The M416 trailer, or commonly referred to as a military “jeep trailer”, was designed to be towed for utility behind, as you may have already guessed, military jeeps. The M416 jeep trailer was an off-road capable cargo trailer. Small, but stout due to being military grade hardware, the trailer could handle much of the terrain when in tow behind a jeep or other off-road vehicle. The M416 trailer was designed to be paired with the M151 jeep during the Vietnam era, and is based on its predecessors, the K-38 from WW2 and the M100 from the Korean war era.
Today, there are a handful of companies incorporating the stylistic and functional queues of the iconic M416 jeep trailer into a modernized, overland-capable, off road camping trailer.
Manley ORV Explore Trailers
Manley ORV manufactures off road capable utility & camping trailers. As stated by Manley ORV, “We begin with the iconic Military M416 Jeep Trailer DNA and finish with the strength, looks and features sought out by today’s overlander, weekend camper and the guy or gal that just needs a little extra room for that trip to Home Depot.” Manley ORV is located in Alabama and ships it’s trailers worldwide.
Base Weight: 775 lbs. (trailer weight doesn’t appear to include add-ons like tent, racks, etc)
Standard Features:
- 2” Ball Coupler
- Tepui Kukenam rooftop tent
- Removable Hard Aluminum Lid
- Rear Recovery Hook
- Rubber Bed Mat
- 33” BF Goodrich KM2 M/T Tires
- Military tested independent torsion axle
- Tall Trailer Rack System
- LED Lighting
Ethos Travois X-1 Trailer
NOTE: It appears Ethos Trailers is no longer in business, so the only place to find one may be the used market
Taking visual queues from the M416 trailer, Ethos Trailers include Timbren’s unique axle-less trailer suspension which improves ground clearance, and the progressive rubber springs and premium urethane bushings included create a suspension that is quiet and smooth, whether the trailer is loaded or empty, on the highway or off-road. Ethos Trailers also include a Lock N’ Roll which gives 360 degress of rotation and 3 axis of movement.
The Ethos Travois offers a standard utility trailer, or the Travois X-1 which is the same trailer, with camping accessories added.
Base Weight: 1200 lbs. (dry weight)
- 31×10.50×15 Mud Tires
- 3500lb Timbren Axle-less suspension
- BBQ Pit that slides out for cooking
- Patented lift assisted exterior rack – ready for Kayak mounts, Canoe, or Roof top Tent
- Cooler rack on Tongue will fit up to 33″x 18″ Cooler
- Built-in open tongue storage below cooler rack
- Ram 2000lb Tongue jack/lift
- 20lb propane tank mount on tongue
- Strong arm lift assist shocks for lid
- Lock “N” Roll Articulating Hitch
Rockbox Trailers
Note: Rockbox trailers is currently listed as temporarily closed, so the only place to currently acquire one may be the used market.
Rockbox makes handsome little trailers, clearly influenced by the military’s M416 trailer. What’s unique about their trailers is that they make both a steel and aluminum version.
The steel trailer comes as a complete trailer, the Steel Series or as a DIY off-road trailer kit, making it an affordable option.
The Aluminum Series is a welded aluminum frame and chassis.
According to the Rockbox website, camping accessories are also for their trailers. Unfortunately, there does’t seem to be a list of these options anywhere on the site, or specifications so you may need to contact to get more info.
Original M416 Jeep Trailers Converted into Camping Trailers
Here’s a cool video of a gentleman who owns a V8 Willys Jeep with a military M416 trailer converted for camping. The trailer includes a CVT roof top tent, 12V system, propane and a mr. buddy heater and a fridge.
I am looking for a used military cargo trailer for jeep to hall away junk in my back yard , an a x military capt. told me the best one is from the military, .