oohay_doggie
New member
Hi,
I am looking for information on how to design a good bicycle trailer, with an optimum balance of weight, strength and capacity.
More specifically I'm looking for formulas for the actual frame design and frame material sizing.
Here are my known variables:
-Max potential load: 300lbs
-Platform area: 2 ' x 3 '
-Wheel size: probably 20 inch wheels, with higher-than-avg spoke count
-Frame material: 4130 steel tubing, most likely
-Axle: a tube right across & underneath the belly, connecting both wheels
I need to know things like what diameter/gauge tubing. Cross members (if any). Gusseting (if needed). Axle size. etc etc.
There is some information on the net for DIY trailer design. It's great info but it seems to be very laissez-faire when it comes to load calculations. I suppose maybe because it's a combination of frames being overbuilt and/or because trailer hauling is generally done at low-speeds and that any problem isn't so catastrophic and maybe detected before failure?
I'm no engineer, okay, but I'm comfortable making measurements and calculations. On top of that, I took a mechanical maintenance college course 2 years ago which covered a lot of load calculating , physics & mechanics (plus a massive Gooderham manual which I still have).
I am looking for boiled down, bicycle trailer specific information.
I am looking for information on how to design a good bicycle trailer, with an optimum balance of weight, strength and capacity.
More specifically I'm looking for formulas for the actual frame design and frame material sizing.
Here are my known variables:
-Max potential load: 300lbs
-Platform area: 2 ' x 3 '
-Wheel size: probably 20 inch wheels, with higher-than-avg spoke count
-Frame material: 4130 steel tubing, most likely
-Axle: a tube right across & underneath the belly, connecting both wheels
I need to know things like what diameter/gauge tubing. Cross members (if any). Gusseting (if needed). Axle size. etc etc.
There is some information on the net for DIY trailer design. It's great info but it seems to be very laissez-faire when it comes to load calculations. I suppose maybe because it's a combination of frames being overbuilt and/or because trailer hauling is generally done at low-speeds and that any problem isn't so catastrophic and maybe detected before failure?
I'm no engineer, okay, but I'm comfortable making measurements and calculations. On top of that, I took a mechanical maintenance college course 2 years ago which covered a lot of load calculating , physics & mechanics (plus a massive Gooderham manual which I still have).
I am looking for boiled down, bicycle trailer specific information.