How To Attach Bike Trailer Without Coupler [Step By Step]

There can be many reasons why you would want to attach a trailer to your bike. It’s way more convenient to carry heavy items with you instead of carrying them in the bike basket. You even can attach a stroller to carry your little kid with you while you pedal through your way.

Attaching a trailer becomes pretty easy if you can use a coupler. The coupler works as a secured link between the wheel and the trailer, and you can simply lock and unlock it using a pin. But what if you don’t have a coupler?

Luckily, there are a few ways you can attach a bike trailer without a coupler. You can use the bolt-on hub system, seat post mount method, or chainstay mount frame method.

In this piece, we are going to show you exactly how to attach bike trailer without coupler.

What Type Of Trailer Can You Attach?

Using these simple methods that we are going to demonstrate, you can attach some of the most common trailers that we can find.

• Children’s bike trailer
• Cargo bike trailer
• Bike trailer for dogs

Things You Need to Check Before Attaching A Bike Trailer to Your Bike

Before you attach a bike trailer to your bike, you need to identify:

1. The type of back wheel axle you have
2. If your bike has a hooded dropout

How to identify the Type of Rear Wheel Axle You Have

Generally, there are three types of rear-wheel axles that you can find.

1. Quick-release axles – These are clamped by a lever on one of the two ends. You can also find a skewer that channels through the hollow area of the axle and secures it to the frame.
2. Bolt-on axles – These axles are solid from both ends and secured by strong nuts.
3. Thru axles – These thick axles pass through the wheel hub and create a thread into the frame.

How To Attach Bike Trailer Without Coupler

So, here are the methods that you can use to attach a trailer without a coupler. Pick the one that best suits your bike.

Method 1 – Bolt on Hub System

The first and most common method to attach a trailer without a coupler is the bolt-on hub method. All you need is a bolt-on hub made of steel. Once you get one, you can start the process right away.

Step 1: You need to take off the axle nut and the washer located on the left part of the cycle.

Step 2: Place the steel hitch onto the rear axle and replace the washers to get a better grip. You can then adjust both the alignment and grip of the steel hitch by using the supplied tools.

Step 3: Take the two bolts out of the lower cross member and put them into their respective holes on the frame rail. Then, insert the pin through both the front and back bolt holes and lock the hitch onto the pins. Make sure everything is aligned correctly before tightening the nuts on the top and bottom rails.

Step 4: Once you’ve made sure that the hitch and tow bars are securely attached, you can then attach the trailer to your bicycle.

Step 5: Attach the tow bar to the bicycle trailer by clipping the tow bar through the holes in the rear axle.

That’s it! You’re done!

Method 2 – Mount on the Seat Post Method

The second method is the mount on the seat post system. For this method, you need to get a particular hitch made for the trailer. The hitch can be attached to the trailer that will ultimately be attached to the seat post.

However, this may cause a bit of waggle in the trailer while you are riding fast. Apart from that, this is a great system you can try out.

Method 3 – Chainstay Mount Frame System

Another easy process to attach a bike trailer without a coupler is to use mounting kits. It’s best if the mounting kits have tubes and hitches. The process is as follows.

• Step 1: Examine the hitch and find the V-shaped part of it. Now, align it on the chainstay frame of the bike. There should be a pretty big knob on the hitch. You need to turn the knob clockwise to tighten it.
• Step 2: Now, at the rear end of the kit, you will find a tube that comes with a couple of holes. You need to channel the trailer’s end into one hole and attach the bicycle to the remaining hole.
• Step 3: Once you are done attaching these parts, you can also attach a secure strap with the trailer and the frame of the cycle for added security.

Method 4 – DIY Method

In case you don’t want to spend a lot on buying kits and tools, you can also go for a DIY method that may save you a few bucks. However, it will claim a good amount of time from you. If you are up for it, then you can pile up the following tools.

• • A swivel caster set
  • Cross bracket
  • Self-locking nut

• Step 1: First of all, you need to remove the axle bolt from the caster. Then remove the wheel from there, as well.
• Step 2: Now, you have to make a hole in the cross bracket so that the caster easily fits in it.
• Step 3: After that, you need to lock the caster with the bracket using a self-locking nut.
• Step 4: Now that the device is ready, you need to attach the hitch to the seat post of your bike. Consider tightening the bracket bolt for this. After that, using a secured pin, you can easily join the bike to a trailer.

Read Also: How To Change A Bike Chain Without A Chain Tool?

Final Words

As you can see, it’s not the end of the world if you don’t have a coupler on your side and need to attach a trailer to your bike. If you know how to pick and apply alternatives, you will find it pretty easy to get things done really quickly. However, make sure that whatever method you are using, you are ensuring proper security. Double-check all the nuts and bolts if tightened properly.

Happy riding!