How to Connect a Baby Trailer Hitch to a Bike

Child bike trailers are popular with bike-loving parents and small children alike. Bike trailers are considered more stable and safe than traditional child bike seats. The bike trailer canopy helps provide protection against the elements, while the wide seat supplies a comfortable perch from which to view the world. A child bike trailer includes a hitch, which typically attaches to the rear triangle, called the "chain stay", of the bicycle frame. A tab washer and coupler plate are included with the bike trailer for purposes of attachment.

Things You'll Need

  • Adjustable wrench (as needed)
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Instructions

    • 1

      Remove the left side rear axle nut from the bicycle. Square axle nuts will require an adjustable wrench. Axles with quick-release skewers are designed so that the nut can be removed by hand. Quick-release skewers pass through the axle of the wheel.

    • 2

      Fit the included tab washer over the exposed axle tip so that it is flush against the side of the bicycle frame.

    • 3

      Slide the included coupler plate over the exposed axle tip. The backside of the coupler and the front of the tab washer are designed to mate with one another.

    • 4

      Reinstall the axle nut onto the tip of the axle. Tighten the nut against the side of the coupler plate, using the adjustable wrench. Quick-release axle nuts can be tightened by hand.

    • 5

      Insert the child bike trailer hitch into the large hole at the bottom of the coupler plate. Insert the hitch pin through coupler plate and hitch.

    • 6

      Pass the safety strap, near the end of the hitch, around the bicycle frame rear triangle. Secure the strap to the metal "D" ring on the hitch.