DIY bicycle carts. Homemade unicycle bike trailer with shock absorber

A cart is a necessary attribute of any household. Made by yourself, it costs less than a purchased counterpart.

Another advantage of a homemade cart is that it is made strictly according to the needs and meets the required needs.

Having studied different creation technologies, it will not special problems make a multifunctional cart with your own hands.

What are carts

Metal and wood are the main materials used in the manufacture of carts, as they have the necessary strength characteristics.

Trolleys differ from each other in the number of wheels and dimensions. You can make your own:

  • one-wheel cart;
  • two-wheeled cart;
  • cart in the form of a platform on four wheels;
  • folding cart.

How to make a two-wheeled do-it-yourself cart

Making your own wooden cart with two wheels is not at all difficult. Woodworking requires standard tools. But the strength, capacitance and performance characteristics of a wooden trolley are in many ways worse than those of a metal counterpart equipped with a large number of wheels.

Manufacturing instruction:

  • To create a frame, we take a board measuring 7 × 7 cm. We connect all parts of the frame with screws, strengthen it with additional details;
  • We fasten a pair of rails for bearings to the bottom of the structure;
  • We make the handle of the cart metal. This will increase the resistance to stress. An old bicycle handlebar or a thick steel bar is suitable as a handle;
  • We install plank boards. Their size affects capacity. A reliable product is made by a strong frame and stably attached wheels.

If you have a moped axle lying around, then it can be used instead of boards with bearings.

We make a cart for transportation on four wheels

Four wheels allow you to increase the capacity, strength and service life of the trolley.

Four-wheeled products are made exclusively of metal. They can withstand weight up to 100 kg. You will need a tool kit to assemble them.

The manufacture of four-wheeled bogies includes the following steps:

  • We spend everything necessary calculations cargo platform;
  • We make a container in which the cargo will be transported. The size of the frame will depend on its parameters.;
  • We install the frame structure by welding. For the frame, you can use the remains of pipes. We weld a handle to the frame;
  • We weld to the bottom of the wheel structure;
  • We “shoe” the wheels in pneumatic tires. This will increase the weight of the cargo, which the trolley is designed to carry, up to 80 kg.

We make a folding cart

Such a wheelbarrow can withstand at least 50 kg of cargo. Its main advantage is its compact size.

To make a folding cart, you must follow the following procedure:

  • Prepare pipe cuts with a thickness of at least 2 mm;
  • Draw a frame structure template on a scale of 1: 1;
  • Weld the hinge bushings to the platform frame, and then to the main structure;
  • Clean and polish all seams.

Making a cart with one wheel

The best option is to use wood for the manufacture of a unicycle cart.

Then we fasten the frame structure to the cargo platform with screws. The cart is ready!

If you intend to carry heavy loads, then a metal one-wheel cart will suit you. In addition to standard tools, you will need machines for welding and cutting metals.

First of all, we make a cargo container. It is advisable to use steel sheets with a thickness of at least 2 mm. Next, we weld the handles and the running structure to the platform.

Note!

Bicycle, moped or motorcycle wheels are perfect. The cargo area can be made from a metal barrel.

Everyone can make a cart with their own hands. It is only necessary to familiarize yourself with the rules of creation and safety precautions. They and drawings of various carts can be found on the World Wide Web. Good luck in your endeavors!

DIY cart photo

Note!

conditions. A trailer for a bicycle is an indispensable thing in the country for transporting goods different severity. For example, it is very convenient to use such a trailer for transporting water bottles.

Required materials and tools for manufacturing:
- hammer
- chisel
- Adjustable wrench
- pliers
- crosshead screwdriver
- roulette
- boards
- metal corners
- wire
- bolts different sizes and diameter
- rope
- bridge
- wheels

Detailed description for manufacturing:

Step 1: First, let's assemble the cart frame. When assembling, the bolts do not need to be tightened, we simply strengthen the structure with a wire. To do this, we fix the wire with nuts diagonally.


Step 2: After assembling the structure, we fasten the bridge to the wooden base. For fastening we use nuts, bolts, as well as nylon inserts.




Step 3: Next, we will make the central axis of support. This will require a wider board. So that the boards do not interfere with the movement of the bridge at the ends of the board, it is necessary to make small indentations and fasten with four screws.



Step 4: To assemble the mounts for the trolley, we cut the corners into component parts. Remember their length in the future will depend on the height of the trailer itself. The two parts of the square do not need to be cut to the end, as they must be bent at an angle and secured with staples as shown in the photo.



Step 5: Next, you need to make a coupling for fastening. To do this, cut two pieces of square and fasten them to the structure.



