Homemade Bicycle Trailer
In the summer of 2008, I downloaded the plans for the "Deep and Short" bike trailer available here. I was about to move into Grinnell College's EcoHouse, a house full of Grinnell students committed to decreasing their environmental impact and helping the college test new sustainable technology on its way to the dorms. I decided to build the trailer and bring it to the house for grocery runs, apple picking, etc.
On the whole, I was very impressed with the design. It uses electrical conduit as the main construction material. This stuff is cheap and potentially available recycled from construction sites. Pipe bending and brazing is an easy construction technique with lots of possibilities -- I haven't designed anything myself yet, but it's on my list! The trailer has held up well these 2.5 years. I have since graduated, but EcoHouse residents continue to use the trailer.
The plans on the Pedal People website gives step-by-step instructions, so I won't try to repeat that here. I just hope my pictures can help those in the building or designing process. I misplaced my pictures of the trailer in use, but I made a particle-board bottom with slots cut for the ribs. This guy has hauled lots of stuff (and people) -- I love it!
On the whole, I was very impressed with the design. It uses electrical conduit as the main construction material. This stuff is cheap and potentially available recycled from construction sites. Pipe bending and brazing is an easy construction technique with lots of possibilities -- I haven't designed anything myself yet, but it's on my list! The trailer has held up well these 2.5 years. I have since graduated, but EcoHouse residents continue to use the trailer.
The plans on the Pedal People website gives step-by-step instructions, so I won't try to repeat that here. I just hope my pictures can help those in the building or designing process. I misplaced my pictures of the trailer in use, but I made a particle-board bottom with slots cut for the ribs. This guy has hauled lots of stuff (and people) -- I love it!