There has been an ongoing thread on USMC 1/4 ton trailers. I would like to present some data on the types of trailers used and their features. Much of this data is from research conducted by myself and USMC vehicle collector Tom Price (Bowling Green, Ohio). Tom and I have gathered a great deal of data from the USMC photo collection in the National Archives, various technical manuals and from inspection of existing trailers. Tom also has USMC M-416 and M-416-B1 trailers in his collection and I have a XM-585-E7 in mine.
USMC M-100 trailer,
The M-100 trailers used by the Marines appear to be the same as the Army units. Most of the ones shown in photos had a set of lifting loops added to the front and back. These loops ran from one side to the other and were used to lift the trailers on and off ships and sling under helicopters. They were procured by the Ordnance Dept. for the Marines. Standard M-38/38-A1 rims and tires were fitted.
M-416 trailer;
The M-416 trailer was designed to be used by the Marines and the Army. It was the first trailer to have a two position lunette eye receiver. When the trailer was used with the M-151 the lunette was installed in the top position. When the towing vehicle was a M-422 (with its smaller diameter tires) the lower position was used.
Early M-416 units came with 7.00 x 16 tires on 16 x 4.50 magnesium alloy rims. These were the same rims as the M-151 1/4 ton truck used. Later on in production the magnesium rims were replaced by the now standard steel M-151-A1/A2 rims. The USMC added the same type lifting loops to the M-416 as the M-100. Tom Price notes that the diameter of the rod used for these loops is larger than that used on the M-100.
M-416-B1;
The M-416-B1 trailer is the same as the M-416 with two differences.
One, the frame incorporates brackets with holders for two WATER cans. These were mounted on each side just in front of the fenders.
Two, the tire size on the M416-B1 (and M569B1) was 6.00 x 16.
These trailers were later modified by the Marines to use the M-422 Mighty Mite rims. This was done by adding a spacer to the hubs to bring the rims outward away from the inner fender well. The spacer also has a machined raised center ring to allow the M-422 rims (with their larger center hole) to be fitted. Lifting loops, the same size as the M-100, were also added. The "responsible agency" data plate notes the procurement agency as "Ordnance Dept" with the maintenance agency as "USMC". Data plates have been observed with both M-416 and M-416-B1 markings.
XM-585-E7 trailer;
While not a standard issue trailer it is included here as it was originally designed for use with the M-422 Mighty Mite. The M-585-E7 has a aluminum body that looks like the back half of a Mite chopped off. Each full length fender well has a opening for a water can and there is a spare tire carrier in the sloping front section. The trailer is amphibious and uses standard M-422 suspension arms. The hand brake has "dogs" that lock into cuts in the back of the hubs. No brakes are fitted and standard Mite wheels are used. A photo in the National Archives (127-GS-579-A555405) shows a test (MARCO/AMC) Mite #179855 towing a earlier prototype trailer #215156 at Quantico Va. in April, 1956.
My M-585-E7 is the only one that we have found still in existence. It was bought with a M-422 at a County sale by Canvas Czar Dave Pizzoferrato of WeeBee Webbing many years ago. Dave traded it to me and until I found a test photo of it from Buzz Bowling (North Carolina), I assumed it was a hand built item. If any one knows the whereabouts of another or any further info please contact me directly.
--Jim
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Jim Gilmore 2565 Wiethoff, Inkster, MI 48141
1-313-561-8826 <voice> * 1-313-730-1652 <fax>
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