A single wheel mountain bike trailer is an essential companion for anyone who’s bringing gear off the beaten path.
They’re durable enough to stand up to the rough terrain and harsh conditions you may face when roughing it.
They are also narrower than two-wheeled bike trailers, which makes them excellent when riding single tracks in the woods or mountains.
Benefits of owning a Single Wheel Mountain Bike Trailer
Pretty obvious from the name, but these trailers only have one trailer wheel which is at the back of the trailer behind the load.
The weight of the load is shared between the bike’s rear wheel and the trailer wheel.
This allows the weight of the load to be more evenly spread out.
Single wheel Mountain Bike Trailers are usually very surefooted while offroad. They’re also known to track very well behind your bike.
And since single-wheel trailers are only slightly wider than a bike with a rider, you don’t need to worry about getting stuck going through tight spaces.
One issue you should factor in is that the load and balance of the trailer can shift, depending on the weight, size, and placement of the load you’re hauling in the trailer.
Balancing and securing your load is especially important when you’re riding offroad. In the case of Bike Cargo Trailers, the load may even be bigger than the size of the cargo are, which makes load position even more important.
Most single wheel trailers have a maximum load capacity of 70-110 pounds. This can cause some dramatic changes in balance and handling as you ride due to momentum.
Because of this, you should be 100% sure you secure all cargo loads very well before setting out on any rides!
It’s also important to learn how to predict potential weight shifts when riding any twisting and turning trails!
You should also be prepared to maneuver quickly when the bike is turning.
Before you invest in a Mountain Bike Trailer, you should consider these factors as well as the features and benefits so you can find the best bike trailer for your needs.
What Should I Look For In A Bike Trailer?
If you’re planning to buy a single wheel mountain bike trailer, these are the following factors that you should consider:
1. Affordability
Mountain bike cargo trailers can cost anywhere from $100 to $1,000 depending on quite a few factors and not all are created equal.
The type of mountain bike cargo trailer you need depends on what you plan to use it for.
If you just need a basic trailer to haul around some gear, then you can probably get away with spending around $100.
However, if you need a more specialized trailer that can handle rough terrain or carry a lot of weight, then you may have to spend closer to $1,000.
Ultimately, it just depends on what your specific needs are.
Choosing an expensive single wheel mountain bike trailer is great if you have the money and the trailer has many features that are a benefit to you.
But if you plan on using your trailer for errands every once in a while, then a cheaper yet durable bike trailer may be all you need.
2. Weight capacity
You should also consider the loads you plan to haul in your bike trailer. Single wheel bike trailers usually have a lower weight capacity, usually around 50 to 100lbs at a maximum.
If you’re planning to haul camping gear, a child, or other heavy loads, go with the highest weight capacity you can find.
There are a few things that affect the weight capacity of a bike trailer.
The material of the frame and body. A steel frame with a fabric body will have a higher weight capacity than an aluminum frame with a plastic body.
Choose the one that can carry the most so your valuables will be secured without the risk of the trailer breaking from overpacking.
3. Safety features
A bike cargo trailer’s safety features are very important to consider when making a purchase.
Some safety features to look for include:
- Reflectors and Reflective Strips – Reflective strips or other reflective material on the trailer to help make it more visible to drivers.
- Safety Flag – A brightly colored flag or other markers will help make the trailer more visible.
- Sturdy Construction – A sturdy frame is especially important for mountain bike trailers because trails can be totally unforgiving. You want to be sure you have the best equipment you can get.
- Kickstand – A kickstand may seem optional, but when you’re out on the trail you’ll soon find it’s essential. Especially when connecting and disconnecting your trailer to your bike.
4. Quality Wheels
A good durable wheel is essential. You’re going nowhere if your wheel goes flat. Bike trailers often come in two-wheel sizes: 16 in and 20 in.
20-inch wheels offer a smoother ride on rough terrains, while a 16-inch is more affordable.
