Build a Bike Trailer

Learning to build a bike trailer may come in very handy in an emergency. You never know if you will have access to a vehicle and fuel, so having a bike is extremely helpful. Having a trailer that you can use to transport your belongings or supplies is also helpful and a great use of your resources.

Benefits

A good bike trailer is sturdy and stable. It allows you to transport large items or a lot of items long distances and allows you to do it faster than if you were on foot. A bike trailer is also great if you do not have access to a car, truck or the gas to run these vehicles. In the event of an emergency, you will most likely be glad you have or can build a bike trailer.

Wheels

You can get wheels from a broken bike or car and use them for your trailer. Make sure to pick wheels that are as wide and as close to the ground as possible to make the trailer sturdier. Smaller wheels, like the ones on a child’s bike are better because they have a lower center of gravity, making your trailer less likely to tip over. The rear wheels of bicycles also tend to be stronger and sturdier but if you only have access to one rear and one front wheel it will work just as well.

Frame

When you build a bike trailer, you can make the frame from any material you have on hand. Some are made from wood or aluminum or any other strong material. You will need to attach the wheels to the frame of the trailer and make sure that they are able to spin freely. Take plenty of time to make sure your frame is as strong as possible with no gaps. The better your frame, the sturdier your bike trailer.

Bed

Much like the frame, the bed of the bike trailer can be any sturdy, hard material as long as it is flat. Plywood is one of the more popular choices for the bed when people build a bike trailer. However, you have plenty of options for bed materials. Aluminum and plastic are other very popular choices. 

In fact, you can even use a piece of fabric stretched very taut if you are not terribly concerned with moving heavy items. It is very important to make sure that the bed lies flat against the frame and is securely fastened. You should also make sure that it is not so big that it interferes with the wheel rotation.

Trailer Hitch and Tongue

The trailer hitch and tongue are what keeps the trailer connected to the bike. The hitch can be a long piece of pipe, wood, or aluminum attached at one end to the trailer and at the other to the bicycle. A short piece of rubber hose will make an excellent tongue and you can loop it around your bike and then use duct tape to keep it closed and attached to both the bike and the trailer.

Extras

If you have a bit more time and want something a bit better or are planning to use your trailer to transport a person, you can build up the sides and make a seat on the trailer. However, if you are in a hurry or in an emergency situation, you can simply strap your belongings to the bed of the trailer. 

Bike trailers are great resources in the event of an emergency. You can build a bike trailer from a variety of materials and use various resources you have on hand, which is perfect if there is an apocalyptic event and you don’t have a lot of tools or materials at your disposal. Trailers allow you to easily and quickly transport goods and people long distances when you don’t have other options.

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