Utility Cycling - Diy trailer bed

So a while ago, while it was on sale at Target, I purchased this trailer: http://www.instep.net/Product/Bicycle_Trailers/Detail/167_2008_Take_2_Bicycle_Trailer_12-QE125/ I bought it to use for utility purposes. I unhooked/unscrewed all the fabric and took it off, so no there's just the frame. What I am wondering is if there is some sort material (preferably not wood) that I could use as the trailer of the bed. What I am looking for is something plastic-ish, around 1/2-3/4", and durable. I don't want to use wood because I don't want to weather proof it, nor worry about splintering.

Thanks in advanced,

Max

Max,

Here's (http://www.amazon.com/Ultra-Molecular-Weight-Polyethylene-Sheet/dp/B000ILG0M8/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&s=industrial&qid=1253070373&sr=1-7) some UHMW polyethylene sheets 3/4" thick and 12" X 24" for $24.60 on Amazon. You could put a couple of those side by side with some sort of support down the center joint. The same company has the same size nylon, but it is 3X the cost.

Hope that helps,
Steve

Woah, awesome! Thanks so much. This is pretty much exactly what I was looking for. The price is a little steep, but this confirms that something I was hoping for exists!

Thanks so much, Steve.

I've got a Burley trailer I picked up for $30 on craigslist, so I've been looking at the same thing. Plus I have Amazon Prime, so 3-days shipping is free, :)

Another maintenance free option is the plastic deck boards at Home Depot, although they are much thicker and kinda heavy. If you could support it, 1/4" aluminum plate (http://www.amazon.com/Aluminum-6061-T6-Plate-0-25-Cut/dp/B000H9MYQ2/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&s=industrial&qid=1253072680&sr=1-6) should work, too. But it would weigh 14 pounds. Lots of options. I was also thinking of some thin marine grade plywood with some of the imitation wood flooring laminated on top. Probably could pick up a broken bundle reasonably cheap.

http://www.tileimportersinc.com/photos/Hardwood/Wood%20Laminate%20Flooring.jpg

I think we're on the exact same journey. Thanks for all of your postulations and help, dude.

Whatever material you use, I suggest that the bed not be completely solid.

My trailer bed is 64" long and 2 ft wide. The frame has cross tubes every 16" and I use 12" boards spaced evenly between them. So the bed looks like this: Outside frame. 2" gap, board, 2" gap, cross tube, 2" gap, board, 2" gap, cross tube... etc.

The gaps are incredibly useful for tying stuff down. I've used rope, those cam-lock straps, even bungee cord and they all work nicely when you have these gaps and tubes to use as tie-down points.

:)ensen.

My Wike trailer uses a plastic bed but it is less than 1/4" thick. I doubt you need a 3/4" thick bed if you use the right type of plastic.

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

I'd just look through skips/bins and ask around, there'll be all sorts of sheets of plastic or metal that could be used. It will save you buying new material.

I like the boards with a gap idea. Thanks.



Yeah, my estimation of size was a little big. I think 1/4-1/3" would be the best.

If your looking in the hardware stores like lowes and HD, instead of the heavy plastic wood for decks, go outside and look at the wones for fences, they are hollow tubes ~2"x 4". You could buy one fence section and strip the boards off and mount them closer together.

Now there's a good idea! Thanks.


If your looking in the hardware stores like lowes and HD, instead of the heavy plastic wood for decks, go outside and look at the wones for fences, they are hollow tubes ~2"x 4". You could buy one fence section and strip the boards off and mount them closer together.

I used closet maid ventilated shelving for my trailer floor. I had a length of it in my garage and cut it to fit. Creates tons of attach points for bungies! I used 3/4 PVC to create supports.

I weigh ~200 pounds and it supports my weight.