Cheap bike trailer?

[bonester]

I need to either make or buy a cheap bike trailer that can be towed behind my Hyundai. Apparently the Hyundai towbar is only rated to a light duty 600kg towing weight- does this mean that it can tow 600kg plus trailer or 600kg including trailer?

I would like to be able to tow three bikes (only with my ute) but two when behind the Hyundai. (The intended bikes will weight about 350kg max) Was thinking of buying an abused 6 X 4 trailer then gutting it and putting some rails in. I would like it to be as light as possible when finished considering the 1.5L motor (automatic too) that will be pulling it. The main reason for using the Hyundai is that it is FAR better on fuel than the 67 Holden ute I have. Would be handy too and give me a greater range to teach in (I am a driving/riding instructor) where I can drop the trailer somewhere afar- do lessons in the car and return when I need to do bike lessons- using my ute to do so kills the car component, and the thing drinks fuel like you wouldn't believe- not economical to do bike lessons 100km from home like I plan- whereas using the Hyundai it might be feasable for the time being.

So far the towbar for the Hyundai will cost me $150ish plus wiring for the lights etc. Anyone know a good towbar supplier in Ipswich? (meaning cheap....) Would like the trailer to not cost much more- I am prepared to put in a reasonable amount of work into it- I have a mig and a painting setup.

Has anyone converted a 6 X 4 or similar trailer into a bike trailer? The bikes are about 7 foot long (main ones GN250 and Z440) so don't fit into a standard trailer- maybe a 7 X 5 trailer would fit the bill, but you don't see many of them around. Any tips appreciated! Thanks.

There is a tandem 10 by ? trailer for sale here at the mo for $150- needs some work apparently- pity it is too big or it would be the ticket.

[Steve_TLS]

Your 600kg limit will include trailer and all.

[varden]

yep you'll find that a regular 6x4 trailer is too short and prolly too narow too. i found you can get bike trailers made for $900ish that will hold 2 bikes.

i pitty your auto hyundai, its not going to like towing and your box may spit the dummy! Thats why fords and holdens come with the "towing pack" option with the auto.

I had a 1.3l sierra with a tow bar and after shopping around for a suitable trailer i discovered that a 7x5 that would suit my needs and fit 2 sports bikes and would come in at 700kg all up inc bikes, only 300kg less than the car!

I brought a 6cyl with a towing cap of 1000kg, (small six) and more curb weight. When the trailer is finished i will find out how much my car struggles!

[aardvark]

My old man had a bike trailer built. It's basically an axle, wheels and a channel for holding the bike on with. Weighs next to nothing and does the job.

[Smitty]

Bonester

have alook see here mate

http://www.easytrailer.com.au


cheers

[Barrabob]

Could try the trading post and have a look at a few, I realise its a bit of running around but you might find a preloved in good condition for a reasonable price.

[Glen]

If it's light weight your after then go a bike specific trailer. Check through the trading post, you see quite a few 2nd handers in there. I think you're going to kill your Hyundai though.

[bonester]

Thanks for the replies. Those folding trailers look good. Varden might have a good point about the auto- it already seems to overheat a bit- I service it regularly and the trans oil changes colour quickly, which I assume is from overheating- the auto service dude said I needed an auto rebuild 70000km ago. Been servicing it myself since (learned my lesson) and it still goes. Reason it got bad was that it leaked after a "professional" service (returned three times to fix the leaks) and I let the fluid get too low. Started chewing bands. Fixed the leaks myself (which the auto guy said couldn't be done- "there's no o-ring in there!!!!!"....ummm yep there is and that's why I won't be going back to you.....) and frequent oil and filter changes since she still goes OK.
Might have to fit another transmission cooler (not in the radiator) if towing- should have done that ages ago as it is- does a LOT of start/stop running as a driving school car.

[Shifty]

600kg will be the total amount you can tow, including trailer. Just make sure that the cooling system (in particular the radiator and water pump) on the car is in good nick, and fit an auto transmission cooler (about $80-100) and the car *should* cope fine.

If you are after something light weight then bike-specific is the way to go, but if you get one custom made with that specific requirement in mind you can go lighter again. Second hand bike trailers are in the trading post for $300-$500 on many occasions, custom made will cost you closer to $1k depending on what you want.

Cheers

[mike-s]

not that it helps you, but a lot of holdens (i had a camira, i know, boo hiss boo, but it was a good car till i killed it) had a built in transmission fluid cooler in the radiator, was able to tow a fully laden trailer full of crap (about 400kilo's total weight) and it didnt kick up THAT much of a fuss, mind you i only was taking it about 30km from one house to another when moving

If your confident on the servicing dept, then i say go for it. But yeah, if there isnt a transfluid cooler built in (thats a dodgy cost cutting measure if i ever heard of one) get an after markety one for sure!!

[bonester]

Just an update:
Bought a cheap ($50) trailer chassis today- not rusty but needs some welding. I can pick it up so it mustn't weigh much. Might add another 30kg or so of weight adding assorted other stuff on, so might even come in just over 100kg for the trailer. (woohoo!) It has a compliance plate, but will have to look into the legalities of it tomorrow- if I have to scrap it there is more than $50 of parts in it. I have a set of trailer lights left over from an FJ ute project I never finished years ago, so this trailer shouldn't cost much- might have to replace axle on it though, coz it is welded, and apparently that is a no-no these days. Compliance was in 2000, so if it passed then maybe it will still be OK?

Many thanks for advice given, too. Haven't got much experience in the trailer department so feeling my way in the dark ATM.

[Felix]

All it needs is some c channel for the wheels, a ramp, and some tie down points. Bargain!

By the way, supercheap has a set of 4 ratchet tie downs for around $30, 66kg load rating. Should be enough seeing as you are only holding the bikes in place, not holding them up in mid air.

[Strika]

I just got a van and could be tempted to sell my light weight purpose built motorcycle trailer if the right offer came along

[Smitty]

All it needs is some c channel for the wheels, a ramp, and some tie down points. Bargain!

By the way, supercheap has a set of 4 ratchet tie downs for around $30, 66kg load rating. Should be enough seeing as you are only holding the bikes in place, not holding them up in mid air.

bloody hell...no
my neighbour used a set of those (Supercheap ones) to strap some shrubs in his trailer down while he went to the tip....
the metal hooks bent and the whole lot hit the road
get sumfing decent...........

[Felix]

Really? Hmmm...well they have 400kg and 600kg load rated ones as well...can't remember the price...$30 each I think. Or they have a pack of 4 of them too...but more expensiver than the 66kg ones, obviously.