How to make a cargo trailer for a bicycle. Bicycle cargo trailer

Hello, Dear friends! When talking about a bike trailer, people can perceive the meaning of this phrase in different ways. In one case we are talking about simple car trailers in which one or more bikes can be loaded and transported from point A to point B. A rational solution. Especially if you make an appropriate insert-mount for transporting bicycles.

On the network you can find the corresponding drawings and do them yourself. Moreover, a home-made and only slightly modified passenger car trailer for a car, that is, a truck, will not go beyond its certified design, and you will not have any problems with traffic police or traffic police.

But today we are talking about something different. I want to talk about the trailer specifically for the bike itself, that is, it is a trolley that is attached to the bike and is used as a small wheeled structure for cargo, some things, sometimes even for transporting children in nature.

Design features of the bike trailer

If in the case of transportation by car, it is not necessary to use a trailer for transporting bikes, since there are special, and or more common , then in order to pull some kind of load behind the bike itself, you can’t do without a trolley.

Bicycle trailers are used to transport heavy, but compact loads. Weight largely depends on how much an adult will be able to master. Therefore, such structures are subject to increased requirements in terms of strength and reliability. At the same time, the bike trailer should be maneuverable and light. And do not forget about the possibility of quick repair in case of breakdown. This makes such trailers structurally simple and understandable for any person.

Bicycle trailers can be used for some things, for dogs, sometimes even for children for the purpose of entertainment or a relaxing ride through the park. In this case, the structure must be stable and equipped with seat belts.


In some cities, there is even a rental of such trailers. Moreover, the price is quite acceptable, and allows you to experience all the advantages of a bicycle trailer. I know for sure that such a service exists in Moscow and Ukraine. If you know more trailers, please leave a review.

Cargo bike trailers can be in the form of a solid or prefabricated structure, for which additional equipment is provided in the form of a cover, some nets, seat belts, animal grills, etc. Movement is carried out relative to the axis of the bike itself. This makes it possible to create safe and reliable conditions for movement even on poor quality roads and with a maximum load on the structure. The most commonly used lateral or bilateral method of fixation.

If we talk about carrying capacity, then basically they are designed for weights up to 50 kilograms. There are models from Thule and others famous brands, where this parameter reaches 70 and 90 kilograms.


Varieties

Everything is extremely simple here. If you decide to buy a ready-made bike trailer, then be sure to take a look at it design features.

The division is based on the number of wheels used. As a result, the bike trailer can be:

  • One wheel. The design has received the greatest distribution precisely in the field of tourist cycling. One-wheeled models are the most maneuverable and compact, which allows you to drive with them even on the narrowest paths and difficult sections;
  • Two-wheeled. Heavier, transport-oriented design heavy cargo, animals, children, etc. At the same time, it is no less popular precisely due to its cargo capabilities. Maneuverability is not as ideal, but it all depends on your route and the amount of things you need to take with you.

That's the whole classification for you. Other principles for separating bicycle trailers are not yet used.


Key design elements

If you look at the photo and video where they collect various options bike trailers, you can see certain similarities in all models with different designs and some differences.

Moreover, it is not fundamentally important whether the structure is made of plastic pipes without welding, or it is assembled on the basis of a metal frame.

  • Frame. Often this is a design that consists of mounting oblique answers, as well as an even axle required for the wheel. The frame is subject to increased requirements in terms of strength and reliability. The basis is a steel or metal profile;
  • Platform. Its task is to withstand the impact load. Plywood, plastic or even MDF are used as manufacturing materials. When choosing a platform material, consider the operating conditions. Not all of them can withstand exposure to moisture;
  • Fastening. The bike rack system is considered to be the most important component of the entire trailer. It includes a drawbar, various fasteners, locks and clamps. The quality of fastening directly affects the functionality, maneuverability and safety of the cargo being transported.

There are various versions and modifications. For example, in the USA, models designed for transporting surfboards are common. In our country, universal models turned out to be more popular.


A little about DIY assembly

I can’t give you specific instructions for making such a trailer with your own hands, since there are a wide variety of drawings based on various materials.

I would like to note that there is nothing complicated in the manufacture of a bicycle trailer, even if you have never done anything like this. Usually they make a box based on MDF or plywood. To weld the drawbar yourself, order from the master or buy a ready-made product, it's up to you.

Titanium is an ideal frame material due to its lightness and strength. But it is expensive, because aluminum is most often used. You can lay a strong metal basket on the bottom, and if you wish, sheathe it all with MDF or plywood with a moisture-resistant coating.

The trailer and the bike itself are connected by a metal tube, and at the end of the latter there is a drawbar. By the way, about You can read a separate material, and then much will become clear.


Otherwise, I recommend that you follow simple rules when operating such wheeled products. It is important not to overload the bike trailer, learn to feel your own dimensions, and also choose a route in advance so that there are no problems with the bike trailer’s cross-country ability.

Every cyclist has experienced a similar situation when it is necessary to carry a fairly large or heavy load, but it is not possible to place it on the bike rack or the bike itself. Or do you want to join cycling Your children... In such cases, you start to think “maybe you should buy a bike trailer?”, Especially when such trips happen quite often. This article will help you choose the right bike trailer. In it, we will try to explain in detail what bike trailers are, how to attach them to a bike, as well as the pros and cons of different designs. Finally, we will superficially touch upon the topic of whether it is possible to make a bicycle trailer with our own hands, and attach several drawings of the most successful, in our opinion, designs.

Types of bike trailers

There are a wide variety of bike trailers on the market today. All of them can be divided into types that characterize the specifics of their purpose, and, consequently, their design features. Below we will dwell on each of them in detail and explain which bike trailer is best for you.

