How to build a DIY trailer for a bicycle or e-bike!

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  • Опубликовано: 26 дек 2024

Комментарии • 236

  • @justinbarney8198
    @justinbarney8198 5 лет назад +10

    FYI ...swing by Lowes and get the following: Wheelbarrow wheel assembly kit and get 2 sets of wheels(4 wheels) --the dually effect(like a semi) will decrease the bouncing you're getting when you pedal at a higher speed. Also what you're using as axles works, but if you get a one-piece thru-axle of threaded round bar, it'll increase your trailer's carrying capacity. In-addition add some flat L-brackets to the trailer's arm to also make it more rigid than what you're presently using.

  • @NancyGonzalez-p7r
    @NancyGonzalez-p7r 2 месяца назад

    I am 63 years young lol. I love to build stuff and my son showed me this videos. So we are going to get the supplies we need and give it our best shot. Thank you.

  • @angie_the_cat_lady5140
    @angie_the_cat_lady5140 4 месяца назад

    I come across your video while on the search for plans/ideas to build a tow behind cart for my husband's folding wheelchair. Most conventional baskets for wheelchairs won't work for us as we need something that can be attached/unattached regularly (as well as not being compatible with a folding wheelchair). You've given me by far the best starting point and ideas and I thank you much for your video!

    • @EbikeSchool
      @EbikeSchool  4 месяца назад

      I’m glad it could helpful, good luck!

  • @tomadams2319
    @tomadams2319 6 лет назад +18

    It'll be interesting to learn how well it endures when it's actually loaded. I've used trailers to carry my gear when bike camping, and one improvement they really need are brakes. Going downhill with a loaded trailer is no fun when it decides it wants to go faster than you do. Very dangerous!

    • @tweakerkid
      @tweakerkid Год назад

      A bag of Portland cement would be a good test

  • @puzzledpaul2291
    @puzzledpaul2291 2 года назад +5

    Most of the comments I'd make have already been covered by other posters, so I'll just add my general 2p worth, based on having made several trailers over the last (nearly) 4 decades.
    All (bar one) have been 2 wheel trailers, with a central tow / hitch point, more or less at the same height as the axle of the rear wheel.
    The bike end of the hitch is bolted on the rear end of a frame / yoke that is typically attached to the rear wheel mudguard stay holes.
    This yoke / frame is prevented from rotation by stays of some sort to the pannier rack.
    The bike / trailer connection is a 8mm male rose (spherical) joint mounted on the trailer with a clevis on the bike end. An 8mm bolt through both connects them.
    The threaded stem of the rose joint is allowed to rotate through a full 360deg in its mounting to allow for mishaps such as the trailer flipping / rolling thro' 180deg after hitting a kerb / obstacle.
    My current trailer - used for 3.5yrs is significantly different from all previous ones in that it folds (flat) and can be stowed on top of the pannier rack when not actually needed. The wheels are 12.5in stub axle types that can be removed and carried in one of the panniers.
    The reason for this approach is that I'm a regular skip / bin / dumpster? diver and I wanted a means of being able to carry larger items if I happened to be passing a 'target rich environment' and there was something of interest (to me) there :)
    The trailer frame is essentially a modified kid's buggy / stroller - Hauck brand (sport model or similar) - a simple but effective linkage and pivot arrangement that folds back on itself. Mainly 16mm / 5/8in steel tubing - but I've added other staff as necessary.
    The bike mounted frame / yoke is also somewhat different from previous ones that I've scratch built - it's the rear triangle frame off an alu framed bike. I found an abandoned bike that'd been stripped, and rear stays jumped on such that they touched each other.
    This is - by far - the best, most rigid hitch frame version I've used.
    Trailer with wheels weighs about 5kg iirc and the max load I've carried is 50kg (only twice) typical loads are generally in the 15 to 35kg range.
    I'm considering making a mk2 version of this trailer with some mods - and decided to open an Instagram account to showcase this ( and to promote cycling / bikes in some way?) - when I extract digit - as people my side of the pond have asked me questions about this in the past.
    I'm not sure how to link / point directly to this Instagram account - so I'll just give the name.
    biketrailerguy instagram.com/biketrailerguy/
    There's just a few pics of current trailer with different loads there at the moment, but it might be of interest to some people.
    Zero cost, btw as made from materials / resources I already had, or found objects - like the buggy itself. No welding involved, or timber used.

