How To Attach a Bike Trailer To a Bicycle: Master the Attachment in Minutes

Written By: Jonathan
Fact Checked By: Caroline Dezendorf
Reviewed By: Matt Tanner

Adding a bicycle trailer to your bike really opens up your riding possibilities, as you can then take your child for a safe neighborhood ride, you can carry a load of groceries from the market or even take your dog or pet along for a weekend adventure.

Even bicycle trailers are designed to carry extra weight without much impact on balance, making them a safer option than backpacking or basket-loading.

Plus, there is the fact that research published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, according to this study shows that cycling with a properly attached child trailer is statistically safer than riding with front-mounted child seats because it actually keeps the bicycle’s center of gravity more stable and actually separates the child from any potential front-end impacts as well.[¹]

Additionally, bicycle-mounted child seats have a lower risk of side-impact than other child seats, according to a study published in the Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine., the use of bicycle trailers has actually reduced the number of child injuries.[²]

And most all modern trailers have a universal hitch system that you can attach to your bicycle’s rear axle or even frame, and they’re actually designed to work with a wide variety of bicycles: including quick-release wheels, bicycles with disc brakes, and even e-bikes if you have an adapter.

So, just learn How To Attach a Bike Trailer To a Bicycle and it will surely improve safety as well as prevent any wear and tear on the drivetrain or rear axle of your bicycle.

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Types of Bicycle Trailers & Their Attachment Systems

There are different types of bicycle trailers available, depending on what exactly you want to carry: kids, cargo or pets.

Each of these trailers is actually designed with its own specific safety features and its own different ways of attaching to your bicycle.

1. Kid Trailers

Yes, as the name suggests, these are specially designed to safely carry one or two children, which you can attach to the back of your bicycle.

Usually they come with a hitch arm that actually extends out from the front of the trailer and actually attaches to the rear axle or frame of your bicycle using a coupler or hitch connector.

Its system is actually able to keep the trailer truly stable and allows it to turn easily when the bicycle turns.

As well as, Most kids trailers actually include a secondary safety strap, which actually acts as a backup in case the main hitch becomes detached from it, so this is actually a safety feature that ensures safety in case any of the main hitches become detached.

Nowadays, modern trailers actually meet the safety standards set by the ASTM F1975 standards for non-motorized trailers.[³]

Not only that, most of the kids trailers are designed and manufactured with sturdy aluminum frames with 5-point harnesses, and they come with a roll cage and bright flags as well for the visibility of this trailer.

All these safety standards, security features make them very popular among families who want a safe option.

2. Cargo Trailers

Cargo trailers are actually mostly designed for carrying items like: groceries, camping gear or even you can carry tools and small boxes.

These trailers are very sturdy and come with flatbeds or enclosed compartments, depending entirely on your purpose.

But the attachment systems actually vary a bit: some cargo trailers actually use axle mounts, where the trailer actually attaches to the hub of the rear wheel, and others use a seat post clamp that attaches directly to the bottom of the bicycle seat.

Axle-Mounted Systems are obviously more stable in terms of the stability they provide and are better for heavier loads, and in addition seat post-mounted trailers are lighter and easier to remove.

Cargo Trailers usually don’t have suspension, so you have to balance the load while placing it, as this is important for smooth operation.

3. Pet Trailers

The design of pet trailers is actually quite similar to that of baby trailers, but yes, there are some major differences to ensure the safety and comfort of the pets.

Often there are ventilated mesh panels with leash hooks and low-height doors available, allowing pets to enter easily.

You can attach pet trailers to the hitch arm with a coupler, similar to how a children’s trailer is attached, so you’ll need to attach it to the rear axle of the bicycle.

Other than this, pet trailers also usually have additional stability features, such as they come with wider wheelbases, non-slippery floors and have the ability to carry additional weight, which is often 40 to 80 pounds and also depends on the trailer.

These features are to ensure the safety of your pet during turns or uneven terrains.

Keep in mind that pet trailers should never be overloaded, and it’s important to check your pet’s weight and the actual capacity of the trailer before purchasing one.

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Tools & Items

Item	Purpose & Notes	Pro Tip / Source
Trailer & Hitch Components	Components include a hitch arm, coupler/hitch connector, locking pin and safety strap, and they must be trailer-specific for a secure connection.	You must use only the components provided by the manufacturer for stability.
Wrench (15mm or 17mm)	This is actually only necessary if your bicycle has a solid axle and not needed if the axle is quick-release, as it helps with loosening and re-tightening the axle nut to install the hitch.	This will not be needed for quick-release skewers, as thru-axles may require an adapter.
User Manual (Model-Specific)	This will help show you the exact attachment method and torque settings so you can easily prevent unsafe or incorrect setup.	Many brands like Thule, InStep, and Allen Sports include diagrams and safety checklists in their manuals which are really helpful.
Optional: Safety Flag / Lights	This is great for ensuring safety as it increases the visibility of the trailer in traffic or low light conditions, so it is highly recommended for added safety.	In fact visibility devices are meant to reduce the risk of collision and they are so effective that they can avoid collisions by up to 50% in some environments.