  • Cargo

A cargo trailer for a bicycle, as the name suggests, is a means for transporting heavy and sometimes bulky goods (it all depends on the geometry of the frame). It is a solid massive structure that can withstand significant loads. Cargo bike trailers can carry loads up to 50-60 kg when coupled with a bicycle and up to 120 kg if used as a regular wheelbarrow (but hardly anyone will use it like that). This greatly expands the functionality of your bike, turning it into an excellent means of transporting things. The weight limit in hitch with your bike is justified primarily because of the load on the attachment point. Therefore, do not overload the bike trailer (contact the manufacturer for the maximum load). There are two types of designs of cargo bike trailers - with one wheel and with two (on the same axle). The difference is this. With two wheels, as a rule, they have a large maximum load in terms of weight, while its one-wheeled counterpart surpasses it in maneuverability. Now let's talk about the disadvantages. Increased structural strength is achieved by using stronger and heavier materials (usually steel), as well as increasing the number of stiffeners. This in turn leads to an increase in the weight of the entire structure. What can it affect? With an increase in mass, inertia inevitably increases during braking (in principle, this applies to any bicycle trailer, but especially to this type). This can have a negative effect when braking at intersections in the city. Therefore, you should slow down in advance and remember this feature. Also because of heavy weight and increased dimensions, maneuverability suffers greatly (this applies to all types of bicycle trailers). So who is this look for? First of all, cyclists who need to carry very heavy loads on relatively good roads (it will be very difficult to ride on hard off-road), but at the same time, the route should not pass through very busy roads common use(due to poor maneuverability and the danger of a car driving into the back at a traffic light).

  • For transporting children

They are an analogue of a stroller (by the way, some models, having disconnected from a bicycle, can be used in this way) and can be either single or for two children. Conceived, a two-wheel scheme is used, which can be equipped with shock absorbers for a more comfortable ride. Bicycle trailers for transporting children have one of the safest designs. To ensure the safety of the child on the road, these bicycle trailers are equipped with an articulated joint that will prevent the bicycle trailer from overturning if the towing bicycle that moves it falls. Child seats are equipped with seat belts. For more comfortable movement of children, these bicycle strollers can be equipped with special mosquito nets and rain capes. It is worth noting that almost all expensive imported children's bicycle trailers undergo a specialized crash test, which tests their safety. The disadvantages that are inherent in other bicycle trailers have not bypassed children. The only thing is that they can be less pronounced in comparison, for example, with trucks. Although this type is the safest, it will not be superfluous to add a couple of additional reflectors and signal lights. And so - this is a great choice for a joint bike tour with children.


  • For transporting pets

Outwardly very reminiscent of children. They also have a carrier base on two wheels and an awning with ventilation holes. The differences are in a slightly smaller size, less problems with safety and comfort. Suitable for transporting cats, dogs, birds and other small pets.

  • Tourist

Tourist bicycle trailers, to ensure better cross-country ability, are mainly equipped with one wheel (but sometimes there are two). This increases maneuverability, and makes it possible for a cyclist to pass through narrow forest paths. The frame design is a platform on which a durable, waterproof bag with the things you need is fixed. Frame materials can be different, but very often manufacturers prefer aluminum. The bicycle trailer for tourism is very similar to its fellow - cargo, and differs only in the listed minor differences.

  • Lateral (bicycle carrier)

If you have seen a motorcycle with a sidecar, then this is the same thing. Not very common in our country. It is mainly intended for the transport of children, sometimes animals.

A very funny design that will be of interest to your child. It is a children's bike without front wheel. Instead, it is attached to your (lead) bike. This device allows the child not only to be a passenger when cycling, but also to take part in pedaling, thereby helping you when riding uphill. Can be equipped with a speed switch (6 speed models available). The advantage of this design is that the child will not be able to accidentally enter the roadway. Runebout is perfect for joint bike trips with children aged 7-10 (although this is all conditional and you should first ask your child).

Mount design

The most common way to attach a bike trailer to a bike is by axle. rear wheel, for the seatpost and for the rear fork.
1) For rear wheel axle. A special plate is installed under the nut, to which the rest of the bicycle trailer structure is already attached.



2) For seat post. The bike trailer is attached with a long tube directly behind the seat itself. The main disadvantage of this design is the possibility of falling due to an accidental push of the trailer.


3) For the rear fork. The main advantage of this mounting method is the ability to install on almost any bicycle.

Do it yourself

Bicycle trailers, as it may seem, are not a cheap commodity and can sometimes reach the cost of the bike itself. Therefore, many craftsmen began to manufacture cheap homemade bike trailers and sell them on the market. In principle, for the transportation of goods, there is not much difference between home-made and store-bought counterparts. The only thing you should pay attention to is the quality of the materials that homemade products use. But we categorically do not recommend buying self-made bicycle trailers for transporting children. Well, so here's what I'm talking about. With straight arms and the presence of a tool, it is not difficult to make a bicycle trailer with your own hands. Below we give some of the most interesting drawings (sketches) of bicycle trailers.


Conclusion

What can be summed up? You should carefully analyze what you need a bike trailer for and in what conditions it will be used. Then you can safely buy it. Well, if you want to save a lot of money, you can pay attention to “handicraft” bike trailers or make it yourself.

The bicycle trailer is an auxiliary vehicle, which is attached to the back of the bike frame. Used to transport anything: cargo, personal belongings, and even one-year-old children! This accessory has its supporters and opponents. Some consider the trailer almost a mandatory addition, others can easily do without it, transporting their things in a backpack and (or) on the trunk. There are those who hear for the first time what a bicycle trailer is. Then it's time to get to know him better.

The designs of the "cradles" are different: one- and two-wheeled modifications, universal, cargo and children's. A separate niche is occupied by a homemade bicycle trailer - the invention of summer residents and city fidgets, who often transport goods from place to place. We will talk about all these varieties of bicycle carts below.

Main types of bicycle trailers

One wheel and two wheel. The first option is, in fact, a wheelbarrow hooked onto a frame. It has low stability, unlike its “tractor”: it has two wheels, and the trailer has one. Well suited for the transport of small and light cargo, in otherwise the maneuverability of the bike will deteriorate. Touring models with one wheel can withstand and more weight.