How Hard Is It To Pull A Bike Trailer?
It can be easy or difficult to pull a single-wheel bike trailer depending on these factors:
- Weight of the trailer
- Weight of the cargo you’re carrying
- Quality and condition of the bike trailer’s wheel & bearing
- Quality, and type of bike you use
- Type, smoothness, and elevation of the surface you’re riding on
- Your own physical fitness
Be Prepared for Surprises When Towing Your Trailer Offroad!
When towing a mountain bike cargo trailer an additional 40+ pounds of load may affect your pull, maneuvering, and total control of the bike’s balance.
This can be dangerous when descending hills or going around corners.
When towing a mountain bike cargo trailer, always be aware of your surroundings and be prepared for changes in terrain. Be cautious when descending hills or going around corners.
The bike trailer may feel less stable, and you may need to lean a bit more to keep the trailer from tipping.
The added weight of the mountain bike cargo trailer will also affect your stopping distance. You will need to give yourself more time and distance to come to a complete stop.
If you’re new to riding with a mountain bike trailer, I would recommend you take time to practice before going on any long bike rides.
It’s important to get used to the feel of the trailer and how it affects your bike’s handling.
Make sure you know how to attach and detach the trailer, adjust its position, and learn how to pack it properly.
It’s also important to practice riding with the trailer in a safe area like a park or empty parking lot before going out on longer rides.
This will help you become more comfortable with the setup and help you avoid any potential accidents or mishaps.
DIY Single Wheel Bike Trailer
You can make your own Single Wheel Bike Trailer at home if you have the skill and are willing to put in the work!
Here’s a step-by-step process for making your own DIY single wheel bike trailer.
1. Choosing the frame:
You will need a bike frame for the main body of the trailer. The best and most durable ones are made out of steel.
You can use any wheel size that fits but using the same size as your bike is recommended.
2. Preparing the hardware
To assemble the bike trailer, you will need hardware to hold everything in place. This is what you’ll need for this process:
- Two (2) stainless steel hose clamps (1 – ½ to 2 inches)
- Two (2) standard three-hole door hinges
- Two (2) 3/8 by 3/8in shoulder bolts (must have 5/16 thread)
- Two (2) 5/16in lock nuts and flat washers
- Four (4) “U” bolts
Once you have these prepared, set them aside for later use.
3. Cut the frame
Using the hacksaw, separate the frame into three parts by cutting the corners of the middle part. Do not cut too close to the plate and leave some excess for later. After this, you should have two (2) triangles and one (1) pole.
4. Bend the rear triangle
To bend the rear triangle, use a two-by-four wedged into it. Hold it on foot pressure until the top pipes parallel the bottom pipes.
5. Attach the parts
First, stick the end of the bottom bracket into the hole where the kickstand was attached using a nut. Then, take one of the hinge plates and drill one hole for the bottom bracket to fit in. Bolt it on.
The hinge plate should reach the brake plate. You can do this by either matching mounting holes, plate to plate, or drilling mounting holes. Use two bolts to eliminate twisting. Then, stick the front fork on the other end of the pipe.
6. Mount the Trailer to the bike
Use the washers to attach the trailer to the hitch plates using small bots and springs. Drill a hole in it to mount the spring bolt, and the washer fits the head of the shoulder bolt. This will hold the trailer and keep it from falling off.
7. Mount the Crossbars
Depending on your purpose, you can mount the crossbars in different ways. It would be better to opt for steel, and you can spread it open until it fits. Use a clamp to squeeze and hold it in place as you place the screws.
Use U-bolts to secure a crate, box, or platform where you will put your items.
Conclusion
A good Single wheel mountain bike trailer merges functionality and convenience. It lets you bring all you need for a quick errand or a long bike ride off the beaten path.
What’s Next…
If you enjoyed this article go check out my article Mountain Bike Trailer For Hunting!
Happy Cycling!
