Determine Your Primary Use
Picking the best trailer for your fat tire e-bike can be a daunting task, but it's one that will open up an amazing new level of utility and fun. This guide divides the selection process into five critical dimensions—so you can zero in on a trailer that’s tailored precisely for your e-bike, your life, and what you need to haul.
It is important to establish the primary use of your trailer, as this will determine what kind of basic design you need. The purpose for which you want to use it is the most important aspect, as this not only affects your wheel setup but also all other safety features. A trailer built to make a quick grocery run is designed in a very different way from one made specifically for an expedition into the backcountry. In order to choose the best answer, think about which of these categories you belong to.
Utility and Cargo Hauling:
When you want to haul groceries, make a trip to the hardware store, or bring your gear to the beach, a two-wheel trailer is hard to beat. They are very stable when stopped so you can load them easily. Key Features: Search for a low center of gravity model with high-volume cargo bays and some weight capacity.
Bikepacking and Touring:
A single-wheel trailer is best for long-distance adventures. Unlike a standard trolley, its slim design trails your e-bike nicely for much better maneuverability around singletrack and switchbacks. Look for lightweight materials such as aluminum, aerodynamic construction, and durability.
Traveling with Children or Pets:
Child and pet safety are not up for debate. These trailers should have a sturdy roll cage, an integrated weather cover, and be equipped with secure five-point harnesses for kids. For pets, you’ll want a sturdy base for stability, good ventilation, and an anchor point for a leash to keep them secure. Be sure to look for safety certifications such as ASTM standards.
The Right E-bike for Towing
A trailer is certainly only as good as the electric bike that’s pulling it, and towing takes a toll on your power and stamina. This is when you wish your e-bike were more than a luxury but now, in fact, a necessity. The ENGWE L20 3.0 Pro is definitely a very good-looking candidate for your trailer! Powered by a potent 250W Mivice mid-drive motor and producing an incredible 100Nm of torque. This monstrous torque is also the most important thing for towing, since it means you can pull out from a dead stop straight uphill like butter, regardless of whether or not your trailer is full of bricks. It also comes equipped with a huge 720Wh Samsung battery which will cover you for those longer rides, up to around 160km range per charge, so you don’t have to worry about running out of battery on the way back home. A full suspension absorbs vibrations and keeps you stable whether you’re carrying your wares in the generous bed or just your wobble-free pretzels. It is designed to withstand a max total load of 150kg (rider and cargo), and strong rear and sturdy front racks are already factory-installed. Featuring sheer muscle, long-lasting battery life, and a stronger build, the ENGWE L20 3.0 Pro is the ultimate option for hardcore e-bike trailer fanatics.
Ensuring Compatibility with Your Fat Tire E-bike
Now down to the X's and O's between the trailer and your exact fat tire e-bike. A disconnect here can render a trailer unusable or unsafe. The distinct geometry of fat bikes is the main obstacle, in particular, rear hub spacing, which requires 170mm or 197mm. Be sure to check the type of connection and clearance required.
Hitch System:
The axle-mount and seatpost-mount are the most popular. If you plan on hauling even moderate to heavy loads, don't skimp out here. You want at least an axle-mount hitch for the lower center of gravity and stability offered with that type of design. You are likely going to require a specific thru-axle adapter for the wider hub of your fat bike. Be sure to measure your bike’s axle length and thread before you buy an adapter.
Tire Clearance:
The larger your wide 4.0-inch or better tire, the more yoke or bend is needed in your trailer’s tow arm to clear it without rubbing during turns. Check with your bike manufacturer, model, and year to ensure proper fitting.
Brake Discussion:
Towing a loaded trailer weighs heavily on your tow vehicle's brakes, so it is time for upgraded brakes. Your e-bike’s braking should be up to standard and powerful. Hydraulic disc brakes with large rotors (180mm-plus) are necessary for controlling your speed and coming to a stop.
Once compatibility is verified, then you look at different designs and features. Specialized trailers are available, and knowing their fundamental differences is vital. An easy way to narrow down the categories is by comparing two of the main ones. After that, you’ll be able to see some of the more reputable models that are known to be good quality and work with fat bikes.
Trailer Types and Popular Models
| Feature | Single-Wheel Trailer | Two-Wheel Trailer |
|---|---|---|
| Agility | High (tracks bike's lean) | Low (tumbles in snappy corners) |
| Stability | Not so stable when standing still | Very stable when standing still, really solid feeling (due to the high weight of 2.5kg) |
| Best Terrain | Tight trails, rocky terrain | Paved roads, wide lanes |
| Capacity | Typically lower weight capacity | Typically higher weight capacity |
Here are a few of the popular best and top-rated trailers:
Burley Coho XC:
This is a premium 1-wheel trailer that’s popular with bikepackers. Its unique feature is the adjustable yoke that can be spaced to fit any hub width, making it particularly fat-bike friendly.
QuietKat Cargo Trailer:
This single-wheel trailer is constructed for rough outdoor use and is perfect when matched to hunting or off-road fat tire e-bikes. It provides exceptional ground clearance and rugged suspension.
Schwinn Day Tripper Cargo Trailer:
A budget choice for people interested in utility, this trailer from Schwinn has two wheels. It comes with a rather wide frame and foldable design, but you’ll need to check for an adapter if its standard axle coupler suits your e-bike.
Key Features to Consider
Lastly, let’s get into the nitty-gritty when it comes to cargo space, materials, and build quality. All three factors decide how long your trailer will last and if it is made to carry what you are carrying. Getting this right means you aren’t paying for things you don’t need, but where it counts, you're still getting a product that will last.
Weight vs. Volume Capacity:
Don’t get them mixed up. A trailer may have a high weight capacity (e.g., 100 lbs.) but a low cargo bay, rendering it appropriate for dense objects such as soil bags. Another might have a big bay but carry less weight, which would be great for bulky but light camping gear. Pro Tip: Take the weight of the heaviest load you think you’ll realistically ever carry, and get a trailer rated for 20 percent more—just to be extra safe.
Frame Materials:
Trailers usually have a steel or aluminum frame. Steel is tough and long-lasting—not to mention less costly—but it’s heavy and can corrode. Aluminum is very lightweight and non-corrosive, but more expensive. For off-road use, or if you need to lift your trailer a lot, the weight savings of aluminum is worth it.
Wheels and Tires:
Consider trailers that feature spoked wheels which take standard bicycle tire sizes. This greatly simplifies finding compatible replacement tubes and tires. Sealed bearing wheels are another indication of quality, since they will need less maintenance and can withstand dirt and water better.
Which brakes are best for towing a trailer with a fat tire e-bike?
With the additional weight of a trailer, stopping power is crucial. Hydraulic systems modulate better than mechanical ones for safe, controlled stops.
Will any trailer hitch attach to the fat tire bike rear axle?
No, absolutely not. That being said, you must make sure the hitch fits on your fat bike with its 170mm or 197mm hub. This is often accomplished by purchasing a brand- or bike-specific thru-axle adapter for towing.
What impact does a trailer have on the battery range of my e-bike?
You can expect to see your battery range significantly reduced–in some cases by as much as 30-50%, depending on the load weight and terrain. Always plan for shorter trips or bring an extra battery.
Choosing wisely will mean the new trailer will serve you well on many trips in the future.
