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Dennis Becraft
Guest
It's made with a rear minibike wheel that has a good expanding shoe brake in it that stops it very well. It uses a centrifugal clutch with a chain directly to a sprocket on the wheel.
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mopedjay
Guest
i thought about doing that but i dont think it would be legal in mass
a bicycle can have a trailer but a trailer for motorized bike has to be registered
but now we have a regular bike but with a motorized trailer so i dont know
id like to build an electric trailer for my solex for that extra oomph to get up the hills
a bicycle can have a trailer but a trailer for motorized bike has to be registered
but now we have a regular bike but with a motorized trailer so i dont know
id like to build an electric trailer for my solex for that extra oomph to get up the hills
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smapadatha
Guest
Dennis - how would you evaluate the hill climbing ability of a powered trailer like the 3rd wheel? On one hand, it seems like it couldn't possibly transmit power as efficiently as a GEBE kit, but, on the other hand, you could have a larger engine with a larger clutch.
-Sam
-Sam
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Dennis Becraft
Guest
powered trailer hill climbing
I live in the flatlands of Illinois & can gear for speed. The trailer never slipped even in gravel, partially due to tall gearing, but also due to using the seatpost hitch position. Precisely when you need it, you get extra traction when accelerating or climbing since the wheel is "tucking under" to some extent. In other words it increases its traction by pushing upward toward the seatpost. It is probably a small effect given the shallow angle involved, but I never had a traction problem.
Stuart Brandt has a Comet CVT on his 3+ hp powered trailer and has a low overall ratio. He climbs steep hills, accelerates quickly and still has no traction problems except perhaps in gravel with excess throttle. You can see YouTube videos of his working well on grass. His hitches to the seatpost like mine.
Interestingly, the trailer works best with just enough air pressure to keep the sidewalls seated. It appears fully inflated but absorbs bumps better and probably gets a little better traction as well. I used the trailer a lot and never saw any hint of tread wear. The curves in the tongue filtered out vibration. No vibrations were transmitted to the bike, which was quite a contrast from the FWD I built first.
I strongly advocate powered trailers as a simple, easily built, versatile means of motorizing a bike. The only problem with a minibike wheel version is the lack of a freewheel which makes it difficult to tow when the engine is not running. That appears to be a weakness of the Third Wheel powered trailer as well. Since there's so little weight on the wheel, a 12.5" or 16" rear bike wheel will work just fine, solving that little problem. Make one with a derailleur or geared hub & you have everything you could want except bump start.
I don't recommend a CVT unless automatic ratio reduction for hill climbing is a higher priority than partial throttle cruising and fuel economy.
If you build a single wheel version, keep it rather long and low so pendulum effect will help keep it vertical. Imagine a line from the hitch to the tire's ground contact patch and keep more weight below that line. Make sure the wheel is aligned with the hitch or it will "dog walk" and tend to rhythmically sway laterally under power.
I wouldn't want to build a 2 wheeled version, fearing it would have to be too wide to remain upright in fast or tight turns. I wouldn't want one wheel on the road and the other on the shoulder when trying to keep to the right as far as possible.
I live in the flatlands of Illinois & can gear for speed. The trailer never slipped even in gravel, partially due to tall gearing, but also due to using the seatpost hitch position. Precisely when you need it, you get extra traction when accelerating or climbing since the wheel is "tucking under" to some extent. In other words it increases its traction by pushing upward toward the seatpost. It is probably a small effect given the shallow angle involved, but I never had a traction problem.
Stuart Brandt has a Comet CVT on his 3+ hp powered trailer and has a low overall ratio. He climbs steep hills, accelerates quickly and still has no traction problems except perhaps in gravel with excess throttle. You can see YouTube videos of his working well on grass. His hitches to the seatpost like mine.
Interestingly, the trailer works best with just enough air pressure to keep the sidewalls seated. It appears fully inflated but absorbs bumps better and probably gets a little better traction as well. I used the trailer a lot and never saw any hint of tread wear. The curves in the tongue filtered out vibration. No vibrations were transmitted to the bike, which was quite a contrast from the FWD I built first.
I strongly advocate powered trailers as a simple, easily built, versatile means of motorizing a bike. The only problem with a minibike wheel version is the lack of a freewheel which makes it difficult to tow when the engine is not running. That appears to be a weakness of the Third Wheel powered trailer as well. Since there's so little weight on the wheel, a 12.5" or 16" rear bike wheel will work just fine, solving that little problem. Make one with a derailleur or geared hub & you have everything you could want except bump start.
I don't recommend a CVT unless automatic ratio reduction for hill climbing is a higher priority than partial throttle cruising and fuel economy.
If you build a single wheel version, keep it rather long and low so pendulum effect will help keep it vertical. Imagine a line from the hitch to the tire's ground contact patch and keep more weight below that line. Make sure the wheel is aligned with the hitch or it will "dog walk" and tend to rhythmically sway laterally under power.
I wouldn't want to build a 2 wheeled version, fearing it would have to be too wide to remain upright in fast or tight turns. I wouldn't want one wheel on the road and the other on the shoulder when trying to keep to the right as far as possible.
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Dennis Becraft
Guest
Any other powered trailers on the web? for sale, plans, photos?
That Third wheel is new to me. It looks like a typical minibike frame with a tongue to replace the front fork. Something similar could be done with a pocketbike, a GoPed, or just about any little scooter. Too bad most of those don't freewheel for easy towing by pedal power. Thanks to TheBadBunny for the 3rd wheel link. Thanks to Srdavo for his trailer list. I had seen all the others listed here exceept 3rd Wheel. I wonder how many other powered trailers exist for sale , as plans, or at least as good photos. Does anybody know of others not already listed in this thread? Personally, I'm most interested in gas versions. I emailed the 3rd wheel folks asking why their mention of an electric version is not accompanied by a photo or mention in the price list. I'll post their reply.