    • @jaminshed
      @jaminshed 2 года назад

      Great! Creative useful up cycling - and skillful too :)

  • @barolongmatsoha7628
    @barolongmatsoha7628 Год назад

    This video really inspired me it gave me the courage to build my own trailer
    The book I like is the Ebike guide

  • @BrunoPOWEEER
    @BrunoPOWEEER 6 лет назад +17

    I always wanted a trailer!!!! I sold my car back in 2014 and I use my bike for EVERYTHING EVERYWHERE I go... I developed some techniques but I really need a trailer!!! I’ll do it now after watching this video hahaa ohh yeaahhh =]

  • @allannicholson2454
    @allannicholson2454 3 года назад

    He. Great video! I have recently just started up an odd job handyman business in the UK. I work on a lot of private estates with good roads, and now we are coming into spring and all my clients are local, I wanted to start cycling to work, to help me get fitter and also become a low carbon handyman to reduce my carbon footprint and be more envoronmentally friendly. This has given me real inspiration. Thanks!

  • @wjf213
    @wjf213 6 лет назад +22

    Good video and nice build, but you might want to consider at least adding some steel "FLAT L BRACKETS" to reinforce that arm from the trailer to the bike. I'm afraid you get any kind of load and that baby will cast her withers. You also might want to relocate the wheels to be more in the center of your trailer so the weight of your load is on the axle and not on that long hitch arm to your bike. Keep up the great work.

    • @Alex_Rosefur
      @Alex_Rosefur 4 года назад +1

      I'll keep that in mind when I build mine.

    • @BIKEMAN21
      @BIKEMAN21 3 года назад +2

      this will not work loaded. the trailer should have been attached to the seat post not a clamp on cargo rack.

    • @fraukeschmidt8364
      @fraukeschmidt8364 3 года назад

      Excellent advice

  • @din1903
    @din1903 6 лет назад +3

    I have been over thinking a bike trailer for a while now, thanks for the inspiration to keep it simple and just build it.

    • @whazzat8015
      @whazzat8015 3 года назад

      Or buy one that works for the same money/time.

  • @ritchiehornak3917
    @ritchiehornak3917 6 лет назад

    I’m discovering this channel just now. I was considering a trailer for an ebike and to wire it to a throttle with two hub drives. Now it’ll truly haul your gear while not stressing the bicycle setup.

  • @dieselgas3000
    @dieselgas3000 6 лет назад +31

    A kids bicycle trailer makes a good tow behind hauler by removing the covering/seats and securing a plastic tote to it!

    • @databanks
      @databanks 6 лет назад +2

      Indeed they do. You can also cut them in half and extend them if you've got a welder and some scrap metal (for towing home longer objects and bigger grocery shops)

  • @billstrong3111
    @billstrong3111 3 года назад

    Your video is a life saver. I have been trying to figure out how I can pull my Fish-n-Mate beach cart with my eBike. Since I have a rack on the back, I can use the hitch assembly you used to solve my problem... Thank you for helping me out

  • @joelhenry4643
    @joelhenry4643 4 месяца назад

    I thoroughly enjoyed the video. This is just what I've been looking for. I saw you on the bike path. I live in Arlington. I thought the cart hung a little low towards the front of the cart. I love the design of it. I also like how you put the wheels back further on the cart. This way you could use as a hand truck or wagon with the right handle. Thank you for making the video and I'm looking forward to watching the lithium battery build video😮

  • @Rihtwise1208
    @Rihtwise1208 6 лет назад +1

    Nice build of that trailer I just finished my ebike build and went online looking for light bike trailers and lo and behold I have a RUclips video of Micah building one! Great job and thanks for the idea

  • @rgrea2
    @rgrea2 3 года назад

    The best idea i've seen and thanks so much for listing the materials. Want a trailer for camping/fishing. Super idea and build

  • @bikeboomer2617
    @bikeboomer2617 4 года назад

    That's a really cool little trailer. Nice job on the build. I really love that you used a duffel bag to source the wood! I was glad to hear in your video that you don't own a car. I don't either and I use a trailer for groceries and anything else that does not fit in panniers. Great video.

