Trailer suggestions

[Militarymetal]

I’d like to get a very lightweight trailer to tow behind my CJ5. Based on searches, I think Bantams are highly desirable and pricey. Is there an alternative? Maybe a modern trailer that someone could suggest?

 

[Boyink]

For utility or for show?

I loved the look of the Bantam behind my CJ5, but the "half-a-Ranger" truck bed trailer was arguably more useful and easier to find aftermarket goodies for. The 90's era Ranger width is pretty close to Jeep width for tracking.

 

[timsresort]

An M416 is 3" wider than a Bantam or M100, and I think a little cheaper. Commonly found around here for $1500 or less.

 

[Militarymetal]

For utility or for show?

I loved the look of the Bantam behind my CJ5, but the "half-a-Ranger" truck bed trailer was arguably more useful and easier to find aftermarket goodies for. The 90's era Ranger width is pretty close to Jeep width for tracking.

I’ll look into the Ranger.

 

[Militarymetal]

An M416 is 3" wider than a Bantam or M100, and I think a little cheaper. Commonly found around here for $1500 or less.

Thanks. I see some of those around here for 1200 to 2000 dollars. Is it easy to convert the military lunette to a civy ball coupler?

 

[Militarymetal]

For utility or for show?

I loved the look of the Bantam behind my CJ5, but the "half-a-Ranger" truck bed trailer was arguably more useful and easier to find aftermarket goodies for. The 90's era Ranger width is pretty close to Jeep width for tracking.

Are you referring to ATV Ranger trailers?

 

[Keys5a]

Are you referring to ATV Ranger trailers?

Mike was talking “Ford Ranger pickup bed”, typically on the rear half of the Ranger chassis complete with original rear axle. This is a redneck cheap utility trailer.

 

[Militarymetal]

Mike was talking “Ford Ranger pickup bed”, typically on the rear half of the Ranger chassis complete with original rear axle. This is a redneck cheap utility trailer.

Thank you for the clarification. I will keep looking for Bantams and M100s.

 

[givemethewillys]

I have a Spen model S, which is another great option. Basically it's a Bantam with different fenders, a tailgate and I believe heavier suspension.

 

[Boyink]

"half-a-Ranger."

I ended up selling this, if I had kept it I would have lopped off that front frame section and rebuilt it with straight peices. Other than that I appreciated cheap cover options, bedliners, etc - all of that had to be custom on my Bantam.

But the Bantam did look way cooler.

 

[Jw60]

My wife likes my m416 more than my jeep.
It doesn't leak or smell like jeep.

 

[Militarymetal]

My wife likes my m416 more than my jeep.
It doesn't leak or smell like jeep.

I like the 416. It looks proportional to the jeep. Thanks for the pic.

 

[Militarymetal]

"half-a-Ranger."

I ended up selling this, if I had kept it I would have lopped off that front frame section and rebuilt it with straight peices. Other than that I appreciated cheap cover options, bedliners, etc - all of that had to be custom on my Bantam.

But the Bantam did look way cooler.

View attachment 104628

Certainly utilitarian…but ugly as hell. (Sorry)

 

[Jw60]

I towed my m416 to Missouri behind a 4cyl s-10 i don't seem to have a good picture of the combination. I cut the tailgate to match the early bantam tc3. It has a ball hitch welded to the eye. There was a kit online somewhere for a good ball coupler conversion. But the military trailers have a parking brake, flat top fenders, and shocks the civilian trailers have the coupler and tailgate. I consider the flat top fenders better.





Then a ranger, used to have a picture with a load of scrap.


Ford flex


Here's some with the jeep


4x8 sheets of plywood


Walnuts


This is a 5x10 it's too darn wide on road and off but I towed a brush hog home behind the 4cyl with it. (The sides were removable)


This is a little 4x6 flatbed. Almost Perfect size, i built a 4x6.5 teardrop like box





Coleman Laramie or something, too darn wide at 6.5'


16' Cow bus, too wide


Off road the military trailer is perfect.
Onroad I would go 5x8 with the deck over the tires. Or 4x8 with fenders. Add a simple emt frame for a canvas tent. Sleep on a cot with a cooler and porta potty. The 4x6.5 was tight but I used it for a summer or two of camping.

 

[Militarymetal]

I towed my m416 to Missouri behind a 4cyl s-10 i don't seem to have a good picture of the combination. I cut the tailgate to match the early bantam tc3. It has a ball hitch welded to the eye. There was a kit online somewhere for a good ball coupler conversion. But the military trailers have a parking brake, flat top fenders, and shocks the civilian trailers have the coupler and tailgate. I consider the flat top fenders better.





Then a ranger, used to have a picture with a load of scrap.


Ford flex


Here's some with the jeep


4x8 sheets of plywood


Walnuts


This is a 5x10 it's too darn wide on road and off but I towed a brush hog home behind the 4cyl with it. (The sides were removable)


This is a little 4x6 flatbed. Almost Perfect size, i built a 4x6.5 teardrop like box





Coleman Laramie or something, too darn wide at 6.5'


16' Cow bus, too wide


Off road the military trailer is perfect.
Onroad I would go 5x8 with the deck over the tires. Or 4x8 with fenders. Add a simple emt frame for a canvas tent. Sleep on a cot with a cooler and porta potty. The 4x6.5 was tight but I used it for a summer or two of camping.

Excellent photos. Thank you.

 

[Chris Insull]

My preference is the Bantam due to the proportions relative to the CJ. That said, I have seen many great looking alternative options from the M416 to modified HF trailers. Depending on intended use, the style would drive the purchase.

 

[HeavyIron]

My wife likes my m416 more than my jeep.
It doesn't leak or smell like jeep.

Great Photo Bomb!

 

[Boyink]

Certainly utilitarian…but ugly as hell. (Sorry)

I loved my Bantam - used to drag it behind the Jeep just because it looked so good. But I when it came time to actually *use* it I was always nervous - didn't want to scratch or dent it. I never did off-road with it.

The half-a-ranger was just the opposite. I didn't think it looked awesome either, but sure was nice to just toss stuff into without concern. I think with matching paint and wheels it would have looked decent, just never got there with it.

Again, all depends in what you're after. If I had the room and the need I might own both.

 

[givemethewillys]

Since I mentioned it earlier, here's my (modified) Spen model S this week cleaning up some fresh cut firewood. Note: a CJ tailgate fits perfectly in place of the stock tailgate, and I think looks better.