The post your trailer thread.
#701
Senior Member
I'm looking at getting a Burley Flatbed and I'm considering getting a used one. I see there have been some changes over the years, especially where the trailer hitches to the bike. The early ones (circa 2005), seem to have a much larger plastic assembly that attaches to the rear triangle. The later ones seem to have a much smaller fitting that gets clamped in via the quick-release axle. I think there may be some other minor variations, but just trying to keep it simple for now.
Thoughts on the differences and which is "better"?
Thoughts on the differences and which is "better"?
#702
Devil's Advocate
I'm looking at getting a Burley Flatbed and I'm considering getting a used one. I see there have been some changes over the years, especially where the trailer hitches to the bike. The early ones (circa 2005), seem to have a much larger plastic assembly that attaches to the rear triangle. The later ones seem to have a much smaller fitting that gets clamped in via the quick-release axle. I think there may be some other minor variations, but just trying to keep it simple for now.
Thoughts on the differences and which is "better"?
Thoughts on the differences and which is "better"?
#703
Senior Member
Okay, got it. I actually ended up picking up a barely used Burley Bee for $100, which is the type designed for carrying up to 100 lbs of kids, not stuff! Used it for the first time yesterday - we did a point-to-point bike/haul with our blow-up kayak. It actually worked better than the Flatbed for this purpose using the cover to keep the light stuff from falling out. Total weight in the trailer was about 60 lbs, which proved to be A LOT when going up hills on a gravel path. We switched over to the road for the second half of the trip, and then followed that up with our 15-mile paddle down the Delaware River.
#704
Devil's Advocate
Glad your new Burley Bee worked out for you, Brad! That was the first trailer I ever had, given to me for free by a neighbor whose kid had out grown it ages before. Since then I’ve burned through two Nomads, the later of which I recently salvaged for my new dual drive ecumbent “Redundo”.
#705
Full Member
Found one of those kiddie trailers in the trash. Took me a day to strip it down to the frame and build a little wooden bed out of scraps. It's very solid and I recently replaced the tires with new ones I found on a kid's mountain box I also found in the trash.
19 gallons, 150+ pounds of water
19 gallons, 150+ pounds of water
#706
Junior Member
I'm looking at getting a Burley Flatbed and I'm considering getting a used one. I see there have been some changes over the years, especially where the trailer hitches to the bike. The early ones (circa 2005), seem to have a much larger plastic assembly that attaches to the rear triangle. The later ones seem to have a much smaller fitting that gets clamped in via the quick-release axle. I think there may be some other minor variations, but just trying to keep it simple for now.
Thoughts on the differences and which is "better"?
Thoughts on the differences and which is "better"?
#707
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2013
Posts: 1,173
Bikes: Surly Disk Trucker, 2014 w/Brooks Flyer Special saddle, Tubus racks - Duo front/Logo Evo rear, 2019 Dahon Mariner D8, Both bikes share Ortlieb Packer Plus series panniers, Garmin Edge 1000
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Did you ride around with all that to see how it handled/if it would hold it on a ride? Or did you just load it up for a static test sitting still?
I have one of the darker blue jugs I have been using for water on trips (vehicular travel, camping, etc) for years. They are nice to have. I am working on some trailer ideas for bike touring also and have been eyeballing that jug also. What I have done before is use 32oz nalgene bottles and the 1gal jugs from Dollar General (I like that style plastic bottle - the handle loop is sturdy and can be tied off and looped over gear on the rear rack). However, if I can get all my water confined to a larger jug that would be good - longer period between resupply.
I have one of the darker blue jugs I have been using for water on trips (vehicular travel, camping, etc) for years. They are nice to have. I am working on some trailer ideas for bike touring also and have been eyeballing that jug also. What I have done before is use 32oz nalgene bottles and the 1gal jugs from Dollar General (I like that style plastic bottle - the handle loop is sturdy and can be tied off and looped over gear on the rear rack). However, if I can get all my water confined to a larger jug that would be good - longer period between resupply.
#708
Full Member
Did you ride around with all that to see how it handled/if it would hold it on a ride? Or did you just load it up for a static test sitting still?
