Can i use a trailer on my bike?

[Melonfish]

I've got a Dawes Mojave and i'm looking to put a trailer on it. i've got a m8 that makes them so he's doing me m8's rates for it, he also makes those huge recumbent trike's with cargo nets? they're so awesome!
anyhoo, i'm getting a trailer made up with a seat post connector and it'll hold either my guitar in its hardcase or camping gear when i'm off touring.
i am right in thinking i should be ok with this yes? i know its a hybrid and not a tourer but i don't forsee any major stress on the bike.

can i also ask how this alters the dynamics of the bike? much like where you switch backpacks for panniers i'm guessing its the same with a trailer?
thanks
pete

 

[Angelfishsolo]

I have seen hybrids with child carrying buggies on them. Unless you are planning to shift paving stones you will be just fine

 

[rowan 46]

the dynamics change slightly, you will need to plan better for braking as it will not stop as quickly. allow more room for cornering and corner slower as they can topple if its badly packed and you corner fast and sharp and probably have to use lower gearing, otherwise it's just like riding a bike.

 

[Melonfish]

YAY! i can at least get about with my guitar in tow then. be nice to pack it with beer for overnighters and camping too
must admit though i am really taken with those netted cargo trike's lovely recumbent's with stacks of room to put stuff. bit wide mind

 

[corshamjim]

Wot Rowan said, but also I would say if anything having the trailer hitched behind with a heavy load makes balance at slow speeds even easier! Just as well really because slow speeds are more usual when towing a laden trailer.

I heaved a trailer fully camping stuff to Wales and back recently - it was slow, and heavy going up some of the hills (I walked some of them) - great fun though.

Watch out for potholes and bumps in the road especially when towing an empty trailer. And check the nuts and bolts every once in a while - I found the ones securing the hitch to my seatpost came loose fairly quickly.

 

[Night Train]

The other thing to be aware of is the hight of the hitch. Being on the seat post the trailer has a greater potential to unbalance the bike. If one of the trailer wheels hits a bump or a pothole it could apply a sideways force to the seatpost. This is less noticable if the hitch is at rear axle level or lower.

Having the hitch behind the rear wheel can cause similar 'tail wagging the dog' effects on a bike but doesn't have that effect on my Ratrike* due to the greater stability of having three wheels on the ground.



*Except once when I was heading down hill, turning slightly left and then had to do an emergency stop. The Ratrike did a 'stoppie' and as the back wheel left the ground the trailer pushed it sideways.

 

[lukesdad]

Hitch height is the main issue along with NO. of wheels I use a single wheel rear triangle mounted trailer no probs.