Solar electric bicycle touring trailer for luxury camping
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- Опубликовано: 10 сен 2024
- For information about my two books about sailing: www.robertberiault.com
I wanted to experiment with solar charging my Pedego battery while underway and in camping mode. So I bought a kit that included a 100 Watt solar panel and an MPPT controller. To hold the panel, I built a cargo trailer out of light-weight Coroplast and made it large enough to hold all my gear and keep it protected from the rain. I used the axle, wheels and towbar from my Burley cargo trailer for the hardware.
I have a Pedego, It was gifted to me while I was homeless. I put 8,000 miles on it. I really like this. I ride my pedego for pleasure now.
You're doing great! Keep it up!
I've always considered becoming a nomad on a bike, and I have to say this here is the greatest setup I've seen.
Thank you. I'm pretty happy with it, except that the solar panel would have to be 300-400 Watts instead of 100. There hasn't been a breakthrough in solar technology for several years. Is it about to come? Let's hope.
@@RobertBeriault753 can't you carry a solar generator?
Great build, well thought out
You could add more panels on the back and sides, they'll add some extra juice and provide faster charging.
Or a flip-up panel on each side. Thanks for reaching out.
What a fantastic idea! The number one thing that turns me off of electric assist bikes is the distance and time restrictions- I like loooooong rides! This is a simple yet genius solution! Thank you!
For me getting there isn't as important as going there :-)
Thanks for your input.
Robert
Absolutely stunning I've walked Across Australia pulling a trolley, twice to date first time I used a off the shelf trolley called a wheely solid tyres second time I made the trolley myself alot better, on my next mission this bike trailer has given me lots of ideas thanks very much for posting bren new subscriber
Congratulations on your travel achievements. What I should learn from you is to slow down! Thanks for subscribing and hope you'll find some of my videos useful or entertaining.
Love the fact you feel luxury and comfort is touring with a homemade trailer rather than a couple of panniers! You must feel your house is a palace! Hope you have lots of fun on your trips. Xx
It wasn't quite up to the standard of a palace, so the following year I built my mobile palace:
ruclips.net/video/PIv8wU0SL5s/видео.html
Thanks for your good wishes.
Really well made, looks ultra lightweight , looks really cool too.
Thank you.
Everything in place& order.
As a German, I appreciate that very much👍🏻😉
Right on! It might be because i have 1/8 th German blood. My great grandfather was a Frederic whose parents had immigrated from Germany.
I love this! I've been looking at a way to have a bit of the convenience of van life travel without the economic and ecological impact. This looks like a much better way to go touring than what I've seen before!
I call it container camping. So much more practical than saddle bags. What I will try to do is to add another 200 Watts of solar panels. That would save having to find campgrounds with electrical service. And it would even allow me to practice stealth camping.
Wow. Looks like he had a background in model aircraft or something - that looks so lightweight on the inside, yet solid when closed. Great job.
Thanks
Wish I'd had a similar setup when I did my tour across America. Right about the problems with Panniers ,but I made it. Prevailing Wind=No matter which way you going, the wind is always blowing against you.
Good build Bob.
Thank you. Wind: With electric assist, it doesn't get you tired. It only affects your range, positively or negatively.
I love the concept. Honestly though I think your wasting the solar trying to supplement your output. It would be far more efficient to have 2 batteries and switch between them when your in use battery reaches about 25-30%. Always have one charging and always have one connected. From what I understand about batteries you cannot charge them while draining them. If that were the case it would make more sense to run the motor directly from the panels. Obviously that doesn't work so in a nutshell 2 battery set up is the way to go. Could do 3 and simply have 1 on full charge for standby but might be overkill and or just extra weight. I love the drilled out boards to lighten the load. Very smart touch. The best thing about DIY projects like this is they have room to evolve over time as the craftsman gains new insight. Keep building and keep connecting to nature and the community and your inner creativity.
