Motorcycle Trailer for Rural India : Trailer Design and Development

Indian economy though one of the fastest growing economies in the world, a large percentage of Indian population lives in rural areas and depends on agrarian economy. Rural India needs affordable and simple transport system for small scale (125 kg) and short distance (up to 10kms) transportation of fodder, fertilizers, seeds and many house hold items. Motorcycles (two-wheelers) are a popular mode of transport in rural areas. Commercial designs of motorcycles have a limitation to use them for small scale and short distance transport of goods. A trailer to a motorcycle would solve such transport problems partially and hence the present project entitled "Design and development of motorcycle trailer for rural India" was undertaken.A trailer to a motorcycle which can carry up to 125 kgs of weight was conceptualized, designed and developed. A final concept trailer was chosen based on customer's selection among a number of concepts generated.. Fabrication of the trailer was done as per the manufacturing drawings. The trailer was attached to the motorcycle and its capability for short distance transport in rural areas, its maneuverability and stability were subjectively demonstrated.