Buying guide for Best dog bicycle trailers
Dogs are loyal, loving companions who always find a way to bring a little more joy to your life — so you probably want to spend as much time with your pooch as you can. If you’re headed out on a bike ride, you can take your pup along if you have a dog bicycle trailer.
A dog bicycle trailer is a small cart that connects to the back of your bike to safely carry your dog with you. It’s an ideal option for any dog who isn’t up to running alongside you while you ride, including dogs who are elderly, small, or suffering from an illness.
When searching for the right dog bicycle trailer, consider the size, bike compatibility, hitch design, and features to make sure that your dog is as safe and comfortable as can be.
Key considerations
Size
Of course, you want your dog to have plenty of space, so choosing a bicycle trailer that is an appropriate size for your dog is key. A trailer should be large enough that your dog can sit and move without difficulty. It’s particularly important to get the size right for large breeds who need more room in a trailer than a small dog. Measure your dog’s length and check the interior dimensions of any trailer you’re considering to make sure your dog can fit comfortably.
Pay attention to a trailer’s weight limit as well. Most trailers are meant for smaller dogs, so it’s especially crucial to choose a model with the proper weight capacity if your dog weighs more than 35 pounds.
Bike compatibility
Some dog bicycle trailers tout themselves as universal trailers that work with all bicycles. However, that doesn’t necessarily mean they can easily connect to every type and model of bike. Always check that the trailer you’re considering is compatible with your bike model so you can be sure you won’t have any issue connecting it.
Hitch design
The hitch is the portion of a dog bicycle trailer that connects to your bike, so you should choose a model with a high-quality hitch connection. For durability and security, opt for a trailer with a metal hitch rather than a plastic one. You’ll get even more security if you choose a model that includes a secondary strap or attachment point. A hitch safety strap can also prevent your pooch from falling or jumping out of the trailer’s cab.
Dog bicycle trailers come in a large variety of shapes. During our research process, we take note of each trailer’s size, compatibility, and safety features.
One of the top considerations when choosing a trailer is the design of the hitch. Our investigation looks at these to ensure a durable fit for most bikes.
Dog bicycle trailers need a great suspension system to keep your dog comfortable all ride long. We look for suspension travel on all of the products we consider.
A anti-slip feature allows your dog to sit comfortably without movement. When conducting our research, we pore over various products to make sure safety is a priority.
Tire quality can make a huge difference in how your dog feels about the ride they are on. We look for dog bicycle tires that cushion rough roads for a better ride.
Many products claim to fit every bicycle. We assess each option to make sure such claims are accurate.
Bugs are prevalent during hotter months, when you are more likely to use your bicycle trailer. We investigate a wide variety of options to find products that protect dogs from mosquitos and other bugs.
When not in use, dog bicycle trailers take up a fair bit of room. We weigh the pros and cons of each bicycle trailer and find out whether they are collapsible for easier storage.
Riding a bike at night can be a bit more hazardous due to low visibility. We vet each dog's bicycle trailer for reflectors in the interest of safety on the road.
While our dogs certainly want to be with us, they can often get distracted by various sights on the road. During our research, we look for leash ties to prevent your dog from trying to jump out during a bike trip.
Features
Suspension system
A dog bicycle trailer that features a suspension system provides a smoother ride for your dog than a model without one. If you frequently ride on uneven terrain and trails, your dog will be much more comfortable if the trailer has a suspension system to limit jolts.
Parking brake
When you’re not riding your bike, you want to make sure the trailer won’t roll around or move. A parking brake allows you to keep the trailer in place, giving your dog has an easier time getting in and out.
Non-slip flooring
The flooring inside a dog bicycle trailer’s cab is a key feature to consider because you don’t want your dog shifting around too much on bumpy roads. Opt for a trailer with non-slip flooring or liner to keep your dog from sliding around.
Door
You’ll have an easier time getting your dog in and out of a bike trailer if it features a side or front entry rather than a top entry point, especially if you have a large dog. Models with a door typically provide the easiest access for your dog.
"You’ll need a little more time to stop your bike with your dog trailer attached. If you stop too quickly, there’s a chance the trailer may bump into your bike and fall over."
