Utility Cycling - trailer ?s

I've read many threads, and can't find consistent answers to a few basic questions.


a) exactly how does the pivot/joint between the trailer/bike work? (I realize it pends on design, see c)) How do you lay your bike on the ground? I'd love close pics.

b) I've only seen one PVC trailer. Doesn't it work?

c) Which mount is best- seatpost, left side of frame (bikesatwork), both sides of axle, or left side of axle?


Since I recently lost my job, I've got this disaster scenario: gasoline gets to over 5U$D/gallon; I make a living hauling groceries or packages using my bike/trailer.

a) The pivot must allow movement up and down as well as side to side. The BOB trailers attach to both sides of the axle and are free to pivot up and down on that axis, while the side to side pivot is in a pseudo headset behind the wheel. You can't lay the bike down without tipping the trailer onto it's side, but you can back up your bike until the trailer is at a right angle to the bike frame at which point it acts as a kickstand. With a side attachment like on the BikesAtWork trailers, you need to lay the bike down or lean it against something.

b) The only PVC trailer I know is actually a BikesAtWork with some plastic added to serve as a railing. At least that's what I think it's there for.

c) I've never used a seatpost mounted trailer, so I can't comment on which type is best.

d) If you've ever wondered why most of the freight bikers live in China or India, it's because those are the places where you can live on what a freight biker makes.

I'd like to add some questions to this forum.

A) which trailer is better two wheels or one (Bob yak or cargo cruzer types)?
B) Is there anybody in the forum that has experience with these trailers? If so what are your thoughts?
C) Is the trailer an improvement over rear bags, panniers, backpacks and front bags? Which do you prefer?

If you could think of anything that I've not covered, please let me know.

Basically I'm thinking of useing a trailer to haul groceries for me and my wife. Do you think they are a good idea in that situation?

thanks

epnnf - This might help. The kind of trailers that you see with only one connection to the bike (left or right side of the axel) have a spring between the trailer mount and the trailer towing bar. This gives it some flexability.

Thats all I've seen so far.

Good luck

I'd like to add some questions to this forum.

A) which trailer is better two wheels or one (Bob yak or cargo cruzer types)?
B) Is there anybody in the forum that has experience with these trailers? If so what are your thoughts?
C) Is the trailer an improvement over rear bags, panniers, backpacks and front bags? Which do you prefer?

If you could think of anything that I've not covered, please let me know.

Basically I'm thinking of useing a trailer to haul groceries for me and my wife. Do you think they are a good idea in that situation?

thanks
The answers to those questions depend on things like, how far away is the store, how much do you need to haul on each trip.
If the store is close enough for frequent trips, a good set of grocery panniers should do. They are somewhat limited as to the size of articles one can carry, however, so if you are toting 100 lb bags of rice, you're going to need a trailer (or a longtail) anyway.
I have both a Bob Yak and a Croozer trailer. I like the Bob for long road trips to carry my gear, but for grocery store runs, I like the Croozer.
One problem with the Bob is adapting the hitch system to work with a Sturmey archer hub with indicator chain shift, and the bike I usually use for grocery runs is so equipped.
I don't know if they make a hich nut to fit that hub, I know they are available for threaded axles in m10 x 1.
The published weight capacity for the Yak is 70lbs, whereas the Croozer has 100 lb capacity.

I'd like to add some questions to this forum.

A) which trailer is better two wheels or one (Bob yak or cargo cruzer types)?
B) Is there anybody in the forum that has experience with these trailers? If so what are your thoughts?
C) Is the trailer an improvement over rear bags, panniers, backpacks and front bags? Which do you prefer?

If you could think of anything that I've not covered, please let me know.

Basically I'm thinking of useing a trailer to haul groceries for me and my wife. Do you think they are a good idea in that situation?

thanks

a) I prefer a one wheel trailer for loads up to about 100lbs depending on how far I need to carry it.

b) I used a BOB Yak trailer for short haul freight delivery for two years before upgrading to a BikesAtWork 63A.

c) If rear panniers can carry your load, that's the best way to go. Add lowrider front panniers if you need more load capacity. If you need to carry larger items, get a trailer.

d) Do not put weight on your front wheel if you can put it on the rear. Do not put weight above your front wheel aka Cetma rack, unless you absolutely have to.

I have an X and a burley flatbed trailer,used the trailer a couple of times,(with the X I don't need it too often) I do however like the option of being able to use the trailer if I want/need to. The Burley mounts on the left side of the rear axle.
I am seriously drooling over the Bikes at Work trailer,Can't get the finance committee (AKA the wife) to approve it.

I've had good luck so far with a child-hauling trailer with the web seating removed and a 3/8" plywood board fastened to the frame. I kept the cover intact and I can fit a whole shopping cart's worth of groceries in it. I've hauled my reel mower to the mower shop to get sharpened, brought yard-sale furniture back to the house, and so forth. For $35 and some time to sand and varnish the plywood, it's been great.

I think if it's a single wheel trailer then it's better to have a seatpost hitch for stability.