  • @craftsmen22
    @craftsmen22 2 года назад

    Good looking trailer, I think about building my own. Thank you.

  • @stevennguyen8589
    @stevennguyen8589 5 лет назад

    great Video ..I have been followed your clips .. you Did it again... so educational for young dad's ... KEEP up the GREAT work... LOVES it...once again , you came through again so inspiring and fun thank-you ..!

  • @banjobradley3644
    @banjobradley3644 3 года назад

    Bloomin heck yes dude. Ta muchly for the inspo. Gday from Australia.

  • @fraukeschmidt8364
    @fraukeschmidt8364 3 года назад

    Thanks, this is just what I've been looking for.

  • @bpatton3671
    @bpatton3671 8 месяцев назад

    You might want to stiffen the arm that attaches to the bike hitch. I would use a couple of 5" sided triangles of plywood or whatever size will match up with the stiffened you put on the hitch arm. If your bike rides beside a pot hole but the trailer can't miss it, look at all points that will receive the most force.
    You probably need to get a small tool bag, to hold a spare tube for the bike and trailer. Tools for removing a tire and a pump to reinflate the tire. If you have a load groceries or building supplies you don't want to leave the trailer abandoned to go fix a tire. It probably would not still be there when you got back!
    Nice building job! 😊

  • @kjevers1
    @kjevers1 6 лет назад

    You might have changed locations, but the quality is just as good. Thanks keep it up.

  • @daytriker
    @daytriker 2 года назад +3

    Hi Micah, one suggestion on your trailer build - Having a loaded trailer pushing against your seat post means the momentum of the trailer can impact your bike balance & you are much safer to use an axle mounted to arm. You can buy these off Aliexpress, Amazon or Ebay.

  • @jcagaspar
    @jcagaspar 6 лет назад +1

    Nice quick basic trailer, really liked the ingenious hybrid carrier/hitch design, good work.

  • @justinbarney8198
    @justinbarney8198 4 года назад

    The bolt you used for the wheel axle ...if I'm not mistaken weren't those Carriage Bolts? And FYI ...I mounted the Ventura Mini ball Hitch onto the rear plate of my Surly BFD and I later discovered that since the ball hitch is spring-action, it can come disconnected from the tongue mount. So I remedied it with a velcro strap. Plus with most truck trailers having a back-up chains that connect the tongue with the hitch mount, I applied the same using stainless chain. And in-case of slippage, the chain kept the trailer from getting away from my bike, and wandering into traffic.

  • @JorgeRodriguez-ei2gi
    @JorgeRodriguez-ei2gi 2 года назад

    Great trailer built,very intrested & helpfull ,we learn new tricks ,thanks,continúe.,Say hello Joe.

  • @hectorcastro9893
    @hectorcastro9893 4 года назад

    Way cool enjoyed your show and your wit. Would like the ebike book have one myself😊

  • @spooniecamper
    @spooniecamper 6 лет назад

    I didn't know you were in Boston. I'm South of Boston and I'm seeing a lot more ebikes this year. Finally I'm not the only one.

  • @ZicMortal
    @ZicMortal 6 лет назад +1

    Could you (perhaps) try to put large battery pack onto the trailer, to gain better weight distribution, and also improve ebike start and range?
    I thought it would be good idea, because its easier to pull weight than to carry it.
    Great work man btw.

  • @CapnChkn1
    @CapnChkn1 4 года назад +1

    The wheels should be in the middle of the trailer. Then the weight will be on the axle. The way you have it, the arm will have extra stress.
    I also find using the seat post makes things hard to control. However, connecting to the rear hub will require some design, driving will cause the arm to flex, either making the trailer bounce front to back, or break, depending on the material it's made from.
    The big wheels are also better, unless this just carries groceries. Big wheels have less friction on the road.

  • @seagreenspiral
    @seagreenspiral 4 года назад +1

    any weight on that and the wooden joint would snap.

