M416 with a stock tailgate?

[85CUCV]

Did any M416's come stock with a tailgate? I am going to look at one Tues. I asked the owner if it had a tailgate added. Gentleman said he thought it had an original stock tailgate. Without looking at his title he thought it was a 1966 or 1967.

Thanks

 

[kai38]

I don't think any were made with a tailgate already in them. The tailgate is useful to have though.

 

[85CUCV]

That is what I thought. It might be someone did a clean tailgate install if he feels it is stock. I thought some of the earlier civilian Bantam models had a stock tailgate, but I was not sure about the M416's.

 

[greentruck]

IIRC, there were some versions of the WWII-era 1/4 ton trailers did come with a tailgate. These were for engineer units and were set up to dump. I don't think any of the Vietnam-era M416 were tailgate equipped.

The sides of the back corners of a 1/4 ton trailer with a tailgate cut into it need reinforcement. Otherwise, it will lose a lot of its structural strength.

 

[gasman]

it might be a bantam ?? civilian model.

 

[shogun]

Did any M416's come stock with a tailgate? I am going to look at one Tues. I asked the owner if it had a tailgate added. Gentleman said he thought it had an original stock tailgate. Without looking at his title he thought it was a 1966 or 1967.

Thanks

You gotta remember that one of the specs on these is that they float. Loaded within limitations, they will keep the waterline below the top edge.

Given the difficulty in locating them, and the expense, I refuse to do a hack job on them by cutting a tailgate. Sure presents some convenience problems on a camp trailer, but they are just plain too valuable to hack. Perhaps remove the box and build a replacement, but no cutting a good stock one for me.

 

[85CUCV]

Greentruck

IIRC, there were some versions of the WWII-era 1/4 ton trailers did come with a tailgate. These were for engineer units and were set up to dump. I don't think any of the Vietnam-era M416 were tailgate equipped.

Thats what I thought.

Shogun,

Given the difficulty in locating them, and the expense, I refuse to do a hack job on them by cutting a tailgate. Sure presents some convenience problems on a camp trailer, but they are just plain too valuable to hack. Perhaps remove the box and build a replacement, but no cutting a good stock one for me.

I agree. I've passed on several nice M416's because they needed to be kept stock for reinactors/collectors. Could not get myself to Modify them.

He the lunette was cut off and a 2 7/8" ball was installed. I do not really need another trailer in my shop. I need to finish CDN101 I have.

 

[geeze]

The military modified some of them to include a tailgate, and were setup as Teletype units/Phone Switchboards. Included a set of top bows and canvas. Really nice units.

 

[85CUCV]

I looked at the trailer today. The lunette assembly was removed and a 1 7/8 ball hitch was installed. Installation was good with about 6" of drop. It would easily be replaced. A hand winch was installed on the tongue for a spare tire carrier located behind the axle. It did not have original rims. The rearof the tub was cut out and reinforced. The rear was removable not hinged. Original lights have been replaced with civilian trailer lights. Floor was dented as typical, but it was practically rust free. When I talked to him on the phone yesterday he said he had it titled. He purchased the trailer with the intent to pull it with his Willys jeep.

This trailer has potential. I'm not going to buy it. I need to keep modifying the CDN101 I have. I was considering an M416 for the removable tub/frame.

I wish I'd found this before I bought the trailer I have. He had another M416 in the shop in rougher shape. Sounded like he would sell it.

If someone in central Illinois is interested pm me and I'll forward the contact info. It would be a great foundation with little rust for being in the rust belt.