Military Trailers - M101 or M416 - thoughts?

[joshd1971bronco]

Hey guys,

I'd like your opinion on the military trailers that are popular for tow behind camping / cargo trailers - both the M416 (1/4 ton cargo capacity in order to remain afloat with the sealed tub) and the larger M101 (3/4 ton cargo capacity with tail gate).

My gut feeling is that the M101 is too heavy (1250lb unloaded) to tow behind a EB with a 302 off road and that the increased physical size over the M416 may be a hindrance on the trials. But, I've heard some complain that the M416 is a little small in the cargo volume and weight capacity department which the M101 would solve.

I would not be taking these trailers extreme rock crawling or anything, but would like to use them for camping cargo (and perhaps onboard tent) duty in the Rockies.

Any input or thoughts would be appreciated.

 

[moffatj2]

There are 4 - M416 trailers in my family and I can tell you IMO that they are a great addition to any bronco on the trails. They have a stamped capacity of about 500 lbs, but I have loaded mine in excess of 700 lbs. hauling shelled corn for deer season and it did not max out the springs, which are 11 leaf on the 416s. Add to that the shocks and the trailer pulls great loaded down. I also built an aluminuim top for mine which keeps everything nice and dry. Send an e-mail to out.doors41@yahoo.com and I can send you some pictures or answer any questions. I'm not an expert - I just love these little trailers!

 

[Viperwolf1]

I think those M416's are perfect for Bronco towing. I have a heavy duty 5'x8' utility trailer with a 3500 lb axle that I use during hunting season. It's heavy and more trailer than I need unless I'm carrying my 4 wheeler in it.

 

[73stallion]

i almost bought one in houston. the guy told me the basic differences are the M416 has square fenders, M100 has round. one is built in the US, one is built in canada.

 

[Z Bronco]

I put over 8000 miles on my M416 behind my Bronco last summer. It tows great, wheels great, and keeps all the stuff out of the Bronco. My trailer has a spring over and sits on 35's just like the Bronco, the one spare fits both. The Adventure Trailer model "The Chaser" is patterned after the M416 and gives great ideas on mods that can be done to it. I even towed mine behind a Samarai when the Bronco was out of commission. Great trailer for the Bronco!

 

[Tom Dummer]

Build your own. Heres some pictures of mine and where its been.
3500# tortional axle for 19" of ground clearance with 33's. aluminum tub and 1/8 wall 2x2 tube frame. The next incarnation of this is to add a tilt bed configuration to it with an electric ram. IF I can get the other projects out of the garage. BTW,, I can pick up one side of the trailer by myself. I should run it across a scale sometime, but I'll bet its under 400#.

http://www.broncofix.com/viewtopic.php?t=269355&highlight=military+trailer

http://www.broncofix.com/viewtopic.php?t=269656&highlight=military+trailer

http://www.broncofix.com/viewtopic.php?t=273221&highlight=military+trailer

http://www.broncoholics.com/support/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=1860

 

[br0nc0xrapt0r]

101 and 105's are pretty damn big dude just a thought.

 

[ochretoe]

I've pulled a M416 for 4 years now and it does great. I have put way over 500lbs of fire wood and rock in mine with no problem. A full load of rock is kinda tough on my little 6 banger but everything else does great.

 

[goblin79]

heres you all some info on the civy version made by bantam the t3c thats what i have but not got to use it much yet

http://bantamt3c.com/

 

[fatboy]

Go with the 416, tons of mods can be done to any of them to fit your needs, but I think you will be happier on the trail with this one. The 101 is just too big.

 

[78Scronco]

those things are awesome. I've been wanting one for awhile. Thanks for those links guys!

 

[fromme]

Don't forget about the Bantam M100 or T3-C. I restored an M-100 a couple years ago. Bought it for a few hundred, put a few hundred more in to it during the restoration, used it for a couple years, then sold it for $1200. Even the way things are, these things hold value. They are good for well over 500# too.

 

[msweb]

Plenty of M101 and M105's at http://www.govliquidation.com/index.html

Search "Trailer" in your state or nearby and you'll find plenty. Not a bad deal for $150.00.

May be some M416's also, I haven't really looked.