Calaski8123
New member
So, I'm finally done with the first stage of my first overlanding/camping/kayak trailer. Never had a Jeep, my Bronco is my first true off road vehicle and I love to camp. When I learned about overlanding it amazed me. Too bad I live on the east coast! Anyway, here is my build.
I started with a Vietnam era (I think, might be earlier) M416 Army trailer. This is what it looked like when I bought it. Cost me $225.
Took a chance with the damage but it's going to be used off road. Won't hurt so much when I scratch it lol. Got the dent taken out best I could for $100.
Stripped everything down to basic parts. Stripped paint and rust and I redid the wheels with new bearings and races.
Then I degreased and scrubbed everything and prepped the metal with etching solution. Next was to coat everything with POR-15.
Then I painted the trailer with Raptor Liner. I did a two tone color scheme, matching cactus grey for the outside and black for the frame, bed and fenders.
Then it was time to put everything back together. I got the original wheels powder coated black and mounted a set of 215/85/16 Falken Wildpeaks on them. They are basically the same size as the original 16x7.00 tires.
Assembled everything and I even got the original hand brake working again! I love this thing. I installed a bed rack. For now it's going to hold my kayak and canoe but eventually I want to add a roof top tent.
My future plans include a box with battery, solar panels and lights. Maybe a refrigerator and compressed air. Also want to add a water tank with some kind of kitchen setup that will fold down. Maybe some recovery tools. I'm open to ideas as this is my first attempt.
Trailer: $225
Fix dent: $100
Wheels and hubs: $60
Shocks: $70
Raptor liner and paint: $220
LED lights: $60
Rack: $120
Tires: $430
Misc parts and hardware: about $100
Total: $1385 and a lot of sweat! Probably forgot some things and it's closer to $1500 but still very happy!
Totally a fun project and I can't wait to use it!
I started with a Vietnam era (I think, might be earlier) M416 Army trailer. This is what it looked like when I bought it. Cost me $225.
Took a chance with the damage but it's going to be used off road. Won't hurt so much when I scratch it lol. Got the dent taken out best I could for $100.
Stripped everything down to basic parts. Stripped paint and rust and I redid the wheels with new bearings and races.
Then I degreased and scrubbed everything and prepped the metal with etching solution. Next was to coat everything with POR-15.
Then I painted the trailer with Raptor Liner. I did a two tone color scheme, matching cactus grey for the outside and black for the frame, bed and fenders.
Then it was time to put everything back together. I got the original wheels powder coated black and mounted a set of 215/85/16 Falken Wildpeaks on them. They are basically the same size as the original 16x7.00 tires.
Assembled everything and I even got the original hand brake working again! I love this thing. I installed a bed rack. For now it's going to hold my kayak and canoe but eventually I want to add a roof top tent.
My future plans include a box with battery, solar panels and lights. Maybe a refrigerator and compressed air. Also want to add a water tank with some kind of kitchen setup that will fold down. Maybe some recovery tools. I'm open to ideas as this is my first attempt.
Trailer: $225
Fix dent: $100
Wheels and hubs: $60
Shocks: $70
Raptor liner and paint: $220
LED lights: $60
Rack: $120
Tires: $430
Misc parts and hardware: about $100
Total: $1385 and a lot of sweat! Probably forgot some things and it's closer to $1500 but still very happy!
Totally a fun project and I can't wait to use it!
