Early M416 Trailer Markings

[Raymond Smith]

I have looked through this forum, other forums online and Google Images, and I cannot seem to find a consistent marking pattern for an early M416 Trailer. I want to repaint mine, and I think I have the basic Semigloss OD which I will paint solid, but where do the stars go? What size are they? Should it be marked U.S.A. or U.S. Army? The trailer registration # is the same as the one on the data plate? Where does it go, and how tall are the letters? What about the TP25 markings? are they appropriate?

The online TM is not helpful at all, and there do not appear to be any markings under the latest layer of desert camo on my trailer. Finding the camouflage paint patterns was easy, just not what I want.

Pictures or a line drawing would be helpful. One of the pictures I did find shows the markings just under the top rail, it seems to me that those markings would be obscured when a cover tarp is installed. Maybe that was the intention for camouflage?

Any help would be appreciated. I have had this trailer for a long time, and would like to finally get it somewhat matching to my M38.

More questions: I assume that the frame was painted the same color as the body? Were any of the other components different colors?

Thanks for any pointers or tips.

[Cuz]

You won't find consistent examples because the markings changed with both time and organizations. The trick is to either mark it the way it left the factory or mark it to match an in service example. Lastly mark it IAW the Period regulation or manual that applied to the trailer during the period you want it to represent. All of those regs make it very clear where the markings go on a 1/4 ton trailer and what sizes they are. They are a bit wordy so just slow down and read them carefully. If you still cannot decipher them or the photos you find then be sure to tell us what type restoration you are doing. IE factory, or as seen in use over the years and what service and waht period in time. So we can offer more specific guidelines.

TB 746-93-1 dated 1964 will cover most of the M416's first 20 years in service for an Army resto.

Section ( I ) General

1 - Purpose.
a) This bulletin is published to define the color and marking requirements for Department of the Army military vehicles (except commercial design), construction and highway maintenance equipment, and motorized materials handling equipment.

b) Special color and marking requirements for commercially designed vehicles in administrative use are contained in AR 58-1. Only military design vehicles will be included in this bulletin.

2 - Scope.
a) The instructions contained herein apply to all Department of the Army activities and installations using, maintaining or procuring such vehicles or equipment. Certain and specific exceptions to the normal color and marking requirements are identified in later sections of this bulletin.

b) Instructions for application of special technical markings not shown herein are located in specific Department of the Army publications.

c) Instructions for the painting of vehicles and equipment will be found in TM 9-213, provisions of which are included in this bulletin by reference.
______________________________________________________________________________________________________

Section ( II ) Descriptions

5 - Description of Markings.
a) All letters and numerals used in the marking of vehicles and equipment will be of the gothic style illustrated in figure 1. Thickness of the characters (stroke width) will be between 1/6 and 1/7 of their height.

Figure 1: Gothic style alphabet and numerals

b) All markings will be of the maximum practical size to be seen at optimum distances unless specifically identified with this bulletin.
____________________________________________________________________________________________________

Section III. Identification Markings

7 - Agency Identification.
a) The identification legend "U. S. Army" will be marked on all vehicles and equipment within the scope of this bulletin unless otherwise specified.

b) The legend will be applied in letters 3 inches high. Smaller letters may be used only when the vehicle or equipment design is such that space at the marking location is limited and will not accept 3-inch size.

c) This marking will be applied at the following locations. For vehicles and equipment, where design configuration does not coincide with the examples, the terminology "appropriate surfaces" is included, and is intended to complete legend location instructions. Location examples as shown in succeeding paragraphs are mandatory.

(3) Trailers, semi-trailers (figure 4).
(a) Centred vertically on the front quarter section of each side of van and tank type vehicles. On the side edge of the body near the forward end of open body trailers and semi-trailers.

(b) Across cargo body tailgates, across flat body rear sills, across rear of van bodies, or another appropriate rear surface of other body types.

(4) Dollies, trailer converters (figure 4).
(a) On each side at the forward section of the frame or drawbar.
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________

8 - Registration Numbers.
a) Registration numbers will be marked on all vehicles and equipment to which such numbers are assigned, as defined in AR 700-10.

b) The registration number marking will be applied immediately below the agency identification with a space of 2 inches between the two, where space permits. Normally, the registration number is applied directly below the agency identification on the sides of the vehicle or equipment. Refer to figures 2 through 8.

c) The registration number will be applied directly in line with and to the right of the agency identification if this arrangement is more suitable because of location and space restriction. Normally, the registration number is marked to the right of the agency identification on the rear of the vehicle or equipment and on
frame rail surfaces. Refer to figures 2 through 8.

d) The registration number marking will be applied in the same color, size, and method as the agency identification.
______________________________________________________________________________________________________

