If you’re going on a road trip this summer, you’ll want to bring your bike along. A rooftop rack is the most common way to do that, but there are some downsides to this approach — namely, getting your bike onto the roof. It’s a pain. And then there’s the risk of damaging your car and/or the bike during transport.

A solution is the bike luggage trailer. This is an easy-to-use add-on to your vehicle that allows you to haul additional cargo and bikes by pulling them behind your car.

If you have a large family or are planning on bringing a lot of gear with you, one of these might be just what you need to make sure everything has a place for the trip.

Types

The first type of bike luggage trailer is the standard two-wheeled bike trailer which is most commonly used for towing children. This type of trailer is generally attached to the back axle of your bike and has two wheels, a frame and a fabric covering. The fabric covering usually has a zippered door that allows the child to enter and exit the trailer.

The second type is designed for hauling large amounts of cargo. These types of trailers are usually called cargo trailers or load carriers. They can haul groceries, camping gear or other large items that would be hard to fit on a bicycle or in a backpack. Cargo trailers are often used when grocery shopping by bicycle.

Some cargo trailers are designed with only two wheels while others have three wheels. Some cargo trailers also fold down into a compact shape when not in use.

Hard Luggage vs Soft Bags

Hard luggage can be expensive, but it’s also durable and offers the best aerodynamics. If you are going to be taking short trips in all weather conditions, hard luggage is the way to go.

Soft bags are much lighter and less expensive than hard luggage, but they’re less durable and offer more drag when riding. If you’re going on an extended trip that involves camping along the way, soft bags give you more room for camping gear.

The Benefits

A luggage trailer allows you to completely lock up your belongings while they travel on the road with you. This gives you peace of mind knowing that anything of value won’t be stolen from your vehicle at night or during stops along the way.

They are designed to safely and securely carry different types of cargo, including:

• Bikes
• Canoes and kayaks
• Cargo boxes
• Cargo bags
• Camping gear
• Sports equipment
• Diving gear
• Hunting gear
• Fishing gear
• Golf equipment

What Makes a Trailer Really Durable?

If you’re going to go through the trouble of getting a trailer, you’re going to want it to last for a long time.

That means it has to have strong wheels. A lot of luggage trailers are made with plastic wheels; they’re usually really hard and they can take some abuse. But nothing beats an aluminium wheel on your trailer. Some are made from carbon fibre, which is even lighter than aluminium, but those tend to be really expensive and don’t offer the same amount of strength or durability as aluminium ones do.

One other thing to consider is whether or not your trailer has any suspension at all. If you’re riding over curbs or potholes or rough terrain, you want a little bit of cushioning, so look for a trailer that has some type of flexible system that allows the axles to move up and down as needed.

Before Purchasing a Trailer, You Need to Know What You Are Looking For

Size – Determine how much cargo your trailer can hold. Consider the amount of equipment that needs to be transported and choose a size accordingly. Most trailers have a weight limit of about 1,000 lbs.

Setting up -A trailer needs to be assembled before it is used. Some trailers are easier to set up than others. The larger the trailer, the more difficult it is to set up.

Safety – Make sure that your cargo will remain secure during transport. Trailers come with safety straps designed to hold cargo in place during transit. Some also have safety chains or cables that connect the trailer to the car’s hitch ball.

What Is the Difference Between an Open and Enclosed Luggage Trailer?

The lack of a roof and sides makes it easy to use an open trailer, since you can simply drive your vehicle onto the trailer bed and secure it with straps. Open cabins do not provide any weather protection, however, and they also lack security features that keep people from tampering with your cargo. While most open luggage trailers come equipped with locking mechanisms on their wheels, they are otherwise exposed to the elements.

Enclosed luggage trailers provide a covered cabin that protects your cargo from rain, snow and other weather conditions while blocking prying eyes from seeing inside the trailer. Enclosed trailers typically feature a roofline that follows the shape of the trailer’s undercarriage, providing maximum shelter for cargo within the cabin. A combination lock on the rear door keeps out unwelcome visitors who might attempt to tamper with your belongings.