Hello, TSM. I am planning to do just what you are proposing with my Bosch Cube, having 2 batteries, and charging one off the bike while the other powers the motor. As for charging while running, many solar cyclists have done this, such as: ruclips.net/video/5_SGoka_LzI/видео.html
Thank you for your good wishes.
Robert
I love comments like this not hating but giving good advice and ideas I wish everyone was like this.
Thank you savagefoxdesigns you have given me ideas as well.
I am so in love with your stamina, inventions and videos! I think you rock! I will try to fins a solar panel for my cargobikewagon I am going to build.
Hi Anette,
Glad you like it. Good luck with your building project. Keep me posted on your progress.
Love the enthusiasm. I am 73 years old and still riding
Great! Keep it up!!!
That is really cool. You did a fantastic job in designing a nice trailer with minimal weight. Thanks for showing us.
Be safe out there and God Bless.
Thank you. May we all make it a better world.
Excellent job GOD Speed We are all pulling for you , keep a stick on the ice. 2 flip up narrow solar panels on the sides for camp time .
That could double my solar capacity. A step towards self-sufficiency.
Killer setup! I've been looking at get an electric pedal assist bike for a while. I just did a 450 mile trip across the Czech Republic and am totally hooked now.
Great! Keep it up.
Nice rig but I had an electric bike once and it wouldn't go more than 20 miles on a battery. How far do you intend to travel each day?
Wow. I am truly impressed that you choose to do that distance and camp with that bike.
Thanks for following me.
That will be good in the Philippines am gonna copy ur invention sir w a little modification nice idea!
Have fun
Robert@ So nice of you to encourage pulzomo.
Good job. It is very nice and neat. I think if you increase the cells area and charge rate to 250 Watt, it may save moscles power more in long trips. I suggest, you add a roof extension panels on bicycle as an option. It also might protect you against intensive sun light or rain if any.
I agree that 250 Watts would allow me to be independent. I'm just a little hesitant about having a large amount of panels sticking out in the wind. What you suggest already exists: www.sunridepower.com . I'd still need to install another 50 Watts somewhere.
Thanks for the video , I'm building an electric trike and using photovoltaic , the intention is to voyage for extended periods of time .This video will convince my wife that I'm not the only one doing this sort of travelling ....Merci beaucoup
I hope she will appreciate why you want to do this. Best regards.
Hi, RB V,
The boost controller is a Sunride, 57V, 8A Charger for lithium ion pack. It is available from www.sunridepower.com. They also sell the whole solar kit for adding to your own Pedego bike, including a 100W solar panel and the required wiring and connectors.
Have fun!
It's Oct 19, 2019 and I just saw your comment. Thank you. Somehow or other, I did discover Sunridepower and did buy the solar panel kit from them. That's what I used for my solar electric trailer.
I wanted to build a bike trailer, such as yours, and YTube brought forth your video. Crazy.
Great!!
Very clever. Enjoy your travels.
Thank you your good wishes.
Great system you put together,you are doing what I would love to do.
I hope your circumstances allow you to do it one day.
What a great idea! Riding an ebike and camping sounds perfect
It's the best way to travel
I love it!! I don't know how bad of a problem jackknifing is. But if it's bad enough, trailer brakes might be worth inventing.
Jackknifing might occur if braking suddenly while taking a curve too fast. Because the tongue is attached to the axle as opposed to the saddle tube, it is less likely to unbalance the bike. But it is something to be careful about.
Would be easier to simply reinforce the clamp for the seat post and run a bolt or pin through it so it cant turn. If needed you could add a limited joint in the arm so that it drags less in turns.
You're ingenious! I just bought an ebike recently and looking to do a tour and this is a great option to charge on the go. Thank you for sharing. 👍🚴♂️
Good luck with your plans
I know necessity is the mother of invention but something like this would have been so nice to have in my younger camping days too.
Maybe it's because when you were younger you didn't really need the extra comfort.
All the best
awesomest lightweight trailer! Partition boxes are good too!
Glad you like it.
Nice long dis. touring set up. If one is not closet phobic, you can make a similar extendable trailer and sleep in it.