A two-wheeled bike trailer is designed for heavier things than a single-wheeled one. It does not wag to the sides, but it can skid when cornering. The design itself looks solid, but the bottom area of ​​the cart is larger.

Standard bike trailers with two wheels are used for light to medium weights and are called universal trailers. They will perfectly help in transporting crops from the dacha, agricultural garbage from the site, large-sized, but not heavy items within the city and beyond.

For transporting loads up to 100 kg, a special cargo trailer of increased strength was invented. The design is distinguished by endurance and unpretentiousness, however, it requires an appropriate bike. Suitable urban single speed, MTB and hybrid. Attaching to the road bike is impractical, because. these bikes are not designed for transportation, although they have good endurance indicators.

When using a trailer of this type, do not forget that the load should not look out of the body. How beneficial is it to use? Do you often have to change the location of bulky items (eg TV, bricks, boards) within 10-15 km? Then a cargo bike trailer is just for you.

Especially for the transportation of small children, bicycle strollers with a frame mount were invented. Not every bike has equipped child seats, and the child wants to ride or leave him at home with no one. A bicycle trailer for children will come to the rescue.

Distinctive features:

  • structural stability;
  • side protection against falling out on the go;
  • roof;
  • a lot of free space.

In addition to covered strollers, open bike trailers can also be found on sale. They are usually for older children, from 3 years old. Whether it is worth buying such a trailer is up to the parents to decide. Although it is much more useful to teach your child to ride a bike himself.

How to make a bike trailer at home

For creating bicycle trailer Do-it-yourself will need the following:

  • straight pipes of square section;
  • corners;
  • four corner pipes;
  • wheels;
  • eight metal plates;
  • a metal sheet;
  • boards;
  • screws, nuts, self-tapping screws, nails for nailing boards.

Of the tools you will need:

  • drill;
  • welding machine;
  • electric jigsaw;
  • spanners.

The first step in creating the supporting structure of a trailer is to create a drawing with dimensions. They need to be thought out in advance, based on your own preferences. In general, the drawing will look like this:

When we have decided on the size and location of all the elements of the future trailer, we proceed to its manufacture. At the ends of the pipes and corners, holes are drilled with a diameter corresponding to the screws.

Important: all holes must match each other when connecting parts accurately! The numerical dimensions of the distances of the holes from the edges are immediately indicated on the drawing.


So, the rectangle is assembled, the next task is to weld the crossbars to it. To do this, pre-prepared pipes are taken, the lengths of which correspond to the width of the rectangle. Optimal quantity crossbars - two.

Production of external protrusions. Using a welding machine, we weld the corner pipes to each other, and then to the sidewalls. The distance between the sidewalls and the outer tubes must match the width of the wheel hubs.

Cutting seats for wheels:

  1. Four identical plates are taken.
  2. The size of the dropouts is marked on each.
  3. Using a jigsaw, grooves are cut to fit the dimensions of the wheel bushing bolts.
  4. The plates are welded to the sidewalls of the trailer frame and the outer tubes.

The next step in creating a trailer with your own hands is to make walls from boards, weld a metal bottom and connect the walls to it. Holes are drilled in the bottom, into which metal corners are fixed with bolts. The distance of the holes from the edges of the bottom is selected so that the corner is inside walls. We install a plank rectangle and with the help of self-tapping screws we fix it on the corners. The number of connections between the walls and the bottom is selected based on the dimensions of the trailer, but the more the better.


To complete the design, it remains to make a drawbar, or an element for securing the trailer to the frame. Two pipes and the remaining metal plates are taken. The first pipe - vertical - is screwed to the rectangular frame of the trailer. A hole of a given diameter is drilled in the front part, exactly the same in a vertical pipe. Then, using a long bolt, we connect both parts.

The horizontal element of the drawbar must be attached to the vertical pipe and the bicycle frame. We take four plates and drill holes in each. Then we weld along the edges of the pipe on both sides. The horizontal part of the drawbar is adjusted to the vertical one, both pipes are firmly fixed with a bolt and nut. We select the height of the horizontal pipe, depending on the bike.

The last thing left to do is attach the trailer to the back of the frame. The seats for the bolt are ready, we drive the drawbar forward with the plates and tighten it. The trailer is ready. By this principle, you can also make a trailer for children: higher walls, a seat and a canvas visor.

Bicycle cradle on the roads: traffic safety rules

With additional cargo, the bike becomes more dangerous for both the driver and other participants. traffic. When leaving the trailer on the road, the cyclist must make sure:

  • in good condition of all fastenings in the trailer;
  • in the reliability of pipe connections drawbar with each other and with the bike;
  • in a secure location of the cargo.

Permitted dimensions of the transported cargo in width - no more than 0.5 m in each direction. It is advisable to screw a reflective element onto the trailer if it is homemade.

Either way, the extra bogie in the back makes the bike difficult to handle, especially in tight corners. The overall speed with a trailer must be less than what a cyclist would normally use. In other words, the bicycle turns into a slow-moving vehicle.

A bicycle and a trailer rolling behind it can be a serious bait for dogs. All cyclists know firsthand about their indifference to two-wheeled transport, but imagine if they see four of these wheels? An animal attack on a bicycle distracts from control, and can turn into an accident. With this in mind, choose a safe route. It's a good idea to have protection with you - a stun gun or pepper spray.

