Utility Cycling - Wheels bend on bike trailer?

I've heard that sometimes on bike trailers the wheels can bend inword (the bottom part sticks out) to the point where it rubs against the canvas. Can trailers be designed in a way that makes it less likely that this will happen?

Sounds more like either poor materials used in the construction or overloading the trailer. Built correctly, used correctly and maintained correctly that shouldn't happen.

^^
x2

just because you can fit it on the trailer doesn't mean that it is still under it's weight limit.

I've heard that sometimes on bike trailers the wheels can bend inword (the bottom part sticks out) to the point where it rubs against the canvas. Can trailers be designed in a way that makes it less likely that this will happen?

If it's unintentional it's simply a case of overloading the trailer. Yes, a trailer can be designed so that it will fail differently when overloaded, but it's still overloaded and damaged. Just don't overload the trailer, and if you need to carry more weight in one trip then get a heavier duty trailer.

Some trailers are deliberately designed with the wheels splayed out (it's called camber (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Camber_angle)) it allows for a wider track for better lateral stability and loading on the wheels, among other benefits.

If the wheel axle is only attached to the chassis on one side then there's a bending moment (or torque) that will cause the problem you describe. The solution is to either have a really strong axle/chassis binding or a chassis that additionally goes around the outside of the wheel and meets the outer end of the axle.

the difference is much like comparing a regular front fork with that bizarre 'lefty' fork that canondale makes. Although canondale use only one leg, it has to be much stouter, and so presumably does the wheel hub.

I only carry my kids with my trailer, and I've not seen this problem. I agree with the earlier posts about the results of overloading.

Some trailers are deliberately designed with the wheels splayed out (it's called camber (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Camber_angle)) it allows for a wider track for better lateral stability and loading on the wheels, among other benefits.

Also some wheelchairs is built like this, especially the ones made for "sports and speed".


I had this problem with my homebuilt trailer. It is a flatbed waterproof plywood one. Wheels is hubs from a wheelchair built into 20" wheels from a childs bike.

This should be strong, but on my first proper attempt to pull the dog (25 kg) in it the "wheelbend thing" happened. Wheels rubbed on the basket I put on it to help the dog stay in place.

I thought maybe I used the wrong axel or something (has got parts from several wheelchairs:D) but then I realised it was possible to adjust the lenght of the axei, there is a nut in the end of it.

After adjusting the axel it is just fine, and alot of the "ratteling noice" is gone.