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BoyScoutTroop on 4/13/2012 8:23:11 AM:
I have been reading trip reports and other information. I am planning on using 2 wheeled trailers to haul camping gear to avoid panniers. Does the trail mostly accommodate the use of the trailer understanding that it may be a pain in the muddy spots? I have seen people using BOBs but those are out of the budget for this ride.
 
Jim on 4/13/2012 3:26:56 PM:
As far as the C&O, you should be okay with 2 wheeled trailers. The trail is basically level, the only dips you will experience would be at some of the canal locks. At those places you may experience a drop from 3 to 5 feet and up again. The entire trail is hard packed dirt and natural stone. This is a not a rail trail. If you experience rain it can get very muddy, but lately it's been very dry.
 
lenny on 4/14/2012 4:32:24 AM:
I believe you may be slowed down by the narrow width of the C&O. In some places it is barely wide enough fo two bikes.
 
vabiker from williamsburg va on 4/16/2012 10:26:45 AM:
Agree, the 2 wheel trailer can be used on C&O but will be painful in places. No problem on the GAP. I have a BOB...look on Craigslist, ebay and Amazon...there are some buys out there!
 
Les on 4/26/2012 9:11:52 AM:
I have always wondered about a two wheel trailer tracking on shoulder and middle/ grassy areas on the canal. Seems like that would add lots of friction.
 
lenny on 4/26/2012 6:55:54 PM:
YEP,I agree Les
 
speedster on 4/27/2012 4:51:22 PM:
Yes, more rolling resistance for sure with 2 extra wheels. As you mentioned, one wheel will likely always be on the 'bad line' with the dandelions and overgrowth. Average speeds should be factored in as slower than a conventional set-up without trailer, as there's no way in hell you'll make anything close to 12-15mph average going this route.

I prefer to just use panniers along with a backpack if need be, if your gear carrying needs are significant.

From my perspective, a trailer always seems like a good idea in theory, but when you get out there and actually put 'wheel to trail', it never works out as well as imagined.
 
EJ from Richmond, Va on 5/4/2012 10:37:12 AM:
We are starting the trip in Pitts on a tandem and a 2 wheel trailer June 17th. I have traveled a lot with this set up and we have always been fine. The tandem takes lots of attention do to the length and the trailer seems to just be a part of the train. I have reports that the 2 wheel set up is fine on the GAP and the C&O is a little tighter but is done by many.
 
Dianne from Havre de Grace, MD on 5/7/2012 9:10:54 PM:
I would definitely recommend panniers over a two-wheeled trailer. I did this trip last spring with two of my children. We started out with panniers and a two-wheeled trailer; the friction of the extra wheels on the mud and grass was slowing me down in a big way. By day two I had to ditch the trailer and re-pack everything into panniers on my bike and load up the kids panniers a little more. Trailers seem like a great option, and I think they are on hard packed surfaces, but most of the C&O has tall grass that at least a wheel or two will be dragging through. You'll be surprised at how much you can stuff into a large size pannier. I wish you a wonderful trip! We had a blast last year!
 
Anonymous on 5/23/2012 11:46:35 AM:
Yes, did it last year and doing it again this year. See pix at http://www.crazyguyonabike.com/doc/cando
No issues, it ain't worthy of glorious bike magazines, but 100% appropriate. I use a two-kid trailer: last year in it's original configration; this year converted into a cargo trailer. The towpath is friendly and forgiving to "alternative" functionalities. Have no fear.
 
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