I actually did that: ruclips.net/video/PIv8wU0SL5s/видео.html
Looks good. My mate built a trailer from an old folding camp bed so he can sleep in that. no tent required. He then cycled through eastern Europe
Has he put pictures of his rig online? Sounds interesting.
@@RobertBeriault753 Unfortunately no pictures. It was a very low tech build made so it could be fixed easily with only a few tools.He didn't like the side attachment so welded extensions
to the seat stay tubes terminating at the back of the wheel to attach his trailer. When the camp bed was folded out the tent canopy effected itself. Very ingenious.
Robert, this was beautifully thought out...
A beautiful compliment. Thanks
Awesome trailer. You do good work. Enjoy the journey. Shalom
Thanks. I plan to do much more next summer.
Very clever, well thought out, and well put together.
Thank you, TTG
Nice I love it. Very organized. I hope I can buy something like this
I'm afraid you can't buy this at the hardware store. You'd have to improvise with a Burley cargo trailer and plastic storage boxes.
Never stop exploring. Way to go!!
Right! Thanks.
Very nice! Very organized! Well done. Have a good tour.
Thanks, Kim.
Great little trailer, nice to be independent like that. Would be nice to see you riding with it on a video..
The year after I built this trailer, I built my Beriault bicycle camper and then never used the solar electric trailer until last summer when I lent it to a friend who accompanied me on a trip using my Bosch Cube: ruclips.net/video/jnrlxFWeMUY/видео.html
Nice but If I would have built it I would have made the inside trailer frame of Aluminum. A few pounds more but much more durable. other then that, I LOVE IT. The best part is the 12 to 48 volt DC Boost controller. I need one of them for a project, Thanks, didn't know they made them. I was using a Heavy Inverter and Transformers to go from 12V to 120V then back to a 48VDC Converter. This one is more compact and lighter. have a safe trip.
The idea of the wooden frame was to test the idea without spending a lot of money. Now that I see it works, I might redo the frame in aluminum. Genasun also makes boost charge controllers
I am so glad I happened upon this video you are a genius
Wow! Thanks for the generous comment.
I like the bike trailer layout very elegant nice
Thank you
Very nice ,congratulations!
Merci, Lucie.
Have a great summer!
You are the best and I love your solar car bicycle 👍👍👍
Sorry, I'm a year late in replying. Thanks for the nice compliment.
Respect
Peace and love from Bristol, England
Your sentiments will bounce back across the ocean to you.
Excellent! Formidable!
Merci!
Hallelujah, Happy Advent, Happy Chanukah, Merry Christmas, Thank you for all your good works, God bless you...🙀😇🌲
Thank you for your kind wishes.
May the celebrations of the next month be happy ones.
Robert- this is brilliant! Thank you for sharing! Very well presented, both in design and video presentation.
Glad you enjoyed it! Thank you for commenting.
Great looking trailer. Nice design with the boxes 🎯
I love the box system. I think my brain is designed this way!
Brilliant! I also have an electric bike, easy step through, with the batter on the back in same spot. To buy another backup battery is so costly. And then it's heavy and we wondered how to pack it.
I found that a single 100 Watt panel, in Canada, can't produce as much power in a day as a battery of the same weight. You might want to consider this before spending money on solar.
Great build!
Thank you.
I am planning to build a e-bike like yours. I got lots of information from your this video , thank you for sharing .
Thanks for letting me know
Great trailer!
Your 48v nominal (lithium ion, I am assuming) battery probably has a peak charged voltage of 54.6v. (48v is the mean voltage, 54.6 is fully charged, and about 42 volts is the lowest safe voltage for the battery so the individual cells in the battery assembly don't drop so low that they are damaged in use). If you get a boost voltage charger that is adjustable to about 52/53 volts DC for an 80 to 90 percent charge level you may want to change your charging voltage to that so you get much filter use of your battery capacity while still not stressing it with a full 54.6v charge .
At a 48v charge you only have use of air half of the storage available in the battery.
