Dog Bike Trailer – Which one to choose

A dog bike trailer is an excellent investment for those who would like to take their pet out into the dog bike trailerfresh air with them. Now your furry friend doesn’t need to stay at home while you are out and about on your bike.

If your pet has mobility problems, is recovering from surgery or is just slowing down due to old age, a bicycle trailer for dogs gives you the opportunity to keep fit while at the same time transporting your pet safely and securely.

Although most of the pet bike trailers are advertised as dog trailers they can carry any type pet, from cats and dogs to rabbits and pigs! Another advantage of the pet bike trailer is that they can be used to haul light loads when your furry friend is not accompanying you. Also, by removing the wheels and towing hitch the trailer can be used as a pet crate for home use or in a vehicle as a travel crate.

So, how do you choose the best dog bike trailer ?

There are many different makes and models of pet bicycle trailer on the market, all with different specifications. However, choosing a bicycle trailer for your dog is quite simple, and just by identifying the key points of each dog trailer and matching them to your requirements you can quickly narrow down your search to just a couple of models.

Weight Limit:Dog Trailer
Dog bike trailers all have a recommended weight limit that they can carry. Exceeding this limit may see the trailer breaking under the excess weight and could be potentially dangerous for both the pet and yourself.

Cabin Dimensions:
One of the most important pieces of information you will need when narrowing down your search is the internal pet cabin dimensions. Measuring your pet and then comparing those dimensions to the size of the trailers pet cabin will ensure that your pet will comfortably fit into the area without being cramped.

Folding operation & Folded size:
The majority of dog trailers can be folded down for easy transportation and storage. The wheels on most can be quickly removed by way of spring retaining clips, however, some dog trailers do require other parts to be removed to fully fold. Check the Amazon reviews to find out if buyers have had any problems with the folding operation. If you are planning to transport the trailer in your vehicle it would be wise to check the folded size of the dog bike trailer before purchasing.

bicycle-dog-trailer

Safety Options:
Another aspect to consider are the dog trailer safety devices. Such things like internal leash ties, parking brakes, towbar safety strap, rear lights, reflectors and flag all add to the safety of both the pet and rider.

Furwheels.com

Wheels, Tires & Suspension:
The majority of the better constructed dog strollers have 16 – 20 inch wheels, air-filled tires and fully working suspension that give a smooth ride even on bumpy terrain.

Weight:
The weight of the dog bike trailer is another thing to consider, especially if you have a large dog. Remember, you are not only towing the weight of the trailer you also have to tow the weight of the pet too. Most modern pet trailers have aluminum frames and a hard wearing nylon material cover that drastically reduces the weight whilst at the same time adding strength and durability to the whole construction.

Stroller Conversion Kits for the Dog Bike Trailer:Dog Trailer Conversion Kit
Dog bike trailers can often be transformed into dog strollers by way of a rear push handle and front  wheel conversion kit. Alternatively, the product may be sold as a dog stroller which can then be converted to a dog trailer by using a towing hitch kit. So if you want a stroller/trailer you should make sure that it can be converted and that the kit is included with your initial purchase or if you need to buy it as an extra.

Assembling the Dog Trailer:
One of the biggest complaints regarding the dog bike trailer is with the initial build of the machine. If you are not mechanically minded you may want to get the assistance of a family member or friend who is. Once again, read the Amazon reviews for assembly tips and advice. Listed below are the top selling makes and models and the key specifications of each one.

Dog Bicycle Trailer – Our Top Picks

  DoggyRide Mini Dog Bike Trailer Solvit HoundAbout II (Medium) Solvit HoundAbout II (Large) DoggyRide Novel Trailer
DoggyRide-Mini-Dog-Bike-Trailer Solvit-HoundAbout-Pet-Bicycle-Trailer Solvit-HoundAbout-II-Pet-Bicycle-Trailer,-Aluminum,-Large DoggyRide-Ride-Novel-Trailer
Weight Limit 55 Lbs 50 Lbs 110 Lbs 100 Lbs
Pet Cabin Dimensions 23 L x 15 W x 22 H in 26 L x 17 W x 20 H in 33 L x 22 W x 26 H in 31 L x 21 W x 25 H in
Folded Size 23 L x 15 W x 8 H in 27 L x 19 W x 9 H in 34 L x 10 H x 25 W in 31.5 L x 21 W x 8 H in
Weight 21 Lbs 20 Lbs 25 Lbs 30 Lbs
Wheel Size 12.5 in 16 in 20 in 20 in
Tires Air-Filled Air-Filled Air Filled Air- Filled
Convertible Yes Yes Yes Yes
Included Conversion Kit No No No No
Rain Screen Yes No No Yes
Rain Cover No No No No
Parking Brake Yes Yes Yes Yes
Internal Leash Ring Yes Yes Yes Yes
Colors Spring Green/Grey, Rebel Red/Black Red Blue Outdoors Green/Grey – Urban Red/Black
Included Extras Rear Reflectors – Flag Reflectors Reflectors Reflectors
Price Amazon Amazon Amazon Amazon

 

  Aosom Elite Pet Bike Carrier / Trailer Rage Powersports
Trailer / Stroller
Burley Tail Wagon Aosom Elite II Pet Bicycle Trailer Stroller & Jogger
Aosom-Elite-Pet-Bike-Carrier Rage-Powersports-2-in-1-Pull-Behind-Dog-Pet-Trailer-Stroller Burleigh Tail Wagon Aosom-Elite-II-Pet-Bicycle-Trailer-Stroller-&-Jogger
Weight Limit 66 Lbs 130 Lbs (Trailer) 85 Lbs (Stroller) 75 Lbs 88 Lbs
Pet Cabin Dimensions 32 L x 21 W x 25 H in 29.25 L x 19.5 W x 24 H in 32 L x 19 W x 23 H in 30.5 L x 23.5 W x 21.5 H in
Folded Size N/A N/A 37.5 L x 28 W x 9.5 H in N/A
Weight 32 Lbs 28 Lbs 23.5 Lbs 37 Lbs
Wheel Size 20 in 20 in 16 in 20 in
Tires Air-Filled Air-Filled Air Filled Air- Filled
Convertible Yes Yes Yes Yes
Included Conversion Kit Yes Yes No Yes
Rain Screen Yes Yes Yes Yes
Rain Cover No No No No
Parking Brake Yes Yes Yes Yes
Internal Leash Ring Yes Yes Yes Yes
Colors Red/Black Blue Yellow/Black Red/Black
Included Extras Reflectors – Flag Reflectors – Flag N/A Reflectors – Flag
Price Amazon Amazon Amazon Amazon

References:

http://www.doggyride.com/

http://www.solvitproducts.com/bicycle-trailers

https://www.aosom.com/sporting-goods/bike-trailers-strollers.html

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bicycle_trailer

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