M416 Camper Trailer Conversion

Picked up this M416 a few years back and thought it would make a off-road camper. The top is an aluminum motor pool modification.

I've modified the top with some hatches to make access easier. Planning on putting hinges on with gas pistons to open. I cut a hatch in the back so I can cut a tail gate in the trailer. [/ATTACH]

I was thinking of going one of two ways with it:
1. Having the top lift about a foot, with canvas filling the opening, and having a sleeping area under the shell.
2. Using everything under the shell for storage, water, supplies, kitchen, etc, and installing a roof rack with a roof top tent. I think this is the better option.

 

I took the tub off today. It came off a lot easier than I anticipated. The nuts and bolts were in good shape and I had it off in a little over an hour. The tub has a little rust in one corner, but the sand blaster should take care of it. The frame is good, but will need to be blasted. I'm thinking of making a new tongue. How will adding about a another foot affect the handling?

 

Mostly you will only notice that when backing up. The trailer will respond more slowly and be less quick to jack-knife.