Utility Cycling - Using multiple trailers at once?

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View Full Version : Using multiple trailers at once?


HandsomeRyan
07-23-08, 11:37 AM
I believe I saw a post here a while back about a member who made a couple of trailer segments that he could attach together to make a sort of bicycle trailer "train". Now I can't find it to save my life. If anyone know what I'm talking about and wants to point me in the correct direction I'd love to reread the thread.

I built a stereo trailer that I use for CM and community rides but I have another idea for something else to tow behind it. I imagine there are some safety concerns with pulling multiple trailers but I wouldn't know what those are?

Thanks in advance.


Elkhound
07-23-08, 02:22 PM
The Bikes At Work trailers are supposed to be linkable that way, I think.

Floyd
07-23-08, 05:38 PM
I made a 'train' with some plastic barrels to pull kids around in...my hitch on the back of each barrel was just a piece of iron bolted to the bottom of the barrel so the next car could hitch to it.


HandsomeRyan
07-24-08, 05:57 AM
I made a 'train' with some plastic barrels to pull kids around in...my hitch on the back of each barrel was just a piece of iron bolted to the bottom of the barrel so the next car could hitch to it.

Do you have any pictures? Sounds really neat, I'll bet the kids had a blast!

bikesatwork
07-24-08, 06:49 AM
The Bikes At Work trailers are supposed to be linkable that way, I think.

We used to offer this on our previous models of trailers, but don't offer that feature yet on our current models.

In response to the original post, we used to haul recyclables we collected to our local recycling center using two 8' trailers. The trailers tracked well together, and it was fun to watch the long rig swing around turns :).

http://www.bikesatwork.com/bicycle-delivery-service/hauling-recyclables-to-recycling-center.jpg

I presume two shorter trailers would track equally well, but I have never tried a shorter combination...

Note if you are pulling two trailers that have a left-hand towbar (i.e., they are made to attach to the left rear axle of the bike) and the towbar and trailer frame are at the same height, then you will run into problems when making a sharp left-hand turn--the towbar on the second trailer will hit the rear of the first trailer under these circumstances. Under these conditions, you'll find it easier to make right-hand turns than left.

HandsomeRyan
07-24-08, 11:24 AM
Thanks bikesatwork

Cool picture and good advice on the left turn clearance issues.

How2
08-09-08, 07:20 PM
I believe I saw a post here a while back about a member who made a couple of trailer segments that he could attach together to make a sort of bicycle trailer "train". Now I can't find it to save my life. If anyone know what I'm talking about and wants to point me in the correct direction I'd love to reread the thread.

I think this might be what you saw? http://www.flickr.com/photos/25503503@N08/

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3267/2558801119_0d49819a6e.jpg
(originally posted by member cjn in this thread: http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=333099&page=30

crackerdog
08-10-08, 09:02 AM
I pulled a childs trailer behind my bikesatwork trailer and I just rigged up a post that was taller than the back of the bikesatwork trailer so that the rear arm cleared the top of the trailer on left turns.

somebikerider
08-11-08, 07:43 AM
I think this might be what you saw? http://www.flickr.com/photos/25503503@N08/

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3267/2558801119_0d49819a6e.jpg
(originally posted by member cjn in this thread: http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=333099&page=30

That is the Roxxor! Everytime I am pulling kids in a trailer and get blown away by the spandex warriors I always want to drop my trailer on the back of their bike and say "now do that with a 70lb parachute behind you"

cjn
08-12-08, 11:28 AM
Everytime we go through town with or train. I get lots of compliments from others out for exercise. The past couple of weeks I have been helping a friend here in town with an addition on their house ( till last Sat. when I broke my knee cap while mtn biking) I have carried a wheelbarrow and various other things in the last "car" of our train and caused some strange looks from passers by.

Elkhound
08-13-08, 09:06 AM
Everytime we go through town with or train. I get lots of compliments from others out for exercise. The past couple of weeks I have been helping a friend here in town with an addition on their house ( till last Sat. when I broke my knee cap while mtn biking) I have carried a wheelbarrow and various other things in the last "car" of our train and caused some strange looks from passers by.

Do you ever get officious buisybodies lecturing you about how dangerous it is and how can you possibly put your precious children in such jeopardy? And how do you keep from responding using language not fit for young ears?

cjn
08-15-08, 06:55 AM
I haven't had anyone say anything about safety - so I haven't had to watch my language - I mostly get smiles and looks of sympathy

How2
08-15-08, 10:58 AM
I mostly get smiles and looks of sympathy

:lol::lol: are you sure those aren't looks of AWE? :lol::lol:

Elkhound
08-15-08, 11:47 AM
I haven't had anyone say anything about safety - so I haven't had to watch my language - I mostly get smiles and looks of sympathy

I was having a vision of, "Kids, cover your ears; Daddy has to say something you shouldn't hear." Then: "MIND YOUR OWN BUSINESS YOU @$#% OLD HARPY!!!!!"

cjn
08-15-08, 02:34 PM
Some of the hills I ride up here in town, I'm usually passing people who are taking a rest stop, and they are walking and not carrying anything. Elkhound I grew up in Parkersburg so I got some early training in climbing WV hills.

cjn
08-16-08, 10:15 AM
HandsomeRyan the only safety concerns I've incountered is brakeing and the whip effect. Brake for obviouse reasons. The whip is when you are to choppy with the steering and this gets exagerated as it goes down the train.

astronomerroyal
08-17-08, 10:19 AM
I once posted some pictures of The Bikipede a.k.a Velocipede. I'd also like to add, with complete smugness, that the Universal Joint hitch means no towbar clearance issues. Take that, bikesatwork.

I'll also add that the handling was excellent, flowing like a snake. I have some video (these are stills from it), and when I get my camcorder fixed I may make a (very short, very self-congratulatory) film. Or not.

squirtdad
08-17-08, 11:32 AM
Don't know about trailers...but yester day I saw a guy pulling two kids trailer style....the kids were each in a red wagon, sitting in chair in the wagon. the second wagon had a big orange reflective vest on the back of the chair.

I don't know if this was a serious utility rig or not....my guess was it was a dad and a couple of kids goofing around.

BAH
08-17-08, 11:48 AM
How is something like that going down hills?

Elkhound
08-17-08, 03:31 PM
Elkhound I grew up in Parkersburg so I got some early training in climbing WV hills.

I know what you mean. Believe me, I know.

astronomerroyal
08-20-08, 03:33 PM
How is something like that going down hills?

To whom is the question posed?

In my case the double trailer feels no different than a single trailer. The only difference would be the extra rolling resistance, which was always only a small effect.