Utility Cycling - Best trailer?

I'm wondering what is considered the best bike trailer? the burley nomad looks pretty nice.. any others that compare?

Best trailer for what? Road touring? Off-road touring? Grocery hauler/utility trailer? Kiddy trailer?

I'm partial to the Nomad for road touring in the US. The BOB trailer is also a long-time standard for road touring and great for off-road touring due to it's narrower stance. Many folks have home-built trailers for utility use. See
http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php/326435-The-post-your-trailer-thread.

trailer for city utility hauling.. groceries, laundry, etc

i had been looking at making my own but might have opportunity to have a nice one purchased for me so want to find the best ones to look at

trailer for city utility hauling.. groceries, laundry, etc

i had been looking at making my own but might have opportunity to have a nice one purchased for me so want to find the best ones to look at

I love the Nomad,it's a great design. I've hauled lots of groceries with it and toured with it also. Just keep in mind that it's canvas floored. If you want to haul heavy or sharp objects you might want to lay something on the floor first, maybe a piece of thin plywood or something.

im starting to lean towards the flatbed actually.. can it fit through a normal doorway?

I use the Carry Freedom Large Y-Frame trailer. Flat deck and fits thru standard doorways. About 18lbs empty, and capable of carrying 200lbs.

http://www.carryfreedom.com/Y-Frame.html

The best utility trailer is one you can afford and will use.

Personally, I think the Bikes at Work (http://www.bikesatwork.com/) trailers are far superior to the Nomad or those of similar designs. The only trailers that may be in the same league as BAW is perhaps the Surly Bill (http://surlybikes.com/bikes/bill_trailer) and Ted (http://surlybikes.com/bikes/ted_trailer) or Black Oak Fabrications (http://www.blackoakfab.com/bike-trailers/). Though, I've never seen either of the latter in person, only read about them.

I have the BAW 64A and have hauled dozens of loads on it. I've had bins of sand or soil, bins full of glass/plastic to haul to the recycle center, metal for recycling, odds and ends to go to the second hand store, etc. Other than the fact that it's heavy duty, I like the fact that it's designed around the ubiquitous Rubbermaid bin - 4 fit perfectly across the bottom. With lids any items in the bins will be protected from the weather, and an additional second row can be stacked on top of the bottom row.

The downside to the BAW trailers is they're expensive ~$500. However, I've made $200 in the past 9 months recycling metal. I've also saved numerous trips by car or truck to the recycle center, the second hand store, etc. Mine will pay for itself within a few years. My last metal recycle trip included a 300 pound wood stove. I would not have been able to haul that in a lighter-duty trailer, so my BAW made it possible to transport it by bike.

I have a cheap child trailer that's now converted to a smaller, light duty utility hauler. Sometimes I attach it to the back of my BAW trailer so I have even more room to haul things. While I've not used a Burley Nomad, my trailer is one of the dozens of cheap konock-offs, so I have experience pulling a similar trailer. It has been good to me, but doesn't even come close to my BAW trailer in terms of sturdiness and load capability (both volume and weight).

I have numerous pictures and descriptions of hauls in the What Utility Rides/Trips/hauls/errands did you do today? (http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php/537447-What-Utility-Rides-Trips-hauls-errands-did-you-do-today/page32) thread.

The best utility trailer is one you can afford and will use.

Personally, I think the Bikes at Work (http://www.bikesatwork.com/) trailers are far superior to the Nomad or those of similar designs. The only trailers that may be in the same league as BAW is perhaps the Surly Bill (http://surlybikes.com/bikes/bill_trailer) and Ted (http://surlybikes.com/bikes/ted_trailer) or Black Oak Fabrications (http://www.blackoakfab.com/bike-trailers/). Though, I've never seen either of the latter in person, only read about them.

I have the BAW 64A and have hauled dozens of loads on it. I've had bins of sand or soil, bins full of glass/plastic to haul to the recycle center, metal for recycling, odds and ends to go to the second hand store, etc. Other than the fact that it's heavy duty, I like the fact that it's designed around the ubiquitous Rubbermaid bin - 4 fit perfectly across the bottom. With lids any items in the bins will be protected from the weather, and an additional second row can be stacked on top of the bottom row.

The downside to the BAW trailers is they're expensive ~$500. However, I've made $200 in the past 9 months recycling metal. I've also saved numerous trips by car or truck to the recycle center, the second hand store, etc. Mine will pay for itself within a few years. My last metal recycle trip included a 300 pound wood stove. I would not have been able to haul that in a lighter-duty trailer, so my BAW made it possible to transport it by bike.

