Duck

[Al Taloma]

Hello all, ole what's his name here,
We've building our first tear, a very small replica of a 1946 Tourette, for bicycle use. It's currently ~2/3 completed. Initial tests indicate it tows fine, but needs a better hitch. We're at 80 pounds, but are working to remove more weight. May have to build another one to get the weight under control. So far, tests indicate we're fine up to 25 mph. Higher speeds to come after we replace hitch, also crosswind tests, fore and aft loading tests, etc. Regular bike brakes appear to be fine, no need to trailer brakes, though we want to add parking brake. Trailer expands to 80" bed. It also weathers nice, and one can sit upright inside comfortably. Has opening windows, door, galley hatch. Galley tray stows for extra space inside. b

 

[kudzu-TNT]

Nice looking trailer! If you haven't done so yet, you should also post this on the Bentrider forum.

 

[rowerwet]

if you rebuild, look into the foamie forum. I built a boat using the info learned there, in plywood the same boat weighs 35 lbs, in foam it weighs 15.

 

[S. Heisley]

That looks good. For Bike use? ...Very inventive.
Thanks for sharing.

 

[Al Taloma]

We appreciate your kind words. Attached is a old picture of our previous heavyweight trailer, all opened up. We've since reconfigured to a lighter weight design, but it still looks similar. We've started modifying our hitch system to try and be more robust, and impart less stress on the bike. Test rides indicate that the initial changes appear to be working well, with less play in the system.

b

 

[Al Taloma]

Hello All,
Many modifications later, we have a trailer. Testing went well, especially crosswind tests. We did have to modify the frame to fit larger 20" X 2.4" tires, which reduced our water bottle capacity, but allows us a smoother ride. Hitch mods went well, with better length adjustability. The trailer is still heavy, near 100 pounds, but is now fully insulated and sealed, with no leaks detected so far. We had to use doubler skins in high stress areas on our head and foot wells. It trails well, but is a chore going uphill. We moved the wheels back 3/4", and had to revise our wheel well thickness to reduce oil canning, found when we rolled over during the sleep test. Wheel arches have been fully radiused for debris rejection, with brows added for even better clearance. Wheel wells now sport internal cubby holes for storage. Both internal and external latches on door and hatch add better security. It now has surf racks, as well as double sets of tail lights and stalked reflectors. It has mattress cushions which are stowable, as well as a small internal table, galley, seat back, internal pannier racks, and of course a cup holder. We are considering adding small cabinets, but will think through how to make them light before proceeding. In all, we consider it a success, despite the weight.
The next model (Mk III) has been started, with lofting done and the frame partially welded. It appears to be possible to reduce the weight down to the 50 pound range, provided we don't add lots of features. It will be configured similar to the late 40's Modernistic trailer, but we may forego the hatch for weight reasons. It will feature all aluminum construction and have a locking door and windows just as the Mk II.
Pictures to follow, we're just waiting for a nice day to shoot them.
Al

 

[southpier]

has the weather been favorable for pictures, yet?