Touring - Bike Camper Design

I just finished designing this idea I had for a small bike camper trailer.

I think it would be comfortable enough, considering that I actually like being closed in when I'm sleeping. I can definitely understand though how it would make some people very uncomfortable and claustrophobic.

I was thinking that the wheels and seat-post mount would come off with some form of QR, so that it could sit flat on the ground.

I know it will be pretty heavy, (as it's drawn now, it's made mostly from 1/2 inch plywood) but do you think it will be too heavy? Would another material be lighter with adequate durability? Would it be expensive?

It still needs some additions (such as Paint, sheet metal, or some other covering to keep the wood from rotting so fast), and I haven't actually figured out exactly how I'll run the axle/ axles or the seat-post mount, but let me know what you think. Any suggestions or criticism are openly accepted.

:)

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g132/iretru/bikecamperpicture-1.jpg
http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g132/iretru/arm.jpg
http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g132/iretru/backdoor.jpg
http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g132/iretru/Birds-eye.jpg
http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g132/iretru/Underside.jpg
http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g132/iretru/Wheelmount.jpg
http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g132/iretru/Porthole.jpg

How about making it a pop up camper? It would help reduce the weight of the trailer and you would have less wind resistance. Also are you planning on using aluminum or steel for the frame? I would recommend using steel for the frame. A one inch angle iron would provide enough support for you to sleep on. You can use a 1/2 square tubing as a cross bracing. Talk with your local welding shop, they will be able to provide you with more weights on the different metals that would be feasible to use.

http://dornob.com/small-mobile-homes-bike-trailers-shopping-cart-campers/

http://cdn.dornob.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/mobile-creative-home-idea.jpg
http://cdn.dornob.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/mobile-bike-trailer-home.jpg

I especially like this classic.

http://bygonebicyclist.com/images/trailer.jpg

I was actually thinking of using a section of an aluminum extension ladder for the base below the plywood floor, and probably something like 1.5 inch square aluminum tube for the rest since it
would only be bearing the weight of the empty trailer itself during the ride, and would take no strain when the trailer was being used for sleep, because it would have the wheels removed and
would sit flat on the ground. I don't know much about the strength of the 2 metals though, does that sound like it would be strong enough?

http://dornob.com/small-mobile-homes-bike-trailers-shopping-cart-campers/

http://cdn.dornob.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/mobile-creative-home-idea.jpg
http://cdn.dornob.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/mobile-bike-trailer-home.jpg

I especially like this classic.

http://bygonebicyclist.com/images/trailer.jpg

I've seen all but the last one in the last few days researching this idea. I love that last one! Do you have a link?

What counts as "too heavy" is very flexible. I have pulled about 100lbs behind me on a bike once without any problems, and you can certainly make this lighter than that. Hell, I've seen pictures of people towing refrigerators on bicycles. However, I doubt very much that any engineering cleverness will make this lighter than a tent + BOB trailer. What is the advantage that a camper trailer has over a tent?

If you do go ahead and build this, it might be worth it to make it possible to remove the camper from the trailer chassis so that you could also use it for general cargo purposes. If you have the money, you could look into Bikes at Work trailers for the chassis.

Another question I had concerns the disc brakes that are shown in your design. I've never seen brakes on a bike trailer before and I'd be interested to see how you control them.

Have you seen BikesAtWork.com? They sell bike trailers that would make an excellent base for your design. Even if you don't want to buy an entire trailer, they sell their hitches separately, which could solve your problem of how to connect the bike to the trailer.

Another option you might think about would be to use a metal framework or mesh, covered with Tyvek or some other lightweight tarp-like material. I suggest a mesh because it could keep the walls stiffer and less likely to billow in the wind. It would be quite a bit lighter than half inch plywood.

Have you seen BikesAtWork.com? They sell bike trailers that would make an excellent base for your design.

Jinx :-)

I drew this in Google SketchUp, and knew I didn't have the skills to actually draw wheels, so I downloaded some mountain bike wheels that happened to have disc brakes on them. So ignore those. =P

I really like the idea of the top coming off to form a flat-bed trailer, maybe I can figure out a way to do that.

I guess the only real advantages over a tent are: Not having to set it up, staying totally dry, and somewhat more warmth i suppose. Mostly I just like the idea of having a self contained unit that I can keep set up with my sleeping bag and stuff all the time. I'm not sure if I can really justify this over a tent, but I like it. :lol:

Using a ladder as the frame would work. The problem with using aluminum is if breaks. Welding it take specialized equipment that not all welders have, and where as steel any goober can weld it. You can always bolt it together, so if a bolt was to break its not too catastrophic. Go to
http://www.metalworldinc.com/
The have information on all the different types of metals, and the weights of them. That will give you more of a clue of what it will end up weighing.
On the plywood, if you are going to use tin or something to cover it, you can probably get away with a 3/8" plywood, or maybe thinner.

I'm checking out the site now.

I'm not sure what you mean with the mesh idea though..? For the walls?

I'm on a pretty low budget, so I think I'll go with the original ladder idea.
Since I can't weld anyway, I was planning on bolting it all together and possibly locking up the threads with a bunch of JB weld so I don't have to worry about it rattling itself apart.
Going with the thinner plywood sounds good, especially for the walls.

