Utility Cycling - cargo trailer; where to buy?

I'd like to add a cargo trailer to my bike, but I really don't want to have to build one. I need something basic and utilitarian to carry lumber for the studio I am building. I'm already building the studio, I don't want to have to build the trailer too! Can anyone recommend a place to buy bike cargo trailers? Does such a thing exist ready made?

I think these are the best.

http://www.bikesatwork.com/

I use this one:
http://www.burley.com/products/adventure/flatbed.cfm

and this one when I want a covered trailer:
http://www.burley.com/products/child/solo.cfm

If you just want a light duty two wheel trailer, you can buy a used kid trailer off Craigslist and take off the fabric. They are usually rated to about 100 lbs. I use a bikes at work trailer for my construction trailer (rated to 300 lbs).

I'd like to add a cargo trailer to my bike, but I really don't want to have to build one. I need something basic and utilitarian to carry lumber for the studio I am building. I'm already building the studio, I don't want to have to build the trailer too! Can anyone recommend a place to buy bike cargo trailers? Does such a thing exist ready made?

Yes, you can find anything "ready made" if you throw enough money at it. But why do that?

You ,even if your a clutzy person, can build this trailer , or have it built, for under $100 with
salvaged parts to carry 300# easy. Save your money, mate, it's hard times..remember??

"For those who want a "afforable" trailer consider a DIY trailer like this one. I built this trailer
many years ago using easily salvaged material that were found or I had on hand. I use it still
today when my Worksman PAV trike can't handle the load. If you elect to follow my mods to
the original plan it will have load capaicity of 300 lbs easy.

http://www.motherearthnews.com/Do-It-Yourself/1981-07-01/Dime-on-the-Dollar-Bicycle-Trailer.aspx

My mods.....
Frame... from plywood to white oak salvaged from a shipping skid.
Wheels...from 27" to 20" salvaged from a discarded kids bike (carrys more).
Neck.. from plywood to white oak salvaged from a shipping skid.
Bracing for neck (for added twist strength) diagonal from front edge of frame to 6"
behind hitch of 3/4" electrical conduit. Neck dimensions can be adjusted to fit properly.
Paint...what I had on hand in oil based enamel.
Hitch.. a piece of tire side wall or other cord reinforced rubber sheeting.
Safety... seat belt for kids and bike flag for idiot drivers.

This plan is so easy to build I built mine using simple hand tools for everything except
drilling the 4 holes in the metal conduit."

If you just want a light duty two wheel trailer, you can buy a used kid trailer off Craigslist and take off the fabric. They are usually rated to about 100 lbs. I use a bikes at work trailer for my construction trailer (rated to 300 lbs).

I bought a hardly used one for $30. Those kids trailers make a great light weight utility trailer.

I bought a hardly used one for $30. Those kids trailers make a great light weight utility trailer.
Plus, another advantage of using a "kid trailer" is that many of them will work as strollers too.
So if you're grocery shopping for example, you can take it into the store and use it as a shopping cart, to make sure what you buy will fit.
~

Yeah, used kid trailer is the way to go for cheap & easy.

I'd like to add a cargo trailer to my bike, but I really don't want to have to build one. I need something basic and utilitarian to carry lumber for the studio I am building. I'm already building the studio, I don't want to have to build the trailer too! Can anyone recommend a place to buy bike cargo trailers? Does such a thing exist ready made?
First of all, how much weight would you like to be able to pull? Most standard ready-made bike trailers have a limit of about 100-150 lbs. If you want to carry more, the cost seems to go up significantly. Do you have a budget you would like to stay within?

Thanks for all the responses! What I need is a sturdy flatbed for carrying lumber. I've been looking on craigslist for anything I could use to modify, haven't found anything yet. I could build the flatbed part, my concern is how to attach it to the bike properly so that it pulls correctly without going all over the place. That one from Commuterrun looks perfect, and a decent price. Tightwad, I found those plans of yours yesterday, that looks very easy.

Perhaps someone could give me a rundown on the best way to attach a trailer to a bike. What is with that sidebar that attaches on the readymades? I have this image of buildiing my own trailer, and having it weaving all over the road and pulling me down!

Hey, now this is cool, a bamboo trailer. And I just happen to have a pile of bamboo in my yard!

http://carryfreedom.com/bamboo.html

Tightwad, I found those plans of yours yesterday, that looks very easy.

It is very easy to build and will be very strong (300#+) if you use my listed mods to build it.

I built my without the use of any power tools at all. The only use of power tools was when I
had the hardware store drill holes in the metal conduit I added. My cost total was $25 using
all salvaged materials. Cost will depend on your ability to scounge up used/free material. :thumb:

I think the one I have is too short for carrying lumber. But then in my idea of lumber, anything shorter than stud length is considered pieces.

However, two of these trailers linked together might work. Maybe.

