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If you consider yourself to be quite an active person and enjoy cycling, it might be worth looking into buying a dog bike trailer. If you want to be able to take your dog on a ride with you without making them run to keep up, this could be exactly what you’ve been looking for.
There are a variety of options out there catering to different-sized dogs. And they often have other great features to make your life easier, too.
Table of Contents
10 things to look out for in a dog bike trailer
1 – Height and weight of your dog and a trailer
One of the first things that you should be paying attention to when it comes to shopping for the ideal dog bike trailer is the size and capacity of the model you’re considering buying and how large your canine is. Overall, this can be crucial to how comfortable your dog feels within the trailer. As well as how easy it is to transport. It’s also worth considering that your pet should be able to shift positions and have space while sitting, lying, and sitting up.
It might be a wise idea to take measurements of your dog beforehand. Just to get an idea of what size you should be looking at.
2 – Folding and transporting
As mentioned a little above, transportation is something that you’ll certainly need to consider when it comes to purchasing a trailer. The good news is that there are quite a few options out there. And some of them could be perfect for your needs, like collapsible trailers. These can allow you to quickly and easily fold them down and put them back up again. Especially if you need to store yours in your car to be taken wherever you need to go for your adventure.
3 – Dog strollers convertible to bike trailers
If you would sometimes rather walk than drive, it might be worth looking for a dog stroller that can convert into a bike trailer. This gives owners the opportunity to not only take their beloved pet with them for a bike ride. But also gives them the chance to push them along as they walk around, too. This can be especially good for dogs with mobility issues and small puppies who don’t have the ability to keep up with you for longer activities. Or even those that are scared of getting in cars.
4 – Removable flooring
While this may not be a feature that all bike trailers have as standard, it can be incredibly helpful to be able to take the floor out when it comes to cleaning. Of course, it’s important to pick a quality brand to ensure that the trailer is fully stable. So you can avoid any accidents from happening while you’re out and about. It is definitely something that is worth looking into.
5 – The fabric used for the cover
There are a variety of things that can be important to look out for. Especially when it comes to the fabric used for the cover of the bike trailer. There are a variety of options to choose from, like mesh for example. This is the most breathable material for a cover and is great for allowing fresh air to come through. But it is more prone to tearing if you don’t buy a quality model.
Generally, you’re going to want something that offers plenty of ventilation to allow your pet to comfortably breathe. But you also need something heavy-duty, too. There is much more to consider as well; like picking a reflective material, or one that’s weatherproof. Things like pockets can be handy, so pay attention to the covers and perhaps look into buying spare ones to suit your needs if possible.
6 – The material of the frames
The frames can be just as important. So don’t overlook the type of metal that’s used for them when looking at the specifications of a trailer. While less durable, aluminum frames are quite popular due to the fact that they’re light. Though steel may weigh more, it’s worth considering the fact that it can be welded back together if it breaks and that it’s generally stronger – although the additional weight might pose a challenge for those who own a larger dog breed.
While there are plastic frames on the market, it’s worth noting that most of them are inexpensive and far more likely to break.
7 – Quality wheels
Features like shock-absorbent and quick-release wheels aren’t too hard to come by on quality bike trailers, big or small. That being said, it’s still generally a wise idea to look at the wheels of any model you’re considering buying. Things like the dimensions, the type of material used, and more are all vital to the comfort and safety of your pet. Check to see if the spokes are made from plastic or aluminum. This can make a huge difference to their durability and the overall usability of your trailer.
8 – Compatible accessories
Additional components don’t often need to be purchased. In most cases, you’ll have everything you need from simply purchasing your bike trailer. It is worth keeping in mind that some companies may manufacture extra items that could be useful, but aren’t necessary. For example, something like a storage cover, and a rain cover may be optional and might be available to purchase separately.
Some accessories could be a bit more fun in nature. For example, the Burley Tail Wagon has the We Ski Kit, which allows owners to take their dog out skiing with them as well as ordinary bicycle rides. While not everyone will need this accessory, it’s certainly something that many people would love to have.
9 – Dog bike trailer with suspension
Some trailers come with suspension, which is a feature that can help to reduce the impact of bumps and shaking when riding on rough terrain. This can be excellent on uneven ground. But if you plan to ride on roads or paved paths, it may not be as useful. That being said, your dog is sure to feel more comfortable. So it can be worthwhile to look into buying a trailer that has this feature.
10 – Are warranties worth it?
Typically, it’s best to purchase a trailer that comes with a warranty. Simply because it’s never a bad idea to have extra protection in case anything goes wrong. Plus, if a company offers a warranty, that generally means that they’re trustworthy and more confident in what they are producing than those that don’t. These attributes are both signs that point toward a better-quality product in practically any industry.
A few tips for riding with a dog bike trailer
You may have already guessed that pulling your dog around with you may change the riding experience a little. And because of this, it might be good to consider just a few of these things when you take them out with you on a biking adventure:
- Going uphill can be far more difficult, and when riding downhill, you’ll often fall faster due to the additional weight
- Acceleration tends to require more effort than it would if you were on your own
- You may need to be more mindful of how you take corners to ensure that you don’t hit anything with the trailer
- It might take a few tries to get used to the changes, so don’t worry if it’s not too easy to navigate at first
Which bicycle trailers would we suggest?
Often considered to be one of the best overall trailers for individuals with small to medium-sized dogs, the Tail Wagon by Burley is a sturdy, versatile, and safe option that many pet owners simply adore. Some of the main features of this product include:
- Breathable mesh, as well as rain covers over the front and back mesh sections
- Removable floor for washing, and optional tie-down straps
- 16-inch, quick release alloy wheels
- A variety of accessories, like the previously mentioned We Ski Kit, Critter Compartment, Stroller Kit, and more
- A capacity of 75 pounds (34 kg)
Schwinn Rascal Bike Pet Trailer
Another excellent option is the Schwinn Rascal Bike Pet Trailer. It was specifically made to help people to take their dogs out on bicycle rides with ease. There are quite a few reasons why you should consider taking a closer look at what this product has to offer, such as:
- The unique folding steel frame and quick-release wheels are perfect for compact storage
- A rear door to allow for an easier entrance and exit for your pet
- To help prevent any accidents, there’s an easily adjustable internal leash
- Two different styles, one for larger canines (up to 100 pounds) and smaller ones (up to 50 pounds)
- Designed to allow for plenty of ventilation, ideal for when you’re out and about
This 2 in 1 product coming in two colors (pink or blue) is perfect for those who want to have the benefits of both a bicycle dog trailer and a dog stroller. Which is something you might not want to overlook if you plan on going for regular walks and bike rides with your dog. Here are a few reasons why you should consider buying this stroller:
- An EVA foam grip, making it more comfortable to push your dog along
- Removable fabric for easy cleaning
- A capacity of 60 pounds (30kg)
- Large bike tires for shock absorption and traction
It’s also worth noting that while this model may not come with a bike adapter or rain cover as standard, you can purchase these items separately at any time.
Choose wisely
Which one is best for your wants and needs? In most cases, the choice between the many varieties of bike trailers can be quite daunting for pet owners. Especially those who don’t quite know what they’re looking for. This is why having an understanding of what features are best for you, what materials are of higher quality, and much more can be important for anyone who is considering purchasing a dog bike trailer.