Best Bike Trailer For Grocery Shopping?

[LauraL]

Hi!

We just made our very first grocery/errand run on our bikes (hooray!), but only had a backpack to carry our purchases. Can anyone suggest specific bike trailer models that would fit the bill for carrying cargo? Below are links to a few that I'm considering on Craigslist. Since we don't have kids, I'm wondering if there would be a way to modify them if necessary to create more space.

Thanks in advance!

https://philadelphia.craigslist.org/bab/6089850431.html
https://philadelphia.craigslist.org/bab/6095813719.html
https://philadelphia.craigslist.org/bab/6095154970.html
https://philadelphia.craigslist.org/bik/6092038211.html

[La Bibliotecaria Feroz]

I don't have any specific model advice. I hauled my kids AND groceries around in secondhand Burleys. If you can find one, it might be worth paying more because their customer service is so good. If you have a problem with your used trailer, they will promptly advise you.

As far as modification, at least with my Burleys the mesh seats were removable. But I liked to use them for more delicate groceries when I shopped alone. YMMV.

[Learner]

A nice feature to have is the quick release / attachment, if there is a front wheel.  That way you can detach the trailer and use it as a grocery cart.  Most low-end models lack this (hard connect to rear axle), but it's extremely common on mid-high end trailers.

That assumes you don't plan to otherwise modify it.  It worked great when my twins were young.

Less an issue if you're planning mods.  I'm currently on the lookout for an inexpensive trailer to modify as a mobile bike rack for 3x children's bikes, so we can bike out to a trail on the cargo bike and then dismount to ride solo.

[LauraL]

I don't have any specific model advice. I hauled my kids AND groceries around in secondhand Burleys. If you can find one, it might be worth paying more because their customer service is so good. If you have a problem with your used trailer, they will promptly advise you.

As far as modification, at least with my Burleys the mesh seats were removable. But I liked to use them for more delicate groceries when I shopped alone. YMMV.

Thanks for the advice so far! I found a Burley D'lite on Craigslist for $200. I know the sticker price on those is in the ballpark of $700. Anyone with experience have any comments on the one below? Looks to be in pretty good condition to me.

https://philadelphia.craigslist.org/bab/6093624404.html

[aetheldrea]

I don't have any specific model advice. I hauled my kids AND groceries around in secondhand Burleys. If you can find one, it might be worth paying more because their customer service is so good. If you have a problem with your used trailer, they will promptly advise you.

As far as modification, at least with my Burleys the mesh seats were removable. But I liked to use them for more delicate groceries when I shopped alone. YMMV.

Thanks for the advice so far! I found a Burley D'lite on Craigslist for $200. I know the sticker price on those is in the ballpark of $700. Anyone with experience have any comments on the one below? Looks to be in pretty good condition to me.

https://philadelphia.craigslist.org/bab/6093624404.html

The expensive new ones have a full suspension system, so it's completely different. The one you linked to looks pretty old fashioned to me, like >10 years. So probably way overpriced. The burley website has a page to tell you how old your rig is based on design features, so you might want to check that out. A really old trailer might be great for groceries, not so great for kids. Cheap off brand cargo trailers can had on Amazon for around $100, even the burley flatbed model cargo trailer is only $225 brand new, I think.