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Old 05-25-23, 08:11 AM
  #1  
smokeycanuck
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Bike Trailer

I can use my LHT for grocery getting as easy as touring between my Wald basket up front and panniers out back. However, trying to use the bike more and more these days instead of the car and thought a trailer would be cool to have for occasional use e.g. Home Depot, Costco. I don’t want to lay out big bucks up front until I know it’s something I’ll use.

Watching local buy/sells I see plenty of the kid carrier style trailers but rarely if ever see a true cargo trailer.

Any reason I couldn’t use the kid carrier style for some cargo? Pros/Cons?

Thanks
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Old 05-25-23, 09:06 AM
  #2  
plumberroy
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I don't see why not . I'm looking for one cheap to try for hauling stuff
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Old 05-25-23, 10:31 AM
  #3  
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We use a cheap kid hauler to get groceries, we also will put our 2 extra batteries folding chairs and a lunch and for a long ride.
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Old 05-25-23, 11:28 AM
  #4  
I-Like-To-Bike
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Originally Posted by smokeycanuck
Any reason I couldn’t use the kid carrier style for some cargo? Pros/Cons?

Thanks
No reason why not. I've been using this garage sale combo for over 15 years for light cargo or larger grocery runs. Trailer cost $10, bike $5.

Pictured returning empty recyclable cans/bottles, taking stuff to Goodwill, and a soda pop run.



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Old 05-25-23, 01:35 PM
  #5  
Thulsadoom
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Neat little trick is to buy a used kiddee trailer for cheap, strip it right down to flatbed, wheels and tow bar, and bolt-on a tote. Voila, perfect cargo trailer.

Last edited by Thulsadoom; 05-26-23 at 05:45 AM.
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Old 05-25-23, 02:21 PM
  #6  
CliffordK
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I've used several kid's trailers in the past.

The biggest problem with them is that the foot area drags low. Otherwise, knock down the seat and fill with whatever you wish.

I did make a heavier duty cargo trailer for the big stuff, and there are a few commercial large size trailers in case you need to pick up some big or bulky items from the home supply store.
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Old 05-25-23, 02:21 PM
  #7  
ralphs
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Picked up an old Thule two-kid jogger/ trailer for free a few years ago. The fabric was in poor shape, so I trimmed off the top parts and use it for beach and grocery runs. It can fit four beach chairs, beach umbrella, towels, and a small cooler.
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Old 05-25-23, 03:19 PM
  #8  
RCMoeur 
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As long as the seat can fold flat, any kid trailer can be a cargo trailer. Here's ours in both modes:


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Old 05-25-23, 04:03 PM
  #9  
flangehead
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Originally Posted by smokeycanuck
….

Any reason I couldn’t use the kid carrier style for some cargo? Pros/Cons?

Thanks
My experience:

https://www.bikeforums.net/21220581-post693.html
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Old 05-30-23, 08:41 AM
  #10  
smokeycanuck
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Wow thanks to all. It seems a basic kid carrier can be used well enough for cargo and with some tweaks, made quite a capable cargo unit. Cheers to all and thanks for the pics, you’ve really inspired me to give it a go.
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Old 05-30-23, 09:46 AM
  #11  
JoeyBike
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Originally Posted by smokeycanuck
Wow thanks to all. It seems a basic kid carrier can be used well enough for cargo and with some tweaks, made quite a capable cargo unit. Cheers to all and thanks for the pics, you’ve really inspired me to give it a go.
And a kid carrier will garner respect from passing motorists, as an added benefit.
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