Towing an M416 style trailer?

Hi guys, sorry if this isn't the right section. Wasn't sure where to post this. I'm in the process of building an offroad trailer to tow behind my 2nd gen tacoma, and I'm considering using an M416 fiberglass tub to cut down on weight. I've seen plenty of jeeps and small SUV's tow these, but rarely have I seen a tacoma. Anyone have experience with this? My main concern would be the skinnier track. I haven't offroaded with a trailer before so I'm not sure if this would be as much of a concern as I think it is. Any input on this would be great! Would you tow a M416 behind a 2nd gen or would you want a wider trailer?

 

Narrower trailer will allow you to take turns tighter, since the trailer tends to inside of the circle made by the truck.

As far as matching the tow vehicle's width for an offroad trailer, the only situation I can think of that might make this even marginally worthy of consideration, is if you are tracking through something like MUD or deep snow, where the unmatched trailer width would cause an increase in drag due to now cutting 4 lines in the mud/snow instead of just 2.

I probably would recommend against offroading through too much deep mud with a trailer, just because if you start getting stuck and need to back up, the trailer will make it an absolute nightmare.

 

My smaller M100 trails behind my first Gen Tacoma fine
The M100's track width is a little narrower then my Tacoma's axle.
But it's not a problem for me.

Snow and mud may be less fun...
but many folk rolling these style of trailers
change to a different axle and roll wheels/tires that match their hauler.
That usually has the tires rolling better in the track.

Me ?! I drag mine anywhere and everywhere
cause it's got muh bed on top of it ! Lol
and it still rolls it's original military tires.

1. I'm too poor to purchase a custom axle/hubs, matching hauler tires/wheels.
2. I like my original hand brake. Trailer moves less when I sleep. Lol
3. I restored mine to it's original state and try to keep it that way.

few old video of mine on it's first run.
You gonna drag yers thru worse ?

hint: an auto trans makes it simpler (but I'd add a trans. cooler)

https://youtu.be/0YXqv08F04A

https://youtu.be/pibS4xWF19M

https://youtu.be/-PkPNmaq1r8

https://youtu.be/c6BjCnI511I

 

Looks great! I plan to do something similar, I'll be consolidating most if not all of the campsite gear (and eventual RTT) onto/into the trailer so that when I'm ready to go I can just hookup and leave. That way I have my bed space for any personal items. Are you still rocking the pintle hitch? For most of what I plan to tow the trailer through a standard 2" ball will suffice, but I'm weighing my options (not a fan of paying $300+ for a max coupler or similar). Oh and no auto, couldn't resist that third pedal when buying

 

I have both the original pintle/lunette and Max Coupler on board, always.
But only will use the pintle/lunette as back up, or if the Max C. failed.
it hasn't tho' and likely won't.



My tongue extension is home brew bolt on/off design.
The M416 could equally utilize a similar design.



The Max C is worth the extra coin IMO
better then a pintle/lunette combo in most every way...
Even if the pintle/lunette admirer's might denounce that.

As good or better then an auto trans for towing off road is...
a MT with a reduction crawl box (compound low).
But that's not helpful for street towing.
Lower axle gears and appropriately sized tires
is what helps the MT's when street towing.

check the link in my sig for my M100's full restoration/build.
Might be something there that you may find useful.
The M416 and M100 share similarities...
but share few components.

good luck
...and post up your build when you start that.

 

One consideration of a trailer narrower then the truck is that it's difficult to back up when you can't see the trailer until it's turned a way. This may or may not be a problem.

 

...That's true

but extending the trailer's tongue length helps with that visual.

other options are to increase the trailer's ride height.
Either suspension wise... or an RTT mounted on top of that.
So it is visible looking out the rear window.

Your rear view side mirrors should not be the only method used
when backing up a trailer.

another option would be to install vertical whip masts/antenna
on the trailer that extend upwards enough to be visual guides.
These could even be lighted such as whip masts used on quads
and dune buggies that roll in the desert/dunes.

Backing up can be even more difficult when it's dark outside...
So some decent back up lights mounted high up on the rear
of the hauler could really be helpful.

 

All good options... Or I can use my backup camera haha.

 

I forgot about backup cameras, there's one in my tailgate but I need a display for it.

 

It really is quite useful to have. Most new Tacomas I was looking at has one, seems to be almost a norm.

 

back up cameras are for city dwellers
trying to avoid backing over their children. Lol

The way many cameras are mounted...
you'll only be able to see that the trailer is still hitched.

 

I use my camera to confirm how tight I can turn the trailer. I actually had my trailer turn into the bumper of my old truck once making a really sharp backing turn.

 

...whatever floats yer boat.



If yer staring at yer camera's lcd...
Yer probably not watching that ledge...
your front tire is about to roll off of !? Lol