I have a cheap child trailer that's now converted to a smaller, light duty utility hauler. Sometimes I attach it to the back of my BAW trailer so I have even more room to haul things. While I've not used a Burley Nomad, my trailer is one of the dozens of cheap konock-offs, so I have experience pulling a similar trailer. It has been good to me, but doesn't even come close to my BAW trailer in terms of sturdiness and load capability (both volume and weight).

I have numerous pictures and descriptions of hauls in the What Utility Rides/Trips/hauls/errands did you do today? (http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php/537447-What-Utility-Rides-Trips-hauls-errands-did-you-do-today/page32) thread.

The Nomad is a touring trailer. It's designed to carry stuff like sleeping bag, tent, clothing, etc. It is only 14 pounds and it's covered. You just put your stuff in and go.

The lightest BAW trailer is 27 pounds, bare. You still have to supply a cover or tote or put all your stuff in bags if you want to tour with it. Sure, it's superior in design for utility hauling, but it isn't neccessarily superior as a touring trailer.

The Nomad is a touring trailer. It's designed to carry stuff like sleeping bag, tent, clothing, etc. It is only 14 pounds and it's covered. You just put your stuff in and go.

The lightest BAW trailer is 27 pounds, bare. You still have to supply a cover or tote or put all your stuff in bags if you want to tour with it. Sure, it's superior in design for utility hauling, but it isn't neccessarily superior as a touring trailer.

Agreed 100%!! I built my flatbed based on the B@W style and love it as my ute trailer....however, once my wife and I transit to touring I will definitely be getting the current version of the Nomad. Nomad is the touring trailer IMHO.

The Nomad is a touring trailer. It's designed to carry stuff like sleeping bag, tent, clothing, etc. It is only 14 pounds and it's covered. You just put your stuff in and go.

The lightest BAW trailer is 27 pounds, bare. You still have to supply a cover or tote or put all your stuff in bags if you want to tour with it. Sure, it's superior in design for utility hauling, but it isn't neccessarily superior as a touring trailer.


Agreed, and the OP stated he wanted the best trailer for utility hauling. No doubt the Nomad is a superior touring trailer. However, the BAW is the better choice for the OP's purposes (utility hauling).

I would go for the Burley Travoy Bike Cargo Trailer for doing groceries and laundry and a little bit more seems like the likely choice in my opinion.
Check it out here or go to the Burley web site.
http://www.biketrailershop.com/burley-travoy-bike-cargo-trailer-p-1843.html

I have the Co-op made flat-bed, 406_20" wheels..

can it fit through a normal doorway?,
sure, unload it, first, helps..
take off the wheels and it will store in a hall closet, too.

new 16" wheel types are narrower than the CoOp era 20"..

I have a Rubbermaid plastic dry case I can tie down in the Load area
of my Burly Flatbed, for serious space..

I would go for the Burley Travoy Bike Cargo Trailer for doing groceries and laundry and a little bit more seems like the likely choice in my opinion.
Check it out here or go to the Burley web site.
http://www.biketrailershop.com/burley-travoy-bike-cargo-trailer-p-1843.html

really?? I in all good conscience as a utility/cargo rider with trailer, I would/could NEVER recommend this thing to anyone. A 2 wheel handtruck attached to your seat post???? good god man.....

the bikes at work trailer looks nice but it's really 27 lbs? i'll have to carry the thing up and down stairs so lightness is a virtue. i dont think i will be hauling much more than 60lbs at a time

Convert a child trailer to cargo duties. Find one on craigslist, take off the nylon, and put a floor on it. I have a Bell trailer, it'll haul ~200 pounds, is 15 to 20 pounds in weight, and the tongue folds down/wheels come off to make it more compact. If you go this route, I strongly recommend the Burley hitch set-up. For under 100$ you can have a decent trailer with a decent hitch. This is what I did for a few years before upgrading to a BAW trailer.

yeah i would DIY but someone might buy me a brand new one so i was looking at my options

btw rarely can you find any trailers for under $100 on CL here..

yeah i would DIY but someone might buy me a brand new one so i was looking at my options

btw rarely can you find any trailers for under $100 on CL here..

The burly Travor could be a good trailer for somebody that has to bring the trailer innside every time it has been used. Depends on what you need to haul!

If you have to carry it innside (and upstairs) each time you use it I would go for something with wheelchair type axels so that remowing the wheels are really quick. Also such trailers tends to be narrower for the same loadingspace so therefor easyer to take trough a door.

You can use a flatbed trailer and atatch anything (crate, bag, box) to it or just place the stuff (like a bag of catlitter) directly on the trailerbed.