I love your trailer, I'm looking forward to building one similar in the near future so thanks for the ideas and inspiration!
Adjustable voltage output chargers are commonly available for home or rv photovoltaic/battery energy systems if you can't find one, is my understanding at this point. I forget the acronym for the technology but basically they work by taking the photovoltaic output, reading it, and dynamically covering it to a specific, user-settable charge voltage and current on a continuous operational basis.
*fuller use* not *filter use*
Charging is more complex than it appears. I just received my Cycle Satiator charger from Grin Technologies ( ebikes.ca/product-info/grin-products/cycle-satiator.html), a pretty impressive apparatus. I'd love to see pictures of your trailer when it's completed.
I'll post back when it's ready!
It's called an MPPT charge controller.
Nice job Robert! Excellent design.
I'm glad you like it
This was well thought out, I am impressed and am looking for the other video that you said you would post. Nice looking also!
Won't be long that the bicycle trails will be free of snow. Then I can move ahead on my next project.
Loving the camper and the accent! Great stuff
Glad you enjoyed it
Fabulous set up, well done Cheers Mike
Never heard of a Caterham. Quite impressive, even if it isn't electric.
Ingenious.....very well designed. I look forward to following your adventures. Good Luck and very Best Wishes.
Thank you! Cheers!
Good on ya Robert many happy travels Smart man
Thanks for your comment.
Could be a very nice setup even for world tours. Getting the push just for steep climbs. Very nice work.
For a world tour, you would have to make special arrangements to have the trailer transported across the oceans. But it would be nice to have on a long tour. Next summer, if my health permits, I plan to ride from Ottawa to Halifax, N.S. (1500 km). For the trip back I'll decide if I have the bike and trailer shipped or if I'll ride back. My battery will be 4 years old then. I hope it won't have lost too much of its capacity. A second battery would be very expensive. $1000 CDN for the 10 Amp, $1500 CDN for the 15 Amp. I don't want to put more money than necessary on that eBike, since it's not the ideal bike for long distance touring.
Robert Beriault I ride recumbents for long distance tours, with a radical trailer, very comfortable setup (no electric assistance).
I do watch on RUclips the sun trip a race they organize from Europe to eastern countries, once Turkey once Astana, and they setup is huge, not practical but give them full support.
I think your setup is more in the bicycle spirit, means: have electric support for some steep climbs.
I guess in the near future with some improvements in the solar cells and battery like graphene tech, it will be very possible.
A recumbent looks so comfortable! The majority of electric recumbents I've seen are tricycles, which are too wide for highway travel, in my opinion. I would like to try an electric recumbent bicycle.
It is really important to try your first recumbent as they are different from normal bicycles, geometry, feeling, comfort, activity.
Every one has different body features and that's the reason why is important to try.
Here is my last baby. ruclips.net/video/rSgdQoJ3Yys/видео.html
I could say, that the lightning P38 could be something to consider. It's easy to start, comfortable, not to recline, very clean chain line. www.lightningbikes.com/p38/index.html
Had a look at the P38 online. With its 700c wheel, do you think it could take the Bionx ebike conversion kit?
Awesome! Keep the beers cold
That's the plan!
@@RobertBeriault753 just teasing you… your parked in the shade dude!
Well thought out design. 👍👍👍
Thank you! Cheers!
Very nice, Mr Beriault ! Those are invaluable ideas for a future retired 💍 I hope your holidays and treks to come will give you a full satisfaction 👌
Thank you
Love your spirit sir!
Thank you
Looks like a fun time.
It was!
Ingenuity. Looks great and I'm sure it will perform well too. Joe UK
Thanks 👍
Great stuff mate, happy campin
Thanks, you too!
