How to ID which trailer I have

Message Topic Search Topic Options Post Reply Create New Topic Printable Version Translate Topic

   Hello all-

First, a little background. 

The community where I live opened a walking path earlier this year through some open space and my wife 'encouraged' me to take a walk with her one evening. As we were walking I spied from the path what looked like a Bantam trailer in the rear corner of a local gentleman ranchers property I know. In fact, I thought I could still make out a faint US Army and some ID numbers on it. 

Well, I happened to run into this gentleman a couple of days later and I mustered what little courage I have and asked him about the trailer. He responded by saying, 'You want it? Come and get it.' I put new tires on it, so if you'll give me $50 to cover the tires it is yours. I think I even have the original wheels and tires at my other place, if I can find them, their yours. You can't run the tires, but the wheels should still be good.' (The trailer has white trailer wheels and tires currently.)

So, I have a Bantam trailer to go along with the '46 CJ2A I've slowly been resurrecting. (Restoring seems too light a word...) That's the good news.

However, I don't know the differences between the civilian versions of the Bantam trailers and the military versions, if any.

I believe the military designation for this one is M-100. It has round fenders and I think it had the handbrake on the front corner, but the handbrake is gone and the brake lines have been cut. It does have military tail lights.

Can anyone tell me what I've got? I will try to post a few pictures if that will help.

Now for the bad news...

The bedgate has been cut and turned into a crude hinged tailgate. The original pintle hitch coupler has been replaced with a 2" ball coupler. There is no leg or foot piece so the coupler just rests on the ground. The original floor has been covered with a piece of flat steel that is welded in place and no holes for drainage, so the front lower corners and bottom edge might be rough under the dirt, etc. left in the trailer. Finally, both fenders have been bent.

But hey, it was $50!?! I can't complain too much.

Thanks in advance for any help.

Author	Message Topic Search Topic Options Post Reply Create New Topic Printable Version Translate Topic
1UtahMan Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Member Joined: 11 June 2008 Location: Utah Status: Offline Points: 197	Post Options Post Reply Quote 1UtahMan Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Topic: How to ID which trailer I have Posted: 02 Oct. 2009 at 11:14pm
	Hello all- First, a little background. The community where I live opened a walking path earlier this year through some open space and my wife 'encouraged' me to take a walk with her one evening. As we were walking I spied from the path what looked like a Bantam trailer in the rear corner of a local gentleman ranchers property I know. In fact, I thought I could still make out a faint US Army and some ID numbers on it. Well, I happened to run into this gentleman a couple of days later and I mustered what little courage I have and asked him about the trailer. He responded by saying, 'You want it? Come and get it.' I put new tires on it, so if you'll give me $50 to cover the tires it is yours. I think I even have the original wheels and tires at my other place, if I can find them, their yours. You can't run the tires, but the wheels should still be good.' (The trailer has white trailer wheels and tires currently.) So, I have a Bantam trailer to go along with the '46 CJ2A I've slowly been resurrecting. (Restoring seems too light a word...) That's the good news. However, I don't know the differences between the civilian versions of the Bantam trailers and the military versions, if any. I believe the military designation for this one is M-100. It has round fenders and I think it had the handbrake on the front corner, but the handbrake is gone and the brake lines have been cut. It does have military tail lights. Can anyone tell me what I've got? I will try to post a few pictures if that will help. Now for the bad news... The bedgate has been cut and turned into a crude hinged tailgate. The original pintle hitch coupler has been replaced with a 2" ball coupler. There is no leg or foot piece so the coupler just rests on the ground. The original floor has been covered with a piece of flat steel that is welded in place and no holes for drainage, so the front lower corners and bottom edge might be rough under the dirt, etc. left in the trailer. Finally, both fenders have been bent. But hey, it was $50!?! I can't complain too much. Thanks in advance for any help.

