New guy with a new to me M416

[2t2-crash]

Hello all, got referred here multiple times from guys on another site.
I picked up an M416 trailer the other day, it was in decent shape and while I don't have the money to make this an on-going refurb/build thread (yet) I do have a few things to do on it.
It was converted to a ball hitch, as well as had all original lighting removed and replaced with two recessed Blazer lights installed in the tail of the bed. Their wiring was horrible (wires twisted and taped). First thing I did was buy replacement lights and wire and completely retire everything. The lights ground through the casing to the body which is problematic at the moment. With headlights off everything works fine, as soon as I turn my lights on the running lights stay off and don't work properly so I'm going to be tinkering with that today.

I would like to replace the bearings on the axles and would appreciate info on kits to get to do so.


Now with pictures!

Before I rewired it:

 

[pierceg]

Good luck on the build. You don't have to be in a huge hurry to make a m416 useable.
Great base traler for overlanding and 4x4ing.

 

[M35A2]

Good luck on the build. You don't have to be in a huge hurry to make a m416 useable.
Great base traler for overlanding and 4x4ing.

Agreed. I use mine basically bone-stock except for a removable plywood cover. Good luck with yours!

OP, the behavior you describe is indicative of poor grounding. Is the trailer only grounded to the tow vehicle through the ball?

 

[2t2-crash]

Agreed. I use mine basically bone-stock except for a removable plywood cover. Good luck with yours!

OP, the behavior you describe is indicative of poor grounding. Is the trailer only grounded to the tow vehicle through the ball?

I actually just solved the issue. The lights had a foam gasket of sorts that goes between the light frame and the tub. I pulled it off and remounted the lights and it was good to go.
I have the trailer grounded to the frame.

 

[grnhornetcustoms]

Do you need to replace the bearings? Inspect them and and repack the grease if necessary. Do the hubs feel warm when you have been towing? I always touch the hubs when stopped getting fuel. If they are warm then you need to repack them or worst case replace them.

 

[4runnerteq]

For no more than bearings are, if you got em your hand, put new ones and new seals in. Fix the lights and take off. Watch for scrap stuff to build a lid and have fun. Matching paint, hubs, tires, all that looks great, but doesn't make it pull or perform any better. Get some pics on also

 

[sunnybean]

Welcome 2t2-crash,

Glad you found your way over here (better resource than arf.com;-). Good luck with the wiring. Have fun with your build.

 

[2t2-crash]

Thanks Sunnybean.

I guess I am putting the cart before the horse in regards to the bearings... I should inspect them first.

 

[2t2-crash]

I keep getting the "you are not allowed to post links" when trying to share pictures in accordance with the forum how to.

 

[tarditi]

Congrats! I'm getting my "new-to-me" M100 refreshed myself in preparation for a 9-day trip up and down the north east coast this spring as well as a busy camping season spring/summer/fall. It may help you plan to get your M416 dialed in.
Did:
* Inspected & re-packed the bearings
* Put right-hand threads on the passenger-side hub
* New wheels and tires (old ones were beyond redemption)
To-Do
* Re-wire lights (it's already 12v)
* Rust treatment/preventative (POR-15)
* Build a lid
* Cargo management (boxes, bins, tie-downs)
* Recovery gear mounting points (hi-lift, axe, shovel, locking mechanisms)
* Spare fuel tanks (rotopax 3-gallon)

 

[2t2-crash]

Bought a set of used tires and had em installed. At $86 total they will do until I can afford military tires.
The tires were so old they used the 4 digit coding vs the 6!

 

[2t2-crash]

Good news is my plug weld tool arrived this afternoon... Bad news is I tweaked my back this morning then completely threw it out three hours later so I won't be doing any welding tomorrow.

 

[2t2-crash]

My back was feeling good enough to practice a few fill welds on a couple of holes. I've never done it before and it's sure fun figuring out when your welding coach (my Dad) is two states away!
Ugly and need work but oh well:

 

[2t2-crash]

Spent the day taking the wire brush on the 4.5" grinder and cleaning up as much of the crap in the tub in prep for the Herculiner. The rust treatment is sprayed on and says to leave overnight.

First note: when using a wire brush secure loose clothing and wear a heavy jacket.

Holes like this got filled, my fill welds are improving.

 

[DSwafford]

Nice work sir. Those fill welds are perfect...or at least will be with a little grinding. My Stevens m416 is getting a make over....it's a great trailer and platform for travel. Welcome to the M416 owners club!!!