Commuting - I built a trailer!

I have been wanting a trailer, but was having one heck of a time justifying the cost to my wife. So, I decided to make my own using stuff we had out in the garage...

The framework is made out of pieces from an old front/back double stroller and the wheels are from a couple of trashed out toddler bikes we had sitting out in the garage. The tow arm is part of an aluminum golf bag caddy.

I'm still working on an anchoring system for the bin. I don't like having to detach the bin to open it. I want it to be secure but not too hard to put on a larger bin, dog kennel or just use it as a flat bed. One adjustment I'm going to make is to put more bend in the tow arm. It bumps the basket support on slow right hand turns.

On its virgin run, I brought home 70+ pounds of dog & cat food, cat litter and other groceries. It rode very well and I'm already planning to build one for my canoe.

http://home.swbell.net/mcpoop//MMACH_5/images/Trailer_01_T.jpgLarger image (http://home.swbell.net/mcpoop//MMACH_5/images/Trailer_01.jpg)http://home.swbell.net/mcpoop//MMACH_5/images/Trailer_Rear_T.jpgLarger image (http://home.swbell.net/mcpoop//MMACH_5/images/Trailer_Rear.jpg)http://home.swbell.net/mcpoop//MMACH_5/images/Trailer_Flat_T.jpgLarger image (http://home.swbell.net/mcpoop//MMACH_5/images/Trailer_Flat.jpg)http://home.swbell.net/mcpoop//MMACH_5/images/Trailer_02_T.jpgLarger image (http://home.swbell.net/mcpoop//MMACH_5/images/Trailer_02.jpg)http://home.swbell.net/mcpoop//MMACH_5/images/Trailer_Top_T.jpgLarger image (http://home.swbell.net/mcpoop//MMACH_5/images/Trailer_Top.jpg)http://home.swbell.net/mcpoop//MMACH_5/images/Trailer_Hitch_T.jpgLarger image (http://home.swbell.net/mcpoop//MMACH_5/images/Trailer_Hitch.jpg)http://home.swbell.net/mcpoop//MMACH_5/images/Trailer_Axle_T.jpgLarger image (http://home.swbell.net/mcpoop//MMACH_5/images/Trailer_Axle.jpg)

you need to work on the hitch a bit for safety , mate.
As it is now it can move only in one plane. you need
at least movement in two planes to keep from
getting pitched over to one side if the trailer twist up.

wow...

way to build outa scrap.. ;o)

and here's a link about pulling a trailer..
http://www.bikesatwork.com/hauling-cargo-by-bike/

don't want ya getting dragged over..

That is cool.

I use a Burley Flatbed Utility Trailer almost daily. I'm sure you'll get a lot of use out of your trailer. A very handy thing to have.

I considered a box like you have, and still may do it one day. The way I considered attaching the box to the trailer is to bolt a thin plywood bed to the trailer frame, then bolt the box to the bed through the bottom.

You might be able to get just a hitch from Burley, wouldn't hurt to ask.
http://www.burley.com/default.html

you need to work on the hitch a bit for safety , mate.
As it is now it can move only in one plane. you need
at least movement in two planes to keep from
getting pitched over to one side if the trailer twist up.


I thought the hitch was the Burley special skewer for recumbents and other non-standard frames when I first looked at it.

Looking closer I see that is not what has been done. If the builder wants a mount that does this that is very similar to his present design I would suggest purchasing one from a Burley dealer. It should work with your present system it appears.

cool stuff

Thanks for the tips and links. I'll get busy on upgrading that hitch...

That's slicker'n snot! Nice work! :)

Thanks for the tips and links. I'll get busy on upgrading that hitch...

I am thinking of building a trailer from an old bed frame... it will e heavy, but strong. Let us readers know what you come up with for a good hitch.

Nice job. It looks like you can go a lot bigger on the plastic tote if you want to, also. I like the way you put the light and reflectors on the back.

You might want to check the Chariot hitches. You could buy the skewer mount for the bike, and then 'bike trailer conversion' hitch to attach to the trailer. (Or just make a 'ball joint mount' yourself)

that's really nice man. I made one before, I was just confused on how to make a hitch. Oh and did I mention I made it out of wood? :D I might make another one just for kicks. Thanks for the inspiration, But I am not gonna take your design. [thought] hmm. . .maby PVC this time :D [thought]