The Ultimate Guide: How to Attach a Bike Trailer to Any Bike [With Photos & Videos]

Hitches, Trailers, and Hardware... too easy!

Welcome to the world of bike trailers, where practicality meets fun! Whether you're new to cycling or have been at it for years, getting the hang of installing your bike hitch and understanding your gear is all part of owning a bike trailer, whether it's for the kids or cargo. Let’s break down how to connect your bike trailer to different axle and bike types – from quick-release to thru-axles, mountain bikes to e-bikes – so you can hit the road with confidence.

Axles and Dropouts Explained

Before you take off, there are a few key bits and bobs you should know about.

Standard Axle Styles

Quick-release axles: Super handy and widespread. Also known as QR, or sometimes a QR skewer. No tools required to install a hitch onto this axle – too easy!

 

Bolt-on axles: Tougher and locked in with nuts. You’ll need at least one spanner to remove the left-side axle nut. Usually, these axles are thicker (10-15mm in diameter). 

Thru axles: Strong, threaded into the frame, and becoming more popular with modern bike designs. They’re more durable than QR or bolt axles but not as hitch-friendly. You’ll need an adapter to use a bike trailer with a rear thru-axle.

Quick Tip: For Thru axles, you will need a specialized adapter. We highly recommend Robert Axle Project - they specialize in thru-axle replacements and adapters specifically for use with bicycle trailers. Check them out here.

Dropout Details

Standard dropouts: The typical flat area around the axle.

 

Hooded dropouts: Feature a metal hood and might need a spacer or washer for the perfect hitch fit.

Hot tip: Most bikes have standard dropouts, so hitching is usually straightforward. But for hooded dropouts, it’s a good idea to check with your bike manufacturer or local bike shop to find out what spacers you might need. Usually, a washer will do the trick, but it’s always worth checking!

The Hitching Process: Broken Down

Essential Tools (all included with your WIKE Trailer!):

• Tow bar/tow arm
• Tow bar bracket
• Bike trailer hitch/coupler
• Hitch/coupler pins
• Safety strap

Time to Get Hitched

Fitting your WIKE Bicycle Trailer Hitch onto a Quick-Release axle and flat dropout should take no more than five minutes, depending on your bike, axle type, and skill level.

How to Install Your Bike Hitch on a Quick-Release Axle

Tools Needed:

• Bike Hitch

1. Lift the quick-release lever and unscrew the nut.
   Heads up: Keep an eye on the springs around the skewer – they help keep everything tight, so don’t lose them!
2. Thread the skewer through the hitch/coupler.
   Ensure the hitch flanges face away from the bike and point towards the rear.
3. Get the alignment right and tighten it up.
   After attaching the trailer, make sure it’s level and the hitch is nice and snug but can still move a little for adjustments. You’re good to go once everything’s in place and stable.

 

How to install your bike hitch on to a Quick-Release Axle

Tools Required:

• Bike Hitch

1. Lift the quick-release lever and unscrew the nut

 

(Note: if you've never gotten up close and personal with a QR axle, or are just beginning to learn about bicycle parts, you will notice springs on either side of the skewer - you don't want to lose these, just ensure they stay on the axle (they're important for your bike, to maintain spacing + tension). 

2. Thread the Skewer Through the Hitch/Coupler

Your WIKE bike hitch is designed with a 12mm hole with some notches around it. This is the hole you will insert the axle skewer onto, and the notches help to grab onto the dropout to ensure the hitch doesn't slip while you're using the trailer. Ensure the hitch flanges are facing away from the bike, and pointed towards the rear, like this:

 

3. Ensure alignment and a snug fit.

Once you've put the hitch on the skewer, re-attach the bolt and tighten only enough so that the hitch isn't swinging around the skewer, but enough that the hitch can still be moved. This will allow you to easier adjust where the hitch sits, and you can ensure that your trailer will ride level. 

Test out the position + tightness of the hitch with your trailer attached before cycling with it - attach your trailer to the newly installed hitch by inserting the red trailer hitch into the bike hitch, attach with the tablock pin, and see what adjustments need to be made.

Your hitch should not move or swivel when the trailer is attached. The trailer should ride as level as possible on bike wheels sized 20" - 29"/700cc. Tall bikes will require a little more attention to the angle of the hitch to ensure optimal pulling. 

How to Install Your Bike Hitch on a Bolt Axle

Tools Needed:

• A spanner (sized for your axle)
• Bike hitch

1. Use your spanner to remove the right-side nut from your bike’s axle.

Tighten the nut back up and make any final adjustments to ensure a secure fit.

2. Slide the hitch onto the axle, making sure it fits flush.

3. Ensure alignment and a snug fit

 

How to Install Your Bike Hitch on a Thru-Axle

Note: You’ll need an adapter for thru-axles – we recommend checking out the Robert Axle Project.

1. Prep your bike and compare the new thru-axle to your old one to ensure the fit is spot on.
2. Install the thru-axle with a bit of grease, then snug it up with a torque wrench to about 12 Nm.
3. Attach the hitch and secure it with the provided tools. Make sure your trailer rides level before heading out.

Safety First: Tips for a Secure Hitch & Safe Trailer Adventures

• Tip 1: Always check your hitch before every ride.
• Tip 2: Replace your hitch every four years for peace of mind.
• Tip 3: Always use the secondary safety strap – loop it around the bike frame for added security.

In the event of a hitch failure, the safety strap's job is to keep the trailer attached to your bike long enough to safely come to a stop. This may cause the towbar to bust a few spokes, but this is far more ideal than a trailer with children detaching and veering off into traffic. A bike spoke is nothing in comparison to keeping your precious cargo safe, comfortable, and secure. 

Troubleshooting Your Bike Hitch Installation

If you’re hitting any snags, no worries! Let’s tackle some common issues:

• Quick-release axle: Make sure your skewer is long enough to handle the extra thickness of the hitch.
• Bolt-on axle: Ensure you’ve got enough axle length for a secure fit.
• Thru-axle: Double-check your thread pitch, axle length, and hitch hole diameter.
• Dropouts: Hooded dropouts may need extra clearance, so consult your bike manufacturer if needed.

Still Not Sure? WIKE’s Got Your Back!

These instructions should sort most trailers out, but if you’re running into any issues with your WIKE trailer, give us a bell or flick us an email – we’re here to help!