Stories and Projects Page

Click photos for a larger View

Trailer Project 2005 - 4/20/05,  I went on my first ride with the trailer a couple of days ago. I was impressed on how well it behaved itself. Except for a noticeable bit more clutch use when starting to move, there is really not much of a feeling while riding that something is behind you. I am really going to have to remember that I have a trailer behind me. When towing with a vehicle, like a pull trailer behind a SUV, there is ample feedback to help you remember that "it" is back there. I am going to a weekend campout this weekend to give it a good shakedown, should be fun.

I returned from my 140 mile "shake down" camping trip this weekend. All in all, the trailer was very well mannered even though the roads were wet. I could feel that it was behind me, especially during low speed maneuvering but it was not bothersome. I could also tell that it was taking more throttle to move along. I did not have an opportunity to check my mileage but I am sure that I lost some miles. How many specifically is still in question.

I appreciate all of the help I received from the participants of the Delphi Motorcycle Trailer Towing forum in helping to make this trailer successful. These links were also very helpful:

I went with 2 bicycle kickstands. I am not completely happy with them because of there asymmetrical look but, I have not come up with another idea yet, keeping the weight down in the front is important to me. In the building process, I narrowed the trailer axle by 6.5 inches. I would recommend only 5.5 inches because the fenders were squeezing the shell. I ended up spacing the fenders out 1/2 and inch on each side to resolve the problem. I lengthened the tongue and added an additional cross member out of angle iron. I am very happy about the way it tracks, no sway at all.

I installed some small bumpers in the back. I can plug in some other longer ones and set the whole thing on its back edge. When storing for the winter, I probably will remove the shell and store the trailer separately. I ended up mounting the license plate up high on the shell. The original HF position would have been dragging  when moved by hand.
I wanted to make a carrier for a couple of chock blocks and a spare fuel can. It had to be inexpensive, lightweight and functional. This is what I came up with it is made from a surplus ammo can.

Specific instructions on how I made this carrier are available on my Stories and Projects page. 

Click on this

In order to support the lid, I made holders from PVC, so far, they seem to be working OK. If The wind is blowing, I have the option of clipping to my attachment points on the bottom of the carrier. This will lower the lid a bit.
It is amazing how much room there is the containers will keep things from moving around. I have a strap attached to the box in the front, it holds everything back. With the wheels located so far toward the back, it would be real easy to overload the hitch. If necessary, I can move the whole carrier 4 inches further aft using another set of holes. My next phase will be to build  a support for the spare tire behind the axle and under the deck.
One of the things that I really like about this trailer is that I can store it in a reasonably small area like shown in the photos. The small  bumpers on the back allow me to raise the trailer and store it vertically. Like this it is completely out of the way. After I took this photo, I placed a large duffel bag of my son (who is in the Army) stuff in the middle between the wheels. The cross member holds it up.