Living Car Free - Is this a good grocery getter trailer? Is it worth the money?

Hi all, just wondering if this model is any good. I've been searching craigslist for something cheaper and I just can't find anything...when things do pop up, they are gone in a flash.

Anyhow how does this model sound? Any good?
Sale $187.49
Reg. $249.99 / Save 25%

http://www.canadiantire.ca/AST/browse/5/SportsRec/BikesAccessories/TricyclesWagonsTrailers/PRD~0715007P/Schwinn%2BBike%2BTrailer.jsp

http://www.shoppingnexus.com/images/products/schwinn-turbo-bike-trailer-sc775.jpg

One problem I see often see with this type of trailer is the hitch. It looks like one of those "clamp on the chain stay" types. I had one like that. Problem is that the trailer can't pivot...

A much better trailer might be available at a good Canadian source. Wike (http://www.wicycle.com/cargo_economy_bicycle_trailer.php). IIRC, patc, who posts here often, has one and seemed to like it. And they seem to have some reasonably priced units. (But again, check the quality of the hitch!)

If you are want something to last for the long haul, I'd wonder if this Canadian Tire trailer would work.

Haven't run a trailer in years, however you would need to stiffen up the bottom to carry groceries. Also I would watch Craig's List and hit up the thrift shops and yard/garage sales. You can most likely pickup a used version of that trailer for ~$50 or even less. I passed on two similar ones at the local flea market last week in SC.

Aaron:)

thanks guys for the input. The wiki trailers are good, but expensive. I have a couple of nephews that I'd like to take on a ride in addition to the groceries, so I thought this would be a cheap alternative. Im not looking for anything high-tech.

It looks a lot like the one-step or in step sold at Target or Wall mart for from $50 to $90. I have one and you do have to support the bottom if you are going to use it very often for groceries. But I have used mine and it will hold a case of water and four or five bags of groceries. A small piece of plywood makes the bottom flat and if you want you can remove the canvas all together and make a wagon bottom. They attach to the axle with a nut and they pivot with a spring system and you have little or no problem making sharp turns. I think they are rated for 100 pounds but I never pull more than 65. They will carry more than some of the more expensive ones I have seen on line. All I did was remove the child sling and cut a 1/2 inch of plywood to support the bottom. So CL should net you one for 50 buck easy.

I use something similar for my groceries.

I bought a similar style (burley) for getting groceries and doing laundry trips. Works great for me.

Trailers like that with conventional spoked wheels seem to hold up better. The wheels can be maintained at any shop, and a lot of the time they use standard BMX parts and tires. The Schwinn/Instep fabric seems less durable than the Burley fabric, but I see plenty of both out and about. Burleys are more likely to have actual kids inside tho... it seems like parents prefer the bright yellow for keeping the trailer visible.

The chainstay mount does make for wider cornering, but not by a lot... and it does act to prevent wag the dog and jackknife incidents, which are real high on my list of not fun.