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Today in WW II: 17 Mar 1942 Gen. Douglas MacArthur arrives in Australia, evacuated from Philippines.   

Trailer, Telephone Cable Splicer, 1/4 ton, Single Axle, K-38

During the 1930s through 1950s, specialized K-Series trailers of various weight capacity were fitted to carry utility poles and cable, or assist other work for the Army Signal Corps. The 1/4-ton jeep trailer adapted for cable splicing was designated "Trailer, Telephone Cable Splicer, 1/4 ton, K38" for Signal Corps Cable Splicers Tool Equipment TE-56. These trailers were manufactured in small numbers by at least four companies, including York Hoover Body Corp. and Highway Trailer Company.

The inside of the K-38 trailer, under a lid hinged on one side, was fitted with compartments to hold tools and parts used in the cable splicing work. A small shelf was provided at the trailer rear as a work space. A landing foot holds the trailer level when not hooked to a vehicle. The tire size is 4.00x18.

K-38 Telephone Cable Splicer Trailer Dimensions

The dimensions of the K-38 trailer, listed in TM 9-2800, are:

Length, overall: 78 in
Length, body: 42 in
Width, body: 20 in
Tread: 33 in
Height, body: 42 in
Ground clearance: 13 in
Weight, net: 410 lbs
Weight, payload: 500 lbs
Weight, gross: 910 lbs

Trailer, 1/4-ton, 2-Wheel Telephone Cable Splicer, M367 (Signal corps Model K-38A)

When the jeeps of WW II were replaced by the M38 and M38A1 models, a new version of the K-38 trailer was needed to match the characteristics of the new jeeps. The 1/4-ton, 2-wheel cargo trailer M100 was equipped with telephone cable splicing tool boxes, creating a new trailer model first called the Signal corps Model K-38A. The designation was later changed to Trailer, 1/4-ton, 2-Wheel Telephone Cable Splicer M367.

K-38 Telephone Cable Splicer Trailer Photo Gallery

Trailer, Telephone Cable Splicer, 1/4 ton, K-38. Reference photo from TM 9-2800, 1 Sep 1943
Trailer, Telephone Cable Splicer, 1/4 ton, K-38. Reference photo from TM 9-2800, 1 Sep 1943.

Trailer, Telephone Cable Splicer, 1/4 ton, K-38. Photo courtesy of Rich Weaver Ft. Collins, CO
Trailer, Telephone Cable Splicer, 1/4 ton, K-38. Photo courtesy of Rich Weaver Ft. Collins, CO.

Trailer, Telephone Cable Splicer, 1/4 ton, K-38. Photo courtesy of Rich Weaver Ft. Collins, CO
Trailer, Telephone Cable Splicer, 1/4 ton, K-38. Photo courtesy of Rich Weaver Ft. Collins, CO.

Cover latch of Trailer, Telephone Cable Splicer, 1/4 ton, K-38. Photo courtesy of Rich Weaver Ft. Collins, CO
Cover latch of Trailer, Telephone Cable Splicer, 1/4 ton, K-38. Photo courtesy of Rich Weaver Ft. Collins, CO.

Rear tool compartment of Trailer, Telephone Cable Splicer, 1/4 ton, K-38. Photo courtesy of Rich Weaver Ft. Collins, CO
Rear tool compartment of Trailer, Telephone Cable Splicer, 1/4 ton, K-38. Photo courtesy of Rich Weaver Ft. Collins, CO.

Data plate of Trailer, Telephone Cable Splicer, 1/4 ton, K-38. Photo courtesy of Rich Weaver Ft. Collins, CO
Data plate of Trailer, Telephone Cable Splicer, 1/4 ton, K-38. Photo courtesy of Rich Weaver Ft. Collins, CO.