A bicycle trailer is an indispensable assistant for business cyclists who prefer to cope with the difficulties of transporting things on their own. It will serve perfectly for trips to the country, as well as on the site. Moreover, the trailer separately from the bike can be used as a wheelbarrow. Got the idea of ​​buying a bike trailer? Then rather to the store or to the workshop to make it yourself.

velofans.ru


Craftsmen live on earth, as they say, of all trades, who are able to assemble a bicycle on their own. In this case, there is no need to talk about quality, although there are different things. But nevertheless, making anything with your own hands is a great experience that will not hurt anyone. For example, the Chinese Kevin Cyr designed and then assembled a whole house on wheels. Camper bike. It was presented to the public in April 2008. But no one is releasing serial samples yet, you yourself understand why.)))

cargo bike you may only need it a few times in your life, but let it be better than having to suddenly look for it later. This design will be indispensable for transporting a certain amount of cargo that you cannot carry with your hands, but using a car for this is extremely unprofitable and costly. Next, we invite you to watch the video. It clearly shows how to make a simple cargo bike from an ordinary old "Ukraine". Everything is done with the help of a grinder and a welding machine. Didn't even need any turning work.


- a useful thing. One of the commercial companies produces the popular bicycle trailers "Bee" and "Bee 2". However bike trailer you can do it yourself. Its design is quite simple and includes several essential components: a platform measuring 70 by 100 centimeters, mounting brackets, a frame with wheels and a place for attaching to a bicycle.

To make a bike trailer, you will need the following tools: a grinder with two types of discs - cutting and grinding, a drill with an electric drive and nozzles of various diameters, a welding machine, a mask, gloves for safe work, a ruler, a pencil for marking, steel pipes of small and inch diameters, as well as strips up to thirty centimeters wide, a hammer, bolts for fixing the structure (their diameter depends on the diameter of the drills selected for work), a ball joint, threaded studs, two wheels, the platform itself (it can be either wooden or from other materials).



A metal frame for a bicycle trailer can have a simple design with oblique mounting plumb lines and a dropped axle for wheels. You can always find a drawing for its manufacture on the Internet or, if you have the ability to create it yourself. In order for everything to work out what is called the first time, it is necessary to take very clear measurements and be guided by the principle of “measure seven times and cut once”. Very important point– system of fastening of the trailer to the bicycle. In the common people, it is called a drawbar. This is a kind of assembly made from a two-inch square tube. Here are some drawings for self-manufacturing this device.


The bike trailer platform itself needs to be both light and strong overnight so that heavy objects and loads can be transported with it. Most often, MDF is used - a material that is durable for fracture and at the same time is characterized by low weight. The only disadvantage of this material is that it easily absorbs water and collapses under its influence. But the modern market also offers MDF with a water-repellent coating. Basically, it solves all problems.

A bike trailer of your own making is a very convenient thing. You can independently determine the size and shape of the trailer that will meet your needs. In the end, after you have created a bike trailer, you can try yourself as a master builder of experimental bikes - it's always very interesting, and in the long run also incredibly profitable!


www.velodelo.org

Types of bike trailers

There are a wide variety of bike trailers on the market today. All of them can be divided into types that characterize the specifics of their purpose, and, consequently, their design features. Below we will dwell on each of them in detail and explain which bike trailer is best for you.

  • Cargo

A cargo trailer for a bicycle, as the name suggests, is a means for transporting heavy and sometimes bulky goods (it all depends on the geometry of the frame). It is a solid massive structure that can withstand significant loads. Cargo bike trailers can carry loads up to 50-60 kg when coupled with a bicycle and up to 120 kg if used as a regular wheelbarrow (but hardly anyone will use it like that). This greatly expands the functionality of your bike, turning it into an excellent means of transporting things. The weight limit in hitch with your bike is justified primarily because of the load on the attachment point. Therefore, do not overload the bike trailer (contact the manufacturer for the maximum load). There are two types of designs of cargo bike trailers - with one wheel and with two (on the same axle). The difference is this. With two wheels, as a rule, they have a large maximum load in terms of weight, while its one-wheeled counterpart surpasses it in maneuverability. Now let's talk about the disadvantages. Increased structural strength is achieved by using stronger and heavier materials (usually steel), as well as increasing the number of stiffeners. This in turn leads to an increase in the weight of the entire structure. What can it affect? With an increase in mass, inertia inevitably increases during braking (in principle, this applies to any bicycle trailer, but especially to this type). This can have a negative effect when braking at intersections in the city. Therefore, you should slow down in advance and remember this feature. Also, due to the large weight and increased dimensions, maneuverability suffers greatly (this applies to all types of bicycle trailers). So who is this look for? First of all, cyclists who need to transport very heavy loads on relatively good roads (it will be very difficult to ride on hard off-road), but at the same time, the route should not pass through very busy public roads (due to poor maneuverability and the danger of entering some car in the ass at a traffic light).

  • For transporting children

They are an analogue of a stroller (by the way, some models, having disconnected from a bicycle, can be used in this way) and can be either single or for two children. Conceived, a two-wheel scheme is used, which can be equipped with shock absorbers for a more comfortable ride. Bicycle trailers for transporting children have one of the safest designs. To ensure the safety of the child on the road, these bicycle trailers are equipped with an articulated joint that will prevent the bicycle trailer from overturning if the towing bicycle that moves it falls. Child seats are equipped with seat belts. For more comfortable movement of children, these bicycle strollers can be equipped with special mosquito nets and rain capes. It is worth noting that almost all expensive imported children's bicycle trailers undergo a specialized crash test, which tests their safety. The disadvantages that are inherent in other bicycle trailers have not bypassed children. The only thing is that they can be less pronounced in comparison, for example, with trucks. Although this type is the safest, it will not be superfluous to add a couple of additional reflectors and signal lights. And so - this is a great choice for a joint bike tour with children.


  • For transporting pets

Outwardly very reminiscent of children. They also have a carrier base on two wheels and an awning with ventilation holes. The differences are in a slightly smaller size, less problems with safety and comfort. Suitable for transporting cats, dogs, birds and other small pets.

  • Tourist

Tourist bicycle trailers, to ensure better cross-country ability, are mainly equipped with one wheel (but sometimes there are two). This increases maneuverability, and makes it possible for a cyclist to pass through narrow forest paths. The frame design is a platform on which a durable, waterproof bag with the things you need is fixed. Frame materials can be different, but very often manufacturers prefer aluminum. The bicycle trailer for tourism is very similar to its fellow - cargo, and differs only in the listed minor differences.

