Brakes for bicycle trailers

[Terry Collins]

I suddenly realised why I had unwittingly stalled my current project to
build a two wheeled bicycle trailer. To be worthwile (aka not a major
danger), it is going to need its own brakes. Whilst 50kg might be
stoppable, towing 100-1500kg isn't going to stop on any slope.

So I am looking for recommendations on economical braking systems to
fit. Preferrably available in Sydney, Australia, so I can give them a
good visual inspection first.

I will probably build the first one with fittings for recycled cheapo
caliper brakes, then probably recycled cantilever brakes, but for the
real work horse built out of good steel, I am considering disc brakes
unless I am told they don't work/not work cost.

And the second point is are there any cable connection devices around so
you can quickly disconnect the trailer?.


TIA

 

[scotty72]

I suddenly realised why I had unwittingly stalled my current project to
build a two wheeled bicycle trailer. To be worthwile (aka not a major
danger), it is going to need its own brakes. Whilst 50kg might be
stoppable, towing 100-1500kg isn't going to stop on any slope.

So I am looking for recommendations on economical braking systems to
fit. Preferrably available in Sydney, Australia, so I can give them a
good visual inspection first.

I will probably build the first one with fittings for recycled cheapo
caliper brakes, then probably recycled cantilever brakes, but for the
real work horse built out of good steel, I am considering disc brakes
unless I am told they don't work/not work cost.

And the second point is are there any cable connection devices around so
you can quickly disconnect the trailer?.


TIA

ummm

you are going to tow up to 1.5 tonnes?

Sure about those figures, or does your bike have a V8 power assist?

Scotty

 

[Peter McCallum]

scotty72 <[email protected]> wrote:

> Terry Collins Wrote:
> > I suddenly realised why I had unwittingly stalled my current project to
> > build a two wheeled bicycle trailer. To be worthwile (aka not a major
> > danger), it is going to need its own brakes. Whilst 50kg might be
> > stoppable, towing 100-1500kg isn't going to stop on any slope.
> >
> > So I am looking for recommendations on economical braking systems to
> > fit. Preferrably available in Sydney, Australia, so I can give them a
> > good visual inspection first.
> >
> > I will probably build the first one with fittings for recycled cheapo
> > caliper brakes, then probably recycled cantilever brakes, but for the
> > real work horse built out of good steel, I am considering disc brakes
> > unless I am told they don't work/not work cost.
> >
> > And the second point is are there any cable connection devices around
> > so
> > you can quickly disconnect the trailer?.
> >
> >
> > TIA
> ummm
>
> you are going to tow up to 1.5 tonnes?
>
> Sure about those figures, or does your bike have a V8 power assist?
>
> Scotty

He probably meant 100-150kg.

I've used brakes on a trailer. Just mounted a couple of cantilevers by
drilling holes in the frame near the wheels.

I ran one length of brake cable from one brake to the other via the
trailer's attachment arm (which attached, fortunately, near the seat).
Use cable housings to go around corners.

I put a hook on brake cable coming from the brake lever and along the
bike's frame. then the tailer cable goes over the hook.

Pull on the brake lever and the trailer brakes came on together, if
everything is symmetrical and well adjusted.

I though about a system to attach/detach easily but never go around to
making one. When I arrived in Mackay I found there was no need for
brakes any more.

P


--
Peter McCallum
Mackay Qld AUSTRALIA

 

[Terry Collins]

scotty72 wrote:
> Terry Collins Wrote:

>
> ummm
>
> you are going to tow up to 1.5 tonnes?

Woops, but it has been done apparently, tandem recombent towing flat
deck with upright piano and 4 or 5 piece band with power assist take off
(1 or 3 pushers). Crazy yanks.

> Sure about those figures, or does your bike have a V8 power assist?

Oh, is that V8 tomato drink that good {.

 

[SteveA]

scotty72 wrote:
> Terry Collins Wrote:

>
> ummm
>
> you are going to tow up to 1.5 tonnes?

Woops, but it has been done apparently, tandem recombent towing flat
deck with upright piano and 4 or 5 piece band with power assist take off
(1 or 3 pushers). Crazy yanks.

> Sure about those figures, or does your bike have a V8 power assist?

Oh, is that V8 tomato drink that good {.

They use electrically activated brakes on caravans. There must be some way of doing the same with bike trailers. Might need a brake lever that pulls 2 cables. Didn't some BMX brake levers have that facility?

SteveA

 

[Kim Hawtin]

SteveA wrote:
> They use electrically activated brakes on caravans. There must be some
> way of doing the same with bike trailers. Might need a brake lever that
> pulls 2 cables. Didn't some BMX brake levers have that facility?

finally a good use for hydralic brakes on bikes

i have seen hydralic bike brakes in use on those icecream trikes, 100Kg+
you know the type with the big umbrella and genset and freezer and boombox

cheers,

Kim

 

[NoZX6R]

Terry Collins wrote:
<snip>
>
> And the second point is are there any cable connection devices around so
> you can quickly disconnect the trailer?.
>
>
> TIA

Might be a long shot, but I've seen bikes with S&S couplings that have
some device to split the cables.

Maybe some recumbent manufacturers might be able to help? - plenty of
'bents are made with S&S couplings.

www.greenspeed.com.au
www.ozhpv.org.au

--
Nick

 

[Flying Echidna]

On Mon, 15 Aug 2005 01:47:20 +1000, SteveA
<[email protected]> wrote in aus.bicycle:

>
>
>They use electrically activated brakes on caravans. There must be some
>way of doing the same with bike trailers. Might need a brake lever that
>pulls 2 cables. Didn't some BMX brake levers have that facility?


Years ago I had a caravan which had a mechanical brake which was a
lever which operated when the caravan 'caught' up with the car ie the
caravan was pushing rather than being pulled by the towbar.

I wouldn't think it would be too difficult to replicate with a lever
and a couple of V brakes on the wheels attached to a spring loaded tow
connection


Regards
Prickles