Burley Tail Wagon Review

In this Burley Tail Wagon review we take a long hard look at this very popular dog trailer and stroller.

Burley have been building bike trailers since 1978 and have built a reputation for producing solid, durable products that lead the way in innovative design features.

With a near perfect score on Amazon.com, the Burley Tail Wagon is a solid and well built trailer that has the added benefit of being able to convert to a pet stroller.

So, what makes the Tail Wagon stand out from all the other pet trailers on the market? Read on to find out.

Features:

  • Roll-up cover with zippers and mesh windows that give optimum ventilation
  • Storage pockets for small items
    Easily folds flat for transportation and storage
  • Rear tailgate for easy passenger loading and unloading
  • Removable floor panel for easy cleaning
  • Hard wearing fabric keeps pets secure
  • 16 inch spoke alloy wheels
  • Hitch, tow arm and flag are all included
  • Lightweight Aluminum Frame
  • 75 Lbs carrying capacity

Specs:

Pet cabin length is approximate as no manufacturer’s specs available; please check with Burley before purchasing.

  • Weight capacity: 75 lbs / 34 kg
  • Weight: 23.5 lbs / 11 kg
  • Pet cabin height 23 inches / 58 cm
  • Pet cabin width 19 inches / 48 cm
  • Pet cabin length 30 inches / 76 cm
  • Wheel Size 16 inches / 41 cm
  • Handlebar Height 39 inches / 99 cm
  • Size Open L x W x H (inches) 36.5 x 31 x 32 / (cm) 93 x 79 x 81
  • Size Folded L x W x H (inches) 37.5 x 28 x 9.5 / (cm) 95 x 71 x 24

Build quality & Design:

As with all Burley products, the build quality is absolutely first class. From the lightweight Aluminum frame to the flexible towing hitch, every aspect of this top quality product has been designed to give the rider and passenger a smooth and comfortable ride.

The trailer is not only durable, it also looks good. The sporty look and style of the Burley Tail Wagon will certainly have a few heads turning.

Another point that’s worth mentioning is the availability of spare parts for the tail wagon. With many of today’s strollers and trailers having a distinct lack of spare parts, it is nice to find a company that will supplies a wide range of spares for their products.

Folding the Trailer:

The folding operation is yet another area where burly  has simplified the procedure to such an extent that it only takes a minute to completely fold the trailer flat.

Burley-dog-bike-trailer-folded

Size and Weight:

The trailer will accommodate small and most medium sized dogs, however, it is vitally important to measure and weigh your pet before purchasing, due to the fact that two dogs that weigh the same may have totally different width, height and length dimensions.

At only 23.5 lbs / 11 kg the weight of the trailer is lighter than some of the comparable models on the market, which in turn, reduces the load on the rider.

Entry System and Canopy:

The rear entry system on the Burley Tail Wagon is a unique, tail gate design that gives the pet unobstructed access into the trailer, making it very easy to load and unload.

Featuring a rollup cover with zippers and mesh windows the Burley Tail Wagon provides plenty of ventilation and protects the pet from wind, rain and dust. The quality of the material is excellent and a tight fit over the frame keeps the whole construction rigid and secure.

Burley Tail Wagon

Inside the trailer/stroller

The interior has loops that enable you to connect a leash to secure the pet. The floor of the trailer is a removable and can be sponged down. You may want to place a padded pet mat or blanket on the floor to give your cargo a comfy ride.

Wheels and Tires:

Air filled, 16 inch, spoked alloy wheels provide a very smooth ride. The tires are a standard size that can be purchased from most cycle shops or online.

Accessories

1-wheel-stroller-conversion

1 Wheel Stroller Conversion Kit

2-Wheel-Stroller-conversion

2 wheel Stroller Conversion Kit

Burley-kick-stand

Kick Stand

Burley-bike-hitch

Bike Hitch

Towing Hitch:

A flexible towing hitch allows for easy connection and disconnection of the tow bar by way of a single pin. There is also a safety strap that wraps around the bikes frame.

Building the Trailer:

Even though the instructions are quite poor, the construction of the trailer is very simple and can be completed within a few minutes. This is just a matter of popping up the frame, attaching the quick release wheels and sliding on the hitch.

Converting the Trailer to a Stroller:

The stroller handle comes with the trailer, but the wheel has to purchased separately. Seem a bit strange that the handle is included but not the wheel. There is a single wheel or double wheel conversion kit available.

burley-3-wheel-stroller-conversion-kit
burley-stroller-four-wheel-conversion-kit

Conclusion:


The Burley Tail Wagon is quite expensive when compared to other trailers on the market, however, if you want the best quality, you do have to pay for it.

Lightweight and sturdy, the Tail Wagon is certainly built to withstand the rigors of the road and should give you many years of trouble free towing.

Even at this price, if you are looking for a top quality pet trailer, the Burley Tail Wagon is definitely worth considering.

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