  • Lateral (bicycle carrier)

If you have seen a motorcycle with a sidecar, then this is the same thing. Not very common in our country. It is mainly intended for the transport of children, sometimes animals.

A very funny design that will be of interest to your child. It is a children's bike without a front wheel. Instead, it is attached to your (lead) bike. This device allows the child not only to be a passenger when cycling, but also to take part in pedaling, thereby helping you when riding uphill. Can be equipped with a speed switch (6 speed models available). The advantage of this design is that the child will not be able to accidentally enter the roadway. Runebout is perfect for joint bike trips with children aged 7-10 (although this is all conditional and you should first ask your child).

Mount design

The most common ways to attach a bike trailer to a bike are by the rear wheel axle, by the seatpost, and by the rear fork.
1) For rear wheel axle. A special plate is installed under the nut, to which the rest of the bicycle trailer structure is already attached.



2) For seat post. The bike trailer is attached with a long tube directly behind the seat itself. The main disadvantage of this design is the possibility of falling due to an accidental push of the trailer.


3) For the rear fork. The main advantage of this mounting method is the ability to install on almost any bicycle.

Do it yourself

Bicycle trailers, as it may seem, are not a cheap commodity and can sometimes reach the cost of the bike itself. Therefore, many craftsmen began to manufacture cheap homemade bicycle trailers and sell them on the market. In principle, for the transportation of goods, there is not much difference between home-made and store-bought counterparts. The only thing you should pay attention to is the quality of the materials that homemade products use. But we categorically do not recommend buying self-made bicycle trailers for transporting children. Well, so here's what I'm talking about. With straight arms and the presence of a tool, it is not difficult to make a bicycle trailer with your own hands. Below we give some of the most interesting drawings (sketches) of bicycle trailers.


era-sports.com

Dear visitors of the site "Visiting Samodelkin" in this article, as you probably guessed, we will talk about creating a bicycle trailer with your own hands from parts found in the garage)

Nowadays, such a mode of transport as a bicycle is becoming more and more popular, because it is very environmentally friendly and does not consume any type of energy) Also, this transport is quite convenient in urban conditions, to the extent of workload highways and highways often experience congestion and traffic jams, and this problem is not terrible for a bicycle).

With ease and health benefits, you can get to your place of work, or go to the grocery store, and in the evening take a walk in the park.

IN Lately it is also fashionable among sports youth to carry out bicycle trips for short or long distances.
But in order to travel by bike with you, you need to take essentials, a tool, a tent, a sleeping bag, like this, it seems like little things, and a decent load is collected in a backpack, you can’t put everything down, and even if you cram everything while riding, your back will quickly get tired. And so what to do with this problem? The answer is simple, you need a trailer.

For travel, it is better to use a trailer with one wheel, because it follows the track of a bicycle, and it is very convenient on narrow paths and is also good in urban conditions.

And so, to create a one-wheeled trailer, the author used a wheel from children's bike, tubes, a shock absorber, and assembled everything into a single design, and how the master did it, you will learn further by viewing all the assembly photos, and you should also study the list of necessary materials and tools.

materials
1) 16 inch wheel
2) metal tube
3) steel 4mm
4) axis
5) shock absorber
6) foam rubber
7) gum
8) nuts

Tools
1) grinder
2) welding machine
3) drill
4) electric jigsaw
5) metal sheet
6) file
7) hammer
8) a set of wrenches

First, the author provides a photo of the original from which he performed his work. Then I prepared the materials so that everything was at hand. Metal corner. Shock absorber. Axle. And proceeded to manufacture the rear fork. .Welds the sleeve onto the fork. Something like this. The bottom is made of a metal mesh. It takes rubber cut off from the camera. It makes a kind of fastener-insurance. A good example. For the trailer itself, the author takes such foam rubber. And he finishes the entire frame. ) Thank you for your attention!

usamodelkina.ru

After searching in the garage on the shelves and on the racks with materials, I picked up everything I needed to make a trailer:

- a pair of wheels from an experimental model of the Sport velomobile, once assembled on the basis of wheels from the Shkolnik bicycle;
- a few arches and tubes from an old children's bed;
- water pipes 016 mm;
- sheet of fiberglass.

Without much thought, I began assembling the trailer. From two arches with spacers, I welded a base square - a frame, to which I then welded the wheel axles approximately along the transverse axis of symmetry of the future body.

Then I prepared and welded a handle-drawbar (curved) along the longitudinal axis of symmetry of the trailer, maintaining a handle height of 750 mm from the ground with the body position parallel to the ground.

It remains to bend the openwork tubular side walls of the body on the simplest device, strengthen the drawbar handle and the support leg. All blanks were welded using electric arc welding.

I attached the bottom of the body using a manual riveter with rivets with detachable shanks.

The trailer is attached to the bike with a MB bolt with a cotter pin. Two rubber washers soften blows, locking is provided.

To increase the strength of the trunk, I welded additional reinforcement bars and a towing eyelet to it.

The finished trailer was painted in the color of a bicycle and immediately applied “to the fullest”: he took the garbage in tanks to a landfill, delivered several bags of cement to the house, went for seedlings, brooms for a bath.
I call my bike trailer the "Chinese variant". Against the backdrop of unnecessary expenses for motor vehicle insurance, a bicycle with a trailer in the summer is the most practical. As a handcart, a bicycle trailer is also convenient. I also use it for small hauls around the yard, trips to the store, and to move a set of plumbing and welding tools and equipment.

www.umeltsi.ru

I have had a long-standing desire to own one of the wonderful B.O.B. Yak. I ride about 3,000 kilometers on my bike every year. My desire to have a Yak is as strong as my desire to buy other things that I would spend $300 and more on without stint.