  • @hktrader88
    @hktrader88 4 года назад

    Awesome. Great that you include so much info with the video. Thanks

  • @stephaniespindler
    @stephaniespindler 3 года назад

    Wow love the trailer! Thank you❤️

  • @tedgoulais4003
    @tedgoulais4003 4 года назад

    Nice trailer really dig the siderails

  • @washn1069
    @washn1069 3 года назад

    Thank you for the idea, I’m gonna build one for my scooter.

  • @jennylin855
    @jennylin855 4 года назад

    Nicely done. Simple and organic, i would love to build one in the future when i settle in the countryside but perhaps i would install shock on both tires for better suspension.

  • @jamescoxon1877
    @jamescoxon1877 4 года назад

    epic video thanks for the tow hitch idea from amazon that's a big help

  • @Naayua
    @Naayua 6 лет назад

    Hey Micah i just want it say that i have been watching many of your videos related to batteries, great job they are very instructive and helpful in my journey to build my own e bike! I'm looking forward to watch your next project and hopefully to win one of your books.

  • @kirkroofs
    @kirkroofs 6 лет назад

    Awesome little trailer

  • @eBikeaholic
    @eBikeaholic 6 лет назад +2

    Sweet build, diy trailers are harder than they look! I just built two... one is a single wheel and designing the hitch for that was by far the biggest obstacle. I like how you mounted the wheels directly to the wood frame. I decided on using aluminum over wood to try saving weight, do you know what this bad boy weighs? The only thing I'd change is mounting the wheels closer to center (front) for better balance and less stress on the hitch.

    • @whazzat8015
      @whazzat8015 3 года назад

      $2000+ bike with trailer that looks like it was pinched from a sleeping homeless guy. Huh yep.

  • @xXThePointXx
    @xXThePointXx 6 лет назад

    Cool! Electric powered trailer build next!

  • @prads34
    @prads34 6 лет назад +1

    Great build.would love to see a video on load test. how do u control it on downhills?

  • @NanookFieryArcticSkyy
    @NanookFieryArcticSkyy 2 года назад

    You did a great job. You did good composition for video too. Thank you. I may build one to haul my dog around she is getting old. I may reinforce. I will need a rack on back to move hitch back. I will add reflectors More for style. Then personalized plate for dog name.

  • @HenryMarineBiologist
    @HenryMarineBiologist 6 лет назад

    cool trailer looks really good

  • @ChrisStCyr-bh1bp
    @ChrisStCyr-bh1bp 6 лет назад

    Very nice! I like that you did not paint it

  • @nettoyageadriance
    @nettoyageadriance 6 лет назад

    Awesome little project! We use trailers for our business and they're so convenient!

  • @alexandermatias761
    @alexandermatias761 6 лет назад

    awesome Micah! this is alex, the vruzend guy in the Philippines. Building a trailer also at the moment

  • @awo1fman
    @awo1fman 6 лет назад

    Cool! I've been thinking about building a trailer but I can't decide whether to make it 2-wheeled or 1-wheeled. They each have their pros and cons.

  • @vg2b713
    @vg2b713 5 лет назад +1

    Great video! How about gussets at the arm joints?

  • @Johny40Se7en
    @Johny40Se7en 4 года назад

    That's wicked, and fairly simple too. Nice one fella 👍🙂

  • @cncnutz
    @cncnutz 6 лет назад +1

    I really like the trailer hitch. I'm a bit concerned about the arm up to the bike but the bracing will help. Have you tested it with a load yet?

    • @eBikeaholic
      @eBikeaholic 6 лет назад

      I decided to use a sunlite axle mount hitch for my diy double wheel trailer. The complete assembly is only $15 and it feels more solid / looks nicer than rack mounted hitches.

    • @EbikeSchool
      @EbikeSchool  6 лет назад

      Yea it's working well so far with light loads but I might replace the arm with metal pipe/conduit/pvc or something similar, also to help with vibration dampening.

  • @PeterSedesse
    @PeterSedesse 2 месяца назад

    I made one for my farm, which is basically a pallet with sides and with wheels. Works great, but nobody compliments me on it :)

  • @JoelRyanQuinn
    @JoelRyanQuinn 5 лет назад +1

    5 minutes in the production quality increases dramatically

  • @darrenknight4127
    @darrenknight4127 6 лет назад

    You did a good job on the trailer I am following your plans

  • @XDM50
    @XDM50 6 лет назад +1

    Good job Micah!