Some trailers has a "built in bag" like the Carry Freedom City trailer http://www.velorution.biz/shop/carryfreedon-bicycle-trailer/

I have the Carry freedom flatbed small, and a homemade copy of the same one in big size.

I would maybe suggest the cyclone https://www.radicaldesign.nl/en/products/bicycle-trailers/cyclone since it can be a "hold all and roll trough doors and up stairs" trailer and also can be used as a flatbed. Also you can quick and easy move the wheels further back so that it is easyer to roll it by hand without the rear end of the trailer hitting the ground.

Do a search, a lot of trailers has been presented earlyer.

Edit: http://www.biketrailershop.com/

yeah i would DIY but someone might buy me a brand new one so i was looking at my options

btw rarely can you find any trailers for under $100 on CL here..

Hmm... I went to the Bay area's craigslist, searched on trailers, max price $100, and 28 results came up. Sure, some of the results weren't actually trailers (they were trail-a-bikes that were entered as trailer bikes), but there are over a dozen viable options.

In case you don't know how to do that search, here's the url:

http://sfbay.craigslist.org/search/bik?query=trailer&srchType=A&minAsk=&maxAsk=100

the "bay area" is huge.. there are a handful in the southbay for $80 though. add $20 for a burly hitch and it's still about $100..

Well the Travoy with a seat post hitch, tows directly behind the center of the bike.

The other trailer's tow center is the left end of the rear hub.

given a set of stairs to cope with, the one which is like a fridge dolly

Perhaps would be better..

you can leave it loaded and drag it up the stairs ..

flat bed tow hitch is a bit low as a hand pull handle.

flat bed tow hitch is a bit low as a hand pull handle.

unless you lift it up.. Real problem is if the rear hits the ground when you lift the (towbar in the) front up.

I remowed the towbar from the Carry Freedom flatbed, inserted it again with the towbar now pointing upwards. Drilled a new hole and inserted the pin. Much easyer to pull by hand this way.

... I built my flatbed based on the B@W style....

Home-made BAW style trailer... let's see some pictures please.

I'd say +1 on the converted burley for cargo use. Often, a used Burley is super cheap if the fabric is all messed up (so, no more kids). I picked up a couple here for $30-$40 (Minneapolis). For one, I used a couple of bolts to attach 1x1s across the frame, then bolted a large plastic tote to it. Now, it is my waterproof, contained, grocery getter and hauler. The second is still waiting for conversion, but I want to make it into a fairly large flat bed. I'd like it to be large enough that I could put gardening supplies, a small mower, or even a bike (even if awkwardly attached) to it. I have some spare boards and plywood, so, I'll just make a floor with it, put some hooks on the side (for bungee cords) and use it for hauling summer garden supplies and what not.

For touring, I have a Burley Nomad. It is the lightest and "nicest" of the bunch. It doesn't look homemade. However, with the fabric floor and what not...I wouldn't use it for utility hauling (it is also expensive for that purpose).

btw rarely can you find any trailers for under $100 on CL here..

Here's a $120 Nomad about an hours drive away:

http://sfbay.craigslist.org/eby/bik/2928840104.html


And plugging in "Burley trail" gets a few more:

http://sfbay.craigslist.org/search/?areaID=1&subAreaID=6&query=burley+trailer&catAbb=sss

And a generic "bike trailer" search gets you this:

http://sfbay.craigslist.org/search/sss?query=bike+trailer&srchType=T&minAsk=&maxAsk=

Yard sales are ripe with'em too...

really?? I in all good conscience as a utility/cargo rider with trailer, I would/could NEVER recommend this thing to anyone. A 2 wheel handtruck attached to your seat post???? good god man.....

Do you own one? I've had mine for a month now and for day to day hauling it is the very best trailer I have owned. I have had the yakima BOB knock off and a flat bed. For ease of use the Travoy is excellent, I can carry it empty up and downt he stairs, the wheels are large enough to go up and down stairs when the cart is loaded. I manage a restaurant and recently made a run to the local market and came back with about 80lbs of groceries. It handled the load just fine. The hitch is the simplest I have ever used, I can hitch and unhitch it with one hand. I roll up to the store, unhitch, lock the bike and roll the Travoy right into the store and load up check out and roll away.

Do you own one? I've had mine for a month now and for day to day hauling it is the very best trailer I have owned. I have had the yakima BOB knock off and a flat bed. For ease of use the Travoy is excellent, I can carry it empty up and downt he stairs, the wheels are large enough to go up and down stairs when the cart is loaded. I manage a restaurant and recently made a run to the local market and came back with about 80lbs of groceries. It handled the load just fine. The hitch is the simplest I have ever used, I can hitch and unhitch it with one hand. I roll up to the store, unhitch, lock the bike and roll the Travoy right into the store and load up check out and roll away.

