What model trailer is this?
- Thread starter cbmontgo
- Start date
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Generally, if it is a factory tailgate option, it should be a civilian model Bantam.
The military models had no tailgate, because they were amphibious - able to float with a 500 lb load.
But, a true Bantam civilian model trailer should have six stake pockets just inside the top lip, front, middle and rear, three on a side, for wooden stake slats.
The tailgate on the civilian model is not a rectangle. It is flaired at the top, following the body lines. The civilian tailgate also has only two vertical support ribs embossed into it, like what you see on the front panel, and they do not extend full length at the top or bottom. This one has three that extend full length.
The support brackets are similar to those for very early civilian trailers, which were later replaced by larger stamped pieces that incorporated holes for the taillights.
On the outside of a civilian model, there are only three tie down loops on the sides, whereas the military model has four tie downs.
A military trailer will have brakes for parking and handling, while the civilian model has no brakes, just a hub.
A military model has shocks, while the civilian model lacks them.
A military model has a rear landing gear leg for stability, and again, the civilian model lacks them.
By "military model", I'm referring to the original WWII and M100 series trailers. not the M416, because there was no civilian version of the M416.
And that bring up the final nail in the coffin. The photo appears to show a flat fender. The WWII and M100 trailers had round fenders (as did the civilian model). Unless someone installed flat fenders, then this is an M416 trailer that someone added a tailgate to.
The military models had no tailgate, because they were amphibious - able to float with a 500 lb load.
But, a true Bantam civilian model trailer should have six stake pockets just inside the top lip, front, middle and rear, three on a side, for wooden stake slats.
The tailgate on the civilian model is not a rectangle. It is flaired at the top, following the body lines. The civilian tailgate also has only two vertical support ribs embossed into it, like what you see on the front panel, and they do not extend full length at the top or bottom. This one has three that extend full length.
The support brackets are similar to those for very early civilian trailers, which were later replaced by larger stamped pieces that incorporated holes for the taillights.
On the outside of a civilian model, there are only three tie down loops on the sides, whereas the military model has four tie downs.
A military trailer will have brakes for parking and handling, while the civilian model has no brakes, just a hub.
A military model has shocks, while the civilian model lacks them.
A military model has a rear landing gear leg for stability, and again, the civilian model lacks them.
By "military model", I'm referring to the original WWII and M100 series trailers. not the M416, because there was no civilian version of the M416.
And that bring up the final nail in the coffin. The photo appears to show a flat fender. The WWII and M100 trailers had round fenders (as did the civilian model). Unless someone installed flat fenders, then this is an M416 trailer that someone added a tailgate to.
- Thread starter
- #4
Brian,
In reading your notes, I have some more pics that raise a few more questions. I think this is a military trailer, as there is also a pic of the data/VIN plate that says, "US Army". It also appears to have drum brakes with a hand brake.
So, I am assuming that this is a modified M416?
In reading your notes, I have some more pics that raise a few more questions. I think this is a military trailer, as there is also a pic of the data/VIN plate that says, "US Army". It also appears to have drum brakes with a hand brake.
So, I am assuming that this is a modified M416?
I can't make out the data plate. Too faded for me to read.
The grab handles were used on both the M100 and M416, but the M100 has round fenders.
The rim has small holes all the way around. That's an M151 MUTT pattern wheel, used on the M416. However, it is not conclusive, because it interchanges with the earlier Jeep pattern wheels. But it does suggest an M416.
The military lunette assembly has been altered or replaced.
M100 trailers had a tool/parts box welded to the front of the bed. M416, WWII and civilian trailers all lack this box.
The fenders are held on with L shaped brackets that are spot welded to the body sides. The round fenders have them in an arc, and if the fenders were upgraded, you'd see evidence of the old spot welds.
I'm pretty certain this is an M416 trailer that someone has cut and added a tailgate to. They've ruined any collector value, though it could be restored from the remains of a bad trailer bed. If you don't care about that, it would make a good utility trailer if the price was right.
The grab handles were used on both the M100 and M416, but the M100 has round fenders.
The rim has small holes all the way around. That's an M151 MUTT pattern wheel, used on the M416. However, it is not conclusive, because it interchanges with the earlier Jeep pattern wheels. But it does suggest an M416.
The military lunette assembly has been altered or replaced.
M100 trailers had a tool/parts box welded to the front of the bed. M416, WWII and civilian trailers all lack this box.
The fenders are held on with L shaped brackets that are spot welded to the body sides. The round fenders have them in an arc, and if the fenders were upgraded, you'd see evidence of the old spot welds.
I'm pretty certain this is an M416 trailer that someone has cut and added a tailgate to. They've ruined any collector value, though it could be restored from the remains of a bad trailer bed. If you don't care about that, it would make a good utility trailer if the price was right.