9 - Unit Identification.
a) These markings will be applied to vehicles and equipment by units to which they are assigned. The markings will be maintained at all times but will be removed when the vehicle or equipment is permanently transferred.

b) The unit identification markings will normally appear on both the front and rear of each vehicle, usually on vehicle bumpers when the vehicle is so equipped. Other suitable surfaces, front and rear, may be used provided the unit identification marking does not conflict with the location and legibility of other markings. Where no suitable surface is available at the front or rear, the markings will be applied in an appropriate location on each side of the vehicle. If necessary, the unit identification may be applied to the vehicle mounted equipment. Refer to figures 2 through 8.

c) The markings will be of uniform letters and numerals of the largest size practical to use. They will not exceed the size of the registration number if on the same surface. In no case will the unit identification markings exceed 4 inches in height. Symbols used will be approximately the same size and stroke widths as the letter and numeral characters.

Here's the two primary figures that go with the notes above:

Pg 4.jpg (147.6 KiB) Viewed 3811 times

Pg 14.jpg (121.55 KiB) Viewed 3813 times

Your 1/4 ton trailer is illustrated bottm left corner of the page.

[Francis Marion]

Thank you! Now I just need to find the trailer to mark.

[Raymond Smith]

Wes,
Looks like you were able to help Francis with this information as well.
This is exactly what I was looking for.
I think I will paint the trailer Semi-Gloss OD, and apply the markings as shown.
If I read the manual correctly, it gets 6" stars on all sides, and 3" Agency and registration numbers.

For the registration number, can I just use the number stamped in the tongue casting?

I will come up with some unit markings to match my jeep.

Was it common to see M416 trailers used with M38 jeeps? Or were all the M38's phased out by then?

I really appreciate you pointing me in the right direction.

[m-11]

Was it common to see M416 trailers used with M38 jeeps?

The M416 was designed for the M151. I believe the M100 trailer would be more period correct.

[Cuz]

Yes the M100 was the design trailer for both the M38 and M38A1. It had matching tire sizes and wheels and matching track width. These trailers were built between about 1950 and 1955.

The M416 trailer was the design trailer for the M151 series jeep again matching tire size, wheel and track width. These trailers were produced mostly through the 60's. The track on these trailers is wider than the M100 and it's wheels won't fit over the hubs on thge M38/M38A1.

The M38 soldiered on in many non-tactical applications up through the 70's so it was probable that an M416 found it's way behind an M38 occasionally. Just as possible as an M100 finding it's way behind an M151 occasionally.

[Joe Gopan]

Theideal manual with the best illustrations is TM9-2330-231-14, the operator, maintenance and parts manual dated OCT 1970. It has large actual close up photos of new 24087 painted trailers with the original US ARMY registrations in place.

[Cuz]

TM9-2330-231-14, the operator, maintenance and parts manual dated OCT 1970.

I think Joel is calling out the wrong number. The correct number is TM 9-2330-251-14. It does have nice artwork (Artist illustrations not photos) but they normally cannot be relied on for gospel detail Even so there were only two illustrations that really offered any markings detail clearly enough to be of any help and again the earlier referenced manual takes precedence when there are any conflicts in size, shape, color or positioning. Also the Service/parts manual illustrations only show the US Army and registration number without any unit markings or stars. It's a nice reference but you should stay with the TB 9-746-93-1.

Fig 1-6 Lt aft sm.JPG (143.93 KiB) Viewed 3724 times

Fig C14 rear.JPG (212.38 KiB) Viewed 3722 times

[Raymond Smith]

Yes the M100 was the design trailer for both the M38 and M38A1. It had matching tire sizes and wheels and matching track width. These trailers were built between about 1950 and 1955.

The M416 trailer was the design trailer for the M151 series jeep again matching tire size, wheel and track width. These trailers were produced mostly through the 60's. The track on these trailers is wider than the M100 and it's wheels won't fit over the hubs on thge M38/M38A1.

Well, I have an M416, so that will have to do until an M100 comes along. It seems to pull along OK behind the M38.

I like the simple markings shown in the TM746-93-1, All I have to do is mark the back with US Army and the registration number, and then put stars on all 4 sides. I think putting registration numbers etc. on the sides would just not look right.

I will try to post some pictures when and if I get it finished.

Thanks for everyone's help, this has been a very useful discussion.

[Joe Gopan]

Also try pages on page 29 & 30, I believe you will find they are actual photos and may have on some, a slight touch up to highlight a detail such as the knot in the rope on Fig 3-14 page 29 which also adds precise detail the USA number location. The photos are quite accurate as they all are of the same trailer registration.