Dark Helmet's M416 Offroad Trailer Build

[SecretSquirrel]

So its time to finally start working on the M416 trailer.

Backstory: This trailer was sitting in my brother's driveway, full of crap, when I moved down from PA. I inquired about it & got it at a steal at $160 with a hitch mounted charcoal grill thrown in for free. Since then, other projects have backburnered this one but I have some time to get it started now...

For historical reference, I'll update this only post as I make progress.

What I envision as the end product:
1. Waterproof lid, hinged with struts
2. RTT
3. External storage boxes
4. Full size matched spare
5. Attachable table
6. fuel & water jerry can(s)
7. 6x5.5 hubs (new axles?)
8. Heavy duty springs (lift)
9. Stabilizer legs
10. LED lighting (solar battery charging?)
11. Removable kayak mount

What it needs to get started:
1. Strip old paint/sandblast
2. Repair any rust spots

Photo Album: http://photobucket.com/SquirrelsNest

Started with:

11/5/2011 While starting the spring over axle flip today, I discovered more rust on the sides of the original trailer tub. My solution will be to remove the sides, frame out new sides, and attach these boxes I got for a song at a local surplus yard ($150). They'll add lockable storage to the rig...
(Note: There's a bit of an illusion to height here. You can't see that the trailer is on jackstands...

Suggestions for design are welcomed...

 

[drew02a]

Having the same lug pattern as the truck will be really nice. That's one of the first things I would do so you only have to setup the suspension once. You gonna install some shocks too?

 

[bakerla]

im excited about this and its not even mine trailer

 

[Silverback]

probably don't have to tell you this... but IH8MUDD has a great trailer section as does Expo Portal. Good luck with this one. Someday if I ever finish a project I would like to start on one like this.

 

[Silverback]

You can get matching hubs for about $50 a side.. includes the drum to allow for brakes. You can get non-brake style for about $15 a side.
http://www.southwestwheel.com/store/p-247-l0655lb3e.aspx

 

[SecretSquirrel]

Having the same lug pattern as the truck will be really nice. That's one of the first things I would do so you only have to setup the suspension once. You gonna install some shocks too?

Not sure what direction I'm going with yet. I actually like the idea of doing a rubber torsion axle, eliminating the leaf springs entirely.

probably don't have to tell you this... but IH8MUDD has a great trailer section as does Expo Portal.

I haven't spent much time on there, but I'm sure I will now. Thanks for reminding me.

You can get matching hubs for about $50 a side.. includes the drum to allow for brakes. You can get non-brake style for about $15 a side.
http://www.southwestwheel.com/store/p-247-l0655lb3e.aspx

Thanks!

 

[Silverback]

One of my favs.. its a LONG thread
http://forum.ih8mud.com/trailer-tec...expedition-style-trailer-build-up-thread.html

 

[Oswego]

This should be good. I like the RTT idea. I would never want one of them on top of my truck but on top of a trailer is perfect IMO.

 

[TacoXpo]

While you still own the DC, the nice thing about this trailer is that you will now be able to date one of these

With 4 of these

and still have room for these

I am looking forward to see this one to the end! Sounds great. If it was Mr. BearsFan07's it would include a generator and AC unit for the tent!

 

[TacoXpo]

One of my favs.. its a LONG thread
http://forum.ih8mud.com/trailer-tec...expedition-style-trailer-build-up-thread.html

IIRC I met the current owner of that thing in the Sierras last week! Very, very, very nice!!! I will post up picks!

 

[Silverback]

IIRC I met the current owner of that thing in the Sierras last week! Very, very, very nice!!! I will post up picks!

So the guy who built it sold it? Wow!

 

[TacoXpo]

So the guy who built it sold it? Wow!

If it's the one I think it is... I will post pics tomorrow. This thing was AMAZING!!! Zoom kept asking, "So what did you pay for that thing!!!?" He wouldn't answer!

 

[TacoXpo]

Said the guy in CO wants to now build an off-road tear drop!

 

[Silverback]

Very cool!! That's what I really want to build. I put my travel trailer on CL today with hopes to get rid of it and start on something like this or a teardrop. Still have to finish the Raisin though.

Rich are you doing any AC on this thing?

 

[TacoXpo]

 

[drew02a]

Holy Hell Batman!

 

[SecretSquirrel]

Rich are you doing any AC on this thing?

No plans for it a/o yet. I'm trying to keep this as simple and self sustainable as possible.

 

[Silverback]

No plans for it a/o yet. I'm trying to keep this as simple and self sustainable as possible.

So no summer camping?

 

[TacoXpo]

So no summer camping.

Not in Tejas anyway!

 

[Silverback]

True true