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Sven7 · 05-26-2013, 10:17 PM

This thread is dedicated to DIY bike trailer stuff...

I've long been into bicycles and in high school put together a 2'x3' trailer out of copper pipes. The hitch arm could be extended a couple feet by screwing in an extra pipe. Used 20" wheels from Northern Hydraulics.

Bike Trailer, top by Tyler Linner - now on Ipternity, on Flickr

The top was covered in very versatile (but dangerously sharp) expanded metal. It was fantastic for bungeeing stuff down. I had removable uprights on the four corners which helped the cargo from getting into the wheels.

Bike trailer rear by Tyler Linner - now on Ipternity, on Flickr

With the extension in, I occasionally towed a 10' kayak to the nearby lake. With the extra torque it wobbled a bit with each pedal stroke, but ultimately worked fine.

So, recently I got my first "big boy job" very close to everything I need. Naturally, I got out the bikes and started doing errands on two wheels. This necessitated a bike trailer. I hopped on Craigslist and found this listed for $20. I got there and the lady only wanted $10. Score!

Hooked up to the Trek and took out the recycling, about a five mile ride total.

So, that's fun and all but for cargo use it is horribly balanced. I went back home and looked at the stillborn project I'd been working on. The challenge was to build a trailer for $30 total. I hit $25 and had no hitch; that's what led me to CL.

Looking at them side by side, I decided to use parts from both and make one trailer to suit my needs.

It's made from wooden pallet boards, a small amount of plywood, two $5-each wheels from Harbor Freight and a threaded rod axle. Once the hitch arm goes on, I'll be able to get a scrap sheet of thick-ish plastic for the top and try the thing out. The thing will have a completely flat top so I can hang stuff off the sides if need be, without worrying about hitting the wheels.

Until then, it's time to find a power screwdriver. When this thing's done it should be quite durable. The low load height means it will be able to hold a lot of stuff- anything from boxes of recycling to bags of groceries or Salvation Army furniture. Some eye hooks on the edges will help with tie-downs. I'm going to put a couple casters on the rear end so I can tip the thing upright and roll it through doorways.

Anyway, I will try to update this as the trailer progresses. I've been working on it on and off for a few weeks but would like to get it on the road sooner than later. Probably have about $40 into it now (not counting tool purchases which will last me many years).

Cheers! -Tyler

05-26-2013, 10:17 PM	#1 (permalink)
Sven7 Master EcoModder Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Warren, MI Posts: 2,456 Boo Radley - '65 Ford F100 90 day: 13.28 mpg (US) Thanks: 782 Thanked 668 Times in 410 Posts	Adventures with Bike Trailers... This thread is dedicated to DIY bike trailer stuff... I've long been into bicycles and in high school put together a 2'x3' trailer out of copper pipes. The hitch arm could be extended a couple feet by screwing in an extra pipe. Used 20" wheels from Northern Hydraulics. Bike Trailer, top by Tyler Linner - now on Ipternity, on Flickr The top was covered in very versatile (but dangerously sharp) expanded metal. It was fantastic for bungeeing stuff down. I had removable uprights on the four corners which helped the cargo from getting into the wheels. Bike trailer rear by Tyler Linner - now on Ipternity, on Flickr With the extension in, I occasionally towed a 10' kayak to the nearby lake. With the extra torque it wobbled a bit with each pedal stroke, but ultimately worked fine. So, recently I got my first "big boy job" very close to everything I need. Naturally, I got out the bikes and started doing errands on two wheels. This necessitated a bike trailer. I hopped on Craigslist and found this listed for $20. I got there and the lady only wanted $10. Score! Hooked up to the Trek and took out the recycling, about a five mile ride total. So, that's fun and all but for cargo use it is horribly balanced. I went back home and looked at the stillborn project I'd been working on. The challenge was to build a trailer for $30 total. I hit $25 and had no hitch; that's what led me to CL. Looking at them side by side, I decided to use parts from both and make one trailer to suit my needs. It's made from wooden pallet boards, a small amount of plywood, two $5-each wheels from Harbor Freight and a threaded rod axle. Once the hitch arm goes on, I'll be able to get a scrap sheet of thick-ish plastic for the top and try the thing out. The thing will have a completely flat top so I can hang stuff off the sides if need be, without worrying about hitting the wheels. Until then, it's time to find a power screwdriver. When this thing's done it should be quite durable. The low load height means it will be able to hold a lot of stuff- anything from boxes of recycling to bags of groceries or Salvation Army furniture. Some eye hooks on the edges will help with tie-downs. I'm going to put a couple casters on the rear end so I can tip the thing upright and roll it through doorways. Anyway, I will try to update this as the trailer progresses. I've been working on it on and off for a few weeks but would like to get it on the road sooner than later. Probably have about $40 into it now (not counting tool purchases which will last me many years). Cheers! -Tyler __________________ He gave me a dollar. A blood-soaked dollar. I cannot get the spot out but it's okay; It still works in the store Last edited by Sven7; 05-26-2013 at 10:28 PM..