Proof of Concept - Overland Trailer Build

[HeliSniper]

I have always had it in my mind what I would build into an Overland trailer. So after much scratching and scribbling on anything available, trying to explain my ideas to friends who just stared and nodded, I have obtained a trailer to start my build. This is actually my second trailer, the first being a M1101 that I thought too big to pull behind my '85 CJ-7. So this one is a M116A2 formerly used by the USMC to haul diesel generators. The height is right and looks right behind my Jeep. The bows are very sturdy, almost structural it seems. The items that will have to be fixed from the original "as is" purchase of the trailer are; 1) bent shock, change both shocks 2) 24 volt system, I have an adapter for the massive plug so all I need to do is change the bulbs out for LED 12 volts 3) bent and tweaked hitch with surge brake, obtain an adjustable height replacement from eTrailer.com and weld it on. So all and all the trailer is a great platform to start what I have envisioned for so many years.

This is my first Build Thread so bare with me and feel free to critique all my post.
I will try to keep everything up to date as this build progresses.

 

[HeliSniper]

I have started striping all the connectors off the deck, there is only 14 million and they are all rusted on. I still have many to go. The deck is thick steel and does not deflect under the load of me standing on it. The bows are a little tweaked but I got them straight when I screwed on a 4' x 8' sheet of diamond plate aluminum. I also mounted my Tepui Ruggedized Kukanam RTT on top of the diamond plate if for no other reason to get it off the crate it was sitting on. It is amazing how many things will accumulate on a flat surface, even on top of a RTT stored on a crate about table high.

This is just the first weekend having the trailer and most of the work has been from the excitement of finely having the trailer. So the next couple of weeks will consist of planning, organization, and a timeline.

 

[fstfrd00]

trailer looks good!
and everything in the pic looks good, mercedes, atv, helicopters and the step ladder

 

[El Gigante Jake]

The little kid in me was immediately distracted by "HELICOPTERS!!!!!!" :)

Looks like a great starting base

 

[Roger352]

Its looks ideal towing height behind the jeep just changing the wheels to match will change the whole look for the trailer

 

[Terry Pickens]

Sweet build

 

[Johnnie Canuck]

Dont be afraid to share your plans for your build! Im greedy for ideas!!

 

[HeliSniper]

Got side tracked while trying to get everything bought for the trailer. Ran into some 20lb CO2 tanks for 20$ each. Now to get them ready for On Board Air. But I will re-focus on the trailer now.

 

[Dean]

Nice build. On a side note, when I build a new frame for my m101 I want to build the old frame into a flat-deck cargo trailer like this.

 

[Rubiconcruiser]

Nice build. On a side note, when I build a new frame for my m101 I want to build the old frame into a flat-deck cargo trailer like this.

The platform is awesome and you can go to the enth degree with your build good luck


Sent from my iPhone using OB Talk

 

[The Hunter]

Any more progress on this bad boy? I also started with an m116a2 but I decided to remove the deck and put a 4x8 piece of sheet steel on it 1/8 thick to tow behind my tacoma.

 

[TurboDiesel67]

I like the look of your trailer, I have a quite small obscure overlander which is so short and rides fairly low, but with loads of ground clearance (if you know what I mean) I am planning on sourcing a LR1 from a scrap yard and using the chassis and rear axle, as the bearings and hubs as well as suspension and frame of the trailer so it is strong and uses a decent lug pattern compared to 4 or even 3 on some modern trailers.