Does anyone have any experience/thoughts on sideways bike trailers?

Like this:

I haven't really got space to store a conventional bike trailer, so I'm wondering if building something similar for the trials bike is a silly idea or not?

Three issues: Width, turning radius, tie downs. The trailer will be wider in this orientation and may be pron to be hit by a passing car on a narrower road. Due to the very short tounge one of the leading edges of the trailer will hit the back bumper when making a large turn. The ties downs will extend out making the trailer even weirder ( I don't see tie down facilitation on this trailer picture).

What about a regular trailer that stands up. Go to Kendons trailers web site.

Edited January 12, 201511 yr by billyt

Getting a bike rack would be a lot better as you don't have to go 60 on motorway etc there are better places to tie it down at and the rack itsProbley safer to drive with

If it's for a trials bike, a trailer where the bike sits on the sump guard is your best bet. Can be stored on its end or side.

trailer.doc

I would not use a trailer like that, bike rack better for trial bike so long as your car is reasonably wide.

See the Word document. Quite a few years ago I made a couple of these trailers that could be quickly dismantled and carried up a passage at the side of a terraced house. I used 40 x 40 x 3 box but you may be able to go a bit smaller / lighter.

The wheels were attached with light (can/t remember kg) 4 bolt Indespension units and mudguards were plastic.

Far too close coupled - handling would be appalling.

Thanks for the replies

I figured there must be a reason(s) I've never seen these type used before!

I do actually have a rack, but my tow bar is only rated for 50kg nose weight

dadof2 - that looks like a good idea thanks.

Thanks for the replies

I figured there must be a reason(s) I've never seen these type used before!

I do actually have a rack, but my tow bar is only rated for 50kg nose weight

dadof2 - that looks like a good idea thanks.

I have exactly the same dilemma...I know ignorance is no defence in law but my 20kg bike rack and 70kg Sherco seem to be well supported by my weedy (50kg limit) tow bar???

I would not want to try to reverse that, the shorter the tow bar the quicker it will turn.

Also if you had to push it back by hand it could tip up if one wheel hit a bump, very expensive if it was a road bike.

I would not want to try to reverse that, the shorter the tow bar the quicker it will turn.

Also if you had to push it back by hand it could tip up if one wheel hit a bump, very expensive if it was a road bike.

Yea but what a ride if you continued to hold the tow bar as the trailer tipped up!

The AA and RAC used to have fold up trailers for years that they carried in the back of their vans for bike recovery.

I know a couple of people that used to use them.

Get googleing and your sure to find something like it.