With a family of 3 and 2 dogs I decided that I needed a better way to haul gear than over loading the roof rack. After some investigation I discovered that people were modifying old military M416 trailers for off-road use. This looked like a good option for me. Trailers that a specifically built for off road use are usually well over $6000.00 which is way beyond my means.
It took me about a year to locate a basic M416 here in Colorado Springs. The one I found already had a new 3000lb axle with 6 on 5 1/2 hubs installed. I was able to purchase this trailer for under $1000.00 and my project was underway.
Even thought this project is well underway, over the next few weeks I will be adding posts detailing the work that I have completed on the M416 to get it ready to tow behind the FJ Cruiser.
The modifications that I have made are listed here with links to those post as I write them:
- Cleaned and Painted the frame
- Added tailgate to tub.
- Painted the Tub.
- Painted inside of tub with bed liner.
- Converted hubs to metric lugs.
- Added LED Tail lights and maker lights
- Mounted LP Tank on front of trailer
- Replaced the spring shackle pivot bolts.
- Added fender flares to accomidate wider tires.
- Fabricated brackets to hold small amo cans behind fender on side of tub.
- Extended jack stand to accommodate lift.
Still to be completed:
- Add water tanks under tub to help ballast the trailer.
- Add 2 2.5 gal fuel cans in front of fenders.
- Consider adding built in roll out kitchen.
Tom,
You continue to amaze us with your great ideas and skills!
Keep up the good work!
cheers,
dale
Now that is one bad ass looking m416. Nice work. I’m wondering if you have made any progress on the water tank system and what if anything you have found that will fit underneath the tub. I have a m-416 that I’m adding a pumped water system to, but can’t decide on the best route. Here’s my project:
http://www.blackburnimagery.com/Trailer_cost.html
I am considering taking out the cross member above the axle a putting a large thin tank in that location. Nice looking project you have going.
Hi,
Nice trailer you have. I’m planning to do the same with my M416 (in the netherlands it is called a Polynorm trailer). At this moment i have a rooftent installed on it but it needs more mod’s. as I’m planning to do so.
Plans for extra water, imperial, extra storage room, bike carriers and a new sparewheel location.
Regards,
Erwin ter Riet