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Proper Trailer Setup?

Old 03-24-17, 06:15 AM
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Proper Trailer Setup?

I just got a used trailer (2 wheeled). Tonight was my first time riding with a trailer and I could use some of your expertise to make sure im using it correctly. Some questions I have:

1- What angle should the trailer be front to back?

2- How should the mount be positioned on my rear dropout? facing straight back, angled down etc

any info or advice will be greatly appreciated
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Old 03-24-17, 06:23 AM
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Old 03-24-17, 07:07 AM
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NB the center of the trailer tows from the left dropout, so its not directly behind you, but more to the left.

put more weight towards the trailer front , not behind the wheels.



....
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Old 03-24-17, 07:57 AM
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Originally Posted by fietsbob
NB the center of the trailer tows from the left dropout, so its not directly behind you, but more to the left.

put more weight towards the trailer front , not behind the wheels.



....
Weight towards front, got it. Thanks. What about the direction of the mount? If Im looking at it face on like a clock, the mount extends out to 4 o'clock.
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Old 03-24-17, 09:00 AM
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Well since we don't know what type of, location of, the trailer hitch attachment to the bike I don't see how we are expected to be able to answer the question. This is a classic case of too little info being offered. A few photos would really help us help the OP. Or at the minimum the trailer's brand and the bike model. Andy.
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Old 03-24-17, 09:25 AM
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Originally Posted by Andrew R Stewart
Well since we don't know what type of, location of, the trailer hitch attachment to the bike I don't see how we are expected to be able to answer the question. This is a classic case of too little info being offered. A few photos would really help us help the OP. Or at the minimum the trailer's brand and the bike model. Andy.
That's no fun! Let's just guess! 4 o'clock sounds about right, to me! Make it "4:20", even!
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Old 03-24-17, 11:09 AM
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I have 3 home built bike trailers. The pictures are of 2 of them and the other is similar the the Rubbermaid one with smaller wheels. Use them for going and getting the mail. The hitch is a copy of what Bike Friday uses. Basically a good air chuck and a piece of heavy duty hose to allow flex. Generally mine follow a bit to the left of the bikes centerline. Primarily so you do not hit the trailers tounge with the rear wheel when turning right. No matter how you make the tounge when you are towing the trailer the centerline of the rear axle will be perpendicular to the centerline of the bike when using it. A few pictures.
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Old 03-24-17, 12:43 PM
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Originally Posted by rhenning
I have 3 home built bike trailers. The pictures are of 2 of them and the other is similar the the Rubbermaid one with smaller wheels. Use them for going and getting the mail. The hitch is a copy of what Bike Friday uses. Basically a good air chuck and a piece of heavy duty hose to allow flex. Generally mine follow a bit to the left of the bikes centerline. Primarily so you do not hit the trailers tounge with the rear wheel when turning right. No matter how you make the tounge when you are towing the trailer the centerline of the rear axle will be perpendicular to the centerline of the bike when using it. A few pictures.
Great idea to use the air hose connectors!
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Old 03-25-17, 07:33 AM
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Originally Posted by Andrew R Stewart
Well since we don't know what type of, location of, the trailer hitch attachment to the bike I don't see how we are expected to be able to answer the question. This is a classic case of too little info being offered. A few photos would really help us help the OP. Or at the minimum the trailer's brand and the bike model. Andy.

You dont have much social interaction "offline" do you? 0ne.
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Old 03-25-17, 07:34 AM
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Originally Posted by rhenning
I have 3 home built bike trailers. The pictures are of 2 of them and the other is similar the the Rubbermaid one with smaller wheels. Use them for going and getting the mail. The hitch is a copy of what Bike Friday uses. Basically a good air chuck and a piece of heavy duty hose to allow flex. Generally mine follow a bit to the left of the bikes centerline. Primarily so you do not hit the trailers tounge with the rear wheel when turning right. No matter how you make the tounge when you are towing the trailer the centerline of the rear axle will be perpendicular to the centerline of the bike when using it. A few pictures.

amazing job. thanks for sharing!
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Old 03-25-17, 07:41 AM
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Originally Posted by Andrew R Stewart
Well since we don't know what type of, location of, the trailer hitch attachment to the bike I don't see how we are expected to be able to answer the question. This is a classic case of too little info being offered. A few photos would really help us help the OP. Or at the minimum the trailer's brand and the bike model. Andy.


Why do you put "Andy" after your post? Everyone knows who wrote what, just look to the left... 0ne.
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Old 03-25-17, 09:33 AM
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One- Why do you feel the need to poke at me with personal insults? But since I tend to be a nice guy I'll answer your questions anyways. I've been a retail shop guy/wrench for years and find that those mechanics who are willing to take responsibility for their work by signing off often are the better ones. In this age of posters hiding behind false names I can only rebel in my own way. Hence I sign off with the name I was given. To me this is also being friendly. As to my social life, it's fine. As example yesterday I spent time with a former boss who's gone through prostate stuff recently. Today I lead the club ride (but with the cold rain I suspect no one will show) and tomorrow I have a ride date with friends. So I'm fine. Andy.
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Old 03-25-17, 04:52 PM
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One that is also the reason my Posts are always signed with my real name. Roger
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