Robert Bills Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Member Joined: 02 June 2009 Location: Orange County CA Status: Offline Points: 16	Post Options Post Reply Quote Robert Bills Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 02 Oct. 2009 at 11:48pm
	We will be able to tell you what you have from some photos. From your description, the trailer is most likely a Willys MBT, Bantam T3 or a later M100.
	Robert Bills Orange County CA

1UtahMan Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Member Joined: 11 June 2008 Location: Utah Status: Offline Points: 197	Post Options Post Reply Quote 1UtahMan Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 03 Oct. 2009 at 12:25am
	Here are a few pictures that I hope will help.

jeepjop Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Member Joined: 24 May 2009 Location: Boise Id Status: Offline Points: 56	Post Options Post Reply Quote jeepjop Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 03 Oct. 2009 at 12:54am
	That's a WW2 willys or bantam. One easier way to tell if the shocks are attached with bolts it's a Bantam it the shocks are attached with cotter pins it a Willys. $50 is a bargain! You should visit http://www.g503.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=18&t=72809 to find out more info about your trailer and Help build the data base.

Robert Bills Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Member Joined: 02 June 2009 Location: Orange County CA Status: Offline Points: 16	Post Options Post Reply Quote Robert Bills Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 03 Oct. 2009 at 1:02am
	Looks like a Willys MBT to me. Although bolted vs. cotter pinned shocks is one way to differentiate between Bantam and Willys military trailers, it is not always reliable because these trailers were often rebuilt (sometimes more than once) from whatever parts may have been available at the time. Another way to tell which manufacturer is to determine whether you have a one-piece axle tube vs. one that is sleeved or has a weld around the center. One piece is typically Bantam. Beyond that, we would have to look at the markings on some of the bolts to better determine Bantam or Willys. One thing is for sure - it is not an M100.
	Robert Bills Orange County CA

1UtahMan Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Member Joined: 11 June 2008 Location: Utah Status: Offline Points: 197	Post Options Post Reply Quote 1UtahMan Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 03 Oct. 2009 at 1:40am
	The shocks attach to both the springs and the frame with cotter pins versus bolts and I can't see or feel a weld seam on the axle, so still a little up in the air. Does anyone make sheet metal replacement parts for these trailers like those available for the Jeeps? I'd like to repair the bedgate if I could.

Robert Bills Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Member Joined: 02 June 2009 Location: Orange County CA Status: Offline Points: 16	Post Options Post Reply Quote Robert Bills Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 03 Oct. 2009 at 6:13pm
	The best quality MBT/T3 replacement body and floor panels are made by Jeep Panels Plus in Maine. They do not have a website. The phone number is 207-743-7671 Another source is www.dlbensinger.com Their trailer parts are manufactured by MD Juan in the Philippines, and are servicable but not the same quality. The price is somewhat less.
	Robert Bills Orange County CA

1UtahMan Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Member Joined: 11 June 2008 Location: Utah Status: Offline Points: 197	Post Options Post Reply Quote 1UtahMan Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 03 Oct. 2009 at 9:21pm
	Thank you for all of your help.

tappel Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Member Joined: 22 Apr. 2009 Location: Central MO Status: Offline Points: 29	Post Options Post Reply Quote tappel Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 05 Oct. 2009 at 3:50pm
	That's a really nice ~~find~~ steal!

ndrtkr Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Member Sponsor Member Joined: 18 Mar. 2009 Location: Mississippi Status: Offline Points: 884	Post Options Post Reply Quote ndrtkr Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 05 Oct. 2009 at 6:50pm
	The axle appears to be Bantam. The MBT axle would have a cast steel hub in the center. My guess is....Bantam, and I agree..Really nice steal!!

1UtahMan Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Member Joined: 11 June 2008 Location: Utah Status: Offline Points: 197	Post Options Post Reply Quote 1UtahMan Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 06 Oct. 2009 at 1:16am
	Thanks all. I'm still working on the CJ2A itself. I have it running, pretty nicely, actually. I still have to adjust the float in the carb a little. The transmission doesn't shift. I haven't determined if I need a rebuild or if the shift forks are bound. As soon as I get 'five minutes' to pull the top off of the tranny I can see what I am up against there. So, still some work before 'Mt. Goat' is ready for the road, but I couldn't pass up the chance to get myself a trailer to go along. Funny though, my wife hasn't asked me to go on any more walks...