π΄ Burley Travoy Trailer Review: The Compact Companion For Every (S)Mile Of Your Trike Tour π΄
π± Ever wished for a bicycle trailer that just worksβbeautifully designed, compact, rugged, and versatile? One that folds, unfolds, and adapts to your life on three wheels without fuss? The Burley Travoy trailer has been my go-to companion since 2012, and it still performs like a charm.
Whether youβre commuting across cobblestones in Ghent or hauling groceries uphill, this trailer turns every task into a smooth ride. In this post, Iβll share my long-term experience with the Burley Travoy, its evolution, and how it perfectly complements recumbent trike touring. If youβre looking for a trailer that wonβt hold you backβthis might just be it.
β The Story Behind My Travoy
Back in 2012, just after buying my first recumbent trike, the legendary WAW150 velomobile, I dove deep into the rabbit hole of bicycle trailers. I wasnβt looking for just any gear haulerβI wanted something modular, smart, and urban-proof.
From all the models I came across, the Burley Travoy caught my attention instantly. It was different. Sleek. Thoughtful. Clever. I could feel itβeven from the pictures. The design was clearly not rushed. Every line, every fold, every strap felt like it came from someone who used their own product. That mattered to me.
And guess what? Over a decade later, itβs still with me. Still working. Still folding. Still rolling.
π§ Why the Burley Travoy Stands Out
The Burley Travoy isnβt just a trailerβitβs a modular transport system. Hereβs what makes it so unique:
πͺ Ultra-compact folding mechanism
Fold it down in seconds. Slide it under a table. Stash it behind a door. If space is tightβlike in my tiny flat in Ghentβthis feature is priceless.
π Quick-release system
Click it on or off your bike or trike in one smooth motion. No tools. No stress. Just clickβand roll.
π’ Vertical rolling position
Unlike traditional trailers, the Travoy stands up vertically when detached, like a travel trolley. You can literally roll it into the supermarket or up an elevator.
π Custom bag options
From shopping bags to waterproof panniers, Burley offers a line of accessories that clip onto the trailer like a dream.
π‘οΈ Built-in reflectors & visibility
Safety is built-in, not optional. The frame itself enhances visibility, and itβs easy to mount extra lights or reflectors.
πͺ Lightweight but tough
The aluminum frame and rugged wheels strike a rare balance between lightweight agility and everyday durability.
π‘ How I Use the Burley Travoy Today
Pretty much from the beginning, Iβve used the Burley Travoy both as a pedestrian and as a cyclist on my recumbent. Whether Iβm doing my daily shopping, hauling groceries, picking up parcels from the post office, or transporting boxes of 6, 12, or even 24 bottles, the Travoy has never let me down. Iβve even carried my MQ40A portable thermoelectric AC/DC travel coolbox full of food on itβwithout wobble, without worry.
What I especially appreciate is how easily I can fold it down. I live in a very small space in the historic heart of Ghent, and every centimeter matters. With the wheels off, the Travoy becomes incredibly compactβsmall enough to tuck away under a bed or behind a door.
And when I travel, that compactness becomes an even bigger asset. Folded down, this trailer is small enough to take on FlixBus trips or even on plane flights. Itβs not just a trailerβitβs a modular travel companion that adapts to wherever life (and your trike) takes you.
πΌ The Travoy as an Urban Pack Mule
One of the most brilliant things about the Travoy is how it transitions from trailer to trolley. You can:
π Take it inside stores and stack groceries
π’ Use it to bring office supplies or tech gear to coworking spaces
π Wheel it straight onto trains or trams
πΌ Even use it during lightweight camping trips as a gear hauler
Itβs the kind of trailer you donβt need to park outside. It goes where you go, like a loyal travel companion.
π§ Important Considerations Before Buying
There are a few things to keep in mind before you hit the Buy Now button:
β οΈ Weight Limit:
The official capacity is around 27 kg (60 lbs). For most urban or light touring needs, thatβs more than enough. But if youβre planning to haul bricks or firewood, this may not be your trailer.
β οΈ Single-wheel chassis:
This is a two-wheel trailer, but with a single pivot pointβit stays upright on its own, but isnβt designed for rough gravel or forest trails. Itβs perfect for urban touring, trike camping, or errands on paved roads.
β οΈ Frame height:
On recumbent trikes, especially those with low seats like mine, youβll want to ensure your trailer hitch aligns properly. Some minor adjustments might be needed to get the best angle and clearance.
π Tips for Trike Trotters: Make the Most of Your Travoy
π§ Mount it securely
If youβre using a trike like the ICE Sprint X, make sure the hitch connects to a rigid and reinforced part of the frame. I had mine mounted by the brilliant Ben from Fietser.be, who added a custom adapter.
πΌ Balance your load
Distribute the weight evenly between upper and lower bags to prevent tipping or strain on the frame.
π Lubricate the wheel axles
Just a dab of oil every few months keeps the wheels rolling like new.
π§οΈ Use a rain cover
While the bags are water-resistant, I use an additional dry bag liner for electronic gearβespecially in Belgiumβs moody weather.
π² Component Highlights to Watch Out For
πͺ Ball-bearing wheels β Smooth rolling with minimal effort
π§Ή Tool-free folding frame β Compact and intuitive
βοΈ Detachable hitch arm β Secure but quick to release
π Integrated locking loop β Lock it to your trike for peace of mind
πΌ Compatible accessories β Match it with cargo bags, rain covers, or even a laptop insert
β Frequently Asked Questions
β Is the Burley Travoy compatible with recumbent trikes?
Yes, but you might need a custom mount or hitch adapter, depending on your trikeβs rear triangle. On my ICE Sprint X, it works flawlessly with the right setup.
β How much does the Travoy trailer weigh?
It weighs just under 5 kg (around 11 lbs), making it one of the lightest full-capacity cargo trailers on the market.
β Can I use it for touring?
Absolutelyβfor lightweight or minimalist touring, itβs a fantastic option. For heavy expedition gear, consider pairing it with a second trailer or choosing a more robust model.
ποΈ Long-Term Strategies for Trike Nomads
Investing in long-lasting gear like the Burley Travoy aligns with sustainable, minimalist travel. Instead of cheap, short-lived options, youβre building a gear base that evolves with your journey.
By adding modular components like bags or rain covers, you can adapt your setup without replacing the trailer itselfβmaking it an excellent choice for (s)miles of touring, urban adventures, and spontaneous camping trips.
ποΈ Final Thoughts
If I had to describe the Burley Travoy in one phrase, it would be: thoughtful freedom on wheels. It doesnβt just carry your stuffβit supports your lifestyle. From urban commutes to trike tours across Belgium, this trailer has rolled beside me every step (and (s)mile) of the way.
Looking for a reliable, lightweight, and brilliantly designed trailer?
π Check out the Burley Travoy on Amazon and give your trike the companion it deserves.
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