M416 Replica Build

[dzeyer]

I've been working on this trailer for a bit now. It's taken longer than planned (got married in the middle of it). But it's turning out to be a pretty sweet trailer. It's built to the same dimensions as an original M416 trailer. Built out of 12GA steel.

I didn't have access to a break long enough to bend up the sides, and the place I found with one wanted $100 per side to bend them up, so I decided to cut and seam weld the entire thing (should've just paid the $$) but it turned out great. Diablo steel blades for the skill saw are AWESOME!




Used 1"x1" to frame the tub to give the top some rigidity and a place for a weather seal to seat agains the lid. Made a matching frame for the lid.





Next was the trailer base. I read that regular trailer springs are WAY too firm, so I bought some brand new Tacoma springs on KSL and started building out the frame.





Wanted to do LED lighting all around and found these cool thin 3-way lights for the tail lights. Installed a rear hitch as well as build some protectors for the tail lights. All my wiring is ran through the frame. Used welding wire as pull wires once I'm all welded up and painted.

 

[dzeyer]

Made the shackles and the shackle mount next. Also added some cross braces.





Fit the tub back on and made the mounts for the tub.





Next, built the front of the trailer with a receiver tube, added a collar, and also a set bolt to hold things a little more snug than just a hitch pin. Will have a retractable 4 ft receiver tube so it doesn't stick out so far when not being used.



Added some sheet metal and some expanded metal for grip. Put the lid on and then installed the gas struts to help open the lid.

 

[frieed]

sweet...

love it, keep the pics coming

 

[OB1]

Looking good. Can't wait to see it complete. I have a M100 that I've been SLOWLY working on.

 

[dzeyer]

Got the trailer all buttoned up! This will be able to handle abuse! Now it's time to prime and paint.



It's a ton of fun to work on the little stuff like a bracket to hold the junction box and little tie downs where you always need them.

 

[deepthinker]

Nice build!

 

[dzeyer]

It's been a little slow going, but laid two coats of primer and 2 of industrial enamel and ran the wiring. Mounted up the suspension/axle/wheels for the last time. Now it's time to pretty up the tub and lid. Going with a desert/camo tan.

 

[Bart]

Beautiful job and looks great.

 

[OB1]

Do you have any updates on this trailer? Would really like to see the latest picture of it.

 

[Hickey]

Any updates on this?

 

[nnnnnate]

Any updates on this?

Based on this and your comment in that hitch thread it seems you are exploring the idea of building yourself a trailer... Running out of room in the 2 door? (I know the feeling.)

 

[Hickey]

Based on this and your comment in that hitch thread it seems you are exploring the idea of building yourself a trailer... Running out of room in the 2 door? (I know the feeling.)

Nah, I'm just obsessive. I have no legitimate need for an expo trailer, but I love thinking about them.

 

[OB1]

What's going on with this build? Would love to see an update.