ecoride prototype

rough draft...any thoughts on braking? not really any major hills from home to the water and it's only nine blocks but I don't want that tank slamming into my tire while I'm stopping for traffic.  I'm trying to keep it budget...
                                  thanks     CoS

Great Idea,,,,

as far as running into the back of you, replace the tow rope with a "tow bar", something like 1/2' conduit to start with, cheap and light.  Cut to length, smash the end flat, drill a hole and attach a double ended snap.

Also as I look at it, it may not turn well with fixed tires in the front.

still looks like a great idea, the trial and error part ought to fun too.

Instead of a rope to connect the bike to the yak, you need a tow bar... you could probably fashion one with some creative PVC engineering.  Properly mounted, that would maintain a steady distance between back wheel and certain pavement eating...

peat and repeat...LOL  It said someone posted while I was typing... thats what I get for not checking.

Looks good, I'd third the pvc.  5' section of pvc, thread the line through it and make sure there's not too much slack and knot off a connector at each end....kinda like a tent pole. 

For a few bucks you can probably pick up a broken kiddie trailer, and then use the attachment arm from that.  I've seen them at garage sales for as little as 10 bucks. They typically either clamp onto the seat post or i've seen a few that attach to the chain stay.

I'd rotate the front cart so that the scupper-cart arms are facing the opposite direction.  I could see the arms gradually falling and then digging into the concrete or asphalt, bringing the whole ship to a sudden halt.

Otherwise, I like the ingenuity!    Wish I lived close enough to a body of water that I could pull that off.

Michael

I hope you live CLOSE to where ever you're peddling to.....can you get someone to follow and shot some vid?.....it could be a FunniestHomeVideoMoment in the waiting and you might win the grandprize...JK!

I live fairly close to the bay and THAT would work!...i don't need to stop til I get there and it's a straight shot too!  

good work and keep us posted on the outcome(s)

Here are some ideas for you:

http://www.mrkland.com/outdoor/bike/trailer/kayaktrailer.htm

http://www.tonystrailers.com/kayak/

http://www.bikesatwork.com/bike-trailers/features.html

For a few bucks you can probably pick up a broken kiddie trailer, and then use the attachment arm from that.  I've seen them at garage sales for as little as 10 bucks. They typically either clamp onto the seat post or i've seen a few that attach to the chain stay.

This is what I did for my rig. I gotta get some pictures posted this week.

-Brian G

BrianG -- figured someone did it...

Don't underestimate the weight and how long it will take you to stop. I'd take a serious look at those brake pads-- if they're worn, replace 'em. If those brakes squeal then steel wool the rim a bit to get the rode grime off.
I towed a BOB trailer for a few thousand miles with up to 65#s, its a PITA, but do-able.

If you figure it out, you could probably live to tell about it, and be the envy of all.

I'd even be willing to try it!

Solution to the braking is a mountain bike with disc brakes and yourself weighing 200+! Just like any type of towing, the heavier the two vehicle the better control you have over the trailer.

My one problem is my mountain bike is full suspension. You really need a hardtail for this type of towing.

-Brian G

Thanks for the input guys. This actually worked pretty good. no casualties on the braking. turning radius was off, because the wheels rubbed, but the axel pivots really well which is cool. since this photo I've cut down the scupper bars and turned the wheels around to get more space between the hull. putting the axel those few inches closer to the hitch (handle) wouldn't let the wheels pivot and I also snapped part of my bike rack . A wider axel would probably help a ton. Next I'm going to use longer conduit and attach it to my seatpost.
   I like all the trailers that are out there, but I'm going a straight shot to the bay and then I'm going to ditch the bike and off road the boat a little ways. I'd like to be able to use the Rolleez, but if it'd work to retrofit an existing trailer with the Rolleez tires that might be sweet.
     thanks again   CoS             ps the neighbors think I'm an idiot.  they just don't get it

Go with a swivel castor mounted to the rack. Then mount your tube to the swivel.

http://www.acehardware.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2861901

For a few bucks you can probably pick up a broken kiddie trailer, and then use the attachment arm from that.  I've seen them at garage sales for as little as 10 bucks. They typically either clamp onto the seat post or i've seen a few that attach to the chain stay.

This is what I did for my rig. I gotta get some pictures posted this week.

-Brian G

Used Burley trailer knockoffs are pretty darn cheap. Personally, I think you're inviting disaster with your current setup.  Two axles are ummm.... inadvisable.  At the very least, rig up something to keep the bow of the boat a fixed distance from your tire. Your second pic is better, but still not good enough.

Regards,
Scott