Utility Cycling - Best trailer hitch

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I have a second-hand inStep trailer that features a pretty nasty trailer hitch that pretty much destroyed a wheel on me earlier this year.
Wondering if anyone has any thoughts about the strongest type of hitch? Mostly, I read that a hitch secured against the left chain and seat stay will be the strongest.
And I located a Burley version of this style http://biketrailershop.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=41&products_id=157.
Wondering how these compare with the hitches that attach to the rear QR skewer? Anyone had or seen one of these?
I am new to the bike trailer thing (in the process of converting an In-Step to a grocery hauler.
What is wrong with the QR mounts? How could it wreck a wheel? Would attaching it to a nutted axle be any better?
jim
CommuterRun
12-31-07, 09:44 AM
Two of my trailers have the old style Burley hitch. I won't say it's the strongest hitch, particularly in cold weather, but I've been very happy with it.
What is wrong with the QR mounts? How could it wreck a wheel? Would attaching it to a nutted axle be any better?
The In-step trailer that I have uses a device that clamps on to the left chainstay. This clamp is somewhat like a vise-grip (although a bit wider.) The clamp is secured with a large screw that you simply twist to tighten. I think this is a poor design since if you don't tighten enough or if for some other reason, the screw loosens, you are in trouble. In my case, the trailer was second-hand and I didn't notice that the large screw was missing. Various attempts to replace the screw with DIY solutions didn't work too well, so I am looking at replacing the whole hitch with something that looks a little better designed.
Still, in my opinion, the best hitch design would have something like a ball or pin that would allow the bike to swivel without moving the trailer. The In-step hitch mates the bike and trailer in a fashion that does not allow for swivelling... very interesting on sharp turns!