eBikepacking range with trailer vs on-board packs

[GypsyTreker]

So I really want to give bikebacking a go. These would be max 3 day 90 mi affairs or 2 @ 60mi. I have two 36v 13ah batteries for my Fat tire. I am looking at a B.O.B. style trailer( Coho) and wondering what range I can expect. These trips would be primary on the rails2trails system and a kinda fun thing my wife and I can plan and do. We are Ok with the camping aspect after doing countless nights under the stars over close to 30 years together. The pros and cons on a trailer is my inquiry at the moment.

 

[Art Deco]

So I really want to give bikebacking a go. These would be max 3 day 90 mi affairs or 2 @ 60mi. I have two 36v 13ah batteries for my Fat tire. I am looking at a B.O.B. style trailer( Coho) and wondering what range I can expect. These trips would be primary on the rails2trails system and a kinda fun thing my wife and I can plan and do. We are Ok with the camping aspect after doing countless nights under the stars over close to 30 years together. The pros and cons on a trailer is my inquiry at the moment.

So I think you know this ... but there is a subforum that is more camping oriented https://electricbikereview.com/foru...g-range-with-trailer-vs-on-board-packs.36305/

 

[Sierratim]

My wife and I were planning a bikepacking tour until the 'pest' hit. I also considered the trailer vs packs issue. We elected to go with the bike mounted packs. Some of our reasoning was;

I had towed an axle attached trailer with our first DIY ebikes. They take a bit of getting used to for handling including balance and braking.

We had sets of bags that fit our ebikes; 22L Ortlieb panniers and waterproof 8L rack top bags. By adding handlebar and frame bags we got up to 66L of capacity at a lot less $ than quality trailers.

Don't need to carry spare tubes for the trailers.

Don't need to store and maintain more gear.

Just our thoughts. YRMV.

 

[J.R.]

I always wanted to try a BOB trailer. I ride a lot of rail trails and canal towpaths and after a few longer tours that have involved carrying the bike through downed trees from storms or up/down stairs I began to wonder. Then a couple years ago we encountered an iron spiral staircase to a pedestrian bridge across a river, it had to be crossed. I began to think trailers are probably best for road touring. Not that these obstacles couldn't have been figured out with the trailer. A couple of sets of panniers, a trunk bag, etc. are working so far. Should you try a trailer I'll be looking to learn something.

 

[Mr. Coffee]

I'd say that the two battery packs are right at the edge of practical for a 90 mile trip and probably fine for a 60 mile trip. Weather (not too cold and not too warm) and surface conditions are going to matter a lot more than pulling a trailer, unless you are bringing a whole house with you.

 

[GypsyTreker]

I always wanted to try a BOB trailer. I ride a lot of rail trails and canal towpaths and after a few longer tours that have involved carrying the bike through downed trees from storms or up/down stairs I began to wonder. Then a couple years ago we encountered an iron spiral staircase to a pedestrian bridge across a river, it had to be crossed. I began to think trailers are probably best for road touring. Not that these obstacles couldn't have been figured out with the trailer. A couple of sets of panniers, a trunk bag, etc. are working so far. Should you try a trailer I'll be looking to learn something.

I have thought through much of what your saying. I vacellate but if the range was similar I might choose the trailer. My wife does photography , I have a pocket drone etc. We would section ride whatever we did using our Aliner as a base, ride 40+ miles then one of us goes back and get the car and rig, repeat. So at this point range is a prime consideration using the trailer mode.