The trailers on Bikesatwork.com look awesome.... but not for +$400. Yikes.

Dont use JB Weld on the bolts. Use some BLUE Loctite thread locker. Make sure you use BLUE. If you use red, you will not be able to get it loose and then your going to visit someone with impacts or a torch. the Red Loctite will come in a blue bottle also, so dont get them confused.

I'd be concerned about ventilation in this design. People exhale a considerable amount of water vapor and that's going to collect on the cooler interior walls during the night. Small tents usually have large mesh areas with a separate waterproof 'fly' over the top to allow for free air circulation overnight.

Ok, Blue Loctite it is.

I was worried about ventilation too. In the design right now, I just have the one small vent. With a gasket on the door, this thing could quickly turn into a coffin if I'm not careful.

If you don't mind spending a lot of money, you can buy this ready-made off Amazon. http://www.amazon.com/Kamp-Rite-Bushtrekka-Bicycle-Trailer-Oversize/dp/B002KKBT9Y/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=automotive&qid=1269404572&sr=8-1

143072

This has been posted before, but check it out, too.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mWnsu4dfNGs&feature=related

You can always put in windows that you can open up. The possibilities are endless. Look at craigslist and you can probably find the majority of your building materials for free. No doubt that you can make it work. It may take a few times and a few design changes but it will work out.

I've seen all but the last one in the last few days researching this idea. I love that last one! Do you have a link?

I don't have much info, or a real link for that matter. The article was dated 1940, give or take, and this is all I've ever really found on Mr. "Chet Jr".

http://bygonebicyclist.com/images/trailer_large.jpg

Other than the ventilation thing for the moisture that has been brought up my concern with your triangular design would be the lack of elbow room. One could really feel bound up in your design. I have the Kamp-Rite cot for sleeping next to my car at MTB races and it gives a bit of a confined feeling but at least I can roll over etc in it.

Here is the Cot:
143081

If you don't mind spending a lot of money, you can buy this ready-made off Amazon.
http://www.amazon.com/Kamp-Rite-Bushtrekka-Bicycle-Trailer-Oversize/dp/B002KKBT9Y/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=automotive&qid=1269404572&sr=8-1

143072

This looks like the way to go :thumb:
Why not just carry a light weight tent?

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41mmAe%2BoRGL._SL500_AA300_.jpg

Here's some additional links. I'd be thinking even 1/4 or 1/8" ply for the walls.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/saholm/2201746791/in/photostream/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/saholm/3928532665/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/saholm/3757328570/

Or just go to his photostream and browse around...

http://www.flickr.com/photos/saholm/

Honestly, I wouldn't use wood for the walls if someone was holding a .45 to my skull.

Unless you get it free of course.

I'd look into lightweight plastics such as coroplast. It's kind of like corrugated cardboard but made of plastic. It would need a couple bars of reinforcement on the inside, but it'd save a lot of weight over 1/2" plywood.

Honestly, I wouldn't use wood for the walls if someone was holding a .45 to my skull...
Seemple boolets have no effect on meee...
http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b94/mybusiness/Holidays/Halloween/coffin.gif

Seriously, that's how I'd feel in a rigid sided chamber like that.
I'd at least recommend the attempt a trial sleep in a similarly dimensioned box before going to the trouble of engineering something roadworthy.

some more pics

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1272/1039006243_2da9af154d.jpg

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1131/816119809_86100544b9.jpg

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/153/430242851_9551cba1d0.jpg

I too would prefer more elbow space, but OPs mileage may vary. Regarding ventilation, small holes won't help much. It's not just a matter of being able to breathe, poor ventilation will result to condensation building up in the inner surfaces and your sleeping bag. If you look into any better quality tent, you'll see a lot of thought went into ventilation vs. privacy vs. warmth issues. Could you make the entire rear end detachable and covered with mosquito netting? Try to come up with a design that will allow you to fully ventilate the shelter, sleeping pad and sleeping bag when you're riding. And some kind of vestibule area would be good, for cooking, changing clothes etc, when it's raining outside. A detachable tarp would be better than nothing.

Here's one more "tent on a trailer (http://www.tonystrailers.com/mobileshelter/)" design, by Tony Hoar (Tony's Trailers). I have his kayak trailer ("Trayak") and have been very happy with it.

I understand in some conditions it may be preferrable to have a flat bed for the tent, above ground. But in most cases I really don't see the advantage over a normal tent pitched on ground. Especially as you need a somewhat dedicated trailer. I'm also not entirely convinced the trailer-tent designs are much easier or faster to set up compared to a good quality tent.

--J

some more picsI see (from the blueprint) this guy is Finnish. If OP (or anyone else) wants more information on this design, I can try and dig something up. There are not that many recumbent riders in Finland, I would imagine the guy who rides a DIY wooden bent with a camping trailer is well known amongst them.

--J

Should look into the old teardrop trailers. Might even find one stripped down light enough for a bike.

Honestly, I wouldn't use wood for the walls if someone was holding a .45 to my skull.