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Pneumatic tires
Many dog bicycle trailers have solid plastic wheels, which don’t always provide the smoothest ride. However, you can find some models with pneumatic tires, which are filled with air and provide some cushioning for your dog when you’re traveling over uneven or bumpy roads.
Leash ties
For safety reasons, it’s a good idea to choose a bike trailer with a leash tie or D-ring inside the cab. You can attach your dog’s leash to the tie to prevent them from shifting around too much in the trailer and also to keep them from running off if you take a fall.
Canopy
A canopy on a bike trailer not only protects your dog from the sun on long rides but can also keep them dry in light rainstorms. Some dogs with anxiety issues also prefer the feeling of being enclosed because it offers more security.
Rain cover
For protection in heavier rainstorms, look for a bike trailer with a rain cover. It’s usually made of plastic and covers the entire trailer to keep your dog dry.
Bug screen
Fido likely finds mosquitoes and gnats just as annoying as you do, so a bike trailer with a bug screen can make them more comfortable on your rides. The screen still allows light and air to pass through and maintains your dog’s view of their surroundings.
Reflectors
You’ll need reflectors on your dog bicycle trailer if you frequently ride after dark. They also make it easier for cars to see you on the road in low lighting situations.
Safety flags
During the day, a dog bicycle trailer with safety flags is much easier to spot on the road. The flags typically sit at the top of long poles that extend past the trailer’s canopy or roof, increasing the trailer’s visibility considerably.
Dividers
If you plan to travel with two dogs in your bike trailer, you may want to look for an option with dividers. This allows you to separate your two furry friends to make sure they don’t start fighting during your ride. You can also use a divider to separate a single dog from any gear or other items that you want to store in the trailer while traveling.
Exterior pockets
For added convenience, some dog bicycle trailers have exterior pockets for additional storage. These allow you to stash water bottles, treats for your dog, or even personal items like your phone or keys. Just make sure they have secure zippers to prevent you from losing any items on the road.
Collapsing frame
To make it easier to store your dog bike trailer when it’s not in use, opt for a model with a collapsing or folding frame. This makes the trailer more compact for storage, so you won’t need to find too much space in your garage, shed, basement, or another storage area for it.
Did you know?
While you’ll have more bike trailer options if you have a dog that weighs 50 pounds or less, you can find models that can accommodate dogs who weigh as much as 165 pounds.
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Dog bicycle trailer prices
Dog bicycle trailer prices usually vary based on their size and the special features they offer. Most models cost between $90 and $570.
Inexpensive
The most affordable bike trailers are meant for dogs that weigh less than 35 pounds. They may not have many special features but usually feature a canopy, bug screen, parking brake, and a front or side door. You’ll usually pay between $90 and $210 for models in this range.
Midrange
Midrange bike trailers are typically meant for dogs that weigh 70 pounds or less. They usually offer all the basic features, as well as specialty features like a suspension system, collapsing frame, and pneumatic tires. You can expect to spend between $210 and $370 on these trailers.
Tips
Get your dog used to a bike trailer by leaving it out in your home where they can check it out. Encourage your pooch to get inside, but don’t force them. When they finally venture inside, make sure to reward them with plenty of praise and some treats.
A dog trailer adds extra weight to your bike, which can make pedaling more challenging. Start out with shorter rides and slower speeds until you get used to the added weight of toting your pup along.
Take it slow when making turns on your bike with a dog trailer attached. If you turn too quickly, both your bike and the trailer can wind up tipping over.
FAQ
Q. What should I look for in a dog trailer if I usually bike on trails?
A. To handle the bumpier terrain of trail biking, a dog trailer with an effective suspension system is a must. You should also opt for pneumatic tires with a wider base to provide greater cushioning and stability on rocky, rough terrain.
Q. How long will a dog bicycle trailer usually last?
A. It depends on the quality of the trailer and how often you use it. A high-quality dog bicycle trailer can often last for 2,000 to 3,000 miles.
Q. Do dog bicycle trailers include a warranty?
A. Many dog bike trailers do offer warranty protection — but not all of them. Read the product description of any model you’re considering carefully to see if it includes warranty coverage and what the terms of the coverage are before making a purchase. You’re obviously better off investing in a trailer that is covered by some type of warranty.