+1

I'm in the market for a trailer and Travoy seems like the best design for daily use. My only concern is the small wheels. I wonder how durable they are......

Small wheels are no more or less durable than larger sized wheels. If anything, they are stronger.

The downside is that they get caught up in pot-holes easier, but this is less of an issue with a trailer.

Small wheels are no more or less durable than larger sized wheels. If anything, they are stronger.

The downside is that they get caught up in pot-holes easier, but this is less of an issue with a trailer.

All things being equal, the smaller wheel will be stronger than a larger wheel. The mag-style Skyway (http://www.skywaywheels.com/) wheels used by BAW seem to be indestructible. Yes, these are the same old-school mags from the BMX bikes of the 80s. Not as light as an aluminum rim, but we all know they're stronger and don't go out of true.

This has been my experience when I was a kid, as well as on my BAW trailer.

Best trailer? Since the BAW trailer is modular, a double axle, 4-wheel BAW trailer would be amazing!

I'm more worried about the bearings and axles. Btw, small wheels have greater impact angle than the bigger wheels so smaller wheels do get damaged easily than bigger wheels.

I'm more worried about the bearings and axles. Btw, small wheels have greater impact angle than the bigger wheels so smaller wheels do get damaged easily than bigger wheels.

I suspect that while this may be true, the problem is more likely to be academic than 'real world'. I've logged thousands of miles on little wheels (bikes and trailers) and have not noticed a significant difference in the longevity of the components you mentioned.

Interestingly, I have noticed that rim-wear due to braking seems to happen more quickly when compared to 26" or 700c wheels. but that could be down to a bunch of other factors (For some reason, the little wheeled bikes always seem to be out in the rain more, for instance)

Anyway, for a trailer the smaller wheels will not have a measurable impact on durability, IME.

I suspect that while this may be true, the problem is more likely to be academic than 'real world'. I've logged thousands of miles on little wheels (bikes and trailers) and have not noticed a significant difference in the longevity of the components you mentioned.

Interestingly, I have noticed that rim-wear due to braking seems to happen more quickly when compared to 26" or 700c wheels. but that could be down to a bunch of other factors (For some reason, the little wheeled bikes always seem to be out in the rain more, for instance)

Anyway, for a trailer the smaller wheels will not have a measurable impact on durability, IME.

Darn it! Now I have to order one. :P

http://img821.imageshack.us/img821/6207/burley2.jpg

I just added a Travoy to my arsenal and tried it out for the first time yesterday. Thumbs up. I've gotten so used to only being able to carry small loads that I actually had a hard time filing it when I went shopping for groceries and lots of bottled water. I live in a 2nd floor apartment and it is easy to carry down empty and pull up loaded.

http://img571.imageshack.us/img571/3480/burley3.jpg

The clamp is also small enough to co-exist with other bag clamping systems, like the Carradice quick release clamp (also on my seatpost).

This person has the very best trailer.
http://www.bikeforums.net/attachment.php?attachmentid=243961&stc=1&thumb=1&d=1333649577

I use an old InStep and Winchesters Originals double kid trailers for cargo, they work great. both were a yard sale find for $5.00 each.

I use an old InStep and Winchesters Originals double kid trailers for cargo, they work great. both were a yard sale find for $5.00 each.

I think you just touched on what the best trailer is... Low Cost! :thumb::p Mine is a older Burley that I scored off Epay for $80.

I just got the BoB trailer and was trying to figure out a way to cram the HUUUUUUUUUUUUGE dry sak bag into my backback, and it worked! The bag can compress down to a really small size so I can use it to haul my gear to work, take the gear out and then compress the yellow sak into a small wad and put it in my backpack. I can't see leaving that thing out with the spider bungee.

I'm wondering what is considered the best bike trailer? the burley nomad looks pretty nice.. any others that compare?

They're better than Burleys, but http://www.equinoxtrailers.com (http://www.equinoxtrailers.com/) can't be beat. Their hitch is rock solid and the build and finish quality is excellent. Plus, it's a local operation made in America and the builder is quick to answer any questions.

Interestingly, I have noticed that rim-wear due to braking seems to happen more quickly when compared to 26" or 700c wheels. but that could be down to a bunch of other factors (For some reason, the little wheeled bikes always seem to be out in the rain more, for instance).