Unless you get it free of course.

I'd look into lightweight plastics such as coroplast. It's kind of like corrugated cardboard but made of plastic. It would need a couple bars of reinforcement on the inside, but it'd save a lot of weight over 1/2" plywood.

Is that like the stuff they make yard signs for politicians out of? I like that idea. Maybe some sort of PVC frame with that over top sealed up with lots of caulking at the seams.

Seemple boolets have no effect on meee...
http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b94/mybusiness/Holidays/Halloween/coffin.gif

Seriously, that's how I'd feel in a rigid sided chamber like that.
I'd at least recommend the attempt a trial sleep in a similarly dimensioned box before going to the trouble of engineering something roadworthy.

After making a triangle this size out of cardboard, I'm thinking I'll rethink the triangle shape, or at least enlarge it. At 2.5' wide inside, This will cause some very cramped elbows.

I don't have much info, or a real link for that matter. The article was dated 1940, give or take, and this is all I've ever really found on Mr. "Chet Jr".

I love this line, wonder if it could work now-a-days:
"Post cards that he sold to curious spectators paid for his supplies during the 14 day journey."

Seemple boolets have no effect on meee...
http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b94/mybusiness/Holidays/Halloween/coffin.gif

Well, one rule of lightweight backpacking is to make sure that what you carry serves multiple purposes!

(I'd hate to have to drag anything like this up any sort of hill.)

Or what about something like this - Rosie ran around the world hauling this thing behind her.

143139

I would not recommend hauling around a heavy trailer that attaches to the seatpost. I broke one of my favorite bike frames from doing just such a thing on my first tour.

Thinking about this, you could always do a fiberglass shell. It would be light weight enough, and would keep the elements out.

Thinking about this, you could always do a fiberglass shell. It would be light weight enough, and would keep the elements out.

Takes a lot more effort, time, skill, and money to layup a fibreglass shell, than it would to use some cheap plastic panels that you can cut with a box cutter...

But a fibreglass trailer would look good...

Carbon trailers?

He could take the cheap plastic panels and throw some layers of fiberglass over it. I used fiberglass to fix a hole on my kayak like that. It was simple fast and cheap. The fiberglass resin and cloth and everything you need to do it can be bought at Hardware stores and even at wal-mart.
I am all for building everything I can myself. I built my front rack for my bicycle, cost me a whopping $4.00 in materials, and some time to weld it all up. I couldnt see paying a $100+ for a front rack thats built out of a couple dollars worth of material.

Or what about something like this - Rosie ran around the world hauling this thing behind her.

143139

The link isn't working. Could you repost it another way? I'm interested in any info I can get.

Fiberglass would be awesome, but it sounds pretty labor intensive, difficult, and perhaps expensive. My step dad has some experience with it from building boats though, so maybe he could lend a hand.

Fiberglass work isn't difficult, but it does take patience and money, definitely more than sheet metal / wood.

He could take the cheap plastic panels and throw some layers of fiberglass over it. I used fiberglass to fix a hole on my kayak like that. It was simple fast and cheap. The fiberglass resin and cloth and everything you need to do it can be bought at Hardware stores and even at wal-mart.
Sure, I've done that too (on a sailboat instead of a kayak). But in this case very little structural support is needed - after all, most of us use tents for this application made of a bit of nylon mesh and very light fabric. Those cheap plastic panels are waterproof and rigid enough by themselves, so there's no need for the fiberglass if it's just going to cover them. The fiberglass would add weight, cost, and some extra effort.

I am just going to use a tent or a tarp when I go out overnight. I am still looking at getting a kid hauler so I can put enough groceries in it for 2 weeks. The nearest grocery store worth shopping at is 35 miles away. If I cant find a trailer at a good enough price I am going to weld up my own.

Do ya'll tour with the dingo? Or rampant rabies?

even if you never actually used it, it would be a cool project. Seems like a lot of fun.

I think I'll stick with my 11oz. Zpack Hexamid shelter

http://www.zpacks.com/shelter/hexamid.shtml

You are at a campground, somewhere on your tour. During the night, the local yahoos sneak up, lift the tongue of our trailer and set you rolling downhill into the local river.:notamused:

My question would be: why? What are the benefits of a trailer over, say, a tent? I'm sure there are many; but I wouldn't be surprised if the principal attraction of a trailer is hard to articulate. And this makes me distrust the idea.

For example, one thought is it would be nice to have a place to sleep that requires no set-up time and which works in any location --on the beach, in a parking garage, anywhere. Okay, that sounds good; but would I really want to sleep in any of those places?

I'd opt for a nice Persian rug in a tent

My question would be: why? What are the benefits of a trailer over, say, a tent? I'm sure there are many; but I wouldn't be surprised if the principal attraction of a trailer is hard to articulate. And this makes me distrust the idea.

For example, one thought is it would be nice to have a place to sleep that requires no set-up time and which works in any location --on the beach, in a parking garage, anywhere. Okay, that sounds good; but would I really want to sleep in any of those places?

Why indeed...
I have no desire to sleep in anything that resembles an MRI machine.

"Urban touring" is a whole 'nuther subject.... :lol: