Trailer suggestions
08-21-05, 04:28 AM
#26
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I hadn't used my Nomad in a while, and yesterday decided to use it for a grocery run. I aired up the tires (very important), hooked it up and rode to the store. The store I go to is uphill from my house, and the empty trailer wasn't even noticeable on the way uphill.
I bought about $150 worth of groceries including lots of liquids (heavy stuff) that pretty much filled one of those large plastic supermarket carts. Loaded it all into the Nomad and set off for home.
The trailer was heavily loaded, but it has zero effect on the handling of the bicycle other than that there is more braking force required.
When I go over bumps, there is more of a fore/aft "tugging" feel from the trailer than any up/down motion.
On level ground even with a heavy load the bicycle is easy to pedal.
One thing though... a few years back when I first got the trailer the stupid flag bounced out of the holder and I lost it. A couple weeks ago I checked with Burley on getting another one. They wouldn't sell me one direct, they told me I have to go to an LBS and have them order one for me.
I can see them not selling trailers direct so as to not be in competition with their dealers, but parts? I think they should be willing to sell parts direct.
In any case I still don't have a flag due to the hassle of going to an LBS and getting them to order one for me.
I bought about $150 worth of groceries including lots of liquids (heavy stuff) that pretty much filled one of those large plastic supermarket carts. Loaded it all into the Nomad and set off for home.
The trailer was heavily loaded, but it has zero effect on the handling of the bicycle other than that there is more braking force required.
When I go over bumps, there is more of a fore/aft "tugging" feel from the trailer than any up/down motion.
On level ground even with a heavy load the bicycle is easy to pedal.
One thing though... a few years back when I first got the trailer the stupid flag bounced out of the holder and I lost it. A couple weeks ago I checked with Burley on getting another one. They wouldn't sell me one direct, they told me I have to go to an LBS and have them order one for me.
I can see them not selling trailers direct so as to not be in competition with their dealers, but parts? I think they should be willing to sell parts direct.
In any case I still don't have a flag due to the hassle of going to an LBS and getting them to order one for me.
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08-21-05, 03:30 PM
#27
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You can pick up generic flags at Sportmart and maybe Big-5, and I think you can get parts like that direct from Burley. A flag's a very good idea, cars and especially SUVs can't see the trailer well otherwise.
Yeah my Nomad's tires will go down, they take like 40lbs pressure, funny how tires lose pressure when not used, and right now my trailer use is 2 days a month when it's indispensible, both on the same weekend, and it sits the rest of the month.
Yeah my Nomad's tires will go down, they take like 40lbs pressure, funny how tires lose pressure when not used, and right now my trailer use is 2 days a month when it's indispensible, both on the same weekend, and it sits the rest of the month.
08-25-05, 12:32 PM
#28
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Speaking of trailers, has anyone got suggestions for a source for 20" spoked wheels to build my own trailer around? I've got access to rigid aluminum conduit, bender, etc. I tried to google "20" wheels" to no avail. Any ideas?
08-25-05, 01:16 PM
#29
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Originally Posted by HelluvaStella
Speaking of trailers, has anyone got suggestions for a source for 20" spoked wheels to build my own trailer around? I've got access to rigid aluminum conduit, bender, etc. I tried to google "20" wheels" to no avail. Any ideas?
08-25-05, 08:15 PM
#31
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If you build a trailer frame that supports the wheels on both sides, then any children's bike front wheel will do.
08-26-05, 01:43 AM
#32
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Originally Posted by HelluvaStella
Speaking of trailers, has anyone got suggestions for a source for 20" spoked wheels to build my own trailer around? I've got access to rigid aluminum conduit, bender, etc. I tried to google "20" wheels" to no avail. Any ideas?
https://www.grizzly.com/products/item...emnumber=H3042
08-26-05, 10:08 AM
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Originally Posted by spambait11
Here's a source for 20" wheels:
https://www.grizzly.com/products/item...emnumber=H3042
https://www.grizzly.com/products/item...emnumber=H3042
08-26-05, 01:14 PM
#34
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All right! That looks perfect. I found a suitable axle at mcmaster.com. steveknight, what do you mean by using the alum. pipe?
08-26-05, 07:56 PM
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this is what I am thinking of using 1968T333 3/4" aluminum tubing. in that size it should be pretty strong and lighter then steel.
08-27-05, 12:49 AM
#37
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Originally Posted by lilHinault
Yep an older Burley will work too, and Burley will sell parts for the old ones too - very cool company.
It's worth mentioning that the only reason I am trying to get spare parts is that Burley refuses to honor its "Lifetime Warranty." Someone at Burley told me that after 5 years the hitch should be replaced, so they wouldn't warranty the hitch.
