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Ben-hur

Discussion in 'Jeep Trailer Tech' started by CJ51962, Apr 4, 2013.

  1. Apr 4, 2013
    CJ51962

    CJ51962 Member

    Seattle
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    Well, I'm just recently into the Willys thing. Bought my '62 CJ5 in January this year. I've had an itch to tow a "jeep" trailer behind the CJ ever since. Today I bought a BEN HUR trailer from a kid for $300, with an actual title in hand. I just have no clue if that was a good deal or not. The model says, "22 47" with a serial number of "42M14992." There's a little bit of cancer rot to one corner, otherwise it seems to be all there (except for the stand). It's been converted to 1 7/8" ball hitch.

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    fhoehle likes this.
  2. Apr 4, 2013
    68BuickV6

    68BuickV6 Well-Known Member

    Hesperia, CA.
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    That's a very nice trailer! That'd be great to restore and tow!
     
  3. Apr 11, 2013
    maurywhurt

    maurywhurt Member 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Western North...
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    You'll find a lot of information on the Ben-Hur model 22-46 and 22-47 trailers on this thread: http://www.earlycj5.net/forums/showthread.php?74865-The-Sears-David-Bradley-Trailer

    The Sears David Bradley trailer was really just a variation of the postwar Ben-Hur civilian trailers. In fact, Ben-Hur built the Sears versions early on in production.

    I'd say you got a decent deal on the one you bought. It appears to have the original wheels, and overall (aside from the issues you mentioned) it looks to be in pretty good shape.
     
    Last edited: Apr 11, 2013
  4. Apr 28, 2013
    CJ51962

    CJ51962 Member

    Seattle
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    I'm finding that it's definitely better than I first thought. Rust removal is going quite easy with an angle grinder and sanding discs. Just thought I'd show some updated pics.

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    fhoehle likes this.
  5. Apr 28, 2013
    Alan28

    Alan28 Well-Known Member 2022 Sponsor

    Châtillon en...
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    Very nice, I wait for the paint and all in order. Very good.
     
  6. Apr 28, 2013
    68BuickV6

    68BuickV6 Well-Known Member

    Hesperia, CA.
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    Those uniroyals! :drool:
     
  7. Apr 28, 2013
    Patrick

    Patrick Super Moderator Staff Member

    Los Alamos, NM
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    Here's mine, after the restore.

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    fhoehle likes this.
  8. Apr 29, 2013
    CJ51962

    CJ51962 Member

    Seattle
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    That's a beauty for sure. I'm going to end up putting a canvas top on it when I'm done.
     
  9. Apr 29, 2013
    Patrick

    Patrick Super Moderator Staff Member

    Los Alamos, NM
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    Last edited: Apr 29, 2013
  10. May 10, 2013
    CJ51962

    CJ51962 Member

    Seattle
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    So I figured I'd keep with the updates. Here's where I'm at so far.
    Sanded the BA-GEEZUS out of it (thank god for a circle grinder and sanding attachments). I've primed everything with many spray cans. The bed got two quarts of Rust Cap (totally worth the money). I've also spent the last few days making a rail system, and coating it with Shellac. Also got wiring hooked up.

    Yes, the fenders are off for now.
    [​IMG]

    You can see the lights from this view. Also, that's the back seat for the CJ5 next to it. I'm working on seating at the same time.
    [​IMG]


    PS, Patrick- that's a neat top, plus an even better story.
     
    fhoehle likes this.
  11. May 20, 2013
    CJ51962

    CJ51962 Member

    Seattle
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    Ok, new update: I put a curved roof frame on to hold tarp/canvas without getting pooled water (a necessity in the NorthWest). Hmmm, I'm thinking a small wood stove with chimney coming up through canvas is in order. I may just turn this into the chuck wagon for Elk camp.

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  12. May 30, 2013
    CJ51962

    CJ51962 Member

    Seattle
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    Anybody tow theirs with a pintle hitch?
     
  13. May 31, 2013
    68BuickV6

    68BuickV6 Well-Known Member

    Hesperia, CA.
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    As far as trailers in general go, everyone I know who has used a pintle hated it. Mainly do to noise.
     
    fhoehle likes this.
  14. Jun 6, 2013
    CJ51962

    CJ51962 Member

    Seattle
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    Yeah that's what I "hear" from others as well. But it may be nice to have up in the woods. Don't have to worry about the ball bouncing off.
     
  15. Jun 6, 2013
    68BuickV6

    68BuickV6 Well-Known Member

    Hesperia, CA.
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    I've been in trucks towing small flat bed trailers with atvs off road. A properly sized trailer ball and mount will go pretty far before popping off. That being said, You definitely won't worry about it with a pintle or articulating hitch like a lock and roll
     
  16. Jun 10, 2013
    CJ51962

    CJ51962 Member

    Seattle
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    I went ahead and ordered a combination pintle and ball hitch from etrailer.com. I decided to just split the difference with the combo hookup! From their measurements, it should bolt directly to the Willys without modification (fingers crossed). It'll be here sometime this week, and if all goes well, I'll post some pictures of it, and the Jeep finally towing my Ben Hur!
     
  17. Jun 14, 2013
    CJ51962

    CJ51962 Member

    Seattle
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    Here's the trailer finally hooked up to the Jeep!!!
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  18. May 20, 2016
    GJJack

    GJJack New Member

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    Ive had a Ben Hur since the 70s when my dad passed away. Ive not used it for 20 years and should sell it while its still ok. Its a 22 46. The serial is 42-10298
    Is it a year 42 or 46?
     
  19. Sep 12, 2019
    ojgrsoi

    ojgrsoi Retired 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Weatherford, TX
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    Based on what I read it would be a 46.
     
  20. Sep 13, 2019
    Hellion

    Hellion Regurgitated

    Eastern TN
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    Better late than never on a necropost, eh? :D

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    EDIT: Good info though, now I know how to date them.
     
    Last edited: Sep 14, 2019
    ojgrsoi likes this.
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