M116A2 Mule hauler

I have been welding, cutting, welding and ginding on the M416A2 generator trailer since Gilbert to get it ready for its transformation from generator platform to be an accecptable mule hauler. The distance between the fenders was increased, tie down slots were cut into the deck with plate steel reinforcement plates over the top, new shocks and a new master cylinder were added. The mule is so top heavy I elected not to use the military installed trailer tie downs and went with the trailer deck mounts using the ratchet straps to grab the mule in the rear and the front handles. Here is a shot of the first load test.

Looks good! Are you gonna make a mount to carry the ramps? Gonna paint them OD?

The 3/4 ton series trailers offer 'tilt' deck.... ramps not needed.

Now you need to slap some of them jerry can mounts back on the sides

You have the bows for the trailer? (I have a spare set I might part with)

I would use the stretch rather than the compression method of tie downs.. As a mule has no suspension, it matters not how high the tie downs are... Having all 4 tie down points near the rear is not good practice. I would run the tiedowns from the 4 trailer tie down loops to the axles, either with J hooks or axle straps much more practical and easier to rig.

You could also get the 'wheel' tie down sets like race car guys use.... its a 'web' of sorts that gets tossed over 2 of the wheels, (opposite corners) and ties down right to the bed.

Remember that the design is not for a tilt deck trailer, rather is is a folding drawbar so more trailers will fit in a fixed space on a rail car or ship deck or hold...the draw bar is not designed for stresses incurred in dumping...

Alas.... I did not say dumping

I would not use one of these as a dumping trailer, anymore than I would a snowmobile trailer which uses a similar design....

Looks pretty cool, Nick! I remember this trailer from Gilbert, and it was a good starter for the purpose you had in mind. Now, you have to paint the mule and the trailer tan to match your M35!

Not sure what color to paint the trailer yet. It's been converted to 12v tail lights (light gulbs)and an M series trailer receptacle is newly installed on the pick up truck. Not sure about a tan mule Mike. I do have the bows and a green top so we may be going with USMC green on the trailer.

Mike, I asked because he has ramps in the pic.

Re: RE: M116A2 Mule hauler

gimpyrobb said:

Mike, I asked because he has ramps in the pic.

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I see them now.... a little washed out on my screen

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I've got an extra M116A2 for $750 if anyone feels the need.
Jeff

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mangus,do you have those web tire straps?

RE: Re: RE: M116A2 Mule hauler

Nick:
I knew when you PM'ed me that this would be an excellent MULE hauler. Very nice job on the conversion. I put 12 Volt LED lights on mine so it would not be a worry of having them burn out.

I know the trailers are well built but I added strength to the front frame by welding additional tube stock to the frame from the area of the bed to the hitch. The bows and a top would add to the custom made look of this and on mine the top is strong enough to use it as a sleeping platform in good weather. Pictures of it are in my photo album.

Thanks David! hope you are safe and sound. Hope to see you soon

Re: RE: Re: RE: M116A2 Mule hauler

nickd said:

mangus,do you have those web tire straps?

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No, but here is a link to what I had in mind...

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/TOW-...ryZ33653QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Car-...ryZ50072QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

how wide is the space between the fenders to haul a mule thinking about this for a m101a2 that I already have wide fenders on for the s250

I have since sold the trailer and picked up a drash tent trailer from at the time on GL. It is longer than the humvee generator trailer and also already wide enough to accommodate the mule. There are also heavy tie downs on each corner