BuffettJr

I'm lucky enough to live close to a large park that frequently has social events. I'd like to bike to the park even when bringing a ton of gear with me (loaded cooler, lawn chairs, blanket, etc). I might even occasionally like to bring one of those large family canopy shade deals as I'm in Texas and it can get pretty hot during the day.

What would you buy for something like this? My thoughts lead first to the Burley Flatbed, but now I'm wondering if it might better to get a kiddie trailer and use it for the same purpose (I don't have kids). Both are available used on Craigslist, but kiddie trailers seem to be a lot cheaper because people are constantly selling them as their kids grow. You can get something like a "Safety First" brand trailer for around $50, and it is still rated to 100 pounds like the flatbed. As long as I get an axle mount trailer is there any major trade off? I'm thinking the kid trailer might even have an advantage because the zip up mesh would shade the cooler during the ride.

Any thoughts or suggestions would be much appreciated.

Other notes:
I will have kids one day
I soon will probably want to start towing a canoe. I was planning to get a separate trailer made for canoes.

barturtle

I'd take a look at Wike and see what they have that fits your needs, since they sell canoe and kid trailers that all use the same hitch. The Pioneer might be just what the dr. ordered (if pricey)

xtrajack

I have a Burley flatbed and I love it. I don't really use it much, because I also roll with an xtracycle. But when I need it, it is awesome.

The Human Car

The floor space on the two is about the same. The up side to kiddie trailers is they have higher walls, the down side is that if you over stuff the walls rub against the tires (but that can be solved by a good engineering mind.) I believe the burly flat bed has a stronger floor.

bugly64

I have a Schwinn kiddie trailer that can handle a lot of stuff. I like it because it has a cover.

xtrajack

I made a solid floor for my flatbed, from a thin piece of pressure treated plywood. I am thinking that it might increase the load capacity a little.

hshearer

I like my kiddie trailer, but it tends to go nose-down unless I can put most of the weight towards the back (where the kids would be expected to sit). I'd say buy that for now, and you can always keep it for later, modify it, or simply re-sell if it doesn't work out for your needs.

Of course, if I saw a used Burley flatbed for a decent pirce, I'd be very tempted... those can't come along very often.