Creating a reliable connection arm for your kayak bike trailer is crucial for safe and efficient transport. This guide outlines how to construct a sturdy connection, ensuring your kayak trailer integrates seamlessly with your bicycle.
To start, adapting the trailer frame might be necessary depending on your kayak and bike dimensions. For a 10ft kayak, a longer connection arm is typically needed to prevent the rear bike tire from hitting the trailer. This might involve extending the existing pipe on the trailer frame. In a typical modification, cutting the left pipe approximately 24 inches from the adjustable angle connector and inserting a length of 3/4″ EMT conduit, secured with a coupling, provides the required extension.
Initially, this extended pipe will likely protrude straight out at a height unsuitable for bike connection, often around 30 inches from the ground, while a standard rear bike hub is much lower, around 15 inches. To bridge this height difference, bending the EMT conduit is an effective solution. Employing two 45-degree bends to gradually slope the conduit downwards until it aligns with the bike hub height creates a smooth transition. Alternatively, a back-to-back 90-degree bend can achieve a similar result, depending on preference and available space. Resources like online tutorials can guide you through the process of bending EMT conduit.
For those preferring to avoid bending, cross-over clamps offer a no-bend alternative. These clamps allow you to attach a connection arm at the correct height without altering the conduit’s shape. Adjusting the length of the connection arm is essential to center the rear bike tire with the trailer for balanced towing. Mocking up bends with scrap conduit pieces beforehand is a helpful step to verify measurements and ensure accurate alignment.
Finally, with the connection arm at the correct height, adding a slight bend at its end provides crucial turning clearance. A bend between 30-45 degrees offers sufficient space for the bike to turn without colliding with the trailer. While precision isn’t paramount here, ensure ample room for maneuverability to prevent any limitations when cycling with your kayak trailer.
By following these steps, you can construct a functional and customized connection arm for your kayak bike trailer, ensuring secure and hassle-free kayak transportation.
