New to Carry Freedom...

[DaveP]

Expecting to receive my trailer tomorrow. In just under a month I plan to be using it on a little jaunt from Glasgow to Aberdeen. I expect that I will eventually acquire an aluminium box, but for now I'm planning to use a suitcase, or just possibly a rucksack. I know how to keep to keep my stuff dry. I'm just wondering if I'm likely to encounter any problems with securing said luggage items to the loadbed, such as having to keep on tightening load straps until things start to get crushed...
I'd be grateful for any tips from experienced practitioners!

[Richard]

I bought the Ortleib rackpack which the CarryFreedom loadbed appears to be designed around. This appears to be secure although I've not used it in anger yet. The rough surface of the bed will give some resistance to slippage but I think that unless you've got some sort of feet through the holes you'll need to strap a rucksack down quite tightly to stop it slipping off. I think you may also have problems with the straps flapping about. Perhaps cable ties could be used temporarily to keep them tight to the bag (which will obviously stop the bag being readily used off the trailer).

If you want photos of the Ortleib pack in place I can easily take some; just pm me.

Rich.

[Cunobelin]

My touring solution.
1. Old camping mat on trailer base to protect bag from abrasive base
2. A cheap waterproof rucksack cover to keep mud and muck off the bag so it is clean when it goes into a hotel or B&B. This also tidies straps, handles etc
3. Velcro straps to secure bag
4. Pacsafe if likely to be left - as a deterrent

... and here's one I prepared earlier:

[Starfire]

I toured the Outer Hebrides with the Ortlieb rack pack attached to my small Carry Freedom. I covered the base of the trailer with some carry mat foam to stop the base covering abrading the bottom of the bag. Once the bag was fitted to the trailer it didn't need any further adjustments, all my things remained dry. I was camping and I didn't have enough room in my tent for the trailer and bag so I left them outside, during the nights there was some very heavy rain storms, the Ortlieb bag kept my kit dry. The Ortlieb rack pack is smart enough to be used for hotels/b&b's, if necessary a quick wipe to remove any dirt/mud and it looks like new again.

[DaveP]

Thanks for the advice - now I've seen the thing it does look as though I was worrying about things that probably wont arise!
However, I do have a new problem.
Can anyone suggest a source for a longer skewer? My existing skewer is Shimano XT with a length of 166mm and with the hitch plate installed the thread only engages for a couple of turns. It looks as though I need one about 170mm from shoulder to tip when fully open. So far all I've been able to find is that most on line suppliers dont give a measurement, just the intended OLN...

[Tigerbiten]

Thanks for the advice - now I've seen the thing it does look as though I was worrying about things that probably wont arise!
However, I do have a new problem.
Can anyone suggest a source for a longer skewer? My existing skewer is Shimano XT with a length of 166mm and with the hitch plate installed the thread only engages for a couple of turns. It looks as though I need one about 170mm from shoulder to tip when fully open. So far all I've been able to find is that most on line suppliers dont give a measurement, just the intended OLN...

I had the same problem.

How I fixed is was .......
My nut on the skewer was in two parts, a plastic cap over a metal core.
I prized them apart and refitted to metal core the otherway around in the plastic cap.
Not only did this move the threads further towards the bike frame, it all so gave the carry freedom hanger a step to sit on.
I now find that the hanger is more secure and tends not to rotate under very heavy braking when carrying a full load.

Or just take the skewer to your local bike shop and buy a longer one.
They are not that expensive.

Luck ...........

[goatwarden]

Thanks for the advice - now I've seen the thing it does look as though I was worrying about things that probably wont arise!
However, I do have a new problem.
Can anyone suggest a source for a longer skewer? My existing skewer is Shimano XT with a length of 166mm and with the hitch plate installed the thread only engages for a couple of turns. It looks as though I need one about 170mm from shoulder to tip when fully open. So far all I've been able to find is that most on line suppliers dont give a measurement, just the intended OLN...

Have a word with JD Cycles (http://www.jdcycles.co.uk/). They are probably the most helpful tandem supplier in the UK and can almost certainly supply you with a suitable longer skewer. One intended for use with a 145mm o.l.n. tandem hub should be threaded far enough down to suit, you may need to cut a little off the end to avoud the thread protruding from the nut.

On our small CF I use our recycling box (supplied by local council for putting out bottles and cans for collection, very heavy duty, modified with application of self-adhesive Scotchlite and a LED rear light) strapped on with a couple of webbing straps with quick-release buckles. We can just drop luggage in in plastic bags and it is secure and dry.

[DaveP]

Impressed with your ingenuity, Tigerbiten, but as I dont have a spare of any length I prefer to buy one!
Thanks, Goatwarden. I'd started to wonder about tandem parts during the day. I wasn't sure if the thread would go down far enough.
I have now ordered one from SJS - they had one "in the window" as you might say. Your endorsement for jdcycles has been noted though

[Mick F]

....... I'd be grateful for any tips from experienced practitioners!

My orange suitcase was originally just fitted by location of the rubber feet you get with the CF trailer, and held down with straps. I drilled holes through the bottom of the suitcase and bolted the feet on. These feet locate in the four holes on the load bed. Later, I bolted the suitcase on permanently rather than having straps.

The trouble with the suitcase was that it wasn't waterproof. I wrapped everything in plastic, but the damp still got in through the front via the zip. Eventually, the zip broke.

My alu box is fine and very weatherproof, but rather tall.

(Sorry for not joining this thread earlier - we're on holiday in Brittany!)