AdamDZ

So I got another Burley frame on CL. This time I placed a WTB ad for a Burley frame or a damaged trailer (unusable top) and someone responded. He actually had it converted already to a cargo trailer, although his conversion didn't exactly strike my fancy and this was supposed to be a flatbed, so I removed everything down to a bare frame and started over.

I'm using a 2'x4' sheet of plywood. I had to trim the width a bit, but I'm going to make it using the entire length, the midpoint being right above the axles. I may add supporting crossbeams if needed, I've run out of materials today. Although it seems that this sheet of plywood should easily hold 100lbs.

I'm trying to mount it in a way so no bolts or screws are protruding because the bed will have a sheet of rubber glued to it and is supposed to be smooth.

Here is the top view:



And bottom view, the bars are an additional safety measure to prevent the bed from sliding. The bars will also be used as reinforced areas to attach strap loops (u bolts). The trailer frame will be attached to the bed with wood screws going through the frame into the sides of the box:





Applying weatherproofing finish to the bottom and the sides:



The product used for this:



To be continued!

chrism32205

Looks good.. cant wait to see the outcome.

AdamDZ

Thanks It'll be few days, I have to let it dry and then apply one more coat of the waterproofing finish. Then I have to glue the rubber "floor", that's another 24 hour to let the adhesive set. Adding the hardware won't take long. I figure it should be finalized on Saturday morning. I already have an errand in mind for it.

crazzywolfie

it looks awesome. are you eventually going to build removable sides for it like a wagon?

AdamDZ

No, I don't think so. I don't plan to carry anything that would require sides and it'll be way too heavy. It's quite heavy as it is. I wanted to use aluminum as support and sides, but it would be too expensive, so I went with all-wood construction, but that means increased weight.

noglider 

I want one of those to carry my dogs to the dog park. It's probably unrealistic. My dogs are super tall. And the dog park is 6 miles away. And I think they don't like riding on something like this. If it's big enough to put dog beds on, it might work.

AdamDZ

Beautiful dogs! You'd need some kind of side panels though. I think most dogs like riding in all kinds of things. They may be afraid at first but once they get it they may like it. Although, I see two guys during my commute who haul large dogs on a simple flatbed with no sides, just a dog bed. The dogs lie down calmly and judging from their expression they enjoy the ride.

noglider 

If I put sides on it, they'd have to be very tall.

Waffle, the smaller one, does love rides. She adores the car and will forget about her need to pee if she thinks we're getting in the car.

Red seems a bit indifferent. The trouble is that the car is pretty uncomfortable because he's so long legged. He keeps falling, since he's top heavy. I have to shift gears very slowly. When I brake, he often goes flying forward and bumps himself.

I've carried them each (one at a time) in my trailer. They were not happy, but it was definitely too small. I had to strap them down.

AdamDZ

I guess, the trick would be to get them to lie down and feel comfortable in that position. Then you'd only need something to keep their tails and paws safe from the spinning wheels.

AdamDZ

I didn't abandon this project. It just took a long time to weatherproof, prime and paint the box. I have to do this outside and we've got lots of rainy days recently, plus I had to give it 24h between each coat so it all added up. But the painting is done and the rubber floor is glued. The box is attached to the frame. I basically painted it black and will add a yellow conspicuity tape around the box to make it nice and visible. It should be finished tomorrow and I'll post pictures.

AdamDZ

It took a while longer than anticipated, I was unable to work on it for a while. But here it is. I would prefer something with lower center of gravity. I'll have to be careful with it when riding loaded. I will add plastic corner protectors eventually too.



The bed is covered with rubber sheet glued to the plywood with tile glue.



The lights are removable, they can be used on both my trailers.



The hole is for the flag. It's a Presta Saver and a washer.



These are to hook bungee cords or straps to secure the cargo, four on each side.



The trailer is very close to the rear of the bike but there is enough clearance for safe turning.



I had to add supporting bars underneath. It increased the weight, but a single sheet of plywood was too flexible by itself. The entire bed was painted with three coats of water repellant, then primed with deck primer and painted with two more coats of black outdoor paint. That's why it took so long.



The wheels are exactly in the center of the platform.



Rear with lights removed. It's begging for a yellow triangle or two.

randomgear

SWEET!
You have me thinking about converting mine; but I think it's at least bike project 6 on the list.
1 - dual dyno headlights
2 - Sturmey Archer XFDD front
3 - braze-ons for front lights
4 - braze new rear rack
5 - braze new front rack
6 - flatbed conversion

AdamDZ

Oh by the way, the trailer is full 4 feet long. I used a standard sheet of plywood I just had to cut some off lengthwise to fit to the frame so it's 22 inches wide.

gna

How heavy is it?

AdamDZ

Good question I don't know. I'll find out tonight.

chrism32205

looks good.. Id go without the triangle.. its perfection!

pathdoc

Nice job.

AdamDZ

Thanks

It's just under 30lbs. So it's not a lightweight trailer, but not terribly heavy either.

owenfinn

That`s awesome.