This is one of my first building instructions, so if I missed something, forgive me. I even tried to photograph the process of creating my brainchild, but then I lost a few photos. The process of grinding and preparing the unit for painting, I omit here. I know that many are very familiar with them. And now to work!

Elements

I took 3 pieces of 3 meters of EMT 3/4 inch pipe and a little more in reserve. I also bought some ½ inch threaded pipes, 4 brass bushings and 2 pipe nuts to attach to the hinges. I also took a wire basket measuring 430 x 530 mm as a trunk.

Calculation by materials:

  • tube EMT $10.50,
  • brass bushings $10,
  • wire basket $8,
  • axles and miscellaneous parts $30.

So about $60 and half a day is all I lost. I think I did the right thing.

From wooden planks, I made something like a fixing device for the top and bottom. I also drilled small holes.

Bicycle trailer project

A few shots of the finished bike trailer were also helpful. Based on the necessary dimensions found, I was able to draw sample diagram how it should look like.

I just loaded the pictures into Photoshop and projected them on the wall with the help of a projector. Having experimented a little with the distances, I achieved an almost real scale of the trailer. Then I knitted several pieces of paper and laid them along the outline. That is, it turned out almost the correct scale of width and height.

In the end, there was a slight deviation from the original plan, since there was an error in the calculations during the bending of the upper section of the structure. So I made a drawing for the bend as well.

Bending the tube

I used a pipe bender to bend the top and bottom of my bike trailer. The process was very time-consuming and protracted, since each of its stages had to be verified, by drawing, again and again ...

The first picture shows the wooden block and the first layout in full scale.

Cutting and welding

The main idea is to cut the tubes so that they fit exactly together. Thanks to the precise fitting of the tubes, their welding will be much easier. Few pictures of the process remain. I then started welding the bottom section horizontal caliper to get the correct width. Then I welded the top and bottom sections where they meet on the back side trailer. After that I measured and cut two calipers for the front and welded them into place.

After obtaining the desired shape, I used a hammer to flatten those parts of the trailer where the wheels are attached. Immediately found a set of overlays on the frame in the garage and welded them into place. Through various manipulations with indents and distances, I adjusted the wheels.

Steering gear

Here I had to face some difficulties. The guides on top protruded a little compared to the bottom, making the pivoting part of the caliper unreliable. At the same time, I decided to bend the tube section so that the caliper kept the hinge closer to the vertical. The hinge is made of brass and some EMT material, with a fixing sleeve soldered to the other end. Then I carefully checked whether the bushing was deformed from the heat of the light. Exactly the same test I undertook on the other side of the frame. Between the two beams of the frame, I soldered two more brass bushings.

Coming to the finish line

I cut out the wire and made a basket, and then I cut out a few sections in front of it to fit it properly. The basket is steel, so I welded it directly to the frame.

Added a bicycle steering bell, a red reflector, a non-contact dynamometer and some dampers for elegance. I also wanted to find the axis, looks like it was here a couple of days ago. I hitched my creation to my bike and rode it up and down the street. It's going great. Only a little flexible design, not finding an axle, I used a bicycle one.

Finishing touches and axle setup

Finally found and inserted the correct axis. I loaded the box and threw rubbish into it until it weighed 30 kn. It seems to be doing well. My fiancée and I got the idea to make a ride to the camp for autotourists, which is located 35 km from us. That would be a great test.

Here are the actual dimensions of the bike trailer.

The bottom frame is 620mm from the top of the front camber to the rear horizontal post and is 420mm wide. Upper frame - 700 mm. from the top to the folds that hold the bottom frame together. This is where I made a mistake, there should be one size with the bottom. As I said, I had to change the caliper. The device for the wheel can be of any length, it depends on the wheel itself. I was lucky to find a 20-inch wheel from a folding bike lying around. The height from the bottom frame to the top of the front is approximately 225mm. My measurements are close to actual B.O.B Yak sizes. They were calculated in numbers 62 by 35 cm. The length of the turn on the Yak is 26 cm.

www.yaprofi.net

Given in this step by step instructions trailer trolley – light, strong and very easy to assemble. You will not spend a lot of time on its manufacture, and the result will please you.

materials

To make a bike trailer with your own hands, prepare:

  • hammer;
  • chisel;
  • Adjustable wrench;
  • pliers;
  • cross screwdriver;
  • roulette;
  • boards;
  • metal corners;
  • wire;
  • bolts different sizes and diameter, washers and nuts to them;
  • rope;
  • bridge;
  • wheels with a diameter of 48 cm with plastic spokes.

Step 1. Assemble the cart frame. General form it is shown in the photo. Bolts and nuts should not be tightened at this stage, this will need to be done later. With the help of wire, the frame will need to be strengthened. To do this, secure it with bolts and nuts diagonally.

Step 2. Attach the bridge to the assembled structure, or rather to its wooden base. To do this, use not just brackets, bolts and nuts, but also send a nylon insert to them. It is needed so as not to interfere with the movement of the bridge. Remove the bolt fasteners from the other side of the board, for this, pre-drill holes for them.

Step 3. The next step is to create a central support axis. This is a wider board that needs to be attached with four screws. Previously, recesses will need to be made at the ends of the board so that they do not interfere with the movement of the bridge. It is best to make cutouts small, gradually deepening them by trying on. At this stage, do not fully tighten the bolts again.

Step 4. Cut the corners into their component parts to assemble the trolley mount. The length of these parts will depend on the height of the trolley itself and on the height of the bike to which it will be attached. You will need to cut the two parts not to the end, so that the corners can be bent at an angle. In these places, the structure must be fixed and strengthened with transverse small brackets from the same corners. During work, you can try on the mount to the bike.

Step 5. Remove the rubber ring from the wheel caster. Attach a small piece of corner to the wheel. Its length should be about 6 - 7 cm. This will be the attachment point for the trolley.

