A dog bike trailer is an excellent investment for those who would like to take their pet out into the 
fresh 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 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.
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.
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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 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 | |
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| 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 | |
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| 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