I just finished designing this idea I had for a small bike camper trailer.

I think it would be comfortable enough, considering that I actually like being closed in when I'm sleeping. I can definitely understand though how it would make some people very uncomfortable and claustrophobic.

I was thinking that the wheels and seat-post mount would come off with some form of QR, so that it could sit flat on the ground.

I know it will be pretty heavy, (as it's drawn now, it's made mostly from 1/2 inch plywood) but do you think it will be too heavy? Would another material be lighter with adequate durability? Would it be expensive?
(I already posted this in the Touring Forum, but BFSSFG is really the only place on here I hang out so I figured it would be interesting to hear what y'all think)


It still needs some additions (such as Paint, sheet metal, or some other covering to keep the wood from rotting so fast), and I haven't actually figured out exactly how I'll run the axle/ axles or the seat-post mount, but let me know what you think. Any suggestions or criticism are openly accepted.

Looks great! The air vent is a nice touch. Use plastic sheeting instead of plywood. Lighter, thinner, and you won't have to worry about decay.

Fuuuuuuuu plastic.

Where do you find rigid plastic sheeting? I like the idea, it just might be a little harder to attach at the edges and corners. Lots and lots of caulking? =P

Good question. Any building material recycling stores around? Perhaps hardware stores could help you out. Why would it be harder to attach? Lack of screws? Use bolts instead.

True. Good Idea. Time for some more research!

Why not use panniers and a tent?

I guess the only real advantages over a tent are: Not having to set it up, staying totally dry, and somewhat more warmth i suppose. Mostly I just like the idea of having a self contained unit that I can keep set up with my sleeping bag and stuff all the time. I'm not sure if I can really justify this over a tent, and this definitely wouldn't work in all the situations a tent would, but I like it.

..

I'd rather do panniers or a more traditional trailer. Wheelbase on that thing is going to be so long it will be a real pain, plus the weight. Of course I'm in FL where for a good chunk of the year (if you dont mind sweating) you can get along with a lightweight hammock, some rope, and a mosquito net (vitally important, don't forget the mosquito net).

haha, I'm digging the westward expansion wagon. =P I wonder how hard that thing is to haul uphill. And that Buzz-Lightyear-helmet thing looks cool, but not all that comfortable. haha.

Those pictures are amazing. Made my night lol.

I would think some form of lightweight metal sheeting could cut down on the weight immensely. Of course it won't be nearly as warm but a good sleeping bag weighs a whole lot less than 3 square feet of plywood and/or plastic sheeting.

coroplast, corrugated plastic lots of yard signs are printed on. if you have a plastics supplier in your town they should sell 4x8 sheets of the stuff. Can be heat formed as well... for more aero!

It sounds great. Looking it up online I found the price of about $50 for a full 48x96 sheet. That seems a little much, do you think it could be had for less if I could find it locally?

when not sleeping in it, i hope you store giant sized Toblerones inside!!!

^^^^ Sponsor perhaps..?? hahaha

hahah. Or just paint the whole thing to look like one. Maybe I could get them to pay me. =P

yeah, paint it up and then sell them out of the back..!! new business opportunity.... hahaha

I'll be looking forward to this

I laughed sooo hard at the tolberone.

Does the upper part/roof need to be rigid?
You could cut a lot of weight and gain some more functionality if you made it out of canvas or some kind of plastic tarp.
Then you could take that off easily and use the trailer to move things, or you could drop it to cut wind resistance.

soft top is a great idea. If you can make it colapsable then perhaps the bottom/base can fold in half and decrease the length you have to tow behind you. Just a simple hinge?

There was a posting in the touring forum a while back about a boy who built his own camper trailer and travelled a good distance... with a 3 speed bike.

It was featured in a 1940's Popular Science issue.

Love the OP's images... you will need a chain stay mounted hitch as a seatpost mount will destroy your bike and a more aero shape and lighter materials will make a huge difference.

With larger wheels the trailer will ride and roll better but sacrifices some wheel strength, could also offer some under trailer storage ideas to keep things as low as possible.

Don't forget to add some levelers to the camper.

Search google for motorcycle campers. They are small towables that pop-up into tent-campers. Too heavy for bicycles, but they may give you some other ideas. The coroplast is a great idea too.