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Solar Trailer Update 13

Eric Tennant

1,750 views

Welcome back to the channel! In Solar Ebike Trailer Update 13, I'm tackling a series of unexpected maintenance challenges on my ebike and trailer. From a totally shredded front sprocket and a stubborn flat tire to cleaning up a "rat nest" of wires, it's been a busy few days in the garage. I also 3D print some new custom parts to improve the design and make everything more robust.

Here's a breakdown of what's in this video:
0:00 - Intro & Solar Controller Update: Redesigning the 3D printed housing to fix a small bump and improve security.
6:14 - Front Sprocket Replacement: The old sprocket with 8100 miles is razor-thin! I walk through the difficult process of removing the stuck crank arm, which involves a broken tool, stripped threads, and finally, cutting it off with a Dremel. I also show how to install the new, more affordable generic sprocket.
14:26 - Flat Tire Repair: Dealing with a flat on the rear wheel, I use the "sink method" to find the leak and patch the tube. I also discuss the benefits of thru-axles and get the wheel re-installed and inflated to 40 psi.
24:19 - 3D Printed Wire Case: I design and print a custom plastic casing to hide the messy wires on the back of my buffet motor. I go through multiple prototypes to get the fit, clearance, and mounting points just right.
32:03 - Final Assembly & Conclusion: The correct crank arm finally arrives from Amazon! I install it, the pedal, and the chain, and the bike is ready to ride again. I'm now gearing up for a major, long-distance tour in just a month and a half.
Thanks for watching! Don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell so you don't miss the upcoming tour. Let me know in the comments if you have any training tips for a big trip!

Tools & Parts Used (Affiliate Links):
Generic Front Sprocket (from Amazon): https://amzn.to/4dk836c
Dremel Tool & Cutting Discs: https://amzn.to/3Vk0S7X
3D Scanner (Model): https://amzn.to/4yIklO5
Gravel King Tires: https://amzn.to/4y2cVWb
Bafang Motor Kit: https://amzn.to/4hd3CLM

#SolarEbike #EbikeTour #DIYRepair #3DPrinting #EbikeMaintenance #ThruAxle #FlatTireRepair #SprocketReplacement #EricTennant #OffGrid #AdventureCycling #ElectricBike #GarageBuild

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Disclaimers and Statements:
► I receive a commission on purchases made using my affiliated links shared in the video description and comments section. The views and opinions expressed here are my own, unbiased, and not influenced by this commission in any way.
► My videos are in no way intended to be instructional "how-to" lessons. I am simply documenting my project for informational purposes. Property damage, personal injury, or death may result, even when following manufacturer's instructions. I cannot be held liable for such damage or injury. It is your obligation to ensure that you are complying with any local and federal laws as well as code and permit requirements.

18 Comments

@jeffholverson8294 2 weeks ago

Well it's like the old guy walking by the window several times more than needed just to see inside and remember... Hope the tour is AWESOME. Be safe.
Doc

@williamramey1959 3 weeks ago

Eric, I enjoyed the video. It's nice to watch how other people work on their bicycles. I picked up a tip or two.

@Xtrafix2015 3 weeks ago

Lol the cutting wheel sparks looked awesome and thought it was part of the computer simulation 😅 onward and forth 🤘

@pupu-j5c2p 2 weeks ago

A really great video, with very detailed explanations.👍

@anthonysuarez7416 3 weeks ago

Good video. Nice looking rig. Loctite should sponsor this video and pay you. "Works so well, you'll have to destroy your bike to loosen the fittings"

@Eric-Holloway 3 weeks ago

I know where the next tour is. Will I give it away? Hell no, but I’m really looking forward to the video!

@hamwalter3243 3 weeks ago (edited)

Hey Eric I was wondering why don't you take that mid motor and make it into a generator with a bridge rectifier or whatever the DC conversion is to charge your batteries and and maybe even a Regen hub motor on your trailer, you know for those cloudy days, I've been looking at ICE regen tricycle it's a chainless trike where the crank set is a generator check it out it might give you some new ideas, great videos, Onward and forth!

@ShaunHall-m4z 3 weeks ago

I just picked up a used BoB trailer. I think it's going to work out really well. I'll let you know how it all works out once I go for my first trip after this winter.

@ciliciaann3504 3 weeks ago

😎👍

@YOLIN-display 2 weeks ago

Hey Eric 👋
I really enjoy your bikepacking, touring and e-bike adventures. Your videos are all about real riding experiences.
I have an idea that could fit your channel:
Can a smart GPS display make e-bike adventures safer and more convenient?
We’d love to send you one to test on a real ride and hear your honest thoughts. Interested?

@jeffholverson8294 3 weeks ago

By the way even using a straight Three cross Three cross would be fine. Be a lot stronger than a standard build.

@Ro-Bucks 3 weeks ago (edited)

I thought my back tire was getting bad. I recommend going back to tubes. New patches are instant stick on and go but I keep extra tubes cause its just quick for me to change one. Oh I thought you where totally tubeless

@Ro-Bucks 3 weeks ago (edited)

Been thinking of the way I ride, I could convert my bike to single speed and be fine. would be nice to have more space on the handle bars

@RobertMannino-y3n 3 weeks ago

Hello my brother,
Your E Bike collection is getting pretty big.
Any chance you want to sell one ? I live in Arizona "phoenix" so no problem to pick it up and of course Pay Cash too
Thank you for sharing I do enjoy your work and information.
:hand-purple-blue-peace::planet-orange-purple-ring::goat-turquoise-white-horns::octopus-red-waving:

@jeffholverson8294 3 weeks ago

Please see if you can get a 4cross 3 cross rear wheel laced before the long tour. I'm assuming it will be long so maybe heavier. Scientifically it is a matter of the torque applied by the motor (like >160 N) that is a whole lot more than a mere mortal can generate. Maybe if you are Tadej or Mark Cavendish but consider how many spokes you toast compared to bikes that do the TDF. I know I keep harping on it but I bet if you lace a 4x3x and dish it PERFECTLY you will never break another spoke. I will try to find the book that has the instructions and how to measure your spoke length. I just hate to see you doing that along the road side. Ride safe!
Doc

@jeffholverson8294 2 weeks ago

I know I harped too much on the wheel build. Without a major redo you might just try DT stainless double butt spokes and see if it reduces breakage. They are pricey but they're not carbon fiber spokes I think if you put carbon fiber on you never ever break another one but they're big time pricey. I also understand why you don't want to reveal where you're going just altitude maybe and road surface would be so cool. My first trip will be with probably a two-wheel trailer and then I have the vevor knock off of the Burly Coho.