Lightweight Bicycle Camper Trailer

Teardrop shaped bicycle travel trailers & related information

Lightweight Bicycle Camper Trailer

Postby skyl4rk » Tue Dec 03, 2019 10:46 am

I am building a lightweight bicycle camper trailer as a popup box using coroplast. I designed it with the idea of putting solar panels on top to charge an electric bike. I don't have an electric bike at the moment but I do have a gas powered bike, so I will use that and pedal power for now.

I designed it so the width is approximately the same as my handlebars with bar end mirrors, so about 36". The length of the bottom half is 86" and the top is 96". The frame was 27.5 lbs before adding the body. I have pulled the bare frame around through the neighborhood and it adds some drag but it is not bad and pulled straight.

When I started, I had no idea if it would work, but I took pictures and video. As of today, I have not completed it but it is ready to try an overnight sleep in it.
Here is the start of the project, the frame. It is based on the Paul Elkins style frame, but narrower.

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Solar Bike Trailer Camper Frame


I am using cheap kickstands as the trailer supports while sleeping in it. These are marginal, I think they work but don't have a lot of trust in them. If anyone has ideas for better supports, I am interested.

The 1" x 2" frame pieces were reinforced with fiberglass and epoxy at the joints. They seem to be strong enough but they flex. I think I would go with 2" x 2" on the long rails next time.

I need to find another way to get a towing arm, I don't think my self bent aluminum tent pole will last when the trailer is loaded.

My pictures seem to be too big to load.
Last edited by skyl4rk on Mon Dec 16, 2019 7:54 pm, edited 5 times in total.
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Re: Lightweight Bicycle Camper Trailer

Postby rjgimp » Tue Dec 03, 2019 6:53 pm

skyl4rk wrote:I need to find another way to get a towing arm, I don't think my self bent aluminum tent pole will last when the trailer is loaded.


I have a two-seat kid hauler trailer. I believe the tow arm is made of steel tubing but at the end that connects to the rear axle of the bike there is about a 3" piece of coil spring to neutralize unfortunate forces that might otherwise damage the tubing.
-Rob


I hope to make it to a Procrastinators Anonymous meeting someday...
just as soon as the steering committee gets around to scheduling one!
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Re: Lightweight Bicycle Camper Trailer

Postby rjgimp » Tue Dec 03, 2019 7:00 pm

skyl4rk, where are you located? I actually have a second identical trailer that I scavenged off a trash heap for the tires and axle but it has a complete tow arm also. You are welcome to it.
-Rob


I hope to make it to a Procrastinators Anonymous meeting someday...
just as soon as the steering committee gets around to scheduling one!
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Re: Lightweight Bicycle Camper Trailer

Postby skyl4rk » Tue Dec 03, 2019 7:27 pm

I am in Michigan. I also have one of the kid trailers with a tow bar, but it is too short where it attaches to the trailer, I am hoping to find a way to make a longer tow bar.
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Re: Lightweight Bicycle Camper Trailer

Postby rjgimp » Tue Dec 03, 2019 7:42 pm

Why is it too short? Do you have something else attached to the rear of the bike?
-Rob


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just as soon as the steering committee gets around to scheduling one!
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Re: Lightweight Bicycle Camper Trailer

Postby skyl4rk » Tue Dec 03, 2019 7:47 pm

Image

Image

Image

Bike Camper Wheel Wells and Tub
Last edited by skyl4rk on Mon Dec 16, 2019 8:00 pm, edited 3 times in total.
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Re: Lightweight Bicycle Camper Trailer

Postby skyl4rk » Tue Dec 03, 2019 7:51 pm

rjgimp wrote:Why is it too short? Do you have something else attached to the rear of the bike?


The part that attaches to the trailer is not very long, about 4 to 6 inches. I think I need a longer connection point to get leverage on my much longer trailer.
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Re: Lightweight Bicycle Camper Trailer

Postby skyl4rk » Tue Dec 03, 2019 8:01 pm

Frame Reinforcement and Zip Tie Stitching
Last edited by skyl4rk on Mon Dec 16, 2019 8:01 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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Re: Lightweight Bicycle Camper Trailer

Postby skyl4rk » Tue Dec 03, 2019 8:11 pm

Wheel Well Storage and Planning
Last edited by skyl4rk on Mon Dec 16, 2019 8:01 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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Re: Lightweight Bicycle Camper Trailer

Postby skyl4rk » Tue Dec 03, 2019 8:17 pm

Shelves and Storage
Last edited by skyl4rk on Mon Dec 16, 2019 8:02 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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Re: Lightweight Bicycle Camper Trailer

Postby skyl4rk » Tue Dec 03, 2019 8:25 pm

Bicycle Trailer Cap
Last edited by skyl4rk on Mon Dec 16, 2019 8:03 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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Re: Lightweight Bicycle Camper Trailer

Postby skyl4rk » Tue Dec 03, 2019 8:28 pm

Door Jams
Last edited by skyl4rk on Mon Dec 16, 2019 8:03 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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Re: Lightweight Bicycle Camper Trailer

Postby skyl4rk » Tue Dec 03, 2019 8:30 pm

The Door


I am looking for ideas on how to secure the door and to close in the gaps on either side.
Last edited by skyl4rk on Mon Dec 16, 2019 8:04 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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Re: Lightweight Bicycle Camper Trailer

Postby Tyrtill » Tue Dec 03, 2019 10:25 pm

For closing the gaps If you want some ventilation I would use magnets and screen if you don’t want ventilation garage door seals do great on large gaps

weatherstripping

As far as securing do you mean locking or just keeping shut while moving?

I was thinking a light weight hasp with a keep people honest lock. Magnets once again make a good quick latch. Just be careful not to get ones that are too powerful
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Re: Lightweight Bicycle Camper Trailer

Postby rjgimp » Tue Dec 03, 2019 10:40 pm

The tow bar I have is very similar in size and shape to the one you made out of the aluminum tent pole. I'll dig it out tomorrow and measure and send a picture.
-Rob


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just as soon as the steering committee gets around to scheduling one!
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