That Third wheel is new to me. It looks like a typical minibike frame with a tongue to replace the front fork. Something similar could be done with a pocketbike, a GoPed, or just about any little scooter. Too bad most of those don't freewheel for easy towing by pedal power. Thanks to TheBadBunny for the 3rd wheel link. Thanks to Srdavo for his trailer list. I had seen all the others listed here exceept 3rd Wheel. I wonder how many other powered trailers exist for sale , as plans, or at least as good photos. Does anybody know of others not already listed in this thread? Personally, I'm most interested in gas versions. I emailed the 3rd wheel folks asking why their mention of an electric version is not accompanied by a photo or mention in the price list. I'll post their reply.
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mslipac
Guest
after gettim my new used 18 speed bike home did some measurments and the engine that I was planing on using looks like it wont fit in the frame...PLAN B...trailer pusher 
looks very simple to make and reliable system...I am tracking down a good used frame from a minibike I can modify or maybe just get one from the dragonfly website the 3rd wheel setup
looks very simple to make and reliable system...I am tracking down a good used frame from a minibike I can modify or maybe just get one from the dragonfly website the 3rd wheel setup
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TheBadBunny
Guest
Here's a link to a homebuilt one-wheel power-assist trailer.
http://www.ihpva.org/people/tstrike/electrailer.htm
He used an electric motor on his, but it seems as if it would be rather simple to put a gas engine on it.
Or have you considered trying to motorize a cheap child's tagalong that clamps to the seatpost? Wal-Mart and Target sell 'em cheap.
Let us know if/when you get a reply about the Third Wheel.
And hey, why don't YOU draw up a set of plans when you're done?
Robert
http://www.ihpva.org/people/tstrike/electrailer.htm
He used an electric motor on his, but it seems as if it would be rather simple to put a gas engine on it.
Or have you considered trying to motorize a cheap child's tagalong that clamps to the seatpost? Wal-Mart and Target sell 'em cheap.
Let us know if/when you get a reply about the Third Wheel.
And hey, why don't YOU draw up a set of plans when you're done?
Robert
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Dennis Becraft
Guest
powered trailers
Thanks Badbunny, but I've seen that one. For a long time I keep getting faked out by that one when doing searches for new ones.
It's easier to make a trailer than to add an engine to a tagalong. Staton's looks top heavy to me. It's be good if you carried a little passenger often.
I certainly will draw up a set of plans. I'm getting queries often about it lately from Youtube exposure. Just today I got a comment below the video from a guy who says he plans to make one with a Honda GX50. I need to make a set of plans for the FWD too.
I've been referring them all to Motoredbikes.com.
Thanks Badbunny, but I've seen that one. For a long time I keep getting faked out by that one when doing searches for new ones.
It's easier to make a trailer than to add an engine to a tagalong. Staton's looks top heavy to me. It's be good if you carried a little passenger often.
I certainly will draw up a set of plans. I'm getting queries often about it lately from Youtube exposure. Just today I got a comment below the video from a guy who says he plans to make one with a Honda GX50. I need to make a set of plans for the FWD too.
I've been referring them all to Motoredbikes.com.
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ibdennyak
Guest
Sam,
Curious as to what conditions you are looking at. I've been running a 500 watt hub wheel on a pusher for about 8 months. Not overly fast, but very dependable. I've been riding in snow for the first time this winter. It doesn't seem to be any more of a problem than it normally would. Wiped out twice so far, but it was so slippery that walking was difficult. Total weight in the trailer is as low as about 40# (including the trailer) It will spin out before it slides the bike with brakes on, but I don't normally ride with the brakes applied anyway.
Two of the hills I climb are about 10 degrees, and traction isn't a problem. Of course this is on paved lanes. I haven't tried it off road much other than gravel parking lots etc. so I don't know how it would do there.Denny
srdavo
Well-Known Member
I REALLY like these pushers!
Denny,
I looked at the moto-bob, back in the days when I only pedaled bicycles. (I never could justify the pricetag) So, I opted for store-bought bike trailers. I've nearly worn out my 2nd trailer. ( my 1st one was stolen, after I put a solid body on it.)
After I became a "motored" cyclist, I saw staton's tagalong, (Very impressive, as are all of staton's products.), but I wanted cargo capacity too.
Now, you fellows are sharing your impressive designs.
For that, I thank you.
No alterations to the bicycle! Man...this rocks.
Everyone knows I am somewhat of a tinkerer. I'd really like to build one of these. The best I can do right now is move this project toward the top of my "unfinished project" list. (everyone also knows I am the procrastinator )
thanks again, for this inspiration....
I may have questions later....
Dave
Denny,
I looked at the moto-bob, back in the days when I only pedaled bicycles. (I never could justify the pricetag) So, I opted for store-bought bike trailers. I've nearly worn out my 2nd trailer. ( my 1st one was stolen, after I put a solid body on it.)
After I became a "motored" cyclist, I saw staton's tagalong, (Very impressive, as are all of staton's products.), but I wanted cargo capacity too.
Now, you fellows are sharing your impressive designs.
For that, I thank you.
No alterations to the bicycle! Man...this rocks.
Everyone knows I am somewhat of a tinkerer.
I'd really like to build one of these. The best I can do right now is move this project toward the top of my "unfinished project" list. (everyone also knows I am the procrastinator )thanks again, for this inspiration....
I may have questions later....
Dave
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