September 27, 2006

Hello...

For those who want to make DIY bicycle cargo trailer and is stumped for ideas for a trailer hitch.....

Here is a simplistic solution that might work for you.

BILL of Material..

Cargo Trailer for infrequent use...

1. Two wheel garden cart / hand truck.
2. 18 gal Rubbermade Tote.
3. 2 U-bolts to secure Tote to garden cart by drilling holes in the tote and securing the tote to the cart frame.
4. Clevis hook -- (a eye bolt would be much better but I didn't have one handy) secured to the garden cart handle.
5. 1 - U-bolt to secure the clevis hook. Use as many U-bolts as you deem necessary.


Hitch.( Make sure to take appropriate measures to protect your frame be it cloth tape, etc.)

1. 6" adjustable wrench (a box end wrench -- would probably work better but I don't have one to spare). I probably would slip a cut inner tube of appropriate length to cushion the wrench grip when the wrench is secured against the bike frame.
2. 1 - strapping clamp to secure the top of the adjustable wrench to the seat stay tube. A proper size U-bolt might work better -- but I didn't have one on hand. Use as many U-bolts as you deem necessary to secure the wrench to your bike frame. Note that the position of the adjustable wrench. The wrench head helps to prevent the strapping clamp from slipping off.
3. 1 U-bolt to secure lower part of the adjustable wrench to the chain stay.
4. 1- Ball Joint (mine has 5/16 hole diameter) and attached to the hanger hole of the adjustable wrench then tightened and positioned where the ball joint opening can handle the attaching bolt (hitch pin) in a vertical position. I suppose a eye bolt can be substituted for a ball joint.
5. 1 5/16 bolt.for hitch pin -- 5 inches long attaching bolt treaded through the clevis hook and then through the ball joint. I didn't have the accompanying nut so I used some rubber band at the end of bolt (ie tool free quick release)
6. Finally, 1 stretch cord to wrapped under the ball joint for vertical support.

Note #1: In my illustration. I used a longer 5/16 bolt than necessary because I could not find a accompanying nut. I found the extra length beneficial because it allowed extra play so I can lay down my bike on the ground while the trailer remained upright. I cut inner tubes into rubber bands as a poor substitute nut.. but the extra length bolt mitigates the need for a nut -- a quick release solution. I suppose you can drill a small hole near the end of the bolt to accompany a cotter pin.

If you choose the right length bolt and nut.. buy a correct size compression spring to slip on the bolt before securing the bolt (hitch pin) to the ball joint. The compression spring works well to dampen the metal to metal vibration noise especially when the trailer is empty.

NOTE #2: Since the garden cart was not modified, the trailer will ride left of the bike much more than (in traffic) if a tow tongue was used.

Yesterday, I hauled 5 1 gal (roughly 35lbs) Tampico fruit punch drink with NO problem..

Much obliged.
Nick Lee
Sparks, NV
car-free since January 2000.

PS.. search my user id on bikeforums.net for more ideas on cargo trailers.