Please help me I.D. this Military Trailer and value

[billabong25]

This is a trailer for sale locally. It has a couple of issues but overall it is pretty solid. I'm only vaguely familiar with the U.S. Military trailers so I need help positively identifying this trailer. I think its a M416 but not sure. It has no markings on the I.D. plate. The tailgate area has been cut into the rear of the tub with braces welded on as well. The Pintle hitch is also missing and another hitch bolted into its place. The parking brake is in place and still functional. The tires are dry rotted but hold air. After a little negotiation, dude wants $400 for it. Is this one worth the money to use for an offroad/camping build? I would want to put the pintle hitch back on and fab an actual tailgate instead of boards (which is what they used). Thanks for any help.

 

[titanpat57]

If your not in hurry offer him 300$ because of the tongue issue itself. As long as it's not rotted thru it's probably worth 400$ also...make sure to look underneth carefully.

Good luck, Pat

ps.....m416

 

[Dell]

not just an M416...

that's a bubba fab'd M 416...

in it's original condition... it has no tailgate and was designed to be amphibious.

this trailer needs someone skilled better then bubba to make a clean reliable tailgate for 'er.

from what I see... she's likely worth the asking $

tho' I'd prolly still offer less and see if they're firm.

 

[alkarich]

Seems like a good price. Of course $300 would be better.

 

[billabong25]

His original asking price was $450, I said I could only do $250 with the tailgate, hitch, and possible new tires or FJ40 hub switch in mind. He then said $400 and I told him I could only as high as $300. His final offer walking away was $350 but then he checked his auction ticket where he paid $375 so if I go back I'll have to see if he'll honor his $350 or make the $375.
It's a great trailer, very solid and no rust holes in the floor. I saw 2 spring loaded drain plugs or something in the floor. Is that what they are? Underneath, the trailer is very clean with little surface rust. The lights had approximately 5 different plugs, is this normal and what would be the best conversion to hook up to a regular trailer light outlet?

 

[alkarich]

Here are some threads for some wiring:

https://forum.ih8mud.com/40-55-series-tech/378620-trailer-wiring.html
https://forum.ih8mud.com/40-55-series-tech/246216-wiring-light-trailer.html
https://forum.ih8mud.com/trailer-tech/306854-4-pin-wiring-military-style-lights-m416.html

Those are spring loaded drains. The M416 was designed to float.

 

[billabong25]

Thanks for all the info and the wiring threads guys. I appreciate all the help. I need to just weigh the options and make a decision now.

 

[billabong25]

Well, I pulled the trigger and bought it today. It pulled nice and smooth. Now I have to locate a pintle hitch set up and also do some research on possibly adding a reese style hitch. Now I'll probably just sell my 2 FJ40's I bought to turn one into an offroad trailer build.