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Touring - Build Your Own Trailer?

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howardtheduck

01-14-09, 04:09 PM

Has anyone ever tried fabricating their own trailer for long distance or gear hauling trips? I am doing a 1000 mile trip in Nova Scotia where I am going to surf and bike my way around the province, so I need room to strap my surfboard on top of the trailer. I have a couple friends that are good metal workers/welders and I am pretty sure they could replicate a B.O.B trailer fairly easily.

Is this a good idea, or should I just fork out the cash for a B.O.B trailer?

nubcake

01-14-09, 04:31 PM

theirs a sticky in the utility cycling forum that should have plenty of info for you.

As long as they are good metal workers you shouldnt have a problem but if you have the cash Id perfer an xtracycle with their wideloaders

gerv

01-14-09, 06:36 PM

I have a couple friends that are good metal workers/welders and I am pretty sure they could replicate a B.O.B trailer fairly easily.

Is this a good idea, or should I just fork out the cash for a B.O.B trailer?

There are lots of good DIY designs and the better ones require some welding. But the real trouble starts when you try to put a hitch together. Might be a wise idea to pick up something off the shelf. Here's a good example: http://www.bikesatwork.com/bicycle-trailer-accessories/bike-trailer-hitch.html

rodar y rodar

01-14-09, 08:07 PM

I suggest you keep looking at customs or DIYs. It may or may not be the way to go, but if you pulled it off it could really be a sweet piece of equipment for you. I love my BOB and there are certainly complications tp be overcome with building or designing your own, but to carry something as long as a surfboard would be tricky with a BOB. Maybe a stretched BOB?

EDIT: There`s a pic towards the last few pages of the "Post your loaded rigs" thread that shows a surfboard tied onto a rear rack. May as well give that some thought too, though it looks like a pretty tough way to go in my eyes.

gerald_g

01-14-09, 11:16 PM

If you have not been, you might want to check out atomiczombie.com. They have a discussion board dedicated entirely to building bikes and things for bikes DIY style.

raybo

01-15-09, 06:41 AM

This recent article at crazyguyonabike.com shows how to convert a child carrier into a touring trailer: http://www.crazyguyonabike.com/doc/4660

Ray