A Quick Guide on How to Attach a Bike Trailer Without a Coupler
How to attach a bike trailer without a coupler – Bike trailers go on the back of your bike. They can be used for all sorts of things. You can carry your shopping, pets, kids, and luggage for long vacation bike rides.
You do, however, need to make sure the trailer attaches properly to avoid accident and, or, injury of yourself or anyone else on the road or trail.
A coupler can be a useful tool when it comes to attaching a bike trailer. It is the safest, most tried and tested method with reliable results.
However, there are circumstances that do arise meaning that you may find yourself asking: How do I attach a bike trailer without a coupler?
In those instances, there are a few lesser-known methods that you can try out. We’re going to explore these and all of the safety questions attached in the article below.
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Attaching A Bike Trailer With A Coupler
Couplers make sure that any trailer attaches safely. There are more often than not specific coupler tools that are the only guarantee for safe travels.
A bike trailer coupler is a small part, but an important one. It is a mechanism that attaches the back wheel of any bike to the arm of any bike trailer.
There is normally a safety pin. The safety pin clicks into place and is immovable while in transit.
It has to be manually pressed and manoeuvred to shift it and release the trailer.
If your trailer didn’t come with a coupler, there are loads of alternative compatible couplers on the market. It shouldn’t be too hard to find a replacement.
They are generally inexpensive and 100% safe and effective.
Alternative Ways Of Attaching A Bike Trailer
So, what happens when you find yourself one coupler short?
There are a few methods of attaching a bike trailer without a coupler.
Avoid DIY
Unless you are an expert, with lots of experience in welding and specifically couplers, it’s best to avoid the DIY approach.
You could, technically, fashion a homemade coupler. However, there is no guarantee of safety with that method.
You would need a sturdy bolt that is very reliable. You would also need specific and exact measurements for your bike and your trailer in order to attach them in a perfect way.
Bike Rack Attachment Method
This will require some strong attachment rope such as Tie Down Ratchet Strap and a good sense of safety.
Attach the threads to the trailer by knitting them around the bike rack. Make sure everything is safe and secure.
This is not as safe as a coupler, but it gets the job done.
It is not a recommended method for longer journeys, or if you’ve got children on board. As it is not 100% safety guaranteed.
Bike Trailer Hitch
There are products out there known as bike trailer hitches. We are going to use one specific example for the purposes of this article.
Bike trailer hitches do the same thing as couplers. They are not, however, as highly regarded for safety and functionality.
That’s not to say that they’ll let you down because they will certainly get the job done.
The bike hitch attaches the trailer to the bike in a towing style fashion.
You won’t have as much control as with a traditional coupler, but you will have a bike trailer attached to your bike.
So, Can It Be Done?
In short, yes. You can technically attach a bike trailer without a coupler.
However, it’s not generally recommended to do so.
There are so many safe advantages of using a recommended, manufacturer style coupler to attach your bike trailer to your bike. It is the easiest and most convenient method.
It is always important to consider the safety factors!
Safety Factors to Consider
Where You’re Riding
Where you’re riding can play a big part in the overall safety of a bike trailer.
For example, on a busy road v.s. A quiet one or a country trail v.s. A smooth track, can all play a factor in considering the different methods for attaching a bike trailer with or without a coupler.
What You’re Putting In Your Trailer
Of course, we all buy bike trailers for different purposes. So, what you’re putting in it ride by ride is also an essential factor to consider.
If it’s your shopping, there are much less serious consequences of a slightly unsecured bike trailer attachment.
However, if it is a child or a pet, that is a more serious situation. It’s always worth putting energy and time into the proper maintenance and management of your bike trailer and bike configuration.
Weight Of The Cargo
There is also going to be a lot more weight in the trailer if you are carrying around humans or animals than say a couple of bags of groceries.
Weight is an important factor in the safety of bike trailer attachment. It can really affect the overall capacity of the coupler, or non-coupler style attachment.
Bike Trailers As A Safe Way To Travel
In general, bike trailers, as a method of transportation for children, are considered a safer alternative to a seat on the main bike frame.
This is because they are lower to the ground, and have more autonomy over their own actions and movements.
They are also attached more securely to the bike frame and can wear a recommended seat belt for added safety.
Try out this high-quality Sports Deluxe Steel Child Trailer
Final Thoughts
There is no right or wrong answer to the question of how to attach a bike trailer without a coupler.
There’s no denying the fact that bike trailers are designed to be attached to the back of bikes with couplers in mind. Couplers are made for that specific purpose.
However, if you’re in a situation where you just don’t have access to one, and you’re not going to be able to get access to one, don’t fret.
There are certainly a couple of temporary solutions that you can explore.
Bike trailers can be attached without a coupler through a similar sturdy bolt type contraption, or heavy duty tow like ropes.