How To Build a Cargo Bike Trailer Using an Easy DIY Kit

​July 28, 2022

​DIY bike trailer kits let you build the perfect cargo bike trailer to meet your needs. Discover how to build your own cargo bike trailer using a DIY kit.

Building your very own cargo bike trailer can be an enjoyable project to take on.

In fact, many people prefer to build their own cargo bike trailers. The DIY approach to building a cargo bike trailer will save you money (compared to a custom trailer) and allow you to customize your trailer according to your needs.

And thanks to DIY bike trailer kits, it’s easy for anyone with basic carpentry skills to make a cargo bike trailer!

DIY bike trailer kits allow you to have the freedom to make the trailer the size that best suits your cargo needs AND unique style. Read on to learn how to build your own cargo bike trailer using a DIY Flat Bed Bike Trailer Kit or DIY High-Sided Bike Trailer Kit.

How to Build a Cargo Bike Trailer with the DIY Flat Bed Bike Trailer Kit

From transporting your surfboard to the beach, to carrying tall boxes and other cargo, you can use the Flat Bed Bike Trailer to haul just about anything! This kit allows you to customize the size of the cargo trailer you want and need.

The DIY Flat Bed Bike Trailer Kit is designed to take as little as 3 hours to build, depending on your skill level.

The DIY Flat Bed Trailer includes:

• 2 x 20” high quality alloy wheels with stainless steel spokes and precision ground bearings
• Push button axles.
• Axle receivers
• Corner connections
• 12 ¼-20 x 1.75-inch machines screws with lock nuts
• Bent tow bar
• A bike hitch

This DIY Flat Bed Trailer kit includes all the essential pieces for building a small cargo bike trailer. However, to finish building the cargo bike trailer the kit requires you to purchase square tubing and a bottom platform from the hardware store to complete your DIY project.

Tubing materials at Home Depot or Lowe’s usually go for about $3.00 per foot when purchased in small quantities.

For more information on building a flat bed bike trailer, watch our step-by-step video tutorial where a bike trailer specialist will guide you through the entire assembly process!

How to Build a Cargo Bike Trailer with the DIY High Sided Bike Trailer Kit

Looking for a cargo bike trailer that can store more cargo and keep it even more secure? Then DIY High-Sided Bike Trailer Kit is the one for you!

In contrast to the DIY Flat Bed Bike Trailer Kit, the High Sided Bike Trailer gives you more storage space for transportation and higher side walls so cargo does not spill out onto the road. This kit allows you to adjust the height of the trailer as well.

The DIY High Sided Bike Trailer kit includes:

• Two 20” high-quality alloy wheels with stainless steel spokes and precision ground bearings
• Push button axles
• Axle receivers
• Corner connectors
• 30 of ¼-20 x 1.75” and 8 of ¾” x ¼” machine screws with lock nuts
• Bent tow bar with trailer hitch
• Bike hitch with a pin

It is important to note that this DIY kit does not include 1” square frame tubing, floor, or a self-tapping screws.

However, we suggest purchasing materials from a reputable hardware store that has a 1” x 1/16” wall square aluminum tubing or steel for extra heavy loads that you may be carrying. As well as 3/8” plywood for the floor and ¼” for the walls. The tubing material is about $3.00 per foot.

The level of craftsmanship you put into your small cargo bike trailer is up to you – that is the beauty of our DIY kits! You can make it as simple or as elaborate as you like.

Although we don’t have an updated tutorial video for the updated 2021 kit, our old model tutorial guide video located on our website provides similar instructions for DIY Bike Trailer rookies. The only difference is that there are pockets in the four corners to receive the four vertical posts to create the sides.

Which DIY Cargo Bike Trailer Kit Is Right for You?

It all depends on what kind of cargo you will be transporting.

If you are using your cargo trailer for transporting larger objects, the DIY Flat Bed Bike Trailer Kit is your best bet based on the spacious room it offers and limited barriers on the sides to accommodate a variety of large cargo (i.e., surfboards, plants, golf clubs, and tools).

Transporting smaller objects, and more than one at a time, calls for the DIY High-Sided Bike Trailer Kit. The DIY High-Sided Bike Trailer kit ensures your cargo will not move around while biking or have the potential of falling out due to low walls on the siding. This trailer is also ideal for longer bike rides because of the safety element.

No matter the cargo, we have just the DIY trailer kit for you to get started and build your very own cargo trailer to meet your needs! For more information on DIY Bike Trailer specifics or questions, contact our Wike family anytime.