OK looks like a few folks still on here. Scheming on a family bike trailers, starting
with 1) flatbed, then moving on to 2) pedicab and 3) enclosed / RV variants.
2'x4' and 4'x8' bed sizes.
As it stands, the MacArthur shop has undergone a purge and does not want a bunch of people
showing up randomly to work on things, so for now we still need to find a spot to build.
Matt has tentatively offered to help build a prototype in his basement (!!!) pending
resolution of tool and material details.
I circulated one design using 1-1/2" x 1/8" angle steel which would allow us to
machine dropouts right into the frame, but is way too heavy all said. The next
oscillation was for prototype was based on 1" x 0.20" square tube available
quick and dirty at home depot - super lightweight but not nearly as strong, possibly not
strong enough for proper cargo moving without a plywood deck. We could play up the
lightweight thing, with a deck of 1" styrofoam sandwiched between sheets of 1/4"
plywood, framed at the perimeter with 1" square tube. The dropouts would have to be
either plate or angle welded or brazed to the tube sections. I've been paying
attention to alot of bike trailers that have been brought around and this seems like the
most sensible detail despite requiring a bit of extra welding. for pedicab and enclosed
applications, it might make sense to use a plate that extends above and below the frame
tube, to act as dropout below and above a tab for bolting on seats or wall framing.
thoughts?
cheers,
hol