Honda Cub wheels for off-road luggage trailer project

Pacificus · L Plate Warrior Joined: 16 Mar 2010 Karma :

I am going to build a trailer to be towed by my KLX 250. The trailer will carry a maximum of around 150 to 200 kg and needs to be strong enough for low-speed off-roading (traversing rough terrain for remote camping) as well as on-road cruising at 60 mph.

The biggest problem I am facing is that of finding suitable wheels. I want to use single-side mounting wheels but of a much larger diameter than those commonly used in standard commercially sold luggage trailers, in order to provide for good ground clearance. I also want to keep the weight down as much as possible, which rules out many single-side mounting wheels.

One solution could be to use Honda Cub wheels and mount them to the trailer via a couple of independent swing arms.

Could someone please advise me on this idea [to use Cub wheels]? Are the wheels strong enough, rated for constant 60 mph, and suitable for a simple adaptation for single side mounting?

What is the diameter of the Cub wheel rims, the overall diameter with a good dual purpose tyre, and will it be easy for me to get good dual purpose (on/off-road) tyres for these wheels?

Thanks.

Cigaro · World Chat Champion Joined: 28 Mar 2007 Karma :

Another question I don't really know the answer to, but I'd say that mounting a wheel like that single-sided would cause a lot of stress on the bearings.

Should be OK for 60mph though.

G · The Voice of Reason Joined: 02 Feb 2002 Karma :

How about looking at car style hubs and getting a rim laced on to a centre metal ring which attaches to this?

stinkwheel · Bovine Proctologist Joined: 12 Jul 2004 Karma :

Can I suggest that you actually make a single wheel trailer?

Attach it to the back of the bike using a universal joint. It will lean and turn with the bike. Apparently the only thing you notice is a slight tendancy to lift the rear wheel under heavy braking but this can be allowed for by careful positioning of the linkage.

I've seen them built using indespension units, trailing links or swingarms as suspension.

A mate has one on his bandit 1200. An indespension unit mounted on the back of a beer keg. He transports his Rotweiller in it.

It is important the wheel is perfectly in line with the bike wheels and that the linkage is ABOVE the level of the wheel spindle. (I'm talking to YOU virus!)
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