Packing a Bicycle Trailer

[CyclingSingle]

I wrote something on here before and i have many more questions to come like as many will when they do their first bike tour across the u.s. For anyone wondering about the food problem especially in the Utah mountains where it will be extremely hot buy dry food or camping food in advance because there isn't anything out there. And get plenty of water because you will need it.

Anyways about the question i had was i have searched a long time online of how to pack the bicycle trailer so it won't be all crazy when i pull it for my tour?  I heard somewhere you should put the heavy things upfront etc but how do you pack wisely so i will have a nice ride for two months ?

Any advise will be great. Leaving four weeks from monday

your fellow cyclist Jake

[cgarch]

OK, I'll bite. First you want heavy items at the bottom to lower the center of gravity. Second you want the load balanced across the center line of the trailer.  Putting heavy things up front may not be the best idea. Evenly balanced front - rear would again be best. That's the optimal scenario. Reality is often different. Sometimes just getting stuff in the trailer is half the trick. You do plan to load the trailer and test ride to experiment with how it's loaded, right?

[Tourista829]

I agree with Cgarch excellent post. I have a trailer and would add a few things. My 11 Commandments
1. Keep weight as low as you can. Do not have weight up high. (Like a couple of gallons of water.)
2. Respect weight limits. I would keep it lower than max weight.
3. Carry extra parts for the trailer especially trailer hitch pins, axle nuts, and skewers. (Don't forget the extra 16" tubes)
4. Pick up a Hebie or Pletscher dual kickstand. Put rubber tips on the ends (carry extras) Trailers do not stand up well when parked.
5. Big Water Proof Bag that fits your trailer. (Buy the one that is specific for your trailer)
6. A good net attachment system over the bag.
7. Proper tools to change a rear flat & practice changing 1 (U will replace your quick release skewers with a skewer, hitch pin & bolt)
8. I like front panniers to add a little balance and to get to things I need quickly. (Also means you don't over pack the trailer bag)
9. Pack items in different colored dry bags to easily identify items (Easier in the pouring rain and when dark)
10. If possible, practice riding your bike with full gear/trailer on the straight, climbing, & most of all on long twisty downhill descents.
     (This way you will get use to handling of your bike and trailer (It will help you fine tune your weight and balance)
11. Finally check the bolts, hitch pins, trailer, wheels and tires daily. One can never be too safe. Good luck with your trip.-Bob   

[johnsondasw]

Mpst of the problems are negligible of you use the 2-wheeled Burley Nomad.  It's very stable to pull, even if you don't pack strtegically and, of course, stands up on its own.  I've pulled mine a couple thousand miles, and have had no problems. 

[Tourista829]

Johnsondasw- one question, with a two wheel trailer, on narrow roads, with no or minimal shoulders, do you worry about the width of the trailer? I agree with your other points. Thanks-Bob

[johnsondasw]

No worry.  I pulled it down lots of no-shoulder roads on the Pacific Coast route, and it really barely sticks out past the pedals.  In a very short time, I was able to forget all about it and just ride the bike.  I highly recommend it over the one-wheeled trailers--easy to access gear, more stable when riding, does not fall down, easy to pack. I'v been on trips with guys who had the one-wheeled type, and they had way more hassles, especially dealing with access to gear.  Now for trail riding with mtn bikes, it would probably not be recommended.