Expedition trailer build...pic heavy

[grand_wag_85]

Finally feeling a little better so I started to build an expedition type trailer based on an old US Army M416 1/4 ton trailer.

Here is what I have to start with:


Part of the goal for this build is to end up with a trailer to haul spare parts, supplies and camping gear while keeping the bed of the J10 nice and empty. My main goal is to have the trailer itself function as a tent platform that can be set up and torn down quickly.

A lot of guys install a roof top tent on their trailer costing well over $1k.


That's not an option for me so I'm taking a slightly different approach and sticking with the military theme. I'll be using an Army pup tent, AKA shelter halves, and making a collapsible frame to hang the canvas on.

Apparently I'm not the only one to have this idea. Found this on The CJ2a Page forums. I might do something different with the canvas but this is almost exactly what I'm trying to do:

[jaber]

Cant wait to see the pics...

[grand_wag_85]

The first step in the build is to get rid of the racks. An afternoon with a cutoff wheel took care of that problem:





Next step is to fabricate a tailgate. Just so happened to find an old Ford tailgate. Almost a perfect fit but it looks like some trimming will be necessary.



That's about where I left off tonight. Will post up when I make some more progress.

[Zorm]

I've been thinking of something like the middle picture but with a wagoneer shell. Gut the Jeep, put propane under the hood, have the doors or maybe for front two (this would be a 4 door) pull out like file cabnet drawers or like RV slide outs to house the "kitchen" on one side and shower/sink on the other side. Inside, one the pullouts are our, would nice and roomy for sleeping or whar ever. Spare part storage for small parts can be a box made where the spare tire would go, behind the rear axle with the opening in the cargo area. Other longer spare parts could be mounted under the body between the frames, thus helping keep the center of g low. Large tent on the roof to fold out over one side so make a "porch" below.

Just a thought though

[bruner1981jpce]

Subscribed. I want to see how this ends up. very interested.

[grand_wag_85]

I've been thinking of something like the middle picture but with a wagoneer shell. Gut the Jeep, put propane under the hood, have the doors or maybe for front two (this would be a 4 door) pull out like file cabnet drawers or like RV slide outs to house the "kitchen" on one side and shower/sink on the other side. Inside, one the pullouts are our, would nice and roomy for sleeping or whar ever. Spare part storage for small parts can be a box made where the spare tire would go, behind the rear axle with the opening in the cargo area. Other longer spare parts could be mounted under the body between the frames, thus helping keep the center of g low. Large tent on the roof to fold out over one side so make a "porch" below.

Just a thought though

Sounds like it would be a pretty cool rig. Would love to see the finished product if you ever decide to build it up.

[Julep4000]

Hey man...

First and foremost, great to hear you are feeling a little better! I can't wait to see how this puppy turns out...

[leadsled01]

I have a very similar plan for my trailer, but my trailer is so darn rusty, I have to rebuild it structurally first. Awaiting your build.

[tgreese]

I expect the plates on the sides of your trailer were there to reinforce the cut-out tailgate. The Bantam TC-3 had a tailgate, and it had extra panels to keep the sides vertical when the tailgate is open.



I think you need something besides your Ford tailgate to keep the sides vertical.

Cool project! I'd love to find a 1/4 ton trailer for me.

[fulsizjeep]

Good to see you feeling better Sean. Nice project. I bet you could haul a couple QuadraTracs in that thing to Ouray for an offering.

[grand_wag_85]

First and foremost, great to hear you are feeling a little better! I can't wait to see how this puppy turns out...

Thanks! Not out of the woods yet but a whole lot better than I was a month ago

I expect the plates on the sides of your trailer were there to reinforce the cut-out tailgate. The Bantam TC-3 had a tailgate, and it had extra panels to keep the sides vertical when the tailgate is open.

I think you need something besides your Ford tailgate to keep the sides vertical.

Cool project! I'd love to find a 1/4 ton trailer for me.

Thanks! Yeah, the sides still flop around a little bit if you man handle it even with those reinforcements. I was thinking of cutting those off then cutting them up so they'll match the contour of the inside of the trailer body, then weld in place. Kind of like what this guy did:

Good to see you feeling better Sean. Nice project. I bet you could haul a couple QuadraTracs in that thing to Ouray for an offering.

For the longest time the trailer has been my workbench, it gave birth to the blue QT

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b360/spf150/100_0895.jpg

[bigun]

1. Glad to hear your feeling better!
2. Don't over do it
3. I don't know if you followed Doc-14s build over on pirate, so here's a link

http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/showthread.php?t=1015979

[Dr. Marneaus]

Nice! this is precisely similar to the plans I have if i decide not to go with a lil pop-up!

Maybe if yours comes out awesome i can convince the woman to let me go this route....

[InfiniteWisdumb]

I hate it when people "bubba" these trailers by cutting out the tailgate. It is a real waste.

Here are a few pics of my M416 that I restored in 2010

[grand_wag_85]

1. Glad to hear your feeling better!
2. Don't over do it
3. I don't know if you followed Doc-14s build over on pirate, so here's a link

http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/showthread.php?t=1015979

That's a pretty neat build, dunno of many camper shells that would fit the M416 or I might go that route.

Maybe if yours comes out awesome i can convince the woman to let me go this route....

I'll try my best

I hate it when people "bubba" these trailers by cutting out the tailgate. It is a real waste.

Yeah, me too. Always seems that they go for the tailgate, then the lunette and the lights. I really like how your restoration came out. Did you go thru and replace the brake shoes? If so where did you source them?