As much as we enjoy our Gobi rack, we discovered an everpresent need for more and varied space for all our camping gear. We looked at a lot of different military trailers and selected the M416 for its size, weight and durability.
For months on end . . nothing . . .until a FB post pointed us in the right direction. She was in great overall condition and largely in stock military shape . . . so we embarked on a modest build to meet our specific needs.
With large swathes of surface rust and tons of CARC paint on the tub, we elected to blast and powder coat from a great local business.
Black powder coating made the frame look almost brand new. The blue shocks are new NAPA.
The tub had some bangs, dents and pinholes but overall it was really sound.
The first order of business was the installation of a spare. We dropped in an extra bit of angle iron and attached a Toyota Tacoma chain hoist. We sourced the extra tire and rim from Ebay.
To keep the tire snug and anti-slip, we added a length of bar stock and some truck rear cargo bumpers.
The standard Jeep tire rod fits right through the lunette housing to raise/lower the spare. We painted the receptacle cup white with some luminous paint.
In lieu of a spray on bedliner, we opted for two sections of rubber anti-fatigue mat which cushion the load while traveling and when removed, keep the mud/dust down around camp. The No Weld Rack Tower is made by Scott Chaney at Compact Camping Concepts. We mounted a Thule cross bar on top with Thule accessories for bikes or other odd cargo.
To carry propane or other accessories, we added a large 40MM ammo box to the front quarter panel. Though it's not readily apparent from the photo, the box is heavily vented on four sides. The 5 lb tank fits right inside the ammo can with plenty of room for other items plus protects the tank from road debris/damage.
On the opposite side we bolted on a small military stowage box -- NSN: 2540-01-150-9887
For extra traction or a mud mat around camp we attached two lengths of WW2 vintage PSP Marsden/Marston runway mat to the front panel. The mat also works like a large MOLLE panel for attachment of nylon gear/bags. We use a CFP 90 day pack and radio bags to hold tie down gear, gloves etc.
In the spirit of a bug out trailer we wanted to have emergency gas and water on board. So with some angle iron, Grade 8's and a Harbor Freight hitch, we mounted two Rotopax DLX mounts under the rear tub frame.
When the dogs are in camp, we attach a Go Westy spout to the water to keep their bowl topped off.
We added a military pioneer rack to the back of the tub with tools sourced from Sportsmans Guide. The rear drop down reflector panels are aluminum ALICE pack shelves. The bag is a black painted MOLLE radio satchel. We sourced a custom heavy duty, tarp cover from a local sail maker.
In case we ever had to transport heavy gear, a person or other odd cargo, we added a modified rear cargo hitch carrier to the top of the Thule racks. We added a landing foot and two 10" hand truck tires with 5/8th round stock axle.
Since the cargo basket has a 2" receiver fitting then it gives us some modularity to move gear around as necessary . . . plus it's the perfect place for an Ignem Feram flag.
Fully loaded and Oscar Mike.
Thanks for checking out the build.
For months on end . . nothing . . .until a FB post pointed us in the right direction. She was in great overall condition and largely in stock military shape . . . so we embarked on a modest build to meet our specific needs.
With large swathes of surface rust and tons of CARC paint on the tub, we elected to blast and powder coat from a great local business.
Black powder coating made the frame look almost brand new. The blue shocks are new NAPA.
The tub had some bangs, dents and pinholes but overall it was really sound.
The first order of business was the installation of a spare. We dropped in an extra bit of angle iron and attached a Toyota Tacoma chain hoist. We sourced the extra tire and rim from Ebay.
To keep the tire snug and anti-slip, we added a length of bar stock and some truck rear cargo bumpers.
The standard Jeep tire rod fits right through the lunette housing to raise/lower the spare. We painted the receptacle cup white with some luminous paint.
In lieu of a spray on bedliner, we opted for two sections of rubber anti-fatigue mat which cushion the load while traveling and when removed, keep the mud/dust down around camp. The No Weld Rack Tower is made by Scott Chaney at Compact Camping Concepts. We mounted a Thule cross bar on top with Thule accessories for bikes or other odd cargo.
To carry propane or other accessories, we added a large 40MM ammo box to the front quarter panel. Though it's not readily apparent from the photo, the box is heavily vented on four sides. The 5 lb tank fits right inside the ammo can with plenty of room for other items plus protects the tank from road debris/damage.
On the opposite side we bolted on a small military stowage box -- NSN: 2540-01-150-9887
For extra traction or a mud mat around camp we attached two lengths of WW2 vintage PSP Marsden/Marston runway mat to the front panel. The mat also works like a large MOLLE panel for attachment of nylon gear/bags. We use a CFP 90 day pack and radio bags to hold tie down gear, gloves etc.
In the spirit of a bug out trailer we wanted to have emergency gas and water on board. So with some angle iron, Grade 8's and a Harbor Freight hitch, we mounted two Rotopax DLX mounts under the rear tub frame.
When the dogs are in camp, we attach a Go Westy spout to the water to keep their bowl topped off.
We added a military pioneer rack to the back of the tub with tools sourced from Sportsmans Guide. The rear drop down reflector panels are aluminum ALICE pack shelves. The bag is a black painted MOLLE radio satchel. We sourced a custom heavy duty, tarp cover from a local sail maker.
In case we ever had to transport heavy gear, a person or other odd cargo, we added a modified rear cargo hitch carrier to the top of the Thule racks. We added a landing foot and two 10" hand truck tires with 5/8th round stock axle.
Since the cargo basket has a 2" receiver fitting then it gives us some modularity to move gear around as necessary . . . plus it's the perfect place for an Ignem Feram flag.
Fully loaded and Oscar Mike.
Thanks for checking out the build.
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