How to Make Your Own Bike Trailer

Bicycle trailers are a convenient and safe way to transport items by bicycle. They not only provide more of a safety barrier, but they are also safer for the rider, as the handling characteristics stay virtually the same for the bicycle. Thus, it is easier to maintain balance and safe riding habits with a pull-behind bike trailer than it is when carrying your items on your person. Bike trailers are abundant; however, they can be expensive to purchase. The simple and cheap solution is to build your own. With a bit of ingenuity and some spare time, you can build a safe bike trailer in no time.

Things You'll Need

  • 1-inch square aluminum tubing
  • Drill
  • Socket wrenches
  • 2 x 4 lumber
  • Wood screws
  • ½-inch bolts
  • 20-inch bicycle wheels
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Instructions

    • 1

      Build a square out of the aluminum tubing with sides 2½ feet long. Drill holes in the end of each piece of tubing and screw them together with the socket wreches and ½-inch bolts. Determine which side will be the front of the carrier and to that secure a 3-foot-long piece of tubing with the ½-inch bolts---this will act as the tongue for connecting the carrier to the bicycle.

    • 2

      Drill two holes opposite one another on the sides of the carrier and insert the wheel axles of the 20-inch bike wheels. Secure them with bolts.

    • 3

      Use the screws to attach the 2 x 4 lumber to the frame of the trailer to act as a bed on which to set the items you are transporting.

    • 4

      Drill a single hole in the end of the trailer tongue, through which you'll slide the quick release of your bike's rear wheel. This is how you secure the trailer to the bicycle axle.