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How To Attach a Bike Trailer To a Bicycle: Step-By-Step Guide

When you attach the bike trailer correctly it really ensures your safety as well as protects your bicycle and it also provides a smooth ride.

You need to know the correct method of attaching a bicycle trailer so you can ensure the safety of your children, pets, or gear.

1. Prepare Your Bicycle First

You first need to place your bicycle on a flat and stable surface such as: garage floor, concrete sidewalk or paved path, as this helps you work safely and most importantly, it prevents the bicycle from falling over when you attach the trailer.

And then you’ll need to inspect your bicycle’s rear axle or frame near the rear wheel, depending on how your trailer hitch is actually attached.

So, most trailers are actually designed to work with quick-release skewers, solid axles, or thru-axles, with no need for you to do anything to those bicycles, but some older bicycles or carbon frames may require special adapters, as without them, bicycle trailers won’t be suitable at all.

Not only this, it is also important to check the clearance between the frame and the wheel so that you can easily adjust the bicycle hitch without any kind of interference.

2. Locate the Attachment Point

It is an obvious fact that most bicycle trailers actually attach to the hub area of ​​the rear wheel with the help of a quick-release skewer, solid axle nut or in some cases it attaches directly to the seat post using a clamp.

It all depends on the trailer model and how it will be connected:

1. Coupler Hitch: This actually attaches to the rear axle and is also very common for trailers for kids and pets.
2. Axle Mount: You can attach this directly to the axle and it’s great for cargo trailers.
3. Seat Post Mount: This is mostly used for lighter trailers or older designs.

If your bicycle has disc brakes or a thru-axle, you should make sure your bike trailer includes or provides the correct adapters, because you should not use the wrong mounting type as it can literally damage your drivetrain or it can make the trailer very unsafe especially during turns or bumps.

3. Install the Hitch or Coupler

So, now it’s finally time to install the hitch, so if your bicycle uses a quick-release rear wheel then simply open the lever and then carefully remove the skewer.

Then simply slide the hitch plate or coupler onto the axle and then re-insert the skewer through the wheel and hitch, after which you will need to tighten and lock the lever securely.

If your bicycle has solid axle nuts you will need to use a wrench to loosen one side, then slide the hitch plate into it and then tighten it down.

Not only this, you also need to make sure that the hitch sits level with the bicycle frame, and that it should not be twisted or bent, as a loose or crooked hitch can actually cause the trailer to move or disconnect while riding.

If you are using a thru-axle you should always follow your trailer’s manual first so you can know the installation process more precisely and specifically.

4. Connect the Trailer Arm

Now, that you have the hitch securely installed, simply take the arm of the trailer also known as the tow bar and then line it up with the coupler or hitch plate.

As most trailers have a locking pin, clip, or latch system that actually holds the arm securely in place.

So, simply insert the pins into the aligned holes and then lock it and make sure it clicks or latches well.

Next, you’ll need to attach the safety strap to the trailer arm around your bicycle frame or rear triangle and then clip it to the arm, as this strap actually acts as a backup connection in case the hitch pin ever fails.

So, once it is attached you just have to check that there should be no vibrations, looseness or friction, because everything should feel really solid and should only move in the intended direction ie: side to side motion for turning and nothing else.

5. Safety Checks After Installation

You should always carry out a full safety check before going out riding, so inspect the tightness of all bolts, nuts and quick-release levers.

As they should be snug but not too tight, then confirm that the trailer is sitting evenly on the back of the bike and that it isn’t tilted or crooked at all.

Also, the trailer wheels must be aligned and both trailer tires must be properly inflated, so check the recommended PSI on the sidewall.

Now, test the bike and trailer setup by riding slowly in a driveway or open space, just turn both left and right and also test the braking and go straight and travel some distance.

Now, the final check is that the trailer should run smoothly without any pulling or shaking and if it does, then it is ready to travel.

Read More:

How To Fold a Bike Trailer

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Conclusion On How To Attach a Bike Trailer To a Bicycle

Attaching a bike trailer means making sure the bike, trailer, and hitch system are completely compatible, secure, and fully connected.

Because a well-set-up trailer really moves smoothly with the bike, handles turns predictably and really keeps passengers or cargo perfectly stable, even on long journeys.

Yes, it is also environmentally friendly when more families use bicycles for local transportation and outdoor activities, as trailers also provide a versatile and environmentally friendly way to travel that can safely transport children, pets and luggage as well.

Therefore, you need to hook up the trailer correctly, as well as be aware of the load limits to ensure safety.

Now, if you still have any queries in your mind then you can ask in the comment section.

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FAQs: Attaching a Bike Trailer to a Bicycle

References:

[1] The Relationship between Individual and Family Characteristics and Cyberbullying Exposure in a Nationally Representative Sample of School-Aged Children Living in Serbia. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
https://www.mdpi.com/1660-4601/18/14/7443

[2] Powell EC, Tanz RR. Tykes and bikes: injuries associated with bicycle-towed child trailers and bicycle-mounted child seats.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10768671/

[3] Understanding ASTM Bicycle Trailer Testing Safety Standards: What It Means for You and Your Kids. https://wikeinc.com/blogs/news/understanding-astm-bicycle-trailer-testing-safety-standards-what-it-means-for-you-and-your-kids