Restoration of Aussie jeep trailer

[Ian Fawbert]

Hi John and Tony,

Good to see an Aussie trailer getting restored! Thanks for taking and posting the pictures for all to see these wonderful trailers!

I would agree John, it is a #3. I cant remember if 3 or 3a had the square axle- i`ll check if no one gets back before me. The backing plate for the reflectors being round indicates it is a ford trailer (GMH trailers had the reflectors on a flat strap)- the tie down hook style support the ford manufacture. The aussie jeep trailers didnt have lights from the factory, only reflectors. Lights on aussie trailers were added after the factory- whether in service (various concoctions of lights were added in some interesting forms- alot of #4 trailers have lights added!), or civilian hands.

I havent seen a number on the chassis before- i`ll check it out (check my trailer).

The small rectangle in the first of the 2nd set of pictures is/was a retaining tab for the 2 cast halves used to reduce the lunette eye size so it doesnt slop around in a smaller pintle hook (eg a jeep one).

The 2 angled off rectangular tabs on the drawbar in the last picture (welded to the pipe) are part of the set up to retain the landing leg- which is a 2 piece pole type leg. If needed, i can take some measurements off mine and send them along- i'll need an email address again though (best to PM me). I dont have the bottom half of the leg, but have some good pictures of one.

I am not sure what was welded to the top (actually the bottom) of the drawbar. Will check. The drawbars have ben turne upside down to help level the trailer- if you look at the #4 trailer, it has the lunette mounted in the drawbar after testing done to #3/3a's to relocate the lunette. I guess your trailer was swapped to achieve the same purpose (as otherwise, the trailer sits down at the front on the lunette more).

John- havent forgotten about the numbers either mate, i just have not had a chance to get back to it sorry. Its not off the card, i will get to it (sooner rather than later!). A lot going on at home at the moment.

Hope this helps and please keep the pictures coming!!!
Cheers,
Ian.