I built a trailer!
#1
Thread Starter
Cycle Dallas
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 3,776
Likes: 11
From: Land of Gar, TX
Bikes: Dulcinea--2017 Kona Rove & a few others
I built a trailer!
I have been wanting a trailer, but was having one heck of a time justifying the cost to my wife. So, I decided to make my own using stuff we had out in the garage...
The framework is made out of pieces from an old front/back double stroller and the wheels are from a couple of trashed out toddler bikes we had sitting out in the garage. The tow arm is part of an aluminum golf bag caddy.
I'm still working on an anchoring system for the bin. I don't like having to detach the bin to open it. I want it to be secure but not too hard to put on a larger bin, dog kennel or just use it as a flat bed. One adjustment I'm going to make is to put more bend in the tow arm. It bumps the basket support on slow right hand turns.
On its virgin run, I brought home 70+ pounds of dog & cat food, cat litter and other groceries. It rode very well and I'm already planning to build one for my canoe.
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The framework is made out of pieces from an old front/back double stroller and the wheels are from a couple of trashed out toddler bikes we had sitting out in the garage. The tow arm is part of an aluminum golf bag caddy.
I'm still working on an anchoring system for the bin. I don't like having to detach the bin to open it. I want it to be secure but not too hard to put on a larger bin, dog kennel or just use it as a flat bed. One adjustment I'm going to make is to put more bend in the tow arm. It bumps the basket support on slow right hand turns.
On its virgin run, I brought home 70+ pounds of dog & cat food, cat litter and other groceries. It rode very well and I'm already planning to build one for my canoe.
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#2
you need to work on the hitch a bit for safety , mate.
As it is now it can move only in one plane. you need
at least movement in two planes to keep from
getting pitched over to one side if the trailer twist up.
As it is now it can move only in one plane. you need
at least movement in two planes to keep from
getting pitched over to one side if the trailer twist up.
#3
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 50
Likes: 0
From: BC Canada
Bikes: Giant Cypress
wow...
way to build outa scrap.. ;o)
and here's a link about pulling a trailer..
https://www.bikesatwork.com/hauling-cargo-by-bike/
don't want ya getting dragged over..
way to build outa scrap.. ;o)
and here's a link about pulling a trailer..
https://www.bikesatwork.com/hauling-cargo-by-bike/
don't want ya getting dragged over..
#4
Conservative Hippie
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 4,268
Likes: 0
From: Wakulla Co. FL
That is cool.
I use a Burley Flatbed Utility Trailer almost daily. I'm sure you'll get a lot of use out of your trailer. A very handy thing to have.
I considered a box like you have, and still may do it one day. The way I considered attaching the box to the trailer is to bolt a thin plywood bed to the trailer frame, then bolt the box to the bed through the bottom.
You might be able to get just a hitch from Burley, wouldn't hurt to ask.
https://www.burley.com/default.html
I use a Burley Flatbed Utility Trailer almost daily. I'm sure you'll get a lot of use out of your trailer. A very handy thing to have.
I considered a box like you have, and still may do it one day. The way I considered attaching the box to the trailer is to bolt a thin plywood bed to the trailer frame, then bolt the box to the bed through the bottom.
You might be able to get just a hitch from Burley, wouldn't hurt to ask.
https://www.burley.com/default.html
#5
Senior Member

Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 2,601
Likes: 0
From: Arizona, USA
Bikes: Mercier Corvus (commuter), Fila Taos (MTB), Trek 660(Got frame for free and put my LeMans Centurian components on it)
Originally Posted by Tightwad
you need to work on the hitch a bit for safety , mate.
As it is now it can move only in one plane. you need
at least movement in two planes to keep from
getting pitched over to one side if the trailer twist up.
As it is now it can move only in one plane. you need
at least movement in two planes to keep from
getting pitched over to one side if the trailer twist up.
I thought the hitch was the Burley special skewer for recumbents and other non-standard frames when I first looked at it.
Looking closer I see that is not what has been done. If the builder wants a mount that does this that is very similar to his present design I would suggest purchasing one from a Burley dealer. It should work with your present system it appears.
__________________
Sunrise saturday,
I was biking the backroads,
lost in the moment.
Sunrise saturday,
I was biking the backroads,
lost in the moment.
#9
Originally Posted by MMACH 5
Thanks for the tips and links. I'll get busy on upgrading that hitch...
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Slow Ride Cyclists of NEPA
People do not seem to realize that their opinion of the world is also a confession of character.
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Slow Ride Cyclists of NEPA
People do not seem to realize that their opinion of the world is also a confession of character.
- Ralph Waldo Emerson
#12
Senior Member

Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 1,238
Likes: 3
From: New Orleans
Bikes: Surly LHT x2, Raleigh Supercorse, DL1, Twenty
that's really nice man. I made one before, I was just confused on how to make a hitch. Oh and did I mention I made it out of wood?
I might make another one just for kicks. Thanks for the inspiration, But I am not gonna take your design. [thought] hmm. . .maby PVC this time
[thought]
I might make another one just for kicks. Thanks for the inspiration, But I am not gonna take your design. [thought] hmm. . .maby PVC this time
[thought]





