What’s an easy way to attach a bike trailer? | ODILO
- Laura Gauton
- Apr 8
- 6 min read
Bike trailers are very popular with parents keen to transport their kids by bike. Small wonder they’re an increasingly common sight on our roads. This convenient, versatile solution is just as popular with commuters and retirees as with professionals interested in carrying their gear on their two-wheeler.
And you? Are you keen to buy a trailer or a bike trolley, and wondering how to hitch it up? In this article, we’ll fill you in on the different hitches available and explain how to easily attach your bike trailer! Don’t worry, even the least tech-savvy of you will manage!
The different types of hitches for a bike trailer
There are different types of hitches for bike trailers
Hitched to the rear wheel axle (hub)
This is the commonest solution for attaching a trailer to your bike. This type of trailer is suitable for transporting heavy loads (around 50 kg for a standard model intended for private use). It also has a low centre of gravity, which gives it good stability on the road.
This is why trailers designed to transport children, animals or heavy gear are generally hitched to your rear wheel’s hub.
💡 Further reading: What’s the right bike trailer for you?
Hitched to the seat post
This is the type of hitch most frequently found on bike trolleys. The centre of gravity is higher than on a traditional trailer and provides good stability during transport.
A trolley travels on two wheels, so is not suitable for transporting heavy loads, since that could damage your seat post.
Accordingly, don’t attempt to transport loads weighing over 30 kg. It will be very handy, though, for doing your shopping and/or transporting small and medium-sized parcels.
Hitched to your bike’s rear luggage rack
Some manufacturers also offer adaptors for luggage racks. This type of hitch is useful, for example, if you have:
A recumbent bike;
An electric bike with the battery secured to the luggage rack;
A bike that does not have a seat post
A bike with a seat post that is either not accessible (child’s seat) or not compatible.
💡 Good to know: In the future, ODILO will be offering this type of hitch for its bike trailers and trolleys. Stay tuned for the latest news: follow us on our ODILO Instagram account!
How to attach a bike trailer, depending on the type of hitch
Hitching your trailer securely to your bike is vitally important to keep your passengers and other road users safe. Also, a trailer that is the right match for your bike will not damage either its frame or your wheel.
Don’t rush into buying a trailer: take a moment to check that its hitch system is compatible with your two-wheeler!
💡 Good to know: bike trailers do not currently come equipped with a standard hitch. While most hitches may look alike, each manufacturer has their own solution. And because each bike is specific, it would be impossible to detail all of the examples in this article. So, if in doubt... contact your dealer.
Attaching your bike trailer to the rear wheel axle (hub)
Recognising the type of axle on your bike
Before we explain how to hitch your trailer, let’s take a moment for a little mechanical pointer. Your bike’s rear wheel comprises a part that is essential to its operation, namely the axle.
This metal rod connects your wheel to your bike’s frame. There are several types of axle:
The bolt-on axle: is equipped with bolts on either side of the wheel. These bolts can be tightened or loosened to remove the wheel or attach a trailer, for example. The axle is firmly attached to the wheel hub.
The thru axle: is not as common, since it came onto the market more recently. It is generally found on certain more technical types of bike (such as MTBs or high-end bikes). It is recognisable by the axle, which is not attached to the hub: they are two distinct parts.
💡 Good to know: to enable the wheel to be removed from your bike without tools, some bikes are equipped with a quick-release clamp that can be found on both types of axle.
Hitching your bike trailer
This hitching method requires the prior installation of a small mounting plate on your bike’s hub onto which the trailer is attached to. The trailer is usually attached to the left-hand side of the bike because the derailleur is often found on the right-hand side.
To hitch your trailer to your rear wheel axle:
Bolt-on axle: remove the nut and insert a small, fixed mounting plate (supplied with the trailer), which will remain on your bike. Be sure to check that there is sufficient threads left to screw the nut back on.
Thru axle: remove the thru axle completely from the wheel. Slide the mounting plate and insert the axle back into its hub.
Not sure whether it’s compatible? Ask the manufacturer or the retailer selling the trailer you’re interested in buying.
If your bike frame’s geometry makes it impossible to simply insert the mounting plate, manufacturers generally sell adapters in a variety of shapes, lengths and diameters
Sometimes certain models of trailer are also supplied with a new axle. If so, you will need to replace your axle to enable their installation.
The instructions for installation will be explained in your trailer’s user manual.
Don’t worry: it’s quick and easy. But it you don’t feel up to the task, just take your bike to your regular bike shop. In 10 minutes, the job will be done!
💡 Did you know? For some time now, certain manufacturers have suggested attaching the mounting plate to the site of the kickstand (the seat stay). This avoids using the rear wheel axle. It is worth looking into this possibility if your bike has a kickstand. There are two standards, with an 18 mm and a 40 mm centre-to-centre distance.
Hitching your bike trailer or your trolley to the seat post
It’s very straightforward to install a trailer that can be hitched to the seat post. The jaw-shaped trailer hitch is simply clamped onto the seat post.
Some brands (ODILO included!) even offer solutions without a permanent attachment. This means you can hitch your trailer to any bike whatsoever (even self-service bikes). That way, even if you don’t have your own bike, you can still use a trailer!
Lastly, bear in mind that bike seat posts come in a range of sizes. However, most trailer models are equipped with a hitching system that caters for the various existing diameters.
💡 Note, though, that not all seat posts are compatible with this type of attachment (this holds for seat posts made of carbon, those with built-in suspension or those with a built-in battery, for example). If so, ask your bike’s manufacturer for guidance.
Hitching your bike trailer to your rear luggage rack
To attach your bike trailer to your rear luggage rack, you’ll need an adaptor. Some brands sell them, but not all. Be sure to ask about this!
This adaptor can be attached directly to the back of your rear luggage rack. You can then simply hitch your trailer to the adaptor.
The ODILO Combo: an all-in-one product that doubles as a trolley and a bike trailer!
Are you looking for a light, multipurpose bike trailer that can double as both a trolley and a trailer? At ODILO, we’ve designed the Combo. Your everyday shopping trolley turns into a cargo bike trailer capable of transporting loads of up to 50 kg.
Ease of use is the core concept behind our design. Depending on its configuration, your trailer can be hitched up in seconds to your seat post or your rear wheel axle.
So, ready to add a whole new dimension to your everyday trips?
