A tent that tows behind a bicycle
April 19, 2012
The day-to-day challenges facing the camping cyclist include carrying lightest possible equipment and finding level ground on which to pitch the tent, but a new design of pop-up tent designed to be towed behind a bicycle doubles up as a capacious trailer and incorporates levelling jacks that compensate for uneven ground.
By using two wheels under each side of the trailer harnessed to a pivoting rocker frame, the trailer is well suited to uneven terrain; the ride height of the unit can be adjusted for bikes with wheel sizes from 20” to 29”.
The Bushtrekka trailer boasts 180 litres of storage, which can be got at even when the tent has been erected. The trailer costs around £550.
Cycle touring in Britain was at its most popular in the 1950s, but a renewed interest in camping over the last few years has seen clubs attract record numbers and an increasing number of people looking to holiday on their bikes.
Bicycle caravan
It’s the ideal accessory for cyclists who demand the height of luxury on their camping trips – a fully-equipped, single-berth caravan designed to be towed by a bicycle.
The £5,500 caravan boasts a full-sized single bed, 19” television, drinks cabinet and tea-making facilities.
The Environmental Transport Association (ETA) commissioned the QTvan bicycle caravan to illustrate the efficiency of the bicycle.
The caravan can be towed by most conventional bicycles, but its range can be extended considerably by hitching it to an electric bike.
Cycle camping was at its height in the 1950s, but a renewed interest in camping over the last three years has seen cycle touring clubs attract record numbers.
Cycle Insurance
Cycle insurance from the ETA includes new-for-old, third party insurance (in the case of an accident you may need to seek compensation or even deal with a claim by someone else), personal accident cover, race event cover and if you suffer a mechanical breakdown, they will come out and recover you and your bike. Electric bicycles can also be covered. Includes 90 days’ worldwide cover.
Information correct at time of publication.