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

[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...