Trailer anyone

[wal]

Has anybody any experience of using a trailer with a Thorn Raven Sport Tour? Given the carrying limitations of the RST, I am considering the Carry Freedom Y Frame (small) to lug a tent and other camping paraphernalia. Is it better to put everything on the trailer and have the bike entirely unloaded or to split and use panniers?

Any advice greatly appreciated.

[stutho]

There is a theory that says carrying loads in a trailer in more efficient.  However I would go with at least a bar bag as well. (For valuables etc.)  

Depending on just how much kit you will be taking and the terrain to be covered I would also look at only using panniers, the RST is limited to about 17kg (split) which is actually quite a lot of kit! My tent, sleeping bag and stove comes to a lot less than that.  I have loaded up to the limit several time without any problem. (Only for short local road trips however.)  Splitting the weight front and back is important put the small heavy items in the front if possible.

My experience of using a trailer is very limited.  I have only used child seat trailer I have to say I didn’t get on with it at all.  It just didn’t ‘feel’ right.  

Best of luck with your tour

Stutho  

[wal]

quote:Originally posted by stutho

There is a theory that says carrying loads in a trailer in more efficient.  However I would go with at least a bar bag as well. (For valuables etc.)  

Depending on just how much kit you will be taking and the terrain to be covered I would also look at only using panniers, the RST is limited to about 17kg (split) which is actually quite a lot of kit! My tent, sleeping bag and stove comes to a lot less than that.  I have loaded up to the limit several time without any problem. (Only for short local road trips however.)  Splitting the weight front and back is important put the small heavy items in the front if possible.

My experience of using a trailer is very limited.  I have only used child seat trailer I have to say I didn’t get on with it at all.  It just didn’t ‘feel’ right.  

Best of luck with your tour

Stutho  

Thanks for your comments. I suppose others will have more positive views on trailers depending upon their experience. Personally I am compelled by the science of the trailer, but the practicalities may be less positive, e.g. where is is kept overnight, what if it breaks etc.

[stutho]

Like I said my experience is VERY limited.  There are lots of people who have being around the world with trailers so they can’t be all bad.  However I would beg or borrow one to try before parting with any money to see what the MOST IMPORTANT person thing. (That’s you!)

[Swislon]

I am also interested in a trailer. I was going to ask if anyone else used one locally around town, regularly, rather than touring. I intend to visit clients with my RST on some occasions, when I get it. I sometimes need to pick up loads of files and thought a trailer would be a good way of transporting them. I intend to research various trailers and also seek other people's experience. So if anyone uses one for this purpose please give us the value of your knowledge.
Cheers

[n/a]

Hello,
I am a painting contractor in NYC and I've been using this ( http://www.wicycle.com/cargo.htm ) trailer since the spring on an almost daily basis.  I regularly carry huge loads  weaving through traffic over New yorks badly potholed streets without problem.  It's a remarkably tough and well designed tool that I can't recomend enough.  Towing at speed is no problem either but I would do so with caution with large loads as stopping quickly can be hairy.  It breaks down in a heartbeat too so when I get to the job I just whip off the wheels and chain it to a street sign with my bike.
At 18lbs it seems heavy, but when attached to the bike unladen I don't even notice it.
I would have no problem using this to tour but would probably buy the smaller, narrower version.  
For day to day stuff use a 35 gallon Rubbermaid storage container.
My trailer carries way over the rated 125lbs without complaint and I have no fear of breaking it.
Good luck.

[Swislon]

Hi Shane,
Thanks for you're input. I don't envy you cycling in NYC. I've been there quite a few times on business, in a previous life, and I'm not sure I'd want to ride a bike on those roads with those drivers. Having said that I used to commute on a bike and also a motorbike in London and that is also a "challenge" to say the least.
Cheers

[goosander]

I can't offer any experience of using a trailer but I suspect that as with panniers, once you used to towing a trailer it will be fine.

I currently use panniers on my hybrid commuter bike but when I first fitted them earlier in the year, I absolutely hated the difference in handling but after about a month I stopped noticing and now don't have a problem with them.

Having said that, when my RST arrives I will probably go back to using a rucksac (one with an airflow gap) and not bother fitting a rack as I find the panniers are a pain to attach, remove and carry.  On the odd occasions I need to carry heavier loads I will just use my old bike and the panniers and if I go touring I will either temporarily fit the RST with a rack or get a trailer.