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The Sears David Bradley Trailer

Discussion in 'Jeep Trailer Tech' started by maurywhurt, Mar 19, 2010.

  1. Aug 8, 2019
    Josejeeper

    Josejeeper New Member

    newhamphire
    Joined:
    Aug 7, 2019
    Messages:
    3
    Well im new to this forum/ i picked up a (233-22-46 ) 1946 ben- hur From a guy who didnt even know much about it never mind the name ben- hur i guess he bought it from someone that had stored it in a barn when he died it was sold id guess. He used it seldom but owned it for about 10 years . Its in great shape no dents, a few small extra drill holes here and there
    the blue paint was not going well with me when i saw it . I happened to be going through town when i noticed it on the side of the road with for sale sign ,i looked at it quickly and thought well its not a m416 that i had been looking for for several years ,but it looked kinda military . so i snapped a photo of the telephone number on the sign. and snapped a photo of the id tag . So after a few days i decided to look up the id tag and saw it was a old collectors item if i was correct. Anyway i wasnt sure but i decided to call the guy and i just tossed out a low ball figure of 100 bucks lol . He said no. (He said I just put it out there but ill sell it to you for $200 i said well idk ill get back to you, then hung up . Then i thought about it and said where would i find a solid trailer like that for $200 so i called him back and said ill take it.
    He lent me his plate to get it home and gave me his registration and i handed over the 2 bills and off i went . Homeward bound , then i started looking up the model number on the tag and matched the photos of the early Ben- Hur trailers the more i looked the more i was becoming certain it was great deal . Im thrilled to have this piece of history / already started painting it drab green / prob/ bed line the flooring and toss a rubber mat in there and get a good canvas tarp to keep water out . Not going to alter anything with welding or anything it will fit my needs for a small trailer to take in the back woods . A on off road tag along / i drive a 2012 2 door rubicon not lifted so a perfect . I bought a hitch and 1 7/8 ball to get it home .I do have a heavy duty new pintel hitch i had bought in case i found a m- 416 or m-100 somewhere along the way / i might see if i can find the hoop end that would convert that ball . idk . ill be adding some round fenders from tractor supply i think they look like they would match up with the style that belongs on it .? The sheet metal ones on there right now will be coming off but will do for right now. . Prob do underside in roll on bed-liner or por- 15 idk / hubs pulled repacked with fresh grease/ everything looked great inside one side was just a little low on what i call packed but bearing was in fine shape . Bearing numbers (bower Bt 09078) made in USA / Also note * The id tag on mine as well has the sideways
    #1 ---- like Joe DeYoung's Ben-Hur Model 22-46. Note the identical sideways numeral 1 used as a dash in the serial number:
     

    Attached Files:

    Last edited: Aug 10, 2019
  2. Aug 8, 2019
    Josejeeper

    Josejeeper New Member

    newhamphire
    Joined:
    Aug 7, 2019
    Messages:
    3
    Few more pics in progress / little at a time i guess . * Worth noting on page 10 doubl _ D
    has the same model and the axle is the same , round with a flange . only his is on the lower side . Not sure who has the axle flipped , Mine (flat flange ) is above allowing more clearance.
    see image 15 in my photos its prob crazy but those bent up tin fenders are kinda growing on me . What do you think change them ? Or just leave em ? Kinda military look to them though sort of weak even though its pretty strong sheet metal they kida add a bit of character
    in a odd way !
     

    Attached Files:

    Last edited: Aug 8, 2019
  3. Aug 9, 2019
    Chris Insull

    Chris Insull All roads lead me back to the beach... 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Chesapeake, VA.
    Joined:
    Sep 22, 2002
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    805
    So... I think the trailer is great and hope the resto-mod goes well for your use. I would love to find a DB in as good of a condition! That said, those fenders need to go! Kind of difficult to find OEM replacements, but something closer to original will much improve the look. Of course, this only my opinion!!
     
    Josejeeper likes this.
  4. Aug 9, 2019
    Josejeeper

    Josejeeper New Member

    newhamphire
    Joined:
    Aug 7, 2019
    Messages:
    3
    Yeh .Thank you also enjoyed your photo albums nice trailer u have - That must weight in a little more on the scale than the ben hur lol How much does it weigh ? I saw some fenders on line at tractor supply co / 30" x 9" with a back plate 59.00 each within the next couple of months ill prob grab those! Raw steel . (Round) souldnt be bad to install Also found out my old tent sets up pretty well inside the bed !
    only takes 5 min and less to tear down .
     

