Bicycle trailer hitch: How to mount it on your bike

Bicycle trailer hitch: How to mount it on your bike

Bicycle trailers are popular because they offer unimagined possibilities. Not only for transporting children and pets, they are also ideal for shopping or leisure activities. However, before you can set off, you first need to attach the bike trailer correctly.

What types of bike are suitable for a bike trailer?

Firstly, not every bike is designed for a bike trailer, and secondly, some bikes are not designed to be fitted at all. You should pay attention to this:

  • The frame can break if overloaded
  • Always comply with the permissible total weight
  • Observe important criteria when transporting children

As a rule, all types of bicycles made of aluminum and steel are suitable for attaching a bicycle trailer. Those who opt for a bike made of carbon, as is the case with a racing bike or a mountain bike, are better off without a bicycle trailer for transporting children.

There is a risk of damage to the frame when attaching the bicycle trailer coupling. For all other variants, it makes little difference to mount the bicycle trailer coupling and adapter.

Our bicycle trailer couplings and adapters

Adapter for solid axles

Quick release axles with adapter

Thru axles with adapter

Requirements for a bicycle trailer coupling on an e-bike

If you own an e-bike, you need to make sure that both the bike and the trailer are designed for an e-bike. As a rule, this is the case for models that cost no more than around €1,500. With an e-bike, it depends on the respective model when it comes to bicycle trailer couplings, but almost all e-bikes are now compatible. There are special bicycle trailer couplings and adapters for e-bikes.

Top brands for children's bike trailers are:

Note: Every bicycle trailer must have TÜV approval. If tours on uneven roads are planned, the trailer should have high-quality suspension. The motto is: Always adapt your speed to the road and trail conditions.

Mounting the bike trailer on the e-bike: it's so easy

The best way to mount a bicycle trailer coupling on an e-bike is to mount it on the rear axle. To make the process as easy as possible, for example with thru axles for bike trailers, first remove the thru axle completely. Then you should follow these steps:

  • The thru axle with trailer coupling should be the same length as the original rod. Ideally, you should have a quick-release axle with coupling adapter of the correct length.
  • Depending on the trailer model, we offer the appropriate coupling or adapter, with which safe towing is no problem.
  • Attach the matching coupling rod to the frame in the rear wheel area at a 90 degree angle.
  • Tighten the quick-release axle including the bicycle trailer coupling up to the opposite side together with the nut.
  • A washer helps to distribute the force better so that the nut holds the thread constantly when force is applied.
  • Attach the coupling for the bicycle trailer and also fasten with washer and nut.
  • Adjust the coupling on the wheel so that the bicycle trailer is connected to it without exerting too much pressure. Caution: Unfavorable positioning of the trailer coupling endangers riding safety.

Bicycle trailer, quick-release coupling - an overview of the most important features

Today, the majority of bicycles already have a coupling that allows a bicycle trailer to be attached at any time. Couplings and adapters with quick release for "Croozer" brand bicycle trailers or hook couplings are the most common. A quick-release coupling is the most commonly chosen coupling. This consists of bolts that are mounted on a bracket on the rear wheel hub.

The biggest advantage of a quick-release coupling is not only its ease of use, but also its low weight.

Where and how is it attached to the bike trailer?

If you don't own a cargo bike or you have a lot to transport, it's best to fit a coupling/adapter to your bike. The following tips will help you do this easily:

There are four mounting options, all of which have advantages and disadvantages.

  • Fitting the bicycle trailer coupling to the seat post
  • Attach the bike trailer to the frame at the height of the rear wheel
  • There are bicycle stands that already have an integrated coupling on the axle
  • Attaching the clutch to the axle of the rear wheel

The prices for all spare parts and variants vary not only from supplier to supplier, but also from trailer to trailer. As a rule, child trailers are very cost-intensive, as they naturally have expensive couplings/adapters and associated bars.

Ultimately, it's up to you to decide where you want to attach your bike trailer to your bike. You can find inexpensive offers at Trailer Components, with which you can benefit from many advantages:

Fastening options at a glance

Mounting a trailer can be associated with a number of inconveniences. Questions such as where is the coupling mounted? Which axle does the wheel have? As a rule, it is fitted directly to the rear axle using a coupling/adapter. To ensure correct fitting, you need to find out what type of axle your towing bike has.

  • Solid axle: With a solid axle, you will find wheel nuts on the right and left side. Simply use the appropriate adapter to extend the axle for clutch mounting. To choose the right adapter, you should consult your bike dealer.
  • Quick-release axle: Many touring and racing bikes have a so-called quick-release axle. You can clearly tell whether it is such an axle if there are two springs with a diameter of 5 mm on it. On one side you will find an eccentric clamping lever, on the other side a thread including a nut. These ø5 mm axles are available in 170 mm and 180 mm lengths as standard.
  • Thru axle: You can easily tell whether your bike is equipped with a thru axle by the 12 mm diameter of the axle. However, a thru axle can also have a quick-release fastener. The differences lie in the thread pitch, the mount and the installation length. To find out the correct size of the axle, you need to remove it to be sure.

The trade offers 16 different axle sizes, which are unfortunately rarely found in operating instructions.

  • Coupling assembly for solid axle: Is your bike equipped with a solid axle? Then it is generally possible to mount a bicycle trailer, but only if the thread length of the axle proves to be sufficient. If this is not the case, no problem, all you need is an axle adapter with sufficient thread length for the coupling and nut.

There are currently five different thread sizes (FG 9.5 - FG 10.5 - M10 x 1.00 - M12 x 1.00 - M12 x 1.25), with the most common models having an M10 x 1.00 diameter thread. If you have any questions about couplings and adapters for bicycle trailers, please do not hesitate to contact us. We will contact you as soon as possible.