Buzz
If you enjoy cycling but struggle to carry all your essentials, consider building a bicycle cargo trailer. Create a simple, cost-effective trailer using lumber, bicycle wheels, and other readily available materials. Customize the trailer dimensions based on your cargo needs and attach it to your bike using a bicycle trailer hitch and arm kit.
Step-by-Step Guide
Building the Frame
Plan the trailer's design and measurements. Determine the size needed for your cargo and sketch the trailer's outline accordingly. Ensure the frame accommodates your desired load size, using matching bicycle wheels to space the side pieces appropriately after cutting them to size.
- Consider the dimensions based on the items you intend to transport. For example, if you plan to haul a plastic tub measuring 24 in (61 cm) by 18 in (46 cm), make the trailer approximately 26 in (66 cm) long by 20 in (51 cm) wide.
- If you prefer a general size, aim for dimensions around 32 in (81 cm) long by 22 in (56 cm) wide, offering ample space for groceries or tools.
Pro Tip: Keep the trailer width close to your shoulder width for easy maneuvering. Limit the trailer length to around 3 ft (0.91 m) for better towing.
Prepare Lumber Pieces for the Frame: Cut six pieces of 1 in (2.5 cm) by 2 in (5.1 cm) lumber to desired lengths. Ensure two pieces match the trailer width, while the remaining four pieces match the length minus 2 in (5.1 cm).
Arrange the Frame: Lay out the frame components on a flat surface, forming a square or rectangle. Position the side, front, and back pieces accordingly, leaving space between the side pieces for the bicycle wheels.
Secure the Frame: Use 90-degree metal brackets and screws to attach the frame pieces together. Ensure stability by placing brackets at each corner and where the inner side pieces meet the front and back.
Add Plywood Covering: Cut plywood to fit the frame size, allowing clearance for the wheels. Secure the plywood to the frame with wood screws, creating a sturdy bed for hauling items. Opt for 0.25 in (0.64 cm) thick plywood to avoid excessive weight.
Mounting the Wheels
Shape Electrical Box Plate Covers: Bend four electrical box plate covers to fit over the frame's side pieces. Flatten the short side of each cover with a rubber mallet to create a 90-degree angle.
- Electrical box plate covers, readily available at hardware stores, serve as ideal materials for this purpose due to their pliability.
- Once attached to the plywood deck and innermost side pieces of the frame, these plates secure the wheels in place.
Pro Tip: In the absence of electrical box plate covers, any pliable metal pieces measuring at least 4.5 in (11 cm) long by 2.75 in (7.0 cm) wide will suffice.
Drill Axle Holes: Drill axle holes 0.5 in (1.3 cm) up from the bottom edge of each plate. Ensure even spacing from the sides and center, then drill holes using a metal drill bit matching the wheels' axles.
- Positioning the holes at this level guarantees ample clearance between the axles and the frame's wood.
Make Screw Holes: Drill screw holes in the metal plates for frame attachment. Use a metal drill bit to create holes in the bent part and sides of each plate, ensuring no interference with the wood when screwed in.
- The exact placement of the holes isn't critical; focus on avoiding intersections with the screws.
Secure Metal Plates to Wheels: Attach metal plates to the wheels' axles and secure them with wheel nuts. Utilize the drilled axle holes to mount the plates securely.
- If your wheels lack nuts, consider purchasing bicycle wheel nuts online or from a bike shop.
Fix Metal Plate Brackets: Screw metal plate brackets onto the frame's side pieces, aligning them with the wheels protruding through the plywood trailer bed. Use wood screws to affix them securely.
- Elevate the trailer for easier installation, employing items like cinder blocks or bricks to raise it off the ground.
Integrating a Trailer Arm
Acquire a Bicycle Trailer Arm and Hitch: Explore bike shops or online platforms for kits or separate components compatible with your bicycle. Purchase the necessary parts and await delivery.
- Costs typically range from $30 to $100 USD when purchasing online.
Pro Tip: Consider sourcing a used bike trailer and repurpose its arm and hitch. Scout thrift shops for affordable options or search online for second-hand trailers to salvage parts from.
Mount the Trailer Hitch: Attach the trailer hitch to the rear left wheel hub of your bike. Remove the nut from the left side of the rear wheel hub, slide the hitch onto the axle, and reattach the nut to secure it in place.
- This instruction is for side-mounted trailer hitches on the left rear wheel hub. Alternatively, there are hitch and arm kits that attach higher up on the rear seat post.
Secure the Trailer Arm: Screw the trailer arm onto the left side of the trailer frame. Position the arm as far forward as possible and attach it to the frame using the provided screws and an electric drill.
- Always consult the manufacturer's instructions for specific mounting guidelines.
Connect the Arm and Hitch: Couple the trailer arm and hitch by inserting the arm into the hitch and securing it with a pin. Ensure the arm is firmly in place and fasten any straps or hardware as needed.
- The method for coupling may vary by model, so refer to the manufacturer's instructions for precise directions on safely securing the trailer.
Insider Tips
Important Warnings
- Do not use this DIY trailer for transporting children.
- This trailer is specifically designed for carrying cargo.
Materials You'll Need
- Pencil
- Paper
- Power saw or hand saw (optional)
- Reciprocating saw or jigsaw (optional)
- Measuring tape
- 2 bicycle wheels
- 1x2 lumber
- 12 90-degree metal brackets
- 0.5–0.75 in (1.3–1.9 cm) wood screws
- 1.5–2 in (3.8–5.1 cm) wood screws
- 0.25 in (0.64 cm) plywood
- Electric drill
- 4 electrical box cover plates
- Metal drill bits
- Bicycle trailer arm and hitch
