WacoMoto
New Member
I'm considering manufacturing push trailer and I'm struggling to balance value, low maintenance, dependability and reliability. I was considering a standard 12 inch tire but after getting my hands on one it was way to small, I got ahold of an 18 inch tire which seems like it's large enough but I worry about bearing failure after a few hundred miles, I was considering converting it into a direct drive axle (no hub bearings) and running the axle between two pillow block bearings mounted to the frame but it's somewhat large and the smaller the frame (1 1/2 inch angle iron) the better when it comes to weight. Then I considered using a 50cc scooter tire (10 or 12 inch) but sourcing them over time seems like a challenge and you never know the quality of the build. Maybe a 4 lug trailer tire with a keyed shaft (that's over 100 dollars in just the tire drivetrain). the frame, engine and desired fuel tank is already pushing 200 dollars and I'm trying to keep the build cost below 300 per unit. what's your long term tire/drivetrain solutions?