    Attached Files:

    Last edited: Aug 12, 2019
    ojgrsoi likes this.
  5. May 28, 2020
    68BuickV6

    68BuickV6 Well-Known Member

    Hesperia, CA.
    Joined:
    Mar 12, 2012
    Messages:
    2,160
    Here's another trailer to add to this thread. Seller thought it might be a David Bradley, no data plate, no title. Reminds me of a Ben Hur. Data plate mounting holes can be seen at bottom right in this pic. Tail light brackets are welded on. Short strap on tailgate and double knuckle tailgate hinges. I have both fenders, PO removed one.

    [​IMG]
     
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  6. May 28, 2020
    89/01 XJ

    89/01 XJ New Member

    Temple, TX
    Joined:
    Nov 30, 2010
    Messages:
    17
    Yes, that is a David Bradley.
     
  7. Jun 17, 2020
    68BuickV6

    68BuickV6 Well-Known Member

    Hesperia, CA.
    Joined:
    Mar 12, 2012
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    2,160
    Anyone mounted a Thule rack to these? I've seen pictures of it done, but no one has linked or specified a fit kit to make it work.
     
  8. Jun 28, 2020
    dane71

    dane71 Member

    USA
    Joined:
    May 11, 2017
    Messages:
    195
    My coupler looks like the original one that everyone is saying is 1 7/8" but it seems to fit and work with a 2" ball just fine. Is that typical? Is there any way to know for sure what size ball I should use it with? Dumb question possibly
     
  9. Dec 1, 2020
    Michael Kauffman

    Michael Kauffman New Member

    Issaquah, WA
    Joined:
    Dec 1, 2020
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    2
    I picked this up last summer and restored it. I didn't know what it was before I saw this thread. Do you think it's a Ben Hur or a Bradley? I'm thinking Ben Hur 22-46. The title says homebuilt 1973. Thanks, Mike, Issaquah, WA

    [​IMG] [​IMG] [​IMG] [​IMG] [​IMG]
     
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  10. Dec 2, 2020
    89/01 XJ

    89/01 XJ New Member

    Temple, TX
    Joined:
    Nov 30, 2010
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    17
    A good place to start is the first page of this thread. First post has info with pictures detailing differences. Start with examining the swing down parking leg on yours with the styles shown for Ben Hur and David Bradley. Another thing to check is any sign of the data plate, it looks like different locations were used for Ben Hur versus David Bradley. To me the fender style indicates Ben Hur or perhaps early David Bradley.
    After that you are going to need someone much more knowledgeable than I to help you out.
     
    Michael Kauffman likes this.
  11. Dec 6, 2020
    Michael Kauffman

    Michael Kauffman New Member

    Issaquah, WA
    Joined:
    Dec 1, 2020
    Messages:
    2
    Another question about this trailer... When I pulled the hubs, I noticed that they didn't use inner rubber seals back then. Is there a 5x5.5 replacement hub available for these? I'd like to get one that excepts a bearing buddy too. I'm also going to build a wood bed fence. What are those metal brackets (hasps) that hold the upper corners together called? Thanks again everybody!
     
  12. Dec 6, 2020
    todd hofsaess

    todd hofsaess Member 2022 Sponsor

    iowa
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    May 5, 2018
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  13. Mar 15, 2021
    maurywhurt

    maurywhurt Member 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Western North...
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    Dec 12, 2009
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    873
    I'm posting this for Diane Germain, whose David Bradley trailer has an interesting story:

    The year on the title of this trailer is 1956, and my father purchased it new.

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]


    My father built the wood cover for the trailer that is pictured below. The cover was just as deep as the trailer itself. This allowed him to carry all of our camping gear for a family of 6. We no longer have the cover and don't recall what happened to it but you can still see the hinges on the one side of the trailer where it hooked to the trailer. You could lift the lid from the other side and prop it up with a stick to get all of your camping gear.

    The jeep in the photo is a 1960 Willys Wagon, I am looking out of the drivers window (age 2) and two of my siblings are sitting on the wheel wells. Note the green tow strap hooked to the front grill and the door handle, this was to prevent us from falling off while 4-wheeling :) When we got older we either sat on the wheel wells without the straps or stood on the back bumper and held onto the roof.

