Camping trailer for bike
Your own 4 walls always with you: Not without my independence!
For some, it may be difficult to imagine a cyclist pulling an entire camping trailer behind him, especially if the tow horse is not an e-bike but a conventional bike.
But some inventors have long since found a good solution and put it on the market. Let’s take a closer look at their practical light and heavyweights.
Some of the camping models differ considerably from each other, but they are all practical. Even a Google search brings up some attractive models and we find a wide range of products – at least as far as the well-known cargo trailers are concerned. That’s a pleasure. So we can be sure to find something suitable for almost every taste and purpose.
The idea of being completely independent on the road, without time on your hands or the thought of reaching the next accommodation on time, relaxes the camping cyclist as soon as they set off. To unfold the advantages of his practical companion in the midst of greenery and to sit in the solitude of the sunset in front of his tent or mini caravan … this idea seems exceedingly tempting.
First of all, we distinguish between bike camping caravans and the typical cargo trailers, which you can fill individually with anything useful, for example with a raised sleeping tent, cooking equipment and other refinements. Just take a look at our advisor on cargo trailers and, if necessary, also click on our “outdoor rider” to equip yourself perfectly for your camping pleasure.
We concentrate on the practical helpers, which can be bought for between 300 and 7500 euros. The true craftsmen among us may invent their own special trailer. You can find some great ideas on the internet. And if you already want to plan your camping route, the website Camping.info will certainly help you. After all, you can’t pitch your tent everywhere … and you can’t expect a beautiful view everywhere. The choice of your route is therefore at least as important as your basic equipment.
Wide Path Camper: The spacious flap solution
If you’re looking for a good solution, you can’t go past the Wide Path Camper. The advantages of this fold-out camper are too tempting. However, we recommend an e-bike as a towing horse here, as the weight over 45 kilograms can double on long journeys, at least in terms of feeling, if you want to pull this practical trailer for kilometres under your own muscle power. And it doesn’t stop at the 45 kilos, after all, you still need your individual equipment … so it adds up.
The key data:
- It can accommodate two people with a lying area of 200x97cm.
- The trailer offers a folding bed, two benches with a table and a storage space of 300 litres.
- The practical folding construction is 260 cm long when erected and 130 cm long when folded.
- Additional equipment can be purchased. These include, for example, a cooking area, a solar package including batteries, LED lighting, a solar panel and USB ports.
Mody-Plast: The light luxury version
Mody-Plast now also offers models that are very well equipped. After extensive research, we can nevertheless claim that there is still a lot of room for improvement when it comes to bicycle caravans – at least as far as the variety of offers is concerned.
Presumably, larger models scare off most cyclists as well as potential manufacturers; after all, a bulky trailer not only limits mobility, but also the choice of routes. People are more content with lighter and more manoeuvrable trailers that simply offer storage space for all the camping equipment.
But now for the luxury version:
The outdoor version of Mody comes similar to a Croozer cargo trailer and even offers space for sleeping. The interior is not big enough for more.
Moby has lashing eyes for strapping on additional equipment and already weighs 50 kilograms without additional load. A maximum of 50 kilograms may be packed in addition. So if you’re hauling up to 100 kilos through the pampas, you won’t get far without motor support, unless you have calves like Jean Claude van Damme … so an e-bike is indispensable. Even with a Mody model you are well advised to adapt your choice of route to your bike, because narrow trails cannot be mastered with this.
CreaCon Scout: The somewhat heavier luxury option
The CreaCon Scout is also worth a look. With dimensions of 225x123x150 centimetres and weighing just under 50 kilograms, it comes across as relatively bulky and somewhat angular. Disc brakes from Shimano and an overrun brake should provide the necessary safety. The manufacturer offers models made of carbon or cheaper GRP, which can cost up to 7500 euros. We have been able to find considerably cheaper but still adequate models from other manufacturers. But some of us prefer the luxury version and opt for insulated walls, for example.
The manufacturer offers all kinds of accessories for all-round camping pleasure, without the nature lover having to do without electricity. However, the prices may be a little off-putting. We recommend the CreaCon Scout trailers to all those who want to tackle a new camping experience at every good opportunity and who own e-bikes. We were actually very enthusiastic about the features of the trailer, as it is extremely practical to set up and its height is also something to behold once it has been fully assembled. Amenities and a touch of luxury in the midst of lush nature beckon.
In addition, a number of upgrades can be selected to further expand the comfort zone. Worth mentioning is the awning and an awning extension, as well as a solar system, a folding table, a camp bed and a luggage railing. At this price, it must be guaranteed that not a single screw is loose and that the best quality has been used.
What else is there?
“Ihre Holzmanufaktur” apparently also offers a model similar to the White Path Camper. However, it is difficult to find relevant information on the website. It looks a bit as if they are just starting to implement their own and quite promising idea. The website currently presents just one model of camping trailer. There is no information on price or weight, but without this information we can hardly make any comparisons … Let’s just wait and see what else happens at the Holzmanufaktur
Options for craftsmen
We also discovered the grass-green KreAir and Kreher Imperial models, which differ from each other as follows:
The two models weigh 26 and 45 kilograms respectively. The lighter model lacks a brake, the other is equipped with an overrun brake, and the latter scores with a gas heater, while the other comes with an electric blanket. Both are practical, and to find out the price, you have to contact Rene Kreher directly, because these camping caravans are self-built. We even suspect that you can only get assembly instructions from Rene via PDF, after all, we did not find anything in our search for purchasable models.
Mr. Kreher’s series of variants is joined by the concept of the so-called Foldavan. You can buy the construction plan for the foldable caravan trailer for 40 euros. Unfortunately, we have not yet been able to find out anything about the actual construction costs. At least we know that you should use an e-bike for this model because it weighs about 30 kilograms, after all, you still need your own equipment.
The gentleman among camping caravans
This is how its inventor describes the “Gentletent B-Turtle”
The special thing about it is its construction. This bicycle caravan or the actual shelter can simply be inflated at the destination!
As a transport and caravan trailer in lightweight aluminium with an inflatable tent construction, it weighs just 30 kilograms. At night, it can accommodate two people, who can also enjoy a small awning. With the air deflated and ready to go, you can pull a 70 cm wide and 100 cm long vehicle behind you. We recommend an e-bike for this model as well. By the way, you’ll have to shell out a measly 300 euros for it. The Gentletent is also our price-performance winner.
The rental version
If you like to be economical and don’t want to go on camping trips by bike too often, you can use the bicycle caravan by Dutchman Rudi Zwier, who offers the Bicycle Caravan – a wooden version.
His model offers space for sleeping, sitting upright and even cooking. There is also space for luggage. You can enjoy the advantages of this well thought-out 40-kilo buddy – that’s how much it weighs without a mattress – for 90 euros a week.
All in all, after extensive research, we stick to our opinion: we would like to have more choice in terms of small and large caravan variants, but there are already some nice models. The following questions are decisive for the purchase decision: Do I own an e-bike or do I want to use it as a towing horse or do I prefer to stay with the lightweights, i.e. cargo trailers that I can fill myself and pull from A to B with a conventional bike. Once these basic questions have been answered, you will have more or less choice. Ultimately, the weight of your wallet will also be decisive.
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