The design and prototyping of a low-cost motorcycle cargo trailer

In developing countries, the motorcycle is a major means of transportation among low income groups. Since for most of the people who ride motorcycles in these countries it is also the sole means of transportation, a motorcycle trailer would serve in hauling cargo safely and efficiently. The trailer should weigh about 100 pounds and have a payload of 200 pounds. Because many of the roads are substandard, the trailer must be able to traverse bad roads with minimum adverse effects on the motorcycle and its rider. Of necessity, the design must be easy to assemble, the cost of the trailer a minimum, and the manufacturing processes readily available in developing countries.

A low cost trailer of original design was developed, built and evaluated. The design possesses characteristics that reduce or eliminate the adverse effects of variability in the manufacturing process. Where feasible off-the-shelf parts and stock dimensions were used to achieve a unit cost of 136 dollars.

A trailing arm configuration sprung independently by rubber torsion springs was selected for the chassis. The chassis is designed to produce a lower center of gravity than available in most trailers in its category. The design allows for flexibility of application by accommodating different body styles on a flatbed base. A unique coupler that alloƒws a large relative rotation between the motorcycle and trailer was also designed.

The evaluation involved tests and observations of trailer swing stability, steady-state turn stability and brake-in-tum behavior. The trailer's response to high shock loads was observed and recommendations of tire pressure in service determined.