Both are unicorns. You know... you've seen pictures of them, but have yet to see on in person. A unicorn!
US M416 from flmvpa.org
Canadian M101 from ih8mud.com
When I find them online or for sale, people get CRAZY on the prices. Why? There are a lot of off-roaders restoring them as expedition trailers. Companies have emerged, making/selling expedition trailers to meet our demands. Unfortunately, the midrange price for them are around $4,000. Yuk.
When I am lucky enough to find one online, the really trashed ones still sell for $800 to $1000. Restored ones are around $1500 to $2000. Maybe you are lucky enough to live in a state like Texas, North Carolina or Upstate NY, and have a small surplus of them being drizzled out by Govliquidation.com. Maybe, but even then they go for $800+.
After 8 months of searching, I gave up turned my search towards a standard box 4x6 box utility trailer. New, they were around $1700 in the configuration I wanted. I ended up buying a used home made trailer. I thought it was perfect for my needs, but it turned out to be a perfect nightmare! See the below thread where Avis came to my rescue, tore it down to the frame and leaf springs, and rebuilt me a super nice trailer.
Trailer: Is this a case of "if it ain't broke don't fix it"?
Today I visited a friend of mine who is a saddle maker. He has some industrial sewing machines and knows a lot about fabrics and sewing. I wanted him to make me a custom waterproof tarp that can withstand 122degree summers and 28degree winters. While I was there I shared my trailer horror story and he says, "you're looking for a military trailer? I have one. It's been sitting at my mom's place for 6 years. I need to get it out of there, as she just sold her house. Do you want it?"
Image from armyproperty.com
From what he described, it sounded like the US M-101, which is a BIG 3/4-ton trailer and weighs 1,400-lbs by itself. I told him that I would drive by and take a peek at it. Worst case, I could store it at my house until he figures out what he wants to do with it, or I can help him sell it. I figured my commission for the sale would cover the cost of my new waterproof trailer cover.
As I pull up to the house, I nearly pooped in my pants with excitement!
I will admit, I screwed up with my 1st trailer. I spent too much time researching Can M101s and US M416s and I didn't do enough on regular box utility trailers.
Well, CHING! I freaking know what I'm looking at HERE! My Unicorn!
Image from jeffgottheelf.com
All the stuff seems to work, can't really test the electrical. I will need to switch to 12v bulbs or multi-volt LEDs and get an adaptor for the military plug to standard civilian plug, or dig out an old chevy pre-84 t-plug adaptor to 4-pin. The tires are a bit dry-rotted, but they are cheap to come by. The box has really light surface rust in areas that can collect moisture. It has the thick military paint, and was repainted by the US Forestry Service to their colors. So, a HEAVY sand blasting, repaint, replace tires, repack bearings and do the 12v conversion... DONE!
I immediately called my buddy back and worked out a trade for the trailer. It was a win-win for me and him.
Now I have 2 trailers that I soon won't have room for! But I am happy!
Anyone know of a good sand blaster I can take it to?