In 2016 I started with my plan for solar touring on an ebike. I knew a trailer would be mandatory for the amount of gear that was going to be necessary and all the gear that I wanted along for creature comforts. I also knew that a two-wheel trailer wasn't going to work, and would in fact be dangerous, or impossible to access the areas I wanted to ride. I wanted the ability to ride single-track and back roads. I also knew that a 300W panel is a minimum needed to charge large ebike batteries in a reasonable amount of time. I went with a full-suspension touring bike, a 1000W mid-drive turning a Rohloff Speedhub, a pair of 2000+ Wh lithium packs, and a front dynamo hub for light and battery bank storage. A suspended single-wheel trailer modified to carry a 300W folding solar panel. The bike was finished in 2016 with the trailer and bike frame modified in 2017. God willing I will break 40K miles on the bike before the new year. I'm curious how much you have pulled your rig. Stay safe. - photos.app.goo.gl/ADgC6oyPM2gyrCq27
That looks like a very practical rig for cycling off-road. Well done! As for me, I only used the trailer for about 1000 km before putting it aside and building my bicycle camper: ruclips.net/video/PIv8wU0SL5s/видео.html.
Wish you many more kilometres!
But how do you charge while cycling with that folded panel?
Really cool! I like the old style seat on your bike. My back is screwed, want to build something similar. Need the exercise but would like to have the electric assist. Got to get at it, Spring is coming!
Get it! You'll love electric assist. There will be no more hills to climb, no more headwinds to fight. You'll be invincible!
Very nice! I would suggest adding more panels that you can pull out when standing.
It's worth considering this idea
*Perfect Job !* you have Perpetum Mobile, Its great idea.
Respect 🙄😉😂
Please can You send me some link with plan for that trailer ?
It is really amazing idea.
I would like to see some technical information about it 😉☺
Sure! You can find construction details on my website: www.robertberiault.com
I don't have detailed plans, but there are sufficient details there to get you started.
Good luck!
fantastic !! I will definitely make a similar one, congratulations Robert. thanks
Good luck. Let me know how it went.
nice trailer. great build. 😁👍
Thank you.
@@RobertBeriault753 can you tell what boost converter it is?
A 12 Volt solar panel generates 18 Volts. My 48 Volt battery needs 56 Volts. The boost controller does two things. It boosts the 18 V up to 56 V and it senses how full the battery is and moderates the current so the battery doesn't overcharge.
@@RobertBeriault753 link when bought it? maybe i need it in my next video. your boost converter has good looking.
I bought it as a kit from:
www.sunridepower.com/diy-kit
Nice! The range aspect worries me for longer journeys so this might be the answer. 'Might' because on a cloudy day you would still need an electric socket at the end of the ride, I imagine.
Thank you. Your suspicion is correct. Watch my video about cloud effect:
ruclips.net/video/EUUOfdXc028/видео.html
I was just thinking about doing getting an e bike and solar charger for camping last night and the best way to do it and then this pops up lol. I should buy a lotto lol
I hope it can be useful
This guy is a genius!
Only my mother ever told me that :-)
that organization would help me alot. but I might go with bicycle camper.
Maybe this is what you need. Thanks for your interest.
I really wanted to see the tent and full camp setup
Did you see my video about my Eastern Ontario trip? The setup can be seen here:
ruclips.net/user/edit?o=U&video_id=s66AGne4Fl8
@@RobertBeriault753 " Oops, something went wrong." - link not working
Very nice setup thanks for sharing
Thanks for watching!
Good idea for providing charged battery on highway for E vehicals.It should be start by battery mcg co by appointing agent in village or small town.
✔
One thing I dislike about this sir is that you need more power and more cargo
I will make a note of that! 😉
@@RobertBeriault753 yes sir :) I am planning to make the same thing actually
Thats pretty cool , just an evil idea , maybe you could have a spare battery in the trailer so if you stop for an extended stay somewhere you would have two charged batteries , i do understand however if you would rather keep the weight down .
Nice job any way sir ..
Exactly what I'm thinking about. Thanks for your comment.
Robert. Did you make plans to help us make one too? Rod in Surrey , BC
nevermind Robert. I found that you have done so on your web page robertberiault.com thank you so much.
@@RodneyLamirand I'm a simple man: someone helps me, I upvote
Add an enclosed body shell with collision and weather protection and even more cargo space by upgrading to the ultimate ebike, the Organic Transit ELF. 3 owners have taken 4000 mile trips with the solar/human powered ELF.
