Cheap Cargo Trailer?

[Mr Vagabond]

I've been commuting with my bike for 3 years now and whenever I need to do a grocery run, I can only load what my backpack fits. Looking around at pricing for cargo trailers, I've noticed that they're kind of expensive (read: poor college student). Aside from lurking on Craigslist until a cheap one pops up, what are some good, cheap options for a cargo trailer? Anything <$200?

[CommuterRun]

A kiddie trailer makes a pretty good covered utility trailer as long as the load isn't too big and bulky. Look around for a used one. As long as the frame, wheel attachment points and draw bar are in decent condition, the rest can be modified. As some of our fellow BF members have done. Maybe one of them will chime in.

[JunkyardWarrior]

could also look on ebay.....sometimes they have deals ......or thrift stores......jogging strollers can be modified or atleast have donor wheels

[stevel610]

A rack and panniers might fit your bill. You can get one which mounts on the seat post for easy removal.

[dcb]

Also check out the pics in the "post your trailer" sticky at the top of this board for more ideas: http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=326435 Some DIY, some repurposed, some fancy schmancy. I like my trailer, but this one is my favorite for "git 'er done" :)

http://www.geocities.com/alicestrong/__catfoodhauler.jpg

[spambait11]

Also check out the pics in the "post your trailer" sticky at the top of this board for more ideas: http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=326435 Some DIY, some repurposed, some fancy schmancy. I like my trailer, but this one is my favorite for "git 'er done" :)

http://www.geocities.com/alicestrong/__catfoodhauler.jpg
How fast are you able to ride with this setup?

[dcb]

I dunno, it isn't mine :) It needs to swivel where it meets the rack though, i.e. use just one short twist tie "chain" in the middle of the handle and rack using three twist ties total.

Edit: or a caribiner clip so you can unhook the trailer for quick release when you are not getting groceries.

[HandsomeRyan]

Making a trailer is not hard but is very much dependent on what skills you posses and what tools you have access to. I've made trailers out of 2x2 lumber that was functionable (<not a real word) for things like grocery runs. I've also made one of 1/2" conduit that works okay. I recently bought a welder so my next trailer will be welded and hopefully much sturdier.

[Kimmitt]

I recently built the Carry Freedom bamboo trailer. It was pretty brutal. I really recommend hitting the thrift shops and seeing if you can find a kiddie trailer which you can then improve the bed of.

[JunkyardWarrior]

unless your the kind of person who already makes things and has the tools and space to work then id look for the kiddie trailer......a piece of plywood or coroplast for the floor and your set

[StokerPoker]

this was FREE!! found a busted up kiddie trailer in the trash with a good axel, wheels and draw bar and found a busted shopping cart next to a dumpster while I was out for a walk. I cut the bottom off of the cart, attatched the axel and draw bar with some bolts and flat pieces of metal
http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc319/erythropoet/trailerSide.jpg
http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc319/erythropoet/trailerF.jpg

[vey]

I thought about a trailer, but storing it was a concern. So I thought about the collapsible or disassemble types, but then I would violate my "2 minute" rule which is I will not spend more than 2 minutes getting ready to ride.

So I built this:
http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=331199&page=6
post # 133
from some 1/2" EMT. No welding. Minimal cost.

[littlewaywelt]

The nashbar trailer often goes on sale and when combined with a coupon you can pick it up for ~$90, which is hard to beat for a commercially made option.

[mupedalpusher]

I have the Carry Freedom flatbed and love it but it's $250. I considered the Wike DIY which is $89. You might look at it. I saw someone had posted a Wike trailer on another post and it looked pretty good.