  • @Doctor_Badass_
    @Doctor_Badass_ 6 лет назад

    I was planning on building something like this but with steel. I was going to use a caster wheel to mount to the seatpost. Then a piece a square tubing can be placed where the wheel used to be.

  • @AccordionSqueezer
    @AccordionSqueezer 4 года назад

    my dogs trailer had 20in wheels when I got it, had problems with spokes, so I got 16in mags, even better, but got flats a few times, then I found 12in mag wheels on a discarded stroller, that had solid rubber tires. no spokes, no flats and a much lower center of balance, making a safer, more stable, ride for my dog. get a hitch for the back hub of your bike wheel, and make an arm out of square metal rod to connect them...

  • @thamesmeadsix5192
    @thamesmeadsix5192 6 лет назад

    I bought one of those racks when I first built an E-bike to hold a battery.The tubing cracked by the seat tube weld. So don't put too much weight on the pivot or it may fail.Sorry I'm coming to you late with this information but I have suffered a broken leg and have been hospitalised

  • @rapattack6172
    @rapattack6172 3 года назад

    Hi thanks for the video. I find a lot of wood around so might just try this. I do have some spare wheels and just have to get that bolt

  • @TiagoSProducions
    @TiagoSProducions 6 лет назад

    Cool trailer

  • @GuitarUniverse2013
    @GuitarUniverse2013 Год назад

    that's a pretty big tilt forward. Does your Gear want to slide off?

  • @jamesdew9149
    @jamesdew9149 4 года назад

    That is a great idea, maybe next time you can look at putting an axle or two supports across the tires so that when you are carrying extremes amount of weight that the tires won't blow out and ruin the frame

  • @shaunhall960
    @shaunhall960 Год назад

    Thanks a bunch Micah!

  • @georgegibson707
    @georgegibson707 6 лет назад +1

    Good one.
    I have also seen electric trailers that push the bike.

  • @stevelacroix2917
    @stevelacroix2917 6 лет назад

    Awesome trailer!

  • @Ermixon
    @Ermixon 6 лет назад

    Good job, would suggest to place the wheels close to the middle for better weight distribution.

  • @jimricksecker9990
    @jimricksecker9990 5 лет назад

    Great video and idea! On to building my trailer!

  • @ConorFenlon
    @ConorFenlon 6 лет назад

    Nice one man! Great job on the design. Impressed you made it look so similar just from one image. 👍🏻

  • @ramonreyes6728
    @ramonreyes6728 6 лет назад

    Nicely done sir!

  • @jameslamb4573
    @jameslamb4573 6 лет назад

    Nice trailer.

  • @niteshades_promise
    @niteshades_promise 5 лет назад +3

    awesome. wonder if pvc pipe would be strong enough and lighter.🤔🍻

  • @gussieayaz5494
    @gussieayaz5494 Год назад

    I have a question pls.... since cargo trailers/carts all seem to roll along like laundry-carts (flat and straight) I'm wondering about adding shocks?? lol you know? Thank you

  • @charleswerba8722
    @charleswerba8722 6 лет назад

    Great project. Hope to win the solar guide book!. Keep up the awesome vids

  • @EkimNosenb
    @EkimNosenb 6 лет назад

    Since you're in Boston now are you planning to use this during the winter?

  • @52qb
    @52qb 4 года назад

    Great video! I have taken away the idea of fixing the Mount at the back of my bag rack, couldn’t get my head around how to do this if I can’t fit onto my seat post. Thanks

  • @robwilder9662
    @robwilder9662 6 лет назад

    Nice build with minimal tools! I imagine that bike trailers would be like any other trailer, you want the load centered forward of the axle , 60/40 at least , then you won’t get the trailer oscillating at higher speeds. I agree with the other comments that there are some areas that have high stress that you might want to make more robust, at a minimum the axle should go across the entire width , reinforce the axle block with a bottom and top metal plate so the wood is more of a pillow block , the hub wood around the bolt mount may break with a good curb or pothole hit. For your hitch arm rectangular aluminum, say 1-1/2” square with bolted gussets at the angles would be light and strong. ( Aside:You seem like the type that would really get into a TIG welder with your mad “conceptual to finished product “skills. )

  • @adityakhair5055
    @adityakhair5055 6 лет назад

    Awesome
    You can also add solar panel for the charging System

  • @365techtips
    @365techtips 6 лет назад

    Cool idea. How many kg have you carried in it?