I have one of the darker blue jugs I have been using for water on trips (vehicular travel, camping, etc) for years. They are nice to have. I am working on some trailer ideas for bike touring also and have been eyeballing that jug also. What I have done before is use 32oz nalgene bottles and the 1gal jugs from Dollar General (I like that style plastic bottle - the handle loop is sturdy and can be tied off and looped over gear on the rear rack). However, if I can get all my water confined to a larger jug that would be good - longer period between resupply.
I have one of the darker blue jugs I have been using for water on trips (vehicular travel, camping, etc) for years. They are nice to have. I am working on some trailer ideas for bike touring also and have been eyeballing that jug also. What I have done before is use 32oz nalgene bottles and the 1gal jugs from Dollar General (I like that style plastic bottle - the handle loop is sturdy and can be tied off and looped over gear on the rear rack). However, if I can get all my water confined to a larger jug that would be good - longer period between resupply.
The blue jugs work well for car camping. I use mine with a small submersible pump. Wastes less water and I don't have to take the jug out of my vehicle every time I need to wash my hands.
#709
2Flit
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Orcas Washington and currently Circumnavigating in a Farrier F36 Trimaran
Posts: 86
Bikes: 1968 Rene Herse Gentleman's Bike; 1974/5 Jim Merz Custom-built; 1984 Rodriquez tandem; 2012 Bilenky Tandem; 1967 Cinelli SC; 1984 Specialized Exp. 68cm; 1971 Holdsworth 63cm(my first bike ever and owned since new!); 1994 Bridgestone MB5; 86'Trek420
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Trailer on a World Tour
A striped down commercial Burley Kids trailer can haul a world of things...
on parade on Orcas Island behind a Quest Velomobile. The Quest has a stainless plate welded down low on the uni-frame arm that the traditional Burley hitch attaches to.
Then there is the basic home made electrical EMT and plywood trailer headed off to install a solar electric system on Crow Valley Road.....
Specialized Expedition pulling a home made trailer
Who needs a Van?.... renewable energy installation at its best
Who needs the Van?
on parade on Orcas Island behind a Quest Velomobile. The Quest has a stainless plate welded down low on the uni-frame arm that the traditional Burley hitch attaches to.
Then there is the basic home made electrical EMT and plywood trailer headed off to install a solar electric system on Crow Valley Road.....
Specialized Expedition pulling a home made trailer
Who needs a Van?.... renewable energy installation at its best
Who needs the Van?
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#711
This is my DIY "Burley Travoy style" trailer made from an external frame backpack. I added a H-shaped structure made of ϕ28mm aluminum tubes to the frame for wheel attachment.
Its earliest status:
Its earliest status:
Last edited by zorkist; 02-08-22 at 03:43 AM.
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Likes For zorkist:
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#714
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Colorado Springs, CO.
Posts: 2,116
Bikes: 2011 ICE Sprint Special Edition
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This is my rig to get food and household supplies. The tub is held on by u-bolts and wing nuts to come off quickly.
__________________
Take Care, Ride Safe, have FUN! :)
Jo: 2009 ICE Trice T
BJ: 2011 ICE Sprint Special Edition
Take Care, Ride Safe, have FUN! :)
Jo: 2009 ICE Trice T
BJ: 2011 ICE Sprint Special Edition
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#715
Full Member
Spotted in Kyvi in the Ukraine a LvH Bullit cargo bike towing a Carla Cargo trailer loaded with a steel section for a road blockade to thwart advancing Russian troops.
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#716
Cantilever believer
Nothing fancy about my trailer - just an old Kool-Stop I bought on sale years before I had a child and continue to use now that the same kid is an adult.
it's been useful.
it's been useful.
__________________
Richard C. Moeur, PE - Phoenix AZ, USA
https://www.richardcmoeur.com/bikestuf.html
Richard C. Moeur, PE - Phoenix AZ, USA
https://www.richardcmoeur.com/bikestuf.html
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#717
I threw together a trailer to carry my kids' bikes so we can occasionally ride our bikes to or home from day camp or after-school camp. The older one is ready for a 24" bike so I may have to modify the trailer a bit.
I took a generic toddler trailer, removed the canvas, flipped the frame supports front to back, and added a plywood floor,
20" kids bikes. The fork rests on the crossbar.
I use wire twist straps to keep the bike against the trailer frame.
