First of all, we rode yesterday. It was in the lower 60's when the sun was out, So we rode up to Boulder. Put about 70 miles on the bike and don't feel nearly as couped up right now. Anyhow.......
In the last episode of the continuing story of How am I going to pack that, we talked about why I wasn't about to pay $1500 for a trailer that I was maybe going to use only a handful of times a year. But I really want one. Not only can we use it for traveling, but why not hook it up to go to the grocery store. No more wondering if we can fit all this in the saddlebags. So what do I do, spend the big money for a fancy one, buy a used one from the internet that has who knows what problems? No... I will build one from scratch, sort off.
Now I have to think about this. Yes, I am pretty handy with the socket set. I change the oil and brake pads on the car and bike. I even replaced a transmission once on our old Dodge minivan. But building a trailer for the bike, madness I tell you, Or is it?
So back to the forums I go, of which I have now become a supporting member.
(I felt bad squeezing them for free info, plus some new cool people to ride with.) Much to my surprise, I am not the first one to think about doing a project like this. As a matter of fact, it is the choice way of trailering for motorcyclists. Or, we are just a bunch of cheap people. Oh, I mean frugal.
How does one go about building a trailer? With a kit of course. You didn't actually think I was going to get out the welder now did you? Especially since I have no clue how to weld. Well, there was this one time....... Oh never mind. Anyway, the place to go is the frugal mechanics friend, Harbor Freight. Now before you go all that's just Chinese junk tools, well, some of them are. But their trailer kits are made by a company called Haul Master. And yes I believe these are Chinese as well but for many years, Sears sold these trailers as well. And you have to trust Sears, the Brady Bunch goes there. So off to the website to see what they have to offer.
And much to my surprise, it is right there on the internet. In all it's glory......
That is what I want, simple, light and inexpensive with a fair amount of storage space. But They want me to spend $400 for it. Now I admit, $400 is a lot cheaper than $1500, but lets see if the frugal in me can make it for less.
OK, so what is it made of? A trailer base and a car topper. Pretty sturdy, waterproof and rather nice looking. Let's see what else Harbor Freight has to offer. A few more pages in and I find this...
Same base as the above trailer only red. Hmm... red, easier to see than black, and only $179 with a coupon. This is a keeper. Except it is still Chinese made. Well apparently the only bad thing about it are the wheel bearings. So I just repack the bearings and we are good to go. ow I have to figure out what to put on top. Everyone has seen these things go by on the cars.
That looks suspiciously like the one in the first picture as well. And look it's white. Easy to see and matches the bike. These go for a couple hundred dollars new, but lets get frugal again. I mentioned not wanting to buy a used trailer because you really don't know what your getting. How old is it? Has it been sitting outside in the weather for ever rusting away??? Well, apparently, these car toppers are a dime a dozen on craigslist. People are getting bigger cars, they don't need them anymore, for whatever reason, they are selling and they are in pretty good shape. 50 bucks. Sold.
Now for the cool part. I am going to build the trailer, add a piece of treated plywood on the base to mount the car topper and wa la. A motorcycle pull behind trailer for 250 bucks. That's a good savings of 150 dollars. But wait there's more. The car topper will be able to be removed rather simply and now you have a flat bed cargo trailer. But wait that's not all. We will also be able to pull the trailer behind the car for those trips to Home Depot, when the station wagon is not quit big enough. It's a win win situation.
Well, that's the plan. It is not quite happening yet, but for sure before late summer. I am hoping for a nice trip to South Dakota and the trailer would work perfectly. But after I build it, I have to spend a little time pulling it to get the feel of a trailer behind the bike. I hope you enjoyed my little saga and will continue to read what I have to write. As the weather gets warmer, the rides will begin and I will be posting some trips and photos. I am really looking forward to that.
Until next time,
Namaste
Dave
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