Step 6: Attach the wheels to the cart.



Step 7: Then we will make a grid on the frame of the cart, if you wish, you can simply put the boards. It all depends on the load.

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 on 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, 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 transport very heavy loads on relatively good roads (it will be very difficult to drive 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, data bicycle trailers are equipped with a swivel joint that will prevent the bike trailer from overturning if the towing bike 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 transportation of children, sometimes animals.

A very funny design that will be of interest to your child. Represents a children bicycle 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.

04/15/2016 2 291 0 ElishevaAdmin

DIY

Today there is a new renaissance for bicycles. Here and the turn of the population on the environmental friendliness of vehicles, cultivated in every possible way, and fatigue from constant traffic jams. Of course, on modern trails, the bike looks pale, which cannot be said about the countryside. There he is in his place, and in the city, if you do not meddle in the busiest streets, it can be useful.

But this horse on two wheels without a motor is not very suitable for transporting luggage. More precisely, it is practically not adapted. But you can attach a trailer to it with your own hands. Such an improvement is appropriate, and it is not too difficult to make it.

How to make a trailer for a bicycle with your own hands

The design of the trailer contains the following elements:

Platform measuring 10x70 cm;

Frame for mounting wheels up to 29 inches, made of inch steel tubes;

Brackets with which the platform is attached to the trunk;

Drawbar adjustable, thanks to which the trailer can be attached to any bike;

Platform for attaching a tool box.

Materials:

Steel strip, 30 cm long, 50x4 mm;

Steel strip, 30 cm long, 25x4 mm;

Pipe inch steel with square section;

Bolts with eyes with a diameter of 8 with a pitch of 18, 4 pcs; to them - washers and nuts;

Bolts with a diameter of 6 in increments of 20, 5 cm long, 4 pcs;

Bolts with a diameter of 10 in increments of 16, 4 cm long, 2 pcs; to them - washers and nuts;

Nuts with a diameter of 10 pitch 24, 2 pcs;

Detachable ball joint;

A 4 cm threaded stud, it can be a bolt without a nut or a bicycle wheel hub axle;

Platform sheet, presumably MDF 70*100 cm, about 18 mm thick;

Bicycle wheels with a diameter of about 20 inches, with tires.

Tools:

Drilling machine with a vice (it is desirable to have a clamp);

Bulgarian with grinding and cutting discs;

Welding machine;

Central punch;

Drills 6, 8, 10 mm in diameter;

Hammer;

Roulette;

Taps;

Welding helmet;

felt-tip pen;

Canvas gloves.

Step-by-step instructions (master class) for making a trailer for a bicycle

1. We make plates on which we will put the axles of the wheels. There are 4 such plates, 75 mm long, cut from a strip

50x4 mm. We will cut the strip with a grinder by placing a cutting disc.

Using the ruler, we look for the center on the plate and mark it with a felt-tip pen. Then we mark this point with a punch and a hammer. Having installed the plate on the drilling machine and holding it in a vise, we drill a through hole at this point. We select the minimum rotation speed of the drill. We perform such operations with all 4 plates, cut the strips with a grinder, starting from the hole and to the side of the plate.

2. We take a square-section pipe, make segments of a given size out of it, and then weld a frame out of them.

3. Now we will make a drawbar, that is, a node, or a device by means of which the trailer is attached to the bicycle. From the materials you will need the same square pipe and a strip of 25x4 mm. This assembly is attached to a tube fixed vertically on the frame using 2 tie bolts.

We drill a hole in 2 plates that form a clamp, and insert the top bolt into it. The lower one is attached perpendicularly, we pass it through the lower clamp and screw it into the hole that we drill in the vertical tube. You can drill several of these holes, then you can position the drawbar at different heights, adapting to a particular bike. Especially if you have several of them.

4. We take up the manufacture of the platform. We have declared MDF, but, perhaps, it is better if the material of the platform is waterproof. After all, if the MDF gets wet, it will crumble, and this in this case will not suit us. It is better to take laminated plywood if you have it.

So, having picked up the material, we cut out a 70x100 cm canvas from the sheet. Having placed it on the frame, we mark the points for drilling holes and draw lines for rounding the corners.

5. Install the towbar, or tow hitch. It is easy to install it using the bike rack: we mount on it that part of the detachable hinge that contains the ball. And we fix the other part of the hinge on the drawbar.

6. It remains to install the tool box. For him, just left a place in front of the platform. We fasten it with an elastic cable.

This is how a solid trailer turned out, on silent bicycle wheels and with a tool box. It has a lot of things to carry around.

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