ActionBent Trailer
 

I have about 150 miles on my new ActionBent Partner-II trailer, and it has performed beautifully.

http://www.actionbent.com/twtrailer2.html

I bought two skewers, one for my RANS V2 and another for my Specialized Hardrock. Most of those miles were on the 'bent, but about 25 miles were on dirt roads with the MTB.

The trailer rails fold down for shipping or storage. The only assembly required was to install the 16" wheels, each held on with an allen bolt (wrench provided), flip up the side rails and secure with a clevis pin, install the hitch with another clevis pin, and pump up the tires. Within 15-20 minutes, the trailer was out of the shipping box and connected to the MTB including the time to install the skewer on the bike.

The trailer appears to be well-made. It's powder-coated aluminum. The welds look good if a little heavy handed on one on the top rail.

The trailer comes with a large yellow/black bag which can be used in the trailer for cargo or used as a storage bag for the trailer when it is knocked down. The bolts that secure the side rails are installed so the bolt threads are exposed inside the trailer. This quickly wore two small holes in the bag. I reversed the bolts so the nut and exposed threads are on the outside of the trailer. The holes in the bag were easily patched with duct tape which, using motorcycle racing logic, might make the trailer go faster.

The only other short-coming I found was the flag. It mounts on the rear of the trailer with two small sheet metal screws. It lasted about 3 miles before the thin metal holder fatigued and broke off. I mounted another old flag I had on the left axle allen bolt, and secured it to the side rail with two hose clamps.

The trailer tracks absolutely straight and true. You quickly forget it is back there. Even when a trailer wheel falls off the shoulder or tracks in a rut, it doesn't tend to adversely steer the bike. The hitch is very secure and relatively quiet even off-road.

The longest trip so far was to my RC flying field, a 36 mile round trip, hauling 35 pounds of airplanes and support equipment. The trailer has a max. payload of 77 pounds. The trailer could handle it, but I don't think I could struggle up the local hills with it. The trailer will also be used for grocery trips and work trips to the local citrus orchard I manage twice a week for a local university.

I'm very happy with the purchase, and plan to buy another one as a platform for the mini-teardrop trailer I eventually want to build to carry my RC planes in style.

Eric

I think I still prefer my BoB.

What are you doing in that handicapped parking spot? I know the bike has wheels and you sit on it, but it's not exactly a wheelchair. :)

Nice looking trailer, BTW.

That was going to be my story if I got busted!

Eric

The BOB trailers were on my short list when I was shopping. They are very nicely made. However, I wanted a two wheel trailer for grocery shopping. This weekend, I'm building a handle for this trailer so I can use it as a shopping cart while I'm inside the store. It will just connect in place of the hitch. With two wheels, it's easier to handle as a cart and park in an aisle.

Eric

I like your 2 wheels
I've got a few 1000en miles on mine so far and I'm happy I got a 2 wheel one

http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/e...caines/222.jpg

How do you think this trailer would hold up with a 60# dog on it?

Well, the payload is 77 lbs, so weight-wise it should be OK, even with a dog carrier on it.

My only concern would be it might be a little small physically for a dog that size. My Australian Shepard mix is 55 lbs and she wouldn't be able to lie down in the 29x19" space. She could only sit up in it. A dog carrier big enough for her would fit without the side rails if it isn't wider than 23" to fit between the wheels.

One of my considerations was the relatively narrow track for a two wheeler. I ride on a lot of roads where there is fast traffic and no shoulder. You might need something a little bigger for that dog. Cut a 29x19" piece of cardboard, lay it on the floor and get the dog to lie down on it. :D

Eric

29x19 is a bit tight. Its a corgi mix, so he's even a little longer than you'd expect! Thanks for the info.