BOB trailer complete with flag

Parking

Parking a trailer can feel at first like you're backing up an 18-wheeler. While it does get easier with practice, you still always take up a ton of space. That can be a problem when two riders on tour attempt to park at least a part of both their bikes before a window when they're inside a cafe.

On the other hand, the bike and trailer can be jackknifed into standing by themselves. Try that with a saddlebagged bike!

Handling

The weight of the trailer does affect the bike's handling, both on-road and off. Some (not all!) riders complain of being pushed down hills, of the unweighting of the front wheel (especially on pavement) that can make high-speed turns more difficult, and of the small trailer tire getting caught in ruts or bouncing free and causing the entire trailer to dance along. Others say the weight actually helps them maintain control on rough off-road descents, like a wagon slowing down wild horses. And there's no question that the far lower profile offered by a trailer means you are buffeted much less by crosswinds than is a pannier-laden tourer.

Move on to Breakdowns and Access

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