lost in all this data!!!

[gill2161]

so the plan is to build a trailer that i can pull behind my motorized bicycle.
it has to be light but strong and so far i have seen several things that might work.

1. foam sheets the blue ones at 2" thick and wrapped in fiberglass.
2. those plastic sheets with air pockets. something poly or another..lol
3. buy a bike trailer made with steel tube construction.
4. build one out of wood and or aluminum
i see so many options that i got lost in it all and all info would be greatly appreciated.

[BigDave_185]

I would almost suggest for a bike pvc frame or rig welded aluminum


How big are you wanting the trailer to be?


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[gill2161]

its has to be around 8x3x4

[BigDave_185]

8 feet long. Holly smokes


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[John61CT]

I would DIY, starting with the living space "pod", as light as possible, so only as strong as truly necessary.

Aluminum profile frame, strongest part the bottom perimeter and cross-beams, make sure perfectly 90° / parallel.

Foamie style PMF top & sides, rather than fiberglass

no metal above floor level, unless you need a roof rack e.g. for solar.

Floor using poly greenhouse benchtop flats, add a continuous sheet of foam insulation below if needed, can also spray infill, skinned inside with luan 1/8" underneath with aluminum skin

High-tech adhesives use everywhere possible for lightweight strength, more so than fasteners.

Load it up once finished if any: propane, batteries, toilet, fridge, stereo, water & grey/black tanks food clothes tools etc etc

plus mammal(s) of course.

Only then look at the wheels/axle/suspension, lightest weight, sized for the above total **only** and no more.

Actually plus hitch tube frame of course, added last of all.

If the hitch + axle can be an integrated platform, supporting the "living pod" but detachable, that gives a lot of flexibility and a bit of extra strength.



> plastic sheets with air pockets
forget those, whatever you mean

[John61CT]

From the library:

The Ultralight Chassis http://tnttt.com/Design_Library/The%20U ... hassis.htm

The Pico-Light http://tnttt.com/Design_Library/The%20Pico-Light.htm

[rjgimp]

For a bike trailer that size the 2' foam board wrapped in PMF will be more than strong enough. I don't think you would even need any additional framing. You could drill through the finished floor to bolt on an axle with big fender washers. Same with whatever tow bar you can fashion.

[gill2161]

yeah i dont even know what would be a good size to haul around on that bike to be hones i have no clue.

[RJ Howell]

Okay, I'm over on this one.

I agree, if designed and the thickness your thinking, accordingly, I also see no reason for a frame (or that added weight.

What I asked on the other was:
Have you done a design yet? That would help in figuring the trailer rating. Also weight of what you plan to carry in it.

Are you opposed to canvas sides? My mind goes to a lift top (tilt style) so it would be lighter, low profile for trailering and sleeker looking.

[RJ Howell]

yeah i dont even know what would be a good size to haul around on that bike to be hones i have no clue.

Basically a traveling bed and a place out of the rain (weather). Body width (3ft), body length (6ft), height is where I ask if you could deal with canvas and make it a lift top. Think like a Thule ski box yet wider, longer and a bit taller (like 2ft). Hinged front, lifted rear for entry. You won't stand in it, yet easily sit up!

[Modstock]

Last summer we picked up a small kids bike trailer to haul our ageing English bulldog for rides down to the lake/around the campground.
He is just under 70lbs. Even small hills is a workout and down to first gear but he loves it.
Downhill we gain speed fast and use both brakes to get stopped. Once I only had a rear brake and it could overpower that on steep hills.

Just to give ya an idea how much tow weight affects a bike.

Last week I saw a homeless guy hauling all his gear and toolbox with a trailer but it had 2 axles . The rear was fixed but the front steered kinda like a kids wagon.
Could try that. Good idea.

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[gill2161]

that traveling bed is what i was thinking off, don't need a whole lot will bring a xtra motor and some replacement parts that will weigh around 30LB and tools...some clothes and food and i do want to add some flex solar panels on it.i have not figured out a design ...still looking for something but if anyone have a few idea's i am open to anything going to be living in it for a few months so a little comfort be nice.

[dogcatcher]

From the library:

The Ultralight Chassis http://tnttt.com/Design_Library/The%20U ... hassis.htm

The Pico-Light http://tnttt.com/Design_Library/The%20Pico-Light.htm

Plus this build will get you going. viewtopic.php?f=55&t=50313&hilit=pico

[RJ Howell]

That Pico build is something to look at and try to make even smaller and lighter. Remember you only have <50cc's pulling it!

[saywhatthat]

To keep as light as possible. think clamshell .can keep main body lower. no doors , tent style windows & door You can stand up to dress . If raining can set up table and be dry. If using fiberglass over foam Don't buy in to the epoxy BS .Just use the right 1/2 foam

lift top.jpg (182.7 KiB) Viewed 1267 times

lift top.jpg (182.7 KiB) Viewed 1267 times