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I had to transfer
2 suitcases full of tools from my Dad's car (at his work) to my house,
about 3km away. I thought it would be a perfect time to test my new cargo
trailer. These suitcases were HEAVY! (about 35lbs each).
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I wanted to make sure
the suitcases were well secured. They had to be properly placed to balance
the trailer and not interfere with the wheels. I guess I should get some
sort of solid fenders. I used a standard automotive "come-along"
with strong webbing to hold everything in place. |
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I planned the trailer
as a flat-bed design to be able to accomodate many different types of loads.
There are eye bolts as tie-downs along all sides of the trailer. Here I
am making sure everything is well secured. |
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Tightening the tie-down.
I do NOT want this load to come loose on the road. I looped the webbing
through the suitcase handles, and ratcheted the come-along down tight until
I could see the suitcases pressing firmly against the trailer framework.
I hope I don't bend the trailer...but there is no visible distortion. The
framework is one inch square tube, with .049" wall thickness. |
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Cautiously testing...everything
seems to be holding well. Look closely and you will see that I used the
extra webbing as a safety strap, tied to my seat post....just in case something
breaks or comes loose on the road! |
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Everything seems to
be holding well. Now I have to go uphill. Sure glad I brought the mountain
bike as a tractor with those extra low gears. With me on board the bike
the total load is a LOT. (You do the math). |
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A nice shot of my
ass pedalling up the first small hill. No photo of the big hill I had to
climb a few minutes later. Everything handles fine in low gear, and at low
speeds. |
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Success!
Yes, I made it up
the first hill without incident. Then the next hill, and all the way home.
I stopped once to make sure the hitch was still secure and everything
was fine, even at higher speeds.
Traffic sure gave
me a wide berth as I rode home. Drivers seem more respectful if you take
up more of the road. Perhaps my physical size helps too?
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