    [​IMG]


    My father and brother many years later built a new longer tongue to replace the original one, this allowed them to make sharper turns where the original did not.

    [​IMG]


    Lots of memories and good times!
     
    Last edited: Mar 15, 2021
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  14. Jun 3, 2023
    dane71

    dane71 Member

    USA
    Joined:
    May 11, 2017
    Messages:
    195
    I was looking at mine today and realized the springs don't use shackles. That would make for an extra rough ride, wouldn't it? Thoughts anyone?
     
  15. Jun 25, 2023
    Dne007

    Dne007 Well-Known Member 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor

    Cypress, Tx
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    Sep 2, 2019
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    After I had finished my Jurassic park jeep, I wanted a trailer to pull behind to make the jeep useful~ never happened, but was another project. A fella locally had this Ben Hur trailer which he used to camp in, but eventually bought a real camper trailer. Amazingly, the trailer is bigger than it looks!

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    The trailer was a little rough, the floor needed replacing but I left it alone. I put it on my rotisserie to make sandblasting easier for my blaster guys, then painting as well for me.
    [​IMG]

    The original trailer tongue was bent so I fabbed up a new and better one.
    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]

    I found these Grote tail lights on ebay which are very nice;)
    https://www.ebay.com/itm/204371986711?hash=item2f95850917:g:lTgAAOSwabJiZvlH&amdata=enc:AQAIAAAAwMmU8gPzWC+ocjAR9C7pK0Zp/dlRVNOkq0xNmbJWEjyQWwzrwPEyG2ad1G6qFITTvOhLv/+iF6W57syTKCYuCAsta2t6/lbva3/J8/SFUAQPnSm2pAF7np7jw2xujfveY9gGkhk5CybL8iXYTV8L5R8yIaODZ2WyiZlsfxjkMjByyXvOilV54djZk1IMkV3F3/p7G4ufo1z6WmvYiYWnXgbBZfNm0dkpjhM4DAKYJglcmR4pARZqETPuiURskO402Q==|tkp:Bk9SR-7Vq7WeYg
    [​IMG]

    I did replace the rusted fenders, Northern tools had some which were perfect! Not these, these were the orginal, they were very rusty and the picture does not depict how bad they were.
    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    Now my trailer is full of '63 dodge dart parts and moving blankets! lol
     
    Last edited: Jun 25, 2023
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  16. Jun 25, 2023
    Dne007

    Dne007 Well-Known Member 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor

    Cypress, Tx
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    I forgot to say, thanks to the OP for this thread, learned a great deal about this trailers long history~ very interesting!!
     
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  17. Oct 3, 2023
    cjbilly

    cjbilly Member

    East Central Indiana
    Joined:
    Jul 2, 2014
    Messages:
    50
    db3.jpg thumbnail_IMG_6247.jpg

    Met a gentleman today that had this trailer in his yard.
    Here's the information on his trailer :
    Model#: 231-417
    S/N: 3897
    Year: 1948 (From Registration)
     
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  18. Nov 20, 2023
    Larkin Simpson

    Larkin Simpson New Member

    Madison, Mississippi
    Joined:
    Nov 20, 2023
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    3
    I recently picked up a Ben-Hur/ Sears David Bradley trailer from my father. It was my grandfather's. I thought we lost it when we sold his house. It turns out my sister had it and painted it pink! I am converting it into a camping trailer. I recently painted it, replaced the tires, and am working on putting the rack and rooftop tent on. It does not have a data tag and I do not have much information on it. I lost a tire on the interstate recently and buggered up one of the hubs and fenders.

    Does anyone know where to get replacement hubs and fenders? Is it easier to just replace the axle? I am not looking to restore it to stock, I just want it for the look and sentimental value.

    Photos: https://photos.app.goo.gl/3h7t175Y8WWPuRja7
     
    Last edited: Nov 20, 2023
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  19. Nov 20, 2023
    Howard Eisenhauer

    Howard Eisenhauer Administrator Staff Member

    Tantallon, Nova...
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    Could have been worse :(

    upload_2023-11-20_13-25-55.jpeg
     
  20. Nov 20, 2023
    Larkin Simpson

    Larkin Simpson New Member

    Madison, Mississippi
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