Cycle Touring Caravan Build

[Theodore]

Hi, my name is Theo and I'm currently working on a project some of you might find interesting.

Essentially a cycle towed mirco-caravan complete with space to sleep, store possessions, cook inside, fitted with solar panels to charge phones and power lighting, and also trailer brakes.
I have got to the end of the design and research process, everything that I'm aiming for is achievable without too much hassle and I can keep the whole build, even when kitted out with things, below 45-50kg so towing shouldn't be much of an issue with some low gearing.
It's definitely a longer trailer, 2.3m long and 0.8m wide but that'll provide ample space to sleep in and with room for webbing and mounted boxes for storage.

My goal is to complete the build in February (my parents are moving 200 miles north in January so I'm holding off until then) and come March, live car AND house free. I'll be riding from our house-to-be in Lancashire, deep in the Forest of Bowland, northwards until land runs out. I'm not a long distance cycler but having a tow along camper means that I'll be able to take it at my own pace and really experience the countryside. I have from March until September clear in my calendar so I'll just keep extending the trip as long as I'm enjoying it! Along the way I hope to be able to give talks in schools encouraging kids to stay active and raise money for Bikes To Africa.

 

[shouldbeinbed]

Hi Theo that does sound interesting, maybe you would consider contributing the details of the project, support you may need and a travelogue of the eventual tour onto our Cycling Junkies site as well as keeping us updated on here and elsewhere, it does sound a fun way to spend a spring & summer.

 

[steveindenmark]

Just be careful of cycle path. There are bound to be barriers that you cannot get your camper through.

It sounds a fun project. But you can see why the tent was invented.

 

[raleighnut]

sounds a good plan, 1 tip for heating the inside though, use a hot water bottle in the sleeping bag DO NOT use the stove to warm the inside, not only will it create damp as it burns but the fumes ( Carbon Dioxide and possibly Carbon Monoxide) could kill you. You could cook inside with the door open but the water vapour from the stove will condense on anything cold.

 

[Dan Morinary]

Sounds a great project Theo. What sort of budget you have for the whole build?
Welcome, and I can't wait to see how it develops!

 

[steve50]

, what a great project, keep us updated.

 

[chriswoody]

Great idea, look forward to see what you come up with.

Here's one I saw a short while back, that looked really interesting:



http://www.elkinsdiy.com/mobile-shelters/micro-airstream-bike-camper/

 

[Donger]

You could always go for a camper instead of a caravan ....

 

[T4tomo]

That has the advantage of keeping you dry in the rain, subject to a decent tailwind

 

[Jamieyorky]

 

[TheDoctor]

That's mad, but in a good way!
There are a few cyclecaravan ideas out there already, so worth a search if you haven't already.
Keep us posted?

 

[Mrs M]