How to Build a Hitch for a Bicycle Cargo Trailer

Many cyclists dream of making their bicycle more than a simple mode of transportation or recreational vehicle. Instead they view the possibilities of utilizing their bikes as work vehicles as the "next step" in becoming more green. By hitching a trailer to their bikes, cyclists essentially circumvent the inherent problem with bikes: too little space to haul items. Many innovative cycling enthusiasts have built their own trailers, yet may not know how to approach building a hitch. Luckily, the hitch is one of the easiest parts of the trailer to build.

Things You'll Need

  • Silver permanent marker
  • Ruler
  • Old car tire
  • Hacksaw
  • Tin snips
  • Electric drill
  • 3-inch bolt
  • Wingnuts
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Instructions

    • 1

      Lay the tire on its side so that one of the sidewalls is pointing up. Locate a clear section of sidewall that is not warped or damaged in any way and place a make a vertical mark here with the silver marker.

    • 2

      Measure 12 inches from the first mark you made and make a second vertical mark on the sidewall. Now measure 3 inches from the inside of the metal bead on the rim of the sidewall and make a horizontal mark here as well.

    • 3

      Use the hacksaw to cut through the wire bead at each vertical mark, then use the tin snips to cut out the 12-inch by 3-inch strip of sidewall.

    • 4

      Fold the sidewall around the seat post of your bicycle so that both ends touch. Place the trailer tongue between the two ends of the sidewall and drill through them all with the electric drill.

    • 5

      Slide the 3-inch bolt through the hole then thread a wingnut onto the bolt. Tighten down thoroughly and take the trailer/bike combination for a test ride.