Cargo trailer build

boxcar

boxcar

New Member
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.

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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.......

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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

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.

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 .

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The trailer ended up right at 25 lbs dry.
Tows really well .
Enjoy.
 
Right on Box! I'm unhappily using a child trailer myself, and yours looks like great alternative.
Outdoor gear... even using it for the same thing.
Thanks for sharing :)
 
Think that air-fitting will hold up? I'd carry a piece of bailing wire for a fix, just in case!
Hope it works, because it's an awesome idea.
 
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....
 
boxcar said:
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....
Click to expand...

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......
 
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......
 
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