Creating your own Kayak Bike Trailer opens up exciting possibilities for transporting your kayak to various waterways using your bicycle. A crucial component of this setup is the connection arm, linking your kayak trailer to your bike. This guide focuses on constructing a robust and functional connection arm, particularly if you’re dealing with a longer kayak that requires adjustments for optimal bike compatibility.
To accommodate a 10ft kayak, extending the connection arm is often necessary to prevent interference with the rear bike tire. In such cases, modifying the main pipe of your trailer frame becomes essential. One effective method involves what we’ll call “minimal surgery.” Start by cutting the left pipe of your trailer frame approximately 24 inches from the Adjustable Angle Connector. To extend it, insert a length of 3/4″ EMT Conduit into the open end, securing it firmly with a Coupling. This extension provides the needed length to manage longer kayaks effectively.
With the pipe now extended, it will likely protrude straight out at around 30 inches from the ground. This height is generally unsuitable because the standard rear bike hub sits lower, typically around 15 inches from the ground. For optimal towing and stability, the connecting arm needs to be level with your bike’s hub. One practical solution to achieve this alignment is to bend the EMT Conduit. By employing conduit bending techniques, such as creating two 45-degree bends, you can effectively slope the conduit downwards, adjusting its height to match the level of your bike’s hub. Alternatively, a back-to-back 90-degree bend can also achieve a similar downward adjustment, depending on your preference and the materials you are working with.
If bending conduit seems daunting or you prefer a simpler approach, you can completely bypass the pipe modification and bending steps. Cross-over clamps offer an excellent alternative. These clamps allow you to attach a connection arm at precisely the height you need without altering the existing frame. This method involves using cross-over clamps to add a separate arm at the appropriate vertical position for your bike hub. Remember, the ideal length of this connecting arm will vary depending on your bicycle wheel size and the overall geometry of your bike and trailer. The goal is to position your rear bike tire centrally in relation to the trailer’s width, ensuring balanced and stable towing. Utilizing scrap pieces of conduit to mock up different lengths and bends is a helpful practice. This allows you to visually and practically confirm your measurements before finalizing the connection arm.
Once the connecting arm is flush with your bike hub, the final step is to incorporate a slight bend at the arm’s end. This bend is crucial for allowing your bike to turn freely without the rear tire colliding with the trailer during turns. A bend between 30 to 45 degrees is generally sufficient. Precision is not paramount here; the main objective is to ensure ample clearance for your rear bike tire to maneuver during turns, preventing any friction or obstruction.
Building a kayak bike trailer connection arm involves a few key steps, from extending and adjusting the height of the main pipe to ensuring turning clearance. Whether you choose to modify and bend conduit or opt for the simplicity of cross-over clamps, the result is a customized and functional setup that allows you to confidently and conveniently transport your kayak with your bike. Remember to always prioritize safety and stability throughout the building process and before each journey.
