+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.

All things being equal, the smaller wheel will be stronger than a larger wheel. The mag-style Skyway 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 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...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 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.

They're better than Burleys, but 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.

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)

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

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.

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 :)