My version of a YAK Bike Trailer

I have long wished I owned one of those fancy B.O.B. Yak trailers.  I pedal at least a couple thousand miles a year on my bike.  As much as I would love to own a Yak, I have other things I would rather spend $300+ on.  This is my first instructable so bear with me if I miss anything.  I tried to take photos along the way and I have missed a few at the end.  The grinding  and prep work for paint and the process of painting itself did not get documented.  I trust most people know the steps to do that...  Now on with the build!

Step 1: Parts

I used 3 10' pieces of 3/4" EMT pipe for this build and I have a little bit left over.  I also bought a small section of 1/2" allthread, 4 brass bushings, and 2 locknuts for the allthread to fashion the hinge.  I also picked up a 17"x21" wire basket that is used in closet organization kits.  I did order the actual B.O.B Yak skewer attachment from REI.  
EMT pipe $10.50
Brass bushings $10
Wire Basket $8
Skewer plus shipping  $30

So for roughly $60 and a day and half of time, I think I made a good decision.

The wood piece was made as a jig of sorts that I used to help position the top and bottom pieces.  I drilled 7/8 holes then cut through the center of each.

Comments

[djnutz]

I need to make a quick note on this. After my maiden voyage with this trailer, I ended up changing the bit that is between the trailer and the bike. In step 7, you'll notice that the hinge point is a bit high, giving the trailer a nose up kinda thing. This made the trailer quite unstable above 15mph. I changed that angle and got the trailer riding a little more level. Made the ride much safer.

[marple200]

Nice job. I was just getting ready to build my own when I found your instructable.
If I can find the right frame out there I want to make the Ibex suspension version.
I will be welding, not brazing, so I'm not yet sure what I will do about the bushing issue at the hinge.
My last trailer used paracord webbing, which worked well, but the wire mesh is nice too.
Nice wheel.

[djnutz]

I have a couple great stories about this trailer. First off, I did a 40 mile ride into the wind loaded with about 90lbs of camping gear and it did great. On the way home, I got a little goofy trying to unclip as I was braking for a stop and the trailer wiggled just enough that it flexed the bike frame and put the rear derailleur right into the spokes. Granted, 90lbs is ALOT to haul behind an aluminum road bike. Then just this past RAGBRAI, I was talking to a dude who had two BOB YAK's in tandem behind a Surley. I told him about my version and he had actually seen this instructable. The guy was pretty cool and I think he was from Oregon... And just this past weekend, we had a decent enough day that my beer brewing partner and I loaded up a 5gal keg of beer and CO2 cylinder on the trailer and rode to a football party. Good times....

The wheel was actually on a bike I got for free. It is the perfect size. God forbid I ever have to true the damn thing tho...

[thegreatkoua]

I like thankx for sharing the design.

[jddockery2]

Be sure to to have great ventilation when brazing/welding galvanized. Sand off as much of the coating as possible. Toxic fumes are created when galvanized is heated this much.

[Karmann]

Have you had any trouble with the skewer bending? I have read some places that it's a recurring problem.

[vrh001]

Great stuff, Nice build. Ima get on this right away. Always down for saving a few hundred bucks.

[wavey davey]

sweet instructable very impressive. just getting the parts together to build one myself. in using the back end off a suspension mountain bike as it is already near the dimensions that are required (£4.99 on ebay) also already has a down tube welded in the right place to braze brass bushes to. also thought about a rack over the trailer wheel to act as mudguard and also for a set of panniers but may be a bit much!!!

[Toulouse]

This is awesome!! Im quite inspired!

[econnofoot]

Top notch job I've been debating trying to build one of same design for years you have inspired me.

[jsadler1]

That looks like pro quality workmanship and I have been a pro fabricator. It might be easier for most folks to cut that bottom loop out of plywood but your method does look awfully nice.

[QuestionConvenience]

Thanks for the updated pics! I think the only thing you could do to improve the instructable (ie - make it more clear for people like me) is to show the hinge parts taken apart, and being installed. With the black on black it is a little confusing...

Overall, a spectacular build. Can't wait to attempt one!

[castuckey]

Fantastic instructable! I hope to make one of these in the near future. Any chance you can take a picture of the mount for the trailer's wheel?

Thanks.

[djnutz]

For sure! All I did was cut out the rear dropouts from a donor bike. I just flattened the ends of the pipe that make up the bottom of the trailer frame then stuck the dropous in then brazed them in place.

[kgeffe]

This looks almost exactly like my B.O.B. I would suggest that if you intend to use this on an extended tour, you might wish to braze on bottle holders. I found them to be invaluable when I was on tour with my trailer for long stretches between sources of water.

[Mr.Sanchez]

Nice cruiser bike...you made it too...'Thnks for share****

[couchchangeracing]

Looks great. You should add some pictures of it mounted on the bike and in use.

[djnutz]

I am hoping to take this out for a short camping trip very soon. I will be sure to get some "action" shots!

[QuestionConvenience]

Looks great! I am interested in building one of these also. Any chance you can upload a drawing with the dimensions, some more pictures of the attachment (front end - what allows the front-most section to pivot?), and details on that skewer when it comes in? THanks! Can't wait to give it a shot!

[djnutz]

I have added the updates with measurements and close up shots. Let me know if you have any other questions!

[SWV1787]

It looks really nice and with the satchel or whatever it is it looks like a reclined chair or stretcher...

[djnutz]

That is actually a Bell handlebar bag. I have 2 of them and I put one on just for that picture. I'm thinking that when loaded, I will mount one handlebar bag on either side as additional storage for smaller items.

I am also considering building a camper type trailer to pull...