Step 6. By cutting a small part of the corner, and connecting the halves together, as shown in the photo, you will get a fastening coupling.

Step 7. Attach the wheels to the cart.

Step 8. From nylon rope, weave a mesh on the frame of the cart. The pattern can be arbitrary, as well as the density of weaving. Everything here will depend on the size of the goods that you are going to transport on the cart. Tighten all bolts thoroughly.

The cart is ready. Now you can attach it to the bike.

rukami.boltai.com

Make a bike trailer with your own hands or buy in a store?

Everyone answers this question for himself, depending on his financial capabilities. Often, factory bike trailers have a fairly high cost and relative monotony of design.

Making a trailer with your own hands opens up the possibility for creativity. During the implementation of the project, you can adjust the model to your own needs in terms of shape, color, design, etc. The use of improvised means reduces the cost.

Bicycle trailer manufacturing process

Creating a trailer is not an easy process and requires some preparation. This applies to the selection of the material base and certain knowledge and skills. You have to work with metal parts. You can use small-diameter pipes available on the farm, or purchase a metal profile.

wheels

You should consider the number of wheels of the bike trailer. You need to build on the purpose and conditions of use of the product (roads, village or city, maneuverability). You can use wheels from old children's bikes or purchase new ones.

Frame

This part is the basis of the entire trailer. For higher reliability, the frame should be made simpler, without complex parts. As a basis, you can take a ready-made scheme, which is full on the Internet and books in the Do-It-Yourself series.

The drawing is best done by hand in order to have an idea of ​​\u200b\u200bthe design. Start cutting metal should be after repeated checks of all dimensions.

Platform

The platform can be built from various materials(board, MDF, metal). It all depends on the conditions and imagination. A platform made of MDF and wood requires preliminary preparation of a metal frame, which is attached to the frame. If you plan to carry a light load in the trailer (tent, sleeping bag, etc.), you can make a platform only from wood.

Mounting the trailer to the bike (drawbar)

The drawbar is undoubtedly one of the most important parts of a bike trailer. Ease of use and maneuverability depend on its design. You can make this element in the form of a triangle, connecting into one guide.

The simplest option would be to connect two pipes in series. The guide should provide the entire structure with a vertical position.

Direct attachment to the bicycle frame is most conveniently done in the form of a hinged bracket, which is attached to the guide axle of the saddle. The hinge adds a smooth ride when turning and does not create additional pressure on the bike frame.

What will be needed?

Before starting, prepare necessary materials and the basic tool with which the actual work will be done.

Materials:

  • Steel or aluminum square profile (you can also use a round profile);
  • metal plates;
  • Bolts with nuts and washers;
  • ball joint;
  • The required number of wheels, depending on the design;

Tools:

  • Angle grinder with a cutting and grinding disc (popularly a grinder);
  • Electric drill;
  • Drills of a diameter commensurate with the bolts;
  • Welding machine (can be rented);
  • Square, tape measure, pencil, marker;
  • Hammer;
  • Bolt wrenches;
  • Gloves and goggles (do not forget about safety)

Manufacturing steps

  1. You should roughly draw the final model of the bike trailer and otherwise build on it. First of all, you need to draw (or at least draw) a design diagram. Calculate all the dimensions of the parts and places for drilling holes and plot the data on the diagram.
  2. At the next stage, we cut the details from the metal profile according to the size and drill the necessary holes.
  3. We collect the base. We connect the parts with bolts (they can also be welded using a welding machine, followed by grinding the seams). It should be a rectangle. On the long side, we mount additional rectangles into which the wheels will be installed (the width of the rectangles must correspond to the width of the wheel hub).
  4. The base must be reinforced with crossbars, which are welded or bolted.
  5. We prepare and install seats for the wheels. We cut out four blanks from metal plates with a grinder, in which we drill or cut grooves for the wheel hub. We weld the blanks to the frame.
  6. We assemble and weld the sidewalls, which will later be the side walls.
  7. We make and attach a drawbar. The easiest way is to make a drawbar from two metal profiles (pipes). One is located vertically and is welded to the frame, the second is horizontal and is attached to the upper end of the first pipe. The height of the drawbar is adjustable according to the bike being used. A ball joint is attached to the front of the drawbar.
  8. At the final stage, we make the bottom and side walls.
  9. Seats are attached last if the trailer is passenger.

What is a bike trailer for?

At the moment, there are several varieties of bicycle trailers, which are just divided according to the principle of their functions:

  • Freight. Based on the name, they are used to transport overall and heavy loads, in the absence of the ability to use vehicles. Cargo trailers are equipped with sides and an awning, and also have a rigid welded frame. The load capacity can reach 90-100 kg. Weight - 10-20 kg.
  • Tourist. Serve indispensable assistants in cycling. In fact, these are the same cargo trailers, but adapted to more extreme conditions operation. The tourist trailer is lighter and more maneuverable and has a small carrying capacity (up to 50 kg). Weight - 3-10 kg.
  • Baby.Designed to transport children. Depending on the age of the child, there are two types of children's trailers:
  • Trailer. Has a seat with belts and an awning from a rain. Two-wheeled.
  • Semitrailer. It is an elongated frame of a children's bicycle and is attached to its front part. One wheel.

Bicycle trailers have become widespread in society. This is primarily due to the wide range of functions they perform. These devices help to transport goods, travel and just enjoy cycling with your family.

This project was made for $30 using mostly salvaged parts. If I had to buy everything I used it would cost around 60.

Step 1: Wheelbase

The hardest part of creating homemade bike trailer is to make the wheelbase. This is the part that holds the two wheels together, on which you can build the rest of the trailer.
I must confess I didn't build this assembly, I got it from a half-decomposed, wrecked trailer.

Step 2: Building the Platform Part 1

Once you have chosen the wheelbase for your homemade bike trailer, you will need:
- 3 pieces of boards 30" x 2"
- 6 long screws
- Drill
- Drills for metal.
Once you have everything assembled, drill holes in the wheelbase - 6 holes for mounting boards.