I bolted a crate to the floor to carry the helmets.
I took a generic toddler trailer, removed the canvas, flipped the frame supports front to back, and added a plywood floor,
20" kids bikes. The fork rests on the crossbar.
I use wire twist straps to keep the bike against the trailer frame.
I bolted a crate to the floor to carry the helmets.
#718
Temporary Sentient
Join Date: Jun 2024
Location: Usually on one of my bikes
Posts: 199
Bikes: Yokota Grizzly Peak MTB, Bear Bike Armata (Track)
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Boom propped up and not attached to bike in this picture.
On a grocery run.
Low rider racks removed, bags kept dragging even low stuff on street. Added QR blocks.
Last edited by Steel Monkey; 07-22-24 at 04:17 PM. Reason: added pic
#719
Low rider racks removed, bags kept dragging even low stuff on street. Added QR blocks.
#720
Temporary Sentient
Join Date: Jun 2024
Location: Usually on one of my bikes
Posts: 199
Bikes: Yokota Grizzly Peak MTB, Bear Bike Armata (Track)
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Not yet. I don't anticipate doing more than two. For trailer stability (and I'm not a physics/mechanical genius, so could be dead wrong) one bike would have to be on the central point; two bikes on the outsides. I anticipate the bike(s) tracking like a second trailer, similar to a tractor trailer fifth wheel. This has been a new project for me and this feature is just waiting for an experiment phase to happen by: the need to work on two bikes at the co op; finding a discarded bike/someone gifting me another portable mess that I intend to cannabalize. I have a modest, and beloved, trio of bikes that I ride. If there is to be a catastrophic failure I don't want it to happen with them. So I'll check back in once I've tried the QR blocks. As a grocery getter it is proven. Last week I carried approximately 20 lbs of frozed green beans in a second cooler, packed with just four plastic bbq bottles of ice, and assorted other edibles. Green beans all stayed frozen for 10 miles/1+ hours.
Now to find an abandoned bicycle
As an after thought: towing a second set of linked objects I consider suicide at moderate to high speeds (for a bike). My plan, in these situations, is to slow tail it to my destination. Having to brake at moderate to high speeds would just be inviting the load to jack knife. I'll err on the side of caution and safety (if possible).
Now to find an abandoned bicycle
As an after thought: towing a second set of linked objects I consider suicide at moderate to high speeds (for a bike). My plan, in these situations, is to slow tail it to my destination. Having to brake at moderate to high speeds would just be inviting the load to jack knife. I'll err on the side of caution and safety (if possible).
Last edited by Steel Monkey; 07-22-24 at 07:03 PM. Reason: post after thought
#721
Temporary Sentient
Join Date: Jun 2024
Location: Usually on one of my bikes
Posts: 199
Bikes: Yokota Grizzly Peak MTB, Bear Bike Armata (Track)
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So, with apologies for the delay, I tested the towing part of my trailer rig and it was a resounding success. Trip was about a mile with normal bumps (road to driveway transitions) and regular intersection turns (as well as unintentional sharper turns when I geared too low and had to crab the bike to stay straight). Not once did the bike flop over. So I'm very happy
#722
Temporary Sentient
Join Date: Jun 2024
Location: Usually on one of my bikes
Posts: 199
Bikes: Yokota Grizzly Peak MTB, Bear Bike Armata (Track)
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So, the mystery that I hope any of you physics people can solve: Why did the tightened, and then strongly tightened, QR work its way loose? Again, this was just an mtb frame with a properly fitting (indeed the wheel I'd been riding on it as a full bike for 100's of miles) wheel and ride tightened QR. A customer at the co op (engineering student) opined that it may be because there was NO weight on the bike and all the bouncing force was concentrated to loosen the QR. Just doesn't seem right, but what do I know? Hopefully someone with experience and knowledge can chime in.
My take away, for now: attach safety lines to any towed bike AND check that it is at least tracking true without wobbles.
As for turns: all ordinary turning was fine. Once in the co op parking lot I intentionally did the sharpest turn (manually) with the trailer and the trailing bike did, eventually, fall over on its side. But, for the whole 25 miles of shake, rattle and roll, the trailing bike tracked upright.
Last edited by Steel Monkey; 09-01-24 at 03:39 PM. Reason: added information