If you love cycling, you might want to find a way to carry items as well. With a few pieces of wood and other easy-to-find components, you can build an inexpensive trailer that attaches to your bike. When you have to carry a heavy load but don't want to use a mini-van that consumes a lot of gasoline, attach this trailer and pedal!
Steps
Decide what kind of cart you want to build. Here are the advantages and disadvantages:
- Two-wheeled trailer: Offers a large load capacity, but is stable only at low speed. The connection is more complicated because it has to allow the bike to move left and right and to tilt. It also has a high cost because you need two wheels which are the most expensive part.
- One wheel trailer: It is very stable at high speed but has a lower load capacity. It is simple to attach to the bike as it follows its movements. This is an economical trailer because it requires a single tire.
Method 1 of 1: Two-wheeled trailer
Step 1. Build the main body
Use 4 pieces of wood with section 2, 5x5 cm. Build a ladder-like frame by using 90 ° brackets and screwing everything together.
Step 2. Find two 16-inch wheels (preferably recycled)
Attach them to the frame using the bent switch plates as shown. You can also use larger wheels if you want the trailer to be as tall as the bike.
Step 3. Attach the arm
Use a malleable metal bar (for example a cheap used bike rack). Fold it and shape it. Flatten and drill holes at each end of the bar and bolt it to the frame.
Step 4. Build the towbar
Fold a metal electrical plate in half. Drill a hole and bolt it to the wheel and bicycle frame. Then attach a ring bolt to the arm. Wrap the hook with electrical tape to make the surface softer and avoid a boring scrap of scrap metal. Use a "U" clamp to attach the cart to the eye bolt.
Step 5. Screw a piece of plywood (cut to size) over the frame
Add eye bolts on the edges to be able to attach bungee cords to hold the load.
Step 6. Take a test drive with great attention
Start with no load to see if everything is working. Train in curves and accelerations. Check the screws and nuts to make sure everything is securely fastened. The best way to avoid losing bolts is to use self-locking nuts.
Warnings
- This trailer is meant for the transport of items only.
- Never use a homemade trailer to transport children.
