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Yes, the apparently earlier -K4, not the -K4A. Just looking at the pics, I realized this thing was shorter than the 2 I own. Then I looked at the pic of the data plate. Sure enough, a -K4. Either an earlier design, or the -K4A is a lengthened version that may be of similar vintage. Could probably find out based on the contract number on the plate. That's the only way I knew the general vintage of mine.
Interesting, you mention riveting vs welding. I was perusing aluminum dump trailers, since Dad was talking about how his late-70s 28' Ravens semi-trailer dump is breaking up underneath, and it having another farmer who is also a machinist/welder rebuild it over the summer. New "East" brand dumps have bolt fastened crossbeams for that reason, I learned. Back to the subject and retrofitting. I have actually considered turning one of my pair into a medium travel trailer similar to what you described, but it would be a full 8 ft wide, and much lower. I think THAT could be done, but what I'm not certain of, as I have not removed the somewhat thick (3/16"?) top plate, is whether the top plate is part of the structure or not. There's about $1000 worth of metal right there, I think. I've also considered how to go about lightening the whole thing by removing excess metal. None of these ideas are actually necessary, beyond removing the as-built axles and adding the tongue, to make a TT out of it - one capable of going places beyond the local campground. I'm halfway tempted to build the top and figure out the axles later. The extra width is partially insulation anyway. I figured on using GPS panel for insulation, but after doing some exploring, I can probably have a body built from EPS filled fiberglass sandwich for a reasonable price, with DIY assembly.
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I noticed on my trailer, which has a lot of missing/peeling anti-slip deck coat, the deck appears to be attached to the frame with big flush mounted screws.
Did you end up going through with it?Well to start with - the construction of this trailer is aluminum, and it's listed as having a load capacity of 8000 pounds. Since it's "military" - it's already overbuilt (which many of the civilian aluminum trailers are not) - plus it's construction appears to be riveted together , vs. the typical "civilian" trailers which are all welded. I have a couple of aluminum trailers myself - one of which was homebuilt in the 1970's and is still going strong - but there are also a lot of people who have had issues with *welded* aluminum trailers , because the welds can be the points where cracks start.
So the rivet construction is a plus.
My thought was that I'd buy one of these - pull off the front and rear axles - and then install a pair of Dexter Torflex (or similar) style "civilian" axles under
the frame , and then build and install a tongue so it could be towed like any other bumper pull trailer.
These m32k-4a's sell (typically) - in the $1000-$1600 range , and appear to be in very good condition. A pair of axles and tires is probably going to cost me around $1400 or so.
An 8000 pound "civilian" aluminum trailer - is going to run in the $6-$7000 range at best.
So for a little bit of work - that would get me an aluminum trailer load capable of 8K - for less than half price.
It's just an idea...........
How are those trailers working out for you?
