Introduction: Easiest Bike Cargo Trailer EVER!
Yeah, I don't know how to weld, but I do know how to kludge! This trailer will take you less than 30 minutes and under $10 in parts if you can get a used trailer that someone is tossing out. (Try craigslist or freecycle.com for people getting rid of the old, ripped up trailers.)
Take any kid-carrier bike trailer and strip off all the moldy fabric. You can leave as much or as little as you want. The one we got had pretty solid bottom fabric, but the rest was yucky! You can just cut it off with scissors or a utility knife.
Then measure the width of the trailer between the rails, run to the hardware store and buy one of those wire shelves that they carry for closet remodeling. Make sure the length is twice the width of the trailer. (Ours cost less about $5.00.) Also pick-up 8 pipe clamps (a bag of them cost less than $1.50). For cheap but less sturdy, you can use zip ties.
Back home, remeasure the width of your trailer, making sure that your measurements keeps you from hitting the wheels but allow the shelf to rest on the trailer rails. Using a hack saw, cut your shelf into the measured lengths.
Place the shelves on the rails and make sure the ridge is pointing up so the shelf is flat on your rails. Then zip tie or pipe lamp the 4 corners of the first shelf to the bike trailer rails. When done, put the next shelf in and make sure the ridge is at the opposite end from the other shelf. Attach the corners of the second shelf to the rails.
And ....that's it. You're done.
11 Comments
9 years ago on Introduction
Great idea, I know of a couple old child trailers locally in oldish condition.
Do you have any problems with items sliding sideways into the wheels?
When id it I am thinking of bending the shelving up a little to stop side ways movement.
Reply 9 years ago on Introduction
Haven't had the problem of things hitting the wheels, but we usually have a box or ice chest in it. Even heavily loaded we haven't had a problems with the load shifting into the wheels....but a bend would assure it wouldn't happen.
11 years ago on Introduction
The umbrella works pretty good as long as it isn't gusty. Not too tough to pedal with it up (which I was concerned about).
Fridge shelving is a great idea, rcardiff!
11 years ago on Introduction
Holy cow, even *I* might be able do do this! Thanks!
11 years ago on Introduction
please show me your hitch pic Thank :)
Reply 11 years ago on Introduction
It's just the clamp that comes standard on a Burley bike trailer. I'm unable to provide a picture right now because the trailer is in storage for winter.
12 years ago on Introduction
how did you add the umbrella? looks like you have a unique/fancy looking clamp there!
Reply 12 years ago on Introduction
Found a guy at the (SF) Treasure Island Flea Market who had them and immediately knew I needed a couple. It was a guy who had a bunch of folding chairs of the canvas variety. Works great! Wish I had his contact info!
12 years ago on Introduction
Haven't had a chance to test the umbrella at Burning Man yet...but will report back on how well/poorly it works when I get back.
12 years ago on Introduction
You could use fridge shelving too. People are always dumping fridges!
12 years ago on Introduction
the umbrella is CLASSIC ! !