08-27-05, 04:06 AM
#38
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Originally Posted by chennai
Have you gotten parts from Burley? I haven't had any luck. They refer me to the LBS... <SNIP>
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08-29-05, 08:51 AM
#39
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Originally Posted by steveknight
this is what I am thinking of using 1968T333 3/4" aluminum tubing. in that size it should be pretty strong and lighter then steel.
08-29-05, 09:22 AM
#40
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Originally Posted by Tightwad
Advice I gave before and still holds true....
(and I'm still using this trailer 25 years later)
"Yep, do as I did.....build your own trailer. I used these
plans many years ago using an old oak skid for framing and
left over roofing plywood and some free 20" bike wheels
(20" is way better for both weight and tracking) along with
some left over enamel paint I had. Total cost: $15 for tires,
tubes and hardware.
Now the good part.....This completed trailer tested out as
able to carry 250lbs repeatedly!!!!!!! Sure I was in granny
gear but I NEVER worried about breaking this trailer that is
still in use to this day.
https://www.motherearthnews.com/arc/6552/ "
*
(and I'm still using this trailer 25 years later)
"Yep, do as I did.....build your own trailer. I used these
plans many years ago using an old oak skid for framing and
left over roofing plywood and some free 20" bike wheels
(20" is way better for both weight and tracking) along with
some left over enamel paint I had. Total cost: $15 for tires,
tubes and hardware.
Now the good part.....This completed trailer tested out as
able to carry 250lbs repeatedly!!!!!!! Sure I was in granny
gear but I NEVER worried about breaking this trailer that is
still in use to this day.
https://www.motherearthnews.com/arc/6552/ "
*
Thanks for that great link. Any pictures of your build?
08-29-05, 09:23 AM
#41
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Originally Posted by HelluvaStella
That tube's ID is .51". Wouldn't you need and axle with an OD of 3/4" to fit the wheels on? I was looking at mcmaster part # 6516K48. It is a 3/4" diam threaded rod. I would then think that you would need an aluminum pipe with an ID of 3/4" to hold the axle. No?
you don't want threads on it where the wheel bearings are sitting you want it smooth.
08-29-05, 02:37 PM
#42
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Originally Posted by steveknight
the id is the inside diamiter. the outside is 3/4" I found some on ebay stainless steel cost me about 15.00 shipped for the right sized pipe. you really don't want solid as that weight's way too much and you don't need that much stength unless your hauling a mountain.
you don't want threads on it where the wheel bearings are sitting you want it smooth.
you don't want threads on it where the wheel bearings are sitting you want it smooth.
08-29-05, 09:34 PM
#43
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Originally Posted by HelluvaStella
Right. I know what ID is, but my question is what do you hold the wheels on with. A smooth axle that is hollow only gets you halfway, doesn't it?
09-02-05, 12:06 AM
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Originally Posted by SpiderMike
I lived car free for years but I was doing it solo. I was a UBER-bachelor back then. A grocery run for a week's worth, was able to fit in a backpack or my Chrome Stingray bag. Well that all ended when I got a better job, and was able to buy a truck. (Don't beat me).
Now, I am married, and have been commuting by bike for a long time now. Where I live now, there are two grocery stores very close (less than 5 miles). It bugs me to drive for the grocery run. Its more the old car free part of me that is bugged, and the whole less money on gas, and maintenance on the truck is just logical. As for commuting, I have gotten by with alternating between my messy-bags on my kona mtb I converted to SS. The bike is fully rigid, chromo, and is ready for panniers.
I am just looking for the cheapest trailer, for grocery mainly. Secondary purpose would be down at the beach house, to haul the ice chest and fishing gear. Didn't see a trailer FAQ, so I have lurked through some of the post, and seen alot of suggestion about the Nomad trailer. Just wondering the nomad better than the BOB? Or is there a better suggestion? **I am being sincere here, not trying to troll.**
Now, I am married, and have been commuting by bike for a long time now. Where I live now, there are two grocery stores very close (less than 5 miles). It bugs me to drive for the grocery run. Its more the old car free part of me that is bugged, and the whole less money on gas, and maintenance on the truck is just logical. As for commuting, I have gotten by with alternating between my messy-bags on my kona mtb I converted to SS. The bike is fully rigid, chromo, and is ready for panniers.
I am just looking for the cheapest trailer, for grocery mainly. Secondary purpose would be down at the beach house, to haul the ice chest and fishing gear. Didn't see a trailer FAQ, so I have lurked through some of the post, and seen alot of suggestion about the Nomad trailer. Just wondering the nomad better than the BOB? Or is there a better suggestion? **I am being sincere here, not trying to troll.**
09-02-05, 09:12 AM
#45
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Originally Posted by spambait11
Here's a source for 20" wheels:
https://www.grizzly.com/products/item...emnumber=H3042
https://www.grizzly.com/products/item...emnumber=H3042
