Cargo trailer build

GoldenMotor.com

boxcar

New Member
Dec 18, 2014
358
4
0
Astoria OR
I thought it would be grate to have a small cargo trailer .
I started to look in to converting a child trailer.
Didn't like the design . Plastic parts .
I finally decided to just build one.
It needed to be fairly light but able to carry all of my back packing gear and fuel for 2 bikes . I figured about 100 lbs including the weight of the trailer .
I opted for a 20" x 30" basket using 1" thin wall galvanized torsional tubing.



Then used 1/4" braided rope to finish off the floor and sides of the box.
I learned a valuable lesson on this project. I am not a basket weaving kind of guy.......





I then fabricated the tongue from the same tubing.
I used a 1/2" universal joint and a male and female air fitting for the hitch

.

Saw this hitch method on U Tube . Works great.
Rather than using bicycle wheels and tires I opted for something a bit more durable . I may change that soon. A 12" or may be a 20 " will have less rolling resistance.
We will see .



The trailer ended up right at 25 lbs dry.
Tows really well .
Enjoy.
 

boxcar

New Member
Dec 18, 2014
358
4
0
Astoria OR
Pushers are very cool.
I had the same reservations about the air fitting idea. Then I realized what they are rated to hold.
250 psi actually equates to quite a heavy load.... But I will carry a spare....
 

mapbike

Well-Known Member
Mar 14, 2010
5,502
109
63
Central Area of Texas
Pushers are very cool.
I had the same reservations about the air fitting idea. Then I realized what they are rated to hold.
250 psi actually equates to quite a heavy load.... But I will carry a spare....
ive seen others use the coupler like that for a trailer hitch and never seen them post any trouble with it on here, i bet it will do a fine job.

I would put some dry graphite lube or something in it now and then, or maybe make a rubber boot to go over it to keep dirt out and then put a little grease in there.

I had thought about use a small motorcycle shock boot as a cover if I used the air coupler since I do a lot of riding on dusty dirt roads.

nice trailer......
 

boxcar

New Member
Dec 18, 2014
358
4
0
Astoria OR
I'm glad you like it.
Weather permitting I will be towing it up into the mountains on a short camping trip this weekend.
The first time I used the air chuck was on Pan head Roy's bike.
He's pulled that system around 2000 miles so far and still going.
I like the fork boot idea.
I just happen to have a few.
I'll try it out and post some pics......