Helix Hauler
The Trailer was ordered from Harbor Freight Tools. It is item 2727-1VGA and cost $162 delivered to my door.
The trailer weighs 100 pounds and is rated for 1000 pounds capacity.
I reduced the trailer from 40 by 48 inches to 26 by 48 inches to pull behind the Helix.
My new (fall 2003) recumbent bicycle does not fit the trailer, so
I decided to convert the
trailer to haul the Helix behind my Geo Tracker (92 hp engine, 1000 pound towing capacity)
As shown in the picture above, the trailer stores easily on end in a garage, allowing it to take little space stored.
The creeper under the trailer makes it easier to move around in the garage, and raises the trailer above
melting snow in winter. The trailer deck is 48 by 26 inches, and covered with 3/4" thick plywood.
I would leave the trailer as 48 by 40 inches (the way it comes) if you will only use it behind a car.
The tongue of the trailer must be strengthened and extended. The box beam added to the tongue is
9 inches long, 1.25 inch on a side. With this addition, the front wheel rests in the guide,
and the back tire rests directly on the back rail of the trialer. The tail light of the Helix
sticks out past the end of the trailer.
Dimensions for the pieces added:
The tire opening is 4.5 inches wide and 27 inches long.
The 2x4 that runs across the tongue is 18 inches from the
ball (coupler) to where the tire rests against the 2x4
The ramp is a 2 by 12 inch board 35 inches long. Two 9 by 1.25 inch angle irons are bolted to it.
Lessons learned:
The angle irons must be at least 7.25 inches apart.
The first attempt placed the Helix on the trailer perfectly but you could not get the ramp out
(note all the holes in the back of the trailer for the old and new settings).
The Helix is so close to the Geo Tracker, it stays dry in the rain except for the upper part of the windshield.
To mount the Helix on the trailer, ride up at a good rate of speed - the gas tank shield often scrapes.
Go forward until the front wheel rests against the 2x4 stop.
Turn off the bike, engage the parking brake.
Put the side stand partially down (it holds) and get off.
Remove the ramp. Tie down the back of the bike to the two rear tie downs. Put the kick stand up.
Place a 4 by 4 board across the front of the trailer deck between the gas tank and the wheel guides
near the front of the deck of the trailer. Tie four tie downs from the Helix cross brace
behind the battery. Two of the four tie downs must be ratchet type. Ratcheting these tie downs will compress
the front suspension, and bring the Helix in direct contact to the 4 by 4 placed across the
front of the trailer. The Helix is now "attached" to the trailer.
I've trailered my Helix hundreds of miles this way with no problems.
But of course your mileage may vary, and a sudden move could potentially
flip the trailer and severly damage the Helix!
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