  • @suegroenestein7038
    @suegroenestein7038 3 года назад +1

    Interesting. But, from experience, I see two faults. First, the swivel point needs to be over, or in front of back axle, otherwise you have poor control when slowing down or stopping. Second, the trailer wheels should be in a closed frame, with both sides of wheel mounted, not just one side, as in a bike frame. I made this mistake too, and broke three axles on my first trip.

  • @kerem7546
    @kerem7546 3 года назад

    how much did your trailer end up weighing?

  • @nickmologreen2760
    @nickmologreen2760 5 лет назад

    Where did you get the tires?

  • @wdj935
    @wdj935 6 лет назад

    Awesome video. Thanks for posting

  • @davidbergewaytogo
    @davidbergewaytogo 4 года назад +1

    Nice video mate! I was wondering if you had any second thoughts on the final height of the inside of the trailer? Assuming grocery store reuseable bags are almost 24 inches high, I was wondering if you experienced times when you would have preffered an additional "row" of horizontal boards to increase the final interior height? Any thoughts on this?

  • @lincolngrayson1013
    @lincolngrayson1013 6 лет назад

    can the use of the trailer keep your bike stable upright without using the kick-stand when you are not moving?

  • @zavionfryar5507
    @zavionfryar5507 4 года назад

    Are the wheels fully plastic?, or is it just the frame that's plastic and the tires are rubber?

  • @Arangil21
    @Arangil21 6 лет назад

    Does the trailer get much sway to it?

  • @ggss1176
    @ggss1176 6 лет назад

    nice trailer..like the wheels. any idea of the weight. am wondering if aluminium frame would be lighter than the wood?

  • @bobcreekmore
    @bobcreekmore 6 лет назад

    I've been wanting a hitch like that!

  • @chrisvergari2705
    @chrisvergari2705 6 лет назад

    That's pretty cool Micah. Have you taken it out with a decent load in it? How is it riding and making turns with a decent amount of weight in the cart?

  • @jamesbowler8128
    @jamesbowler8128 2 года назад

    Need a little help. I bought the hitch you mentioned and it didn't come with the extra piece you used to attach it to the rack and been looking for that part for a month now. What do you suggest?

  • @rrf3476
    @rrf3476 4 года назад

    What if installing the wheels onto the mid will it be more balancing when on road? Curious about this

  • @50ShadesOfBeige
    @50ShadesOfBeige 6 лет назад

    Great idea/project. How is the connector arm holding up? Is it starting to show any looseness from vibration? Also, from the footage, the trailer appears to tilt forward, was that intentional?

  • @badgeofhonour
    @badgeofhonour 6 лет назад

    Great video and a good idea in making it.

  • @riskyron1416
    @riskyron1416 Год назад

    I would increase the strength as well as reduce the weight with an aluminum hitch, and axle area, while constructing the rest with bamboo.

  • @Destin65
    @Destin65 4 года назад

    If I attempted to build something like that in my apartment there would a SWAT team up here in 15 minutes, lol. But great job on the build, now I'm interested in attempting something like this, albeit probably off-site. ;-)

  • @angelokim5941
    @angelokim5941 6 лет назад

    Nice! It'd be easy enough to level it out. Looks cheaper than the several hundred dollar trailers I've seen too

  • @lonewolf14779
    @lonewolf14779 6 лет назад

    very good job

  • @guywhitson1588
    @guywhitson1588 6 лет назад

    Very cool... I actually have a question about a previous subject: battery temp. Is it practical add a fan, for instance a computer fan, to a battery pack? I ask since heat seems to be an important issue and I'm planning a build in the near future. Thanks

  • @johnszurek5209
    @johnszurek5209 6 лет назад

    Add an exterior-grade varnish if you plan to use it in the rain.

    • @EbikeSchool
      @EbikeSchool  6 лет назад +1

      The stain was actually waterproof exterior stain, though I didn't really do 100% coverage. Was more of a quick and dirty job.