I Built This Bike Trailer

by zymie

41K16616

Intro: I Built This Bike Trailer

I built this bike trailer out of an old jogging stroller.

STEP 1: The Hitch Mechanism

Hitch mechanism made of 3/4" flat stock and a Quick Disconnect Type 3/8-24 Fine Standard Thread Ball Joint and Rod End. http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002HAUWCM/ref=oh_details_o01_s00_i00

$18 with shipping

I made some teflon washers to go against the bracket and tightened the backnut against the joint to allow a little slack for y-axis movement of the arm beyond the ball joint movement.

STEP 2:

I made the mounting bracket from a zinc plated strut pipe clamp- $0

STEP 3: The Tray

The wheels and from were from a jogging stroller that had been decaying in the back yard. The box is a spare drawer from our kitchen remodel. $0

STEP 4: Tubing

The tubing was from the jogger handle. -$0

 I used stainless deck screws to fasten the tubing to the tray.

STEP 5: In Use

The trailer loaded with 5 bags of ice, 12 pack of soda, and some misc groceries.

16 Comments

DeeRilee 11 years ago

great job!!!!!!

I love repurposing & recycling!

Dale_D 11 years ago

Forgot to ask, what is the black bracket looking thing between the wheels? Is it part of the stroller wheels?

zymie 11 years ago

Yes, I used the jog stroller axle and part of the frame. I need to take some pictures of the underside.

gnach 11 years ago

How well does it track when turning? I see that it isn't rubbing the tire in the last image but what about while rolling?

zymie 11 years ago

It tracks well. I was careful when I measured the mounting arm to make sure the trailer ended up centered behind the back tire. I've made some fairly tight turns without any rubbing.

Bradinsc 11 years ago

Great plan! I have a set of wheels like that, and some time on my hands....... I am going to make a similar cart for the back of my power wheel chair! That will help with shopping with the wife for sure! Thanks for the great idea! I like the hitch idea as well.

onemoroni1 11 years ago

Good simple re-purposing. Good job.

Dale_D 11 years ago

Great project & nicely done! I need to build a trailer for myself too. I have a set of 20" bicycle trailer wheels, but I like the smaller jogging stroller wheels better.

Here is another resource for parts like the ball joint:
http://www.mcmaster.com

I found some on their that would have cost you less, but you have to watch out for their shipping. Some were made of Stainless Steel (& shielded), and they have one that doesn't need lubrication as well (won't squeak?). Maybe some upgrade possibilities?

shumphrey1 11 years ago

Love it, simple, easy to do by most with a bit of diy savvy!!! ;)

jawasan 11 years ago

I like the hitch. Nice.

zymie 11 years ago

Thanks, I found that hitch after scouring Google for a simple solution. If I can find the original source I'll try to add the credit.

rimar2000 11 years ago

Very good design, your hitch mechanism is far better than mine. Simpler, easier to use. Maybe I will copy it.

zymie 11 years ago

Your trailer project is very detailed! I found that hitch after scouring Google for a simple solution. If I can find the original source I'll try to add the credit.

zymie 11 years ago

Thanks!