Luggage Trailer

[outsydthebox]

... With a 2 point hitch (rigid left to right flexible up and down) with a castering single wheel moves the CG way aft which makes a tadpole 3 wheeler extremely unstable.

Totally agree. First, I would never run anything with a "swivel caster" at highway speeds. And a "two-point hitch" trailer would be like adding a 6-foot-long "trunk" behind the rear axle. Yes, handling would be extremely dangerous!..Visualize the "tail wagging the dog."

...The other way is with a single wheel on a swing arm with an articulated hitch (flexible in pitch and yaw but rigid in roll). Since the Elio or any tadpole trike has zero roll control in the rear the trailer will continuously be trying to lift a front wheel. .

That would be true, "if" the trailer was the same (vertical) "CG" as the Elio. But if the trailer is built "low" (like, knee-high) with the vertical CG closer to the ground than the Elio, there would be no adverse effects to "roll".

 

[outsydthebox]

It is also possible to make the trailer lean into the turns, and make the "lean rate" adjustable!

 

[Coss]

It is also possible to make the trailer lean into the turns, and make the "lean rate" adjustable!

Lean? For a bike yes, but for an Elio?

 

[outsydthebox]

Lean? For a bike yes, but for an Elio?

All I said was "it's possible."
Only advantage to a "leaning trailer" behind the Elio, would be if the trailer used a motorcycle tire. A leaning trailer could get a little more life out of the tire.

 

[Coss]

All I said was "it's possible."
Only advantage to a "leaning trailer" behind the Elio, would be if the trailer used a motorcycle tire. A leaning trailer could get a little more life out of the tire.

Right, it just struck me a little strange when I saw it.

But I imagine the Elio will have a little lean to it, all cars do.

 

[outsydthebox]

Right, it just struck me a little strange when I saw it.

hee hee.

 

[Mike Badgle]

Take into account, the motor in the Elio is 55hp
With the Elio weighing 1400lbs (full gas tank and all other fluids) 2 passengers (figure 200lbs as average)
Right there is 1,800lbs + gear
That trailer better be a featherweight if you plan on doing any hills at a decent speed.

How many HP is the Harley compared to total weight?

Harley doesn't quote HP, only torque, and they usually have a ton of torque (especially relative to our little gas sippers). That being said, there are numerous motorcycle trailers that weigh in a 250 pounds or less (some MUCH less) and with a capacity of 300 pounds and up. The weight restrictions on the Elio may preclude ANY kind of trailer (with any real capacity), but I have been thinking along these lines myself.

It will be interesting to see where EM ends up on this.

 

[grampi]

Harley doesn't quote HP, only torque, and they usually have a ton of torque (especially relative to our little gas sippers). That being said, there are numerous motorcycle trailers that weigh in a 250 pounds or less (some MUCH less) and with a capacity of 300 pounds and up. The weight restrictions on the Elio may preclude ANY kind of trailer (with any real capacity), but I have been thinking along these lines myself.

It will be interesting to see where EM ends up on this.

A "ton" of torque is relative...even the mighty 110 Sceamin Eagle only makes about 85 ft lbs at the rear wheel...my Triumph Rocket 3 makes 159 ft lbs at the rear...THAT'S a "ton of torque...

 

[HonestTex]

I'll be looking for a way to carry a rather heavy bicycle with me as I traverse the country. Perhaps a hitch on the right side with a two wheel carrier?

Could you lock the front wheel in the hitch and just tow the bike on its back wheel?

 

[aknaten]

Could you lock the front wheel in the hitch and just tow the bike on its back wheel?

I don't relish the idea of a wheel designed for 20 mph flying apart at 70.