Recreational & Family - Trailer hitch and rear quick release

My wife just bought a Raleigh Cadent and it has quick release hubs. We ride a lot with a trailer with our toddler, but the trailer hitch mounts to the rear axle. I tried putting the hitch on the QR axle, but with it on there, it is too short to fit all the way back into the dropouts. Is there a longer QR skewer you can purchase, or do you have to change to a solid axle like on cheaper bikes? Also, if there is a longer one, is a skewer strong enough to support the weight of the trailer and child?

Thanks

Yes there are longer skewers available.

Just to make sure you know that the non-quick release end of the skewer is not fixed and can be screwed in and out to adjust the effective length of the skewer. If you have done that and there are not enough threads to safely allow the skewer to clamp to the dropouts, then you will need a longer skewer.

Take the bike and the trailer hitch to your LBS. They should have a longer skewer or be able to get you one. I would not expect it to be more than $10.

Previous thread: Skewer too short (http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=382663)

thanks for the info, I did not know that you could adjust the handle side.

The screw adjuster is on the non-handle side. I could not find a good picture of it but Sheldon describes how to properly adjust one.

Skewer Info (http://www.sheldonbrown.com/skewers.html)
Cone Adjustment (http://www.sheldonbrown.com/cone-adjustment.html) (scroll down to Quick Release Hub Adjustment)

as described in the other thread, It looks like I need a skewer that is a bit longer. I went to the LBS, and the ones they had were actually shorter than the one I have now. Any ideas on where to order one online?

Try the trailer manufacturer. While you're at it, try a new bike shop. If that shop doesn't know you need a longer skewer for a trailer hitch, and don't know to get one, then find somewhere with competent employees.

I agree, we dumped our LBS and found a new one. Someone that really knows bikes and will talk to you about them. Our old LBS wouldn't talk to you unless you were waiving cash in their face. Their work wasn't very good either.

What trailer do you have?
Burley has a bunch of different configurations available:
http://www.burleygear.com/category_s/25.htm

I also modified my old Yakima trailer using the Burley goods.
The tube was the same size, and the holes lined up perfectly for the Flex Connector.
Then I purchased a skewer hitch for my road bike and a standard nutted hitch for my commuter bike.

http://www.burleygear.com/v/vspfiles/photos/960002-2T.jpg