You are spreading the (approximately) equal braking energy over less area: Does it take longer to sand a small end table, or a large dining table? Because the tires are about the same profile, but the rim diameter is smaller, the smaller wheel also has a little more leverage at the brake pad, so you need a bit higher force. (the "brake disk" is a little smaller in relation to the outside diameter of the wheel)

Force at brake pad= force at tire * [(BSD +2*tire width)/BSD]
(assumes round tire section)

+1

I'm in the market for a trailer and Travoy seems like the best design for daily use. My only concern is the small wheels. I wonder how durable they are......

I was actually surprised how robust they seemed to be, my only concern now is how well the bearings hold up. I might een use it for touring this summer.

I was actually surprised how robust they seemed to be, my only concern now is how well the bearings hold up. I might een use it for touring this summer.Tough to criticize the advantages the Travoy offers. But I just can't see $300 worth - sorry. I'd be much more inclined to convert a decent aluminum hand truck for half, and they are typically rated for well over 100# loads. I'm also not keen on dragging something any distance with 12" wheels. Doable on smooth surfaces, but a PITA on dirt & grass, and the resistance is noticeable on chip-seal - especially with a load.

Personally, I really like my Burley flatbed. Very light unloaded, rides very nicely so that one can forget they are pulling it even on hills, holds up to 100 lbs. It has quick release wheels, your choice of tires for an extra charge, and it folds flat for storage. Got it for a good deal at the Bike Trailer Shop online. I also bought a big cheap plastic lockable box for tossing items into it. (Made a fuss over it in another post) :D

Tough to criticize the advantages the Travoy offers. But I just can't see $300 worth - sorry. I'd be much more inclined to convert a decent aluminum hand truck for half, and they are typically rated for well over 100# loads. I'm also not keen on dragging something any distance with 12" wheels. Doable on smooth surfaces, but a PITA on dirt & grass, and the resistance is noticeable on chip-seal - especially with a load.

IMO,

A nicely designed trailer that is less than 10lbs.($300) vs 30lbs MYOG looking trailer that make you looks like a homeless? ($150 + labour)

Sounds like a no brainer to me

Single trailers are much more maneuverable than double-wheel trailers. However once you load it past about half of the rider's weight it can start getting hard to control. Don't let that make you think they are hard to control when loaded properly as that's not the case. I love how easy my BOB Ibex is to control and ride with on narrow roads and in traffic.

For 60 lbs max, in the city, I would highly recommend a BOB.

I would never tour with a double wheel trailer. They force you too far into the lane IMHO.

I don't know any "best trailer." I can contrive situations where virtually any trailer would be the "best trailer."

For me and my needs, the BAW 64A is the best trailer. However, it is a heavy-duty cargo trailer. It is relatively heavy and I would not want to tour with it. If I wanted a trailer for touring, I would consider the BOB. I would also consider a BOB if my only trailer needs were under 60 lbs (ie, grocery runs). I would consider a Burley or similar child trailer if I wanted to take a small child or pet (dog, cat) on tour or drag a child around on fitness rides in inclement weather.

Burley Travoy 18 in. wide vs. BOB Ibex 16 in. wide cargo area.(prolly 18 in. actual??)

I'm wider than both.

Burley Travoy 18 in. wide vs. BOB Ibex 16 in. wide cargo area.(prolly 18 in. actual??)

I'm wider than both.

I'm not sure about the Burley Travoy, but my old Bell child trailer sits to the left of center. It is wider than 18" and, because it's to the left of center, tracks further out into the lane than would a center-tracking BOB. I'm not sure how Burley trailers track because I've never used one. My BAW 64A seems to track in the center. While it's an extremely good utility hauler, it would make a poor touring trailer due to it's weight (~35 pounds) and size.

My opinions...

If I wanted to haul large and/or heavy objects, BAW is the best option.

If I wanted to tour without trailer bound children and/or pets, the BOB is the best option.

If I wanted to tour with trailer bound children/child and/or pets, a child trailer is the best option.

If I wanted to tow a trailer off-road, the BOB is the best option.

It I wanted to grocery haul only and wanted to use a trailer, the BOB is the best option. Though, I happen to think panniers or a Yuba Mundo would be even better.

If I wanted to haul moderately bulky loads of around 100 pounds or less, a Burley is the best option.

have had a flatbed since i forget when. has done me well. been towing the dog with it, she turns 14 the end of may but her first trailer was a repurposed trailer. forget when i got the burley flatbed, maybe 10 years ago.. has been a great tool. modified it with a wood deck, sides and front.

My 2nd trailer is a carry-feedom-city,
It folds flat , and the wheels are far enough back
to pull around by the handle..
as the mount is a lollypop elastomer . it lets the Rear end of the Brompton fold under
with out un hitching. the sling bag in the frame will also support the folded up Brommy.
so the chase down the train platform can be at a Run.

my burley flatbed should be arriving soon :)