Introduction: Bicycle Trailer Hitch - Quick Release Hose Coupling.
I saw this design on a folding bike and thought it awesome. I used to hitch my bike trailers with a lashed inner tube, but this is faster and more convenient. Works very nicely.
Step 1: Obtain Necessary Hose and Pneumatic Release Components.
1 x male 3/8"
1 x female 3/8"
1 x 3/8" threaded coupling.
hose to fit tight on 3/8"
2 x hoseclamps
Step 2: Place Hose Over Pneumatic Fitting
screwing it on worked well.
Step 3: Secure With Hose Clamp
Step 4: Same for Both Male and Female Coupling
Step 5: Drill Hose in Appropriate Places for Attaching to Frame
Step 6: Make Frame Attachment (on Pannier Rack)
Step 7: Attach Hose to Pannier Rack
lock nuts!
Step 8: Attach Hose to Trailer Handle
PRETTY SELF EXPLANATORY THIS ONE...
Step 9: Ride Happily Away to the Store to Carry Buckets of Stuff.
26 Comments
10 years ago on Introduction
Superb
10 years ago on Step 9
Would this set up , work on a trailer that has 20 inch bmx wheels mounted in bike suspension forks , and where the actual bike trailer frame is just below the level of the rear bike rack.
11 years ago on Step 9
Great idea!!! Thumbs up.
11 years ago on Step 9
Why does my trailer sway from side to side behind my bike?
Reply 11 years ago on Step 9
I found out that I had the wheels in the center of the trailer, causing it to be almost perfectly balanced. This was causing it to sway from side to side. I moved the wheels farther back, putting more weight on the tongue. This solved my problem.
12 years ago on Introduction
Just wanted to help here and say that , in step 4 and 5, if you were to clamp the area to be drilled flat with something it would be alot easier to drill :)
13 years ago on Introduction
this is a great idea. I know more than a hand full of folks that have been trying to figure out alternative hitch ideas,. thanks for the post..
also if you had any idea what happened after i read this <3
13 years ago on Introduction
Can you show or explain how you used to hitch with a lashed innertube?
17 years ago
I've been working along the same vein, i'll have to post how i built my hitches, here's pictures, on my second trailer i used a 3/8" drive rachet u- joint instead of a hose, way less surging than the hose.
Reply 13 years ago on Introduction
I like that!! Just go to Harbor freight and pick a cheepee up!
Reply 15 years ago on Introduction
That's a good source for a UJ: I'll remember that one. Trying hard to think where I'd get an aluminium one: any ideas?
14 years ago on Introduction
It might be worth adding safety lines through both the maie and female ends (one attached to the bike around the screw through the pipe, and one attached to the handle around the screw attached to the handle, which could be tied together and stuffed into the interior of the connection upon joining, to ensure fail-safe strength in case the whole assembly pulled apart (unlikely)...
Reply 13 years ago on Introduction
I really dont see it ever coming apart. (yes, you are right VERY unlikely) I used to work with air tools all day fulltime at a auto repair shop (and at home) and they never came apart unless we wanted them to. This was with us putting that connection unde various stress all the time, snags, twist, bumps, drops, etc.
13 years ago on Introduction
Would this work with garden hose quick-releases like these?
13 years ago on Introduction
Anyone who has or is building a bike trailer will find that the biggest dilemma is a connection to the bike with an easy range of movement for turning. This is a fantastic idea, but are the hoseclamps strong enough to hold when pulling a heavier load? I'm sure they are if you really crank em in tight, but seems like they might slip off. Have you had any troubles?
13 years ago on Introduction
I really like your design! In the I tried this with regular radiator hose, and the hose fatigued and fell apart, making the trailer gooseneck fly into the rear wheel and break at least 5 spokes as I ground to a halt. The pneumatic coupling is a excellent idea! You will be seeing this on my 2nd generation trailer.
14 years ago on Introduction
That's the coolest idea I have seen in a long time. Fixes so many issues with the trailer smacking the tire... Nice job.
14 years ago on Introduction
thats ingenious...........
14 years ago on Introduction
Very cool, I'm going to use this as a starting point for my first trailer. I'm thinking of going with one of those plastic foot-lockers so I can lock it up.
17 years ago
Excellent! Do you have any trouble with the trailer (when loaded down with frosty beverages or the like) coming to a stop? I'd be worried about it bashing into my back tire. I think I'll give this one a try. All hail the grocery-bike.