Make your own trailer

[bike4ever]

Our family is really getting in the the alternative commute. I have been researching building my own bike trailer. Since I have access to parts working in a shop, I thought it would be a cool project to do with my eldest son (13). Has anyone out there done this yet?

[Geonz]

When I was looking for options, I found some sites online that described doing that in some detail. (I think I was googling cargo bicycle or panniers or something like that.) I do *not* have the knack or the tools so I didn't pursue them, but the info is out there. (The xtracycle folks will also sell pieces parts or just talk with folks for doing their own versions of longtail bikes, too.)

[Kitsune06]

http://www.instructables.com/id/ENK7HBIQG6EP286RJK/

Very good plans... thinking seriously about pursuing this...

[bike4ever]

When we initially began researching this idea, we found many of the sites for building on your own. I actually just googled "build a bike trailer" and came up with many hits. Right now my son is designing the trailer. My roll will be to assist with the build and provide the materials.

[SouthernBelle]

Kit, I looked at your link. I'm not sure what emt conduit is, but my thought is to check out PVC pipe. I'm also wondering what could be used as a bottom that might be lighter than plywood and not warp.

I don't even need one!

[Kitsune06]

I was thinking about that. The only thing is that I'm not sure how I would go about bending the PVC into shape, or welding it. I know there are commercial chemical cements available to 'weld' and melt PVC piping together, but as EMT is such a thin metal tubing (Electrical Metal Tubing, I think, E could also be Extruded, though) it might be light enough to near-equal PVC at that diameter...
The floor, I'm seriously considering that heavy-duty petsafe fiberglass window screening material, like on Burley trailers... just throw some grommets in and lash it to the frame in key spots... What do you think?

This looks good, too.