Hey, now this is cool, a bamboo trailer. And I just happen to have a pile of bamboo in my yard!

http://carryfreedom.com/bamboo.html

A fellow on a bamboo site emailed me an image of one he's built.

http://awcg.com/Allen/RandomImages/eldendean.jpg
Elden Dean's Bamboo Trailer

lynnala, I built that sucker. Please check out my experiences at:

bambootrailer.blogspot.com

lynnala, I built that sucker. Please check out my experiences at:

bambootrailer.blogspot.comWow, Kimmitt, great blog on the building! Thanks for the link. The axle thing was already looking like trouble to me, I too thought of using scrounged forks, but you solved it for me! Thanks! Now I have to find a couple of wheels, I'm gonna hit a thrift store today.

I posted this question in the utility bikes thread, but no one has answered: what size trailer would I need to carry lumber lengths of say, 8 ft.? Is that an unreasonable idea? Maybe it's not so much the length of the trailer as it is the length of the arm?

I posted this question in the utility bikes thread, but no one has answered: what size trailer would I need to carry lumber lengths of say, 8 ft.? Is that an unreasonable idea? Maybe it's not so much the length of the trailer as it is the length of the arm?

I never hauled lumber on a bike trailer, but I would think due to the flexing of the lumber you would need a fairly long trailer. I would say the base would need to be at least 5 feet long. Which would still require a long arm.

I don't think its unreasonable. The bikes at work trailer page shows their 8 foot model being used for lumber.

I posted this question in the utility bikes thread, but no one has answered: what size trailer would I need to carry lumber lengths of say, 8 ft.? Is that an unreasonable idea? Maybe it's not so much the length of the trailer as it is the length of the arm?

I'd be very leery of trying to transport that kind of length with a new setup. I suggest pickup truck rental and/or paying delivery charges. Just my 2c.

It is very easy to build and will be very strong (300#+) if you use my listed mods to build it.

I built my without the use of any power tools at all. The only use of power tools was when I
had the hardware store drill holes in the metal conduit I added. My cost total was $25 using
all salvaged materials. Cost will depend on your ability to scounge up used/free material. :thumb:

I'm an admirer of your cart. I suppose it's impossible to know, but would you care to hazard a guess as to how many have been built over the years?

I posted this question in the utility bikes thread, but no one has answered: what size trailer would I need to carry lumber lengths of say, 8 ft.? Is that an unreasonable idea? Maybe it's not so much the length of the trailer as it is the length of the arm?

If 8' lumber is going to be a regular load I would look at an 8' trailer. According to their website, this trailer can be shortened, tailoring it to other loads. But the width of the cargo area is only 23.25", so I don't know if that would be a consideration.
http://www.bikesatwork.com/bike-trailers/model-96a-bike-trailer.html
I don't see why this trailer wouldn't also handle longer loads with a little overhang.

If it's going to be a sometimes thing I would consider the Burley Flatbed:
http://www.burley.com/products/adventure/flatbed.cfm

Using something like this as a dolly to support the rear end of the load:
http://www.wicycle.com/canoe_wanoe_bicycle_cart.php

However, I can't vouch for how well that works, having never tried it.

If 8' lumber is going to be a regular load I would look at an 8' trailer. According to their website, this trailer can be shortened, tailoring it to other loads. But the width of the cargo area is only 23.25", so I don't know if that would be a consideration.
http://www.bikesatwork.com/bike-trailers/model-96a-bike-trailer.html
I don't see why this trailer wouldn't also handle longer loads with a little overhang.

If it's going to be a sometimes thing I would consider the Burley Flatbed:
http://www.burley.com/products/adventure/flatbed.cfm

Using something like this as a dolly to support the rear end of the load:
http://www.wicycle.com/canoe_wanoe_bicycle_cart.php

However, I can't vouch for how well that works, having never tried it.You know, that first link makes me think (again), why couldn't I just use one half of an old aluminum ladder and put wheels and a hitch on it? Doesn't it seem like that would work?

I've also thought of using a decommissioned aluminum ladder as the basic foundation of making a trailer. Seaching the web did not turn up any info at all on a ladder based trailer.
I have some wheels set aside and a ladder to experiment with - so when cooler weather rolls around in the fall - this may be project I'll tackle.

My current trailer is a modified kiddie hauler:
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3111/2423884856_061f7dbe36_m.jpg

Keep us posted if you do a ladder based trailer!

...Bill

Today I was looking at a pile of wood left over from a stair rebuild on my front porch, and suddenly the railing caught my eye....it looks like pre-built trailer foundation to me. It's basically a wide wooden ladder with diagonal slats. Hmmm.

Which reminds me, how does one know exactly where to place the wheels?

I've also thought of using a decommissioned aluminum ladder as the basic foundation of making a trailer. Seaching the web did not turn up any info at all on a ladder based trailer.


It`s all in the BF if you look! Just a few weeks ago somebody showed "alu ladder trailer". Is`nt there something like a "Trailer constructions tips" sticky here? I am sure it is isn the Utility forum.

