Reviewed by: Amelia
Price (MSRP): $229
Best Use: Multi-use
Where to Buy: Burley Site
Testing Location: Yellowstone National Park and Surrounding Areas
Testing Environment: All conditions
I wasn’t really sure how often we would use a cargo trailer around here, but it turns out that we use it on a daily basis. The Burley Flatbed Cargo has become invaluable in our “fleet” of trailers. The funny thing is that we put a hitch on J’s (age 5) bike and he has claimed it as his “job” for 95% of the use.
It is incredibly lightweight, simple and pulls excellent – well enough for our kindergartener to have made it “his”. He manages to pull 60+ pounds of gear on the trailer (on flat, paved roads).
The Flatbed trailer weighs only 14.5 pounds itself and is able to hold loads up to 100 pounds (though we would venture to guess it could actually hold much more than that.) The wheels are easily removed and the sides fold down to allow for easy transportation. Full breakdown or set up is done in just a couple of minutes.
The trailer doesn’t have a back or a front to it (only the sides), which originally we thought may be a downside. However, we love that it allows the flexibility of hauling items that are longer than the trailer. We find we are usually using a net bungee cord to keep things down and in (especially in the wind.) Burley does sell tie-down straps, but really any strap/bungee will do.
The trailer can also be used with the sides down if needed (in our case, to put a large kennel on top with straps.) Again, not the intended use, but it works!
Just some of the possible uses:
– Taking out recycling and trash
– Transporting food and coolers
– Grocery shopping
– Hauling dogs (in a kennel) <– not their recommendation, but it worked awesome for us!
– Hauling boats
– Bike Packing (Backpacking but on bikes)
What we love:
– Super light weight and easy to haul, even if you are riding on 16″ wheels (and are 5 years old)
– The openness of it allows much more flexibility when we are hauling non-traditinoal loads that do not fit well in our other trailers (like large boxes, boats, trash, etc.)
– The surface is cleaned easily (just by hosing down)
– It folds down small for easy storage both in the car on the way to a trip or garage, etc. <– huge for those of us with very limited space
– It is super strong, built well and is sure to last us years and years of use
What we aren’t so crazy about:
– While it hasn’t really been an issue for us, it would be nice if there were an option for removable front and back panels. I assume Burley is doing their best to cut down on cost and weight, but there are times when it would be handy.
– I wish they made it in a second size that was just a bit wider or had the options for higher side walls – again, something that hasn’t been an issue for us, but we could see how it would be desirable.
This is a trailer that we will be using long after our kids have outgrown the kid-carrier trailers. It is multi-functional and so easy to use, store and transfer from bike (and rider) to bike.
The Bottom Line:
If you regularly ride your bike (commuting, long rides OR just riding around your town/neighborhood), we have found that this one is invaluable. It is lightweight, strong and has allowed us to easily transport the larger items that most people turn to their cars to haul. We love that it keeps us on our bikes (both to stay green and active) and cuts down on commuting costs.
It is NOT a kid hauler (even if we may have had to give a couple kid rides) because of the lack of safety straps, but can haul just about anything else you would want behind your bike.
Two thumbs way up from us!
Burley generously provided us this gear in order to facilitate this review. However, as always, the opinions expressed here are completely and honestly our own.
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