Build a Bicycle Trailer

1 / 10
My finished bicycle trailer totes large and small loads with equal ease.
My finished bicycle trailer totes large and small loads with equal ease.
2 / 10
Molding blocks are glued and nailed (or stapled) onto the edges of the plywood sections.
Molding blocks are glued and nailed (or stapled) onto the edges of the plywood sections.
3 / 10
The trailer frame is constructed from notched 1 X '2s, which are bolted in place.
The trailer frame is constructed from notched 1 X '2s, which are bolted in place.
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Top view of the bicycle trailer.
Top view of the bicycle trailer.
5 / 10
A padded seat provides passenger comfort.
A padded seat provides passenger comfort.
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Front view of the trailer.
Front view of the trailer.
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Side view of the trailer.
Side view of the trailer.
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Detail of the attachment assembly connecting the trailer to the seat post.
Detail of the attachment assembly connecting the trailer to the seat post.
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Diagram shows the dimensions of each of the cart's boards.
Diagram shows the dimensions of each of the cart's boards.
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Diagram shows dimensions and positions of framing pieces.
Diagram shows dimensions and positions of framing pieces.

On a typical busy summer day I might go shopping with my daughter and bring back a full month’s supply of groceries. Then, after unloading, I might take my kayak in for repairs and return home with, say, 100 pounds of lumber. Now there’s nothing very earthshaking about these chores, but most folks are surprised to learn that I handle the bulk of such household hauling tasks with my bicycle!

The fact is, with a good cart in tow, a bike can be every bit as useful as a car is. Furthermore, a well-designed bicycle trailer is neither difficult to pull nor awkward to maneuver. I’ve found I can cruise level roads in high gear, even while pulling a full load.

Unfortunately, most ready-made bicycle carts sell for upward of $200. Worse yet, many of the haulers lack well-thought-out safety features and the capability of handling loads heavier than those that can be carried in saddlebags or baskets.

My homemade cart on the other hand should cost about $20 to build (if you have a pair of old used bicycle wheels around), will carry 100 pounds or more, won’t turn over if the bike takes a spill, has a padded seat for a passenger, doesn’t allow a young rider’s fingers to reach the spinning spokes, and can be built by anyone who has access to a drill, hammer, saw, and screwdriver!

The Wheel Things

  • Published on Jul 1, 1981
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