Wow! That's impressive!
@@RobertBeriault753 This is a new industry with two companies selling this new class of vehicle. Organic Transit just got a cash infusion from a billionaire Indian investor so watch for new developments. This video shows my ELF: ruclips.net/video/_Mtxqr31JW8/видео.html
There are 200 ELF videos total.
What a great design.....Are you using the MPPT charge controler mentioned in the description ? How did you attach the corners and waterproof the whole thing ? Its a good size and the boxes inside are perfect....Well done !!!
All the joints are waterproofed with yellow duct tape and the panel is simply taped onto the top with the same tape.
Good idea using coroplast
Thanks for your interest.
Thank you for being so clever!
Much obliged
Genius design! Would love to see your new rig.
I wonder if you've seen this one: ruclips.net/video/PIv8wU0SL5s/видео.html
Thank you.
@@RobertBeriault753 , i did actually! I just watched a few of your videos on this design and I think it's really amazing and inspiring. I'm a bit of an inventor/environmentalist as well and I think these types of endeavors really do make a difference. We have gotten so far away from how to live with nature and I find the closer we get to working in balance with nature, the better nature treats us. I travel in a small teardrop camper that is fully solar capable, (including with a solar oven), and I can vouch that it has saved me thousands over the years in just hotel/motel costs alone. There is just something special about using nuclear fusion energy from the Sun to power one's life!
I did wonder if adding two guylines to the opposite side of the camper would help when the possibility of high winds arise. Have you had a chance to test it out yet in high winds?
About to watch your video on 'How Much Energy Does an Electric Bike Really Use' and I'm wondering if you might have any input/advice on a bike I'm looking at...The Rad Power Bikes 'Radwagon'. It gets really good reviews and I love the cargo ability of the design but didn't know how it might work with a cargo trailer like yours.
We're on the same page with regards to our life philosophy.
I actually have a guyline that I attach to the pullout side in high winds. I think I mention it in one of my videos. I'm not sure. The vestibule side is already being held by the two tent pegs that hold it in place. But I haven't had the opportunity to try it out in camping mode in very strong winds.
My cargo trailer is designed to use the Burley hitch and hitch adapter. The way the baggage support is made on the Radwagon, you may not be able to attach the adapter. ruclips.net/video/UgIGpSU6MLk/видео.html
You might have to jury rid something else.
Best regards
@@RobertBeriault753 , good points. Thanks for the heads up!
That is just awesome! I love bikepacking! Last summer rode the trail around Niagara Falls ! Sooo fun, New subscriber
Keep it up!
:-)
Me gusta tu idea, yo viajaré en mi bici y remolque , quiero ese sistema,, dónde lo puedo conseguir
Aquí está el enlace para las especificaciones: www.robertberiault.com/technical-details
Feeling very inspired! Nice work : )
Glad this is the effect I'm having. I'm just a tinkerer playing around.
What a genius idea!
Thank you.
Great job Sir
Happy to hear from you. Thanks
Great stuff!
Glad you think so!
You should mount a panel on your bicycle, kind of like a roof for your bike. Then make your trailer twice as long since they are so light & add another solar panels on that, during the day you can run directly off the solar energy.
Very good suggestion. I'm still working that out. Thank you.
Very cool solar bike！
Thank you.
Best regards.
Brilliant. Hi from Arizona USA
Nice thing about AZ is that you've got more sun to feed a solar panel than we have up here.
Lovely, now the route and videos of your trip please. We might go the same, we love traveling and looking for some interesting places to visit. I have fat tire ebike not so saving energy but fun to ride.
Cheers.
I'll try to post weekly videos of my trip as I go along.
Have fun with your ebike.
Best regards,
Robert
Well done looks nice
It's a compliment, coming from an old time engineer.
Looks nice. Good job 👍👍👍
Thank you.
A really great design chap.
Thank you.
Glad I found this.
Glad you're glad