Step 3: Building the Platform Part 2

Once you have the holes drilled, mount the boards to the wheelbase.

Step 4: Trailer Hitch Part 1

Once you have your platform, it's time to make a bike trailer hitch. I made a variation on this idea and used a coupler with an air hose fitting. I already had the attachment attached to my bike, so that made my job easier. As a pull on the trailer, I used a tube for wiring.
To make this part that attaches to your bike, take a look at this Instructable:

For this step I used:
- 10 feet 1/2" aluminum pipe
- Air hose coupling with fitting
- 6 inches reinforced PVC tubing.
- 2 clamps

Step 5: Trailer Hitch Part 2

First, I cut the hose to size and inserted an air fitting into the hose at one end. I put the other end of the PVC tube on the bike trailer traction tube.
This is quite difficult to do, try lubricating the tube with something.
After I put everything together, I heated the coupler with a heat gun to seal the tube.
See the last shot of the hitch for the homemade bike trailer.

Step 6: Trailer Hitch Part 3

Once you have made the hitch for the trailer, you can bend the pipe. There are special tools for this, but they cost about 30 bucks and I don't want to buy them to use only once.
That's why I used a barrel! You need to give some sort of S shape to the pipe from the trailer bed to the hitch.
But if you have the money or can rent it, I highly recommend using a pipe bender.

Step 7: Installing the hitch tube on the platform of a homemade bike trailer

After the hitch tube is bent, you need to attach it to the base of the homemade bike trailer. I used some U brackets and some screws to attach it to the bottom of the trailer.
The pipe was a little long, I cut off the extra Dremel.

Step 8: Mounting the platform on a homemade bike trailer

At this point, the main part of the bike trailer is ready. Now you can decide for yourself what to do - a basket or a flat platform.
I decided to make a flat one, from scrap wood, and made it 30 x 18 inches.

Step 9: Painting

You could stop there, but how boring would your brown homemade bike trailer be. I painted the platform with orange and silver paint in an abstract style.

Step 10: DIY Bike Trailer Test

It's time to check out the homemade bike trailer!
Right, when I heard someone shout after me "I want one too!" – it was the best assessment of the new project!
To test the strength of a homemade bike trailer, I put a man on the platform and drove a circle to test him. And I realized that my device is not a sufficiently rigid structure.
If you have ideas for improvement, please comment! I hope your homemade bike trailer will be better than mine! Show off your projects!

And I'll show you another project of mine -

The bicycle itself is a unique means of transportation, but its low carrying capacity for many cyclists sometimes becomes a pressing problem. However, today on the market you can find many additional accessories that make life easier for cyclists. So, for transporting cargo heavier than ten kilograms, you can purchase an excellent assistant - a comfortable bike trailer. This tool is great for trips to the country, fishing, shopping or cycling.

It is worth noting that domestic cyclists quite successfully manage to make various trolleys for transporting goods on a bicycle on their own. Sometimes cyclists decide to take such a step to save money, and sometimes to satisfy their desire - to create something with their own hands. Buy a finished design or make it yourself - everyone must decide for himself.

We recommend to read:

Since the bike trailer is designed to carry heavy but small loads, its design must be as strong as possible. But at the same time, the bike trailer must be light and maneuverable. It is also important that in the event of any breakdown, the owner of this device can fix the problem on their own, so the design of the bicycle trailer should be simple and understandable to the common man.

The cargo bike trailer can be either a one-piece or a prefabricated structure, additionally equipped with a waterproof polypropylene cover. These devices move relative to the axis of the bike, thereby ensuring reliability and safety when driving on a dirt country road, even with a fully loaded trailer.

Cargo trailers allow you to carry up to 50 kg of cargo, and sometimes up to 70 kg. One of the most load-bearing models is the Y-Frame bike trailer, which can carry up to 90 kg, while being lightweight and practical.

The undeniable advantage of cargo trailers for bicycles is their convenience during long trips. This is ideal for cycling trips, as it is possible to take everything you need with you.

Types of bike trailers:


The three basic components of a bike trailer are:

  1. The frame, which in its standard form is a structure consisting of oblique mounting plumb lines and an aligned axle for the wheels. The frame of a bicycle trailer must be durable and reliable. As a rule, it is made of aluminum or steel profile.
  2. A platform whose main task is to withstand the load. Most often it is made of plastic, MDF or plywood. When choosing a trailer, you should compare the material from which the platform is made with the weather and road conditions in which the device will be operated. For example, some material may soak from excessive moisture.
  3. The trailer attachment system to the bike, which is one of the most important parts of the bike trailer. The maneuverability and functionality of the entire device depends on the quality of this component.

There are a wide variety of bicycle trailers on the market today. When choosing such an assistant, you should give preference to already proven and well-known manufacturers. The cargo trailer can be special purpose(for example, for transporting a surfboard) or universal, some models can be transformed into hand carts, etc.

One of the brightest representatives of this segment is the Burley Travoy trailer, which can carry cargo up to 27 kg. The advantages of this trailer include the fact that it can be easily detached from the bike and can perform the functions of a shopping cart. In addition, the trailer easily folds to the size of a suitcase, which makes it easy to store.

The design of the cargo trailer is quite simple and concise. As a rule, this is a box made of MDF or plywood, in which nothing but the sides of the selected height is mounted.

If you still decide to create a cargo trailer with your own hands, then first you need to prepare materials and create drawings. Fortunately, today on the Internet you can find a lot of drawings of bicycle trailers of various sizes and configurations, and in order to get a device, it is enough to follow the recommendations and carefully select the dimensions.

When choosing a material for the frame, it is better to give preference to a lighter and more durable option - aluminum or titanium, due to which the maximum rigidity of the entire structure is achieved. You can choose MDF or thick plywood for the bottom of the trailer, but the best option for the bottom of the cargo bike trailer is a strong basket.

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