🚴 Burley Travoy Trailer Review: The Compact Companion For Every (S)Mile Of Your Trike Tour 🚴

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🌱 Ever wished for a bicycle trailer that just worksβ€”beautifully 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 you’re commuting across cobblestones in Ghent or hauling groceries uphill, this trailer turns every task into a smooth ride. In this post, I’ll share my long-term experience with the Burley Travoy, its evolution, and how it perfectly complements recumbent trike touring. If you’re looking for a trailer that won’t hold you backβ€”this might just be it.


βœ… 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 wasn’t looking for just any gear haulerβ€”I 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 itβ€”even 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, it’s still with me. Still working. Still folding. Still rolling.


πŸ”§ Why the Burley Travoy Stands Out

The Burley Travoy isn’t just a trailerβ€”it’s a modular transport system. Here’s what makes it so unique:

πŸ’ͺ Ultra-compact folding mechanism
Fold it down in seconds. Slide it under a table. Stash it behind a door. If space is tightβ€”like in my tiny flat in Ghentβ€”this feature is priceless.

πŸ” Quick-release system
Click it on or off your bike or trike in one smooth motion. No tools. No stress. Just clickβ€”and roll.

🏒 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.

🚚 Custom bag options
From shopping bags to waterproof panniers, Burley offers a line of accessories that clip onto the trailer like a dream.

πŸ›‘οΈ Built-in reflectors & visibility
Safety is built-in, not optional. The frame itself enhances visibility, and it’s easy to mount extra lights or reflectors.

πŸ’ͺ Lightweight but tough
The aluminum frame and rugged wheels strike a rare balance between lightweight agility and everyday durability.


πŸ’‘ How I Use the Burley Travoy Today

Pretty much from the beginning, I’ve used the Burley Travoy both as a pedestrian and as a cyclist on my recumbent. Whether I’m 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. I’ve even carried my MQ40A portable thermoelectric AC/DC travel coolbox full of food on itβ€”without 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 compactβ€”small 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. It’s not just a trailerβ€”it’s a modular travel companion that adapts to wherever life (and your trike) takes you.


πŸ’Ό 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:

🍭 Take it inside stores and stack groceries
🏒 Use it to bring office supplies or tech gear to coworking spaces
πŸš† Wheel it straight onto trains or trams
πŸ—Ό Even use it during lightweight camping trips as a gear hauler

It’s the kind of trailer you don’t need to park outside. It goes where you go, like a loyal travel companion.


🧠 Important Considerations Before Buying

There are a few things to keep in mind before you hit the Buy Now button:

⚠️ Weight Limit:
The official capacity is around 27 kg (60 lbs). For most urban or light touring needs, that’s more than enough. But if you’re planning to haul bricks or firewood, this may not be your trailer.

⚠️ Single-wheel chassis:
This is a two-wheel trailer, but with a single pivot pointβ€”it stays upright on its own, but isn’t designed for rough gravel or forest trails. It’s perfect for urban touring, trike camping, or errands on paved roads.

⚠️ Frame height:
On recumbent trikes, especially those with low seats like mine, you’ll want to ensure your trailer hitch aligns properly. Some minor adjustments might be needed to get the best angle and clearance.


πŸ“‚ Tips for Trike Trotters: Make the Most of Your Travoy

πŸ”§ Mount it securely
If you’re 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.

πŸ’Ό Balance your load
Distribute the weight evenly between upper and lower bags to prevent tipping or strain on the frame.

πŸ’„ Lubricate the wheel axles
Just a dab of oil every few months keeps the wheels rolling like new.

🌧️ Use a rain cover
While the bags are water-resistant, I use an additional dry bag liner for electronic gearβ€”especially in Belgium’s moody weather.


🚲 Component Highlights to Watch Out For

πŸ’ͺ Ball-bearing wheels – Smooth rolling with minimal effort
🧹 Tool-free folding frame – Compact and intuitive
βš™οΈ Detachable hitch arm – Secure but quick to release
πŸ” Integrated locking loop – Lock it to your trike for peace of mind
πŸ’Ό Compatible accessories – Match it with cargo bags, rain covers, or even a laptop insert


❓ Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Is the Burley Travoy compatible with recumbent trikes?
Yes, but you might need a custom mount or hitch adapter, depending on your trike’s rear triangle. On my ICE Sprint X, it works flawlessly with the right setup.

❓ 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.

❓ Can I use it for touring?
Absolutelyβ€”for lightweight or minimalist touring, it’s a fantastic option. For heavy expedition gear, consider pairing it with a second trailer or choosing a more robust model.


πŸ—“οΈ 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, you’re 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 itselfβ€”making it an excellent choice for (s)miles of touring, urban adventures, and spontaneous camping trips.


🏎️ Final Thoughts

If I had to describe the Burley Travoy in one phrase, it would be: thoughtful freedom on wheels. It doesn’t just carry your stuffβ€”it 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?
πŸ‘‰ Check out the Burley Travoy on Amazon and give your trike the companion it deserves.

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