What military trailer is right for our X's?

TN4x4Xterra

Suspension Lift
Location
Knoxville, TN
Looking into purchasing a used military trailer and convert it into a camping trailer with tent on top of it.....I'm confused by the different kinds of military trailers since I know there's a couple that's top heavy and while some aren't heavy or insanely huge, I'm just looking for something that I can just pull out and go on the fly to a campsite and etc.

What's the best trailer for it?

And post pics too!
 

J Everett

Suspension Lift
Founding Member
Location
Houma, LA
The M416 is ideal, but very hard to find for a decent price. Lots of guys just like us, especially Jeepers, have bought them to build tent trailers. The ManleyORV trailers are based loosely on the M416.

M416%20JPC's%201967%20M416.jpg


The M101A3 can be easily towed by the Xterra, but is tall, wide, and cumbersome. You can haul more in it, and it could make a great trail trailer with some smaller diameter tires to lower the CG, but it won't be as maneuverable. They are plentiful and easy to find.

M101-Trailer-2.jpg
 

civicjoe

lone wolf mod
Founding Member
Location
Nevada
yes manley builds the perfect option on one of these but the price is a wee bit high for my likings if i could find something like this at a decent price id be all over it
 

Deadpilot

<img src="http://i164.photobucket.com/albums/u7/ra
Founding Member
Location
Fallbrook, CA
I run a m101a2 and I have no issues with it. I do have about a 3 in lift though. I'll post a pick up once I get home

Also try http://www.govliquidation.com to find the trailers

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TN4x4Xterra

Suspension Lift
Location
Knoxville, TN
You could try searching for a nearby DRMO auction. The Defense Reutilization and Marketing Office is managed by the Defense Logistics*Agency and sells decommissioned military equipment. Check the link for more info: http://www.dispositionservices.dla.mil/drmo/drmo-locations.shtml

Sent from my HTC One using Tapatalk

The site is confusing and from what I can tell, there's none in TN....

I run a m101a2 and I have no issues with it. I do have about a 3 in lift though. I'll post a pick up once I get home

Also try http://www.govliquidation.com to find the trailers

Sent from my SCH-I605 using Tapatalk

Will check that out again.

I think hepsdesigns is about to make some too

But with shipping and etc, it'll be pricey, I'm sure....

Dinoot offers a fiberglass alternative to the M416.

Check it: [url]http://www.dinoot.com/m-series/models/m-series-model[/URL]

That looks pretty decent but shipping would be outrageous from Oregon....unless I missed something?
 

granitex

Skid Plates
Founding Member
Location
Columbus OH
Tony is working on his, but they are a very slow process. The problem with the mil trailers is that they are heavy and the price has been jacked up due to the jeep guys consistantly paying way to much for them. There are plenty of people making trailers that fill the rolls that you are looking at. Or you can make your own to fill the needs that you have exactly.

I made mine to fit the needs that i had, is light enough that I can move it by hand if it is not loaded with fire wood, or dirt, rocks. The truck tows it like it is not even there, same track width, and it is out of the wind so the drag is nominal.
 

Deadpilot

<img src="http://i164.photobucket.com/albums/u7/ra
Founding Member
Location
Fallbrook, CA
The m105 should be a 1 and half ton trailer and normally run on the larger military trucks like the 7 ton and 5 ton so it would be too big for an xterra I would say

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DirtyRice120

Need Bigger Tires
Founding Member
Location
Knoxville, Tn
I was looking on CL and there is a M100 in Spartanburg for $900. Could use a little work but not a bad price.

Love - Dirty Mike and the Boys
 

Deadpilot

<img src="http://i164.photobucket.com/albums/u7/ra
Founding Member
Location
Fallbrook, CA
I guess out here on the west coast that seems a little pricey for an older trailer. I paid only have of that for my m101a2 and its alittle bigger. But than again I have a couple huge Marine Corps bases out here and Barstow has alot of it that gets sold off. Like now they have a ton of M116A3 trailers that are coming up for auction. They are only a chassis trailer so it has no side just a floor but that could work better for some too.
 

schaney

Test Drive
Location
Salem, OR
Short answer, no, just drilling and trimming to assemble to tub.

1469892_521396564625430_1608723447_n.jpg


Welding depends on your frame choice, can build with a bolt-together style or welded frame



If you haven't seen it, check out the Dinoot Building One page
 
Last edited:

TN4x4Xterra

Suspension Lift
Location
Knoxville, TN
Short answer, no, just drilling and trimming to assemble to tub.

1469892_521396564625430_1608723447_n.jpg


Welding depends on your frame choice, can build with a bolt-together style or welded frame



If you haven't seen it, check out the Dinoot Building One page

Awesome build.

Just read through the build sheet for M-series with harbor freight trailer frame.

I do have a question about the leaf perch though, I see that part does require welding which I have no welding skills for so likely I'll have to source it to someone to weld it on...

And is the tubs only in fiberglass? Would it be stronger in off-road terrains?
 

schaney

Test Drive
Location
Salem, OR
Thanks!

I have replacement leaf perchs that you can just bolt down to hold them in place. Then for an extra measure just run them by a buddy with a welded or muffler shop for a quick weld bead on them.

Yes we only do them in fiberglass, I find fiberglass to be the right balance between lightweight and durable, plenty strong for off-road terrain. Fiberglass actually handles "contact" well. Keep in mind when the term fiberglass is used, it really mean fiber reinforced plastic. Because plastic has some elasticity, it can take a hit and just pop back that would leave a dent in an aluminum or steel tubbed trailers.

On my M-Series / M416 style tubs you have the frame under the tub to protect it in ditch and ledge drop off situations. On my J-Series / Jeep style tubs the body is more exposed, although below are examples for abusing J-Series tubs with no damage.

How about rolling one, no damage


Ditch crossings dragging the back, minor scratches


About 20 seconds in on this video, dropping off a ledge, dragging the back, not even a scratch
[video=youtube;flM5ZbG9aVU]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=flM5ZbG9aVU[/video]
 
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