Australian No.4 water trailer

[Ryan]

I recently bought this trailer off ebay. I believe it may have served for some time after the war seeing as it is fitted with land rover type lights.
I will have more details soon once I get it home.
Does anyone have information on the post war service of No.4 trailers?

[Ian Fawbert]

Great score Ryan. Please tell me you'll preserve not restore?

It has been fitted with 'Kit, Tank 80 Gals, Water'. There aren't many around, though a few surfaced in the past year or 2. After a small discussion on facebook when this one showed up, it seems (no means definitive) somewhere in the realm of less than 10 about, but that was a just in passing conversation with no real research put in so id assume more, but not many survivors.

This one, as you can see is wonderful given its complete and unaltered state since leaving the army.

In has a very interesting lunette casting/piece at the front with the adjustable height. Havent seen one that 'big' before, let alone with the 3 adjustments!

Please don't just fob it off as many would as 'just another jeep trailer'.

Ian.

[Ryan]

Hi Ian, it will be looked after. I'm intrigued about the land rover rover lights which is why I bought it really.
The current owner has had it more than 30 years and she got it off a neighbour who was ex army and bought it from auction.
I'll have it home this afternoon so I'll take more photos and I'll rub back the plate to get the serial number.

[Ryan]

FMC trailer serial no. 985.
Close up of height positions.

[Mike Cecil]

Ryan,

The trailer you have is ARN 166058, made by FMC as serial JT985. The reason it has Land Rover lights fitted is because it was not declared for disposal until 28 November 1975 when the trailer type was declared obsolete. The disposal was from 331 Supply Company.

There is a good description of the 80 gallon water tank kit in the MGO Equipment Memorandum, Volume 16, page 69, of June 1945. It is for the No3 and 3A trailer but makes the interesting observation that the 'latest' trailer design (ie the No.4) includes the aperture in the rear panel for the outlet pipe, whereas the No3/3A required cutting to fit the kit. It appears your trailer is missing the pipe across the rear with the three taps, which should be easy to replicate.

Nice find indeed!

Mike

[Ryan]

Hi Mike,
1975! That's one long service life. Thank you so much for taking the time to find the ARN. I guess it wont look odd then being towed by a series 2a land rover.

[Dinty]

I have one of those 80 gallon water tanks with most of the fittings including the extension with 3 taps on it cheers Dennis
I would consider selling it,,.

[Ryan]

Originally Posted by Dinty

I have one of those 80 gallon water tanks with most of the fittings including the extension with 3 taps on it cheers Dennis
I would consider selling it,,.

I'll note it down Dennis. Cheers.