutt. I might keep my T3-C, as it's more finished, though have both it and my M416 is for sale.
I'd still like to come see your trailer when I come through KY and get to know the guy that helped make your lid. Super job, Fritzoc, that's really impressive.
After pondering the amount of time and energy etc I'd have to put into my T3-C and M416 to get them the way I want for off-road camping--especially with no inside shop to work on them--and realizing I need something that can haul larger loads and stacks of flat sheet goods, I decided to get an XV-2 from Schutt. I might keep my T3-C, as it's more finished, though have both it and my M416 is for sale.
I'd still like to come see your trailer when I come through KY and get to know the guy that helped make your lid. Super job, Fritzoc, that's really impressive.
TripLeader
Explorer
I would suggest something to keep the tailgate chains from scratching up your new paint.
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I have chains on the outside of my tailgate as well. I took an old bicycle inner tube and ran the chains through sections of it to help with that issue.
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By the way, the trailer looks fantastic!
Rear support legs in the stowed position. Had them welded on.
Rear supports deployed.
Tongue jack deployed. Trailer rolls like a dream.
Tongue jack can be stowed in this position, and I'll likely remove and keep tucked inside the trailer.
New tires. Cooper ST Max 225/75/16. Same tire as on the jeep, but in a wheel/fender-friendly size. Not prepared to swap out the axle and wheel just yet.
New Monroe shocks.
That's it for now. Ready to head up to the Vermont Overland Rally.