Challenge

This design and build project was completed by a group of 5 students including myself, for our intro to engineering class, ENGR1110 - Introduction to Motorsports Engineering. The Baja SAE team need a trailer for their buggy, to cart commonly used items. The previous trailer design (pictured in yellow) had significant trouble navigating off-road terrain, and the hitch point frequently disconnected. The design also was much too small to carry all required items.

The design requirements also included that the cart should be able to stand level without being attached to the buggy, should be able to carry 2 spare tires, should have a handle with adjustable angle to move the cart by hand, should be able to navigate off-road without issue (tested with street curb), and should cost under $500 fully assembled.

I was in charge of designing and assembling the frame, which required that I learn TIG welding sufficiently enough to create a solid frame within a few months time.

Solution

The trailer strongly resembles commercially available utility trailers.

• The tires/wheels used in the trailer are the same as the rear tires/wheels used in the Baja buggy to ensure interchangeability.
• The hitch design used a funnel shape to ensure a perfect drop fit into the tow point of the buggy. It also included a locking mechanism that ensured the connection would not be broken when navigating complicated terrain.
• The tow arm angle is adjustable via a spring loaded pin and adjustment holes drilled into a plate.
• A detachable handle can be connected to the tow arm to offer hand maneuverability.
• A removable back wall of the trailer was mounted with pins, and could be removed to offer the ability to carry items longer than the trailer itself.
• The cart was finished with matte black spray paint, and the bed was sprayed with truck bed liner to ensure the items stayed in place during transport.