It`s all in the BF if you look! Just a few weeks ago somebody showed "alu ladder trailer". Is`nt there something like a "Trailer constructions tips" sticky here? I am sure it is isn the Utility forum.
Yes, there's a picture of one here somewhere...

You know, that first link makes me think (again), why couldn't I just use one half of an old aluminum ladder and put wheels and a hitch on it? Doesn't it seem like that would work?

Makes sense to me.

Found it - the photo of the aluminum ladder trailer:
http://www.bikeforums.net/attachment.php?attachmentid=49035&d=1183653909

This is inspirational - thanks for remember the photos being on this list somewhere.

...Bill

I'm an admirer of your cart. I suppose it's impossible to know, but would you care to hazard a guess as to how many have been built over the years?

Boy! THAT'S a tough one!! :eek: I'd say thousands modified millions of different ways! What's
nice it that M.E.N. puts the story complete with plans up on the web from a 1981 story! :thumb:

Found it - the photo of the aluminum ladder trailer:
http://www.bikeforums.net/attachment.php?attachmentid=49035&d=1183653909

This is inspirational - thanks for remember the photos being on this list somewhere.

...BillHey, that's nifty!

Hey, that's nifty!

That is cool. I bet if you put your mind to it, it would be pretty easy to build one so you could still use the ladder for a ladder, i.e. build an 8' trailer and still be able to use it for an 8' ladder.

That is cool. I bet if you put your mind to it, it would be pretty easy to build one so you could still use the ladder for a ladder, i.e. build an 8' trailer and still be able to use it for an 8' ladder.I concur.

I used my bikes at work trailer to haul 8 sheets of 1/2 inch ply today. worked great. I also hauled 4 x4 12 foot long pieces. I was glad to have the 8 foot trailer when hauling that long of pieces. The wheels have to be a bit more than 1/2 of the length down the load. I really need a much better kickstand.

That is cool. I bet if you put your mind to it, it would be pretty easy to build one so you could still use the ladder for a ladder, i.e. build an 8' trailer and still be able to use it for an 8' ladder.

We did some time back, did not last long due to my skills at that time (wheel atatchment). I rememer us out testing it behind my daughters bike. We crossed the road in front of some cars waiting for a green light. I still rememer the face of the nearest driver when observing the ladder on wheels crossing the road. :D

I just saw the ladder trailer here in town yesterday. He took an aluminum ladder and used BMX tires and cut 14 mm threads on the axle to fit on the hubs. He found he needed to add 1 1/2 inch aluminum angle up along the sides to stabilize the ladder. He used a bikes to work trailer hitch. BAW also sells the wheels and axles separately, so one could just use a reinforced ladder and use their wheels.

I guess we didn't think of it here first. :bang:

Home Depot has a really nice 4 wheel garden cart/lawn tractor/ATV trailer for around $80.00. (John Deere Green with John Deere Yellow wheels) rated capacity is only 1,000 pounds. I use mine all the time, hooked up to my Miami Sun trike. Still need to get a bracket made to use it with the bikes.

Home Depot has a really nice 4 wheel garden cart/lawn tractor/ATV trailer for around $80.00. (John Deere Green with John Deere Yellow wheels) rated capacity is only 1,000 pounds. I use mine all the time, hooked up to my Miami Sun trike. Still need to get a bracket made to use it with the bikes.I can't find anything like that lower than $199 on the home depot site. Can you provide a link? Thanks!

http://bikecart.pedalpeople.com

I made a modified version of the DS trailer...

http://members.cox.net/tomsdisco/forsale/trailer.jpg

Home Depot has a really nice 4 wheel garden cart/lawn tractor/ATV trailer for around $80.00. (John Deere Green with John Deere Yellow wheels) rated capacity is only 1,000 pounds. I use mine all the time, hooked up to my Miami Sun trike. Still need to get a bracket made to use it with the bikes.

Does anyone have pictures of the Home Depot garden cart? Does anyone use that cart on their bicycle?

Pictures ... Please ... !!!

I really must get a trailer to pull with my Surly Long Haul Trucker. I will use the trailer mostly for hauling groceries, but also plants from the nursery, large bags of potting soil, cement blocks, odds and ends I find lying around (bits and pieces of junk I might be able to use, like scraps of lumber, pipes, or even discarded furniture).

Ideas ... suggestions ... Thanks!

I suspect this may be the one mentioned.

http://www.homedepot.com/catalog/productImages/300/8b/8b111622-06f2-4867-9fe8-03cf9688a5c7_300.jpg

Here's a link to the product info--they're about $100.

http://www.homedepot.com/Outdoors-Garden-Center/h_d1/N-5yc1vZaq6lZ66xgv/R-100664035/h_d2/ProductDisplay?langId=-1&storeId=10051&catalogId=10053

I've been quite happy with my Candian built WIKE trailer (http://www.wicycle.com/). I ordered mine online and it arrived quickly.

Bonus: spare hitch attachments if you own more than one bike only cost $10!

http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h170/HandsomeRyan/IMG_0998.jpg

http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h170/HandsomeRyan/IMG_1001.jpg