ANOTHER NEW WAGON TRAILER FOR THE SCOOT!
Posted: Tue Nov 03, 2015 11:28 pm
OK. Here we go again.
After 22 (*) years, the Radio Flyer wagon trailers have been retired. And now, I present my newest version, custom built in my Dad’s woodshop.
The Radio Flyers were 17 x 42. For larger loads, a tandem was used. Of course this made backing up nearly impossible.
The new trailer is 24 x 48. The single trailer alone can hold the load of a tandem.
I also expanded the removable side rails. On the Radio Flyers the side rails have three strips of wood making up the side wall. On mine, there are two. I eliminated the third, and made the gap between them bigger. This allows for fitting my hand through when securing a bungee cord to hold the load.
The new side walls are 12 inches tall. They sit on top of the 2 x 4 stud framing. The top of the side rails are just below the lights on the scooter. The idea here is no cargo should be taller than the side rails. This keeps the cargo inside, and allows drivers from behind to see the scooter lights. Because at this point and time, I cannot figure out how to wire tail lights in to the electrical system that could power lights on the trailer.
A few years ago when this first started, I checked with the local police about pulling with the scooter. The officer said the trailers should have lights. But he also noted the large laminated sign I installed, that would reflect headlights (“share the road”). It is also noted that even with the time changing of the clocks (fall back / spring ahead) I do NOT make it a habit of riding at night.
Total cost for this trailer: $60.00 (not including 6 hours estimated labor + recycled hardware from the retired wagons)
Take that, Radio Flyer!
(*) The wagons have been pulled with standard bicycles for 20 years, and with the scooter for the last 2 years. In general, they showed their signs of age and had to be replaced.
CHIP GELMINI
DAYTONA BEACH, FLORIDA
NOVEMBER 2015
After 22 (*) years, the Radio Flyer wagon trailers have been retired. And now, I present my newest version, custom built in my Dad’s woodshop.
The Radio Flyers were 17 x 42. For larger loads, a tandem was used. Of course this made backing up nearly impossible.
The new trailer is 24 x 48. The single trailer alone can hold the load of a tandem.
I also expanded the removable side rails. On the Radio Flyers the side rails have three strips of wood making up the side wall. On mine, there are two. I eliminated the third, and made the gap between them bigger. This allows for fitting my hand through when securing a bungee cord to hold the load.
The new side walls are 12 inches tall. They sit on top of the 2 x 4 stud framing. The top of the side rails are just below the lights on the scooter. The idea here is no cargo should be taller than the side rails. This keeps the cargo inside, and allows drivers from behind to see the scooter lights. Because at this point and time, I cannot figure out how to wire tail lights in to the electrical system that could power lights on the trailer.
A few years ago when this first started, I checked with the local police about pulling with the scooter. The officer said the trailers should have lights. But he also noted the large laminated sign I installed, that would reflect headlights (“share the road”). It is also noted that even with the time changing of the clocks (fall back / spring ahead) I do NOT make it a habit of riding at night.
Total cost for this trailer: $60.00 (not including 6 hours estimated labor + recycled hardware from the retired wagons)
Take that, Radio Flyer!
(*) The wagons have been pulled with standard bicycles for 20 years, and with the scooter for the last 2 years. In general, they showed their signs of age and had to be replaced.
CHIP GELMINI
DAYTONA BEACH, FLORIDA
NOVEMBER 2015