How do I upgrade from a Classic Hitch to a Steel Hitch?
For detailed information on switching from a Classic Hitch to the current axle-mounted Steel Hitch, please see the article linked below. Essentially, you’ll need the Steel Hitch and a Flex Connector Kit (round or square depending on your tow bar tubing). Please let us know if you have any further questions! Have fun out there!
Article: I have an older Burley with a Classic Hitch
Is the Steel Hitch compatible with my bike?
The Steel Hitch is our axle-mounted hitch system and is compatible with most bikes (including disc brakes, fat bikes, and e-bikes). Depending on your bike’s axle, an adapter may be necessary. Please refer to our Hitch Guide below to identify your axle and dropout style. Your local bike shop or manufacturer may also be able to provide axle specifications.
Hitch Guide: burley.com/pages/hitch-guide
Hitch Guide Video: YouTube Video
Steel Hitch: burley.com/collections/hitch-adapter/products/steel-hitch
How do I install a Steel Hitch on a bike with a thru axle?
To install the Steel Hitch safely on a bike with a rear thru axle, an adapted thru axle is needed. You’ll need three key measurements: diameter (12mm), axle length (base of head to end of threads), and thread pitch. Please see our Thru Axle Fit Guide for assistance (print to 100% scaling). We offer many thru axles for common industry sizes, but for specialty sizes, we recommend checking the Robert Axle Project.
Thru Axle Video: Thru Axle Instructions
How do I find the correct Coho XC Thru Axle for my bike?
To connect the Coho XC to a thru-axle bike, an adapted thru axle is required. Please use our Find Your Axle Tool on the Coho Thru Axles page. If your bike is not listed, you’ll need to measure the diameter, axle length, and thread pitch.
If your axle size isn’t supported, the Coho XC will not be compatible — consider one of our 2-wheel cargo trailers instead.
Video: Coho XC Hitching Video
Is the Coho XC compatible with Surly bikes?
Surly’s proprietary axle system is a bit tricky. We do not currently have a Surly-specific Coho axle adapter. Some riders have improvised solutions, but these have not been tested by Burley, so we cannot recommend them. Due to potential safety and performance issues, we do not suggest using the Coho XC with Surly thru axle bikes.
However, for 2-wheeled trailers using the Steel Hitch, there are compatible Robert Axle Project options for Surly bikes.
Surly Axles: robertaxleproject.com/12mm-thru-axles-for-surly-bikes
Nomad Trailer: burley.com/products/nomad
Can I use the Coho XC on a Brompton or other 20” wheel bike?
While the Coho XC could physically attach, we have not tested performance on 20” wheel bikes. Using it would reduce ground clearance and disable the trailer’s kickstand. For that reason, we don’t recommend the Coho XC with 20” wheels. Please consider our 2-wheeled cargo trailers as alternatives.
Cargo Trailers: burley.com/collections/bike-cargo-trailers
Can I use a Burley trailer with a tricycle?
Unfortunately, we do not have an approved hitch method for tricycles with two rear wheels. You are welcome to explore custom mounting options, but safety must be the priority. Burley trailers are compatible with recumbents and trikes that have a single rear wheel similar to standard bikes.
Hitch Guide: burley.com/pages/hitch-guide
Will a Burley work on my folding bike with 16" or 20” wheels?
Bikes with 16" wheels are not compatible with Burley trailers as the front of the trailer is too low to the ground and poses a safety issue. However, riders have used our 2-wheel kid and cargo trailers on bicycles with a 20” wheel in the past with success. The front of the trailer may ride a little lower than on a larger wheeled bicycle but should have clearance for standard roadways. It is important to be mindful of speed bumps, inclines, road debris etc. The Steel Hitch should be installed no less than 11” from the ground to the hitching point.
The Travoy cargo trailer is a popular option for folding bike users since it folds down to store in a tote bag (included). This is a great commuting option for those on the go that are conscious about their storage footprint. The hitch for the Travoy needs to be mounted between 28-34 inches above the ground.
For the Coho XC single-wheel trailer, we have not validated how the riding and handling characteristics would be impacted on a 16" or 20” wheel. Therefore, we do not recommend the Coho XC for use with a 16" or 20”-wheel bike as it will reduce the ground clearance of the trailer and would lose the functionality of the included trailer kickstand due to the low height. We hope one of our other cargo trailers will accommodate your needs.
Can I use my older trailer with a Classic Hitch on a bike with disc brakes?
The Classic Hitch attaches by clamping to the bike frame. Disc brake calipers get in the way of this connection, so a different hitching method is needed. Our Steel Hitch (included with all newer trailers) is our axle-mounted hitch system that is compatible with most bikes. To hitch your older trailer to a bike with disc brakes, you will need the Steel Hitch, part number 960116, and a Flex Connector. Flex Connectors are made for both round and square tow bars. If your tow bar has round tubing, the part number you need is 950037; if it is square tubing, the part number is 950038. Both the Steel Hitch and a Flex Connector are required to go from the Classic Hitch to the quick-release connection that the Steel Hitch offers. In some setups an adapter may be required to use the Steel Hitch. Check the Hitch Guide for more information on identifying if an adapter is necessary for your bike to accept the Steel Hitch.
Can I attach or tow my Burley trailer on the right side of my bike?
No. Burley trailers are designed to be towed exclusively on the left (non-drive) side of the bike.
This placement prevents interference with key drivetrain components such as the chain, derailleur, and cassette. Towing on the right side can create clearance issues and may compromise both safety and performance.
Burley cannot advise or recommend any modifications to the trailer or hitch system to allow right-side towing. All testing, safety certifications, and warranty coverage are based on standard left-side (non-drive-side) attachment only.
Can I tow with a carbon bike? Will it damage my carbon bike?
Since the hitch attaches to the axle and not the frame, we have received no reports of damage when it is installed correctly. This includes bikes with carbon frames. However, our recommendation is to contact the bike manufacturer first to ensure that towing a trailer can be recommended and that it will not void any warranty coverage for the bike.