About us
The Story
In 2015, the need arose for a very large bicycle trailer to go to the beach with kids and to be able to take everything with you. Toys for the kids, kayak or surfboard, chair, parasol, ... Soon the trailer also turned out to be useful for other purposes. I then made the first trailer with recycled material. Then one with aluminum profiles screwed together. Then a welded model. For example, I have continuously upgraded my design. I often received positive reactions and many questions from people. That is why I decided to set up a webshop for the sale of trailers. I decided to take my chance and started in May 2017 with FietskarXL.be and BiketrailerXL.com. The goal is to offer a lightweight, high-quality trailer. Therefore aluminum welded trailers and axles in stainless steel. Our slogan is Exceptional Bike Transport.
In October 2019, the name of FietskarXL changed to Donkey Trailers because an international name was required. It was also a milestone as the system is now up and running. The teething troubles are out! Also found a steadfastness in finding suppliers of good quality parts. Now there is a multifunctional frame with numerous mounting options. Both single axis and double axis are possible. The drawbar options are also variable with the different sleeves.
In addition, also a long way in sending large heavy packages. Packing and shipping such packages is not easy.
In the meantime, in 2021, the mark of 300 sold trailers across Europe and United States has been reached. A Donkey Trailer drives around in almost every European country and even some trailers in the US like food trailers, flatbed trailers, kayak trailer... Also our DIY-kits are well spread over the world.
The coupling
We use a standard coupling like on most bicycle trailers, but we have adapted a number of parts in those couplings so that they are much stronger than usual similar hitches. We also offer a Weber link as an option. Customers who want something special can also contact us. We then design a custom made hitch.
The frame
The frame is made of aluminum and is fully welded. There are therefore no screws on the frame that can come loose or tear. The construction is very light and strong. The frames are made in two widths, namely 60 and 80 cm. The 60 cm wide frames are ideal for transporting Euro standard crates, 80 cm wide frames for Euro pallets. A 60 cm frame with wheels is 80 cm wide. A frame of 80 cm wide is 100 cm wide with wheels. Of course it is easier to go through the city with a frame of 60 cm wide because you can more easily between obstacles. The frames are made in 3 different lengths: 120 cm, 180 cm and 240 cm. Holes are provided in the corners of the frame for mounting a plate. At the extras you can see plates that we offer. The frame is also provided with holes to place an extra axle under the frame. This way you can convert the trailer into a double axle.
Why is the frame the way it is? We often get the question why there is no plate on it and why there are no side walls. A trailer for a car has a plate, so this must also be the case with the bicycle. However? We made the following reservation. A rack for the roof of a car does not have a plate, but a tube structure because it must be light. With the bicycle it is very important that it is also light, because you feel all the extra weight with the bicycle. Moreover, the load does not fall through the frame, but rests on the frame. You put smaller items in a container so that it does not fall through the frame. Items can easily be fastened with an elastic cord through the frame, making mounting a breeze. Do you still want a record? Then you can find this in the extras. As a raised edge on the side we can weld a frame, but we can also weld an upright profile directly onto the frame. You can also find this in the extras in the webshop. Not quite clear yet? Do not hesitate to contact us.
The axle and wheels
The shaft is made of stainless steel. It is very strong and not susceptible to rusting. The wheels are very strong with 48-spoke crossed and have a thick axle that rotates in the axle under the trailer.
Local product with reusable materials
We assemble each product by hand and work with a network of local subcontractors to manufacture specific parts such as welding the trailers. That is why the label is welded and assembled in Belgium. We always use common profiles, parts and tools to assemble the trailer. The trailers are designed on the basis of standard components. Each part can therefore easily find a second life during disassembly and be easily recycled. The packaging materials for shipping the trailers and parts are also recycled materials.
In the future
In the near future there will be a third wheel system, braking system and an electric version that will be charged with solar panel. All these options will always be possible on the existing frame so that a customer can expand if desired. I also want to expand the possibilities for food trailers and kayak trailers.
In the meantime, I continue to improve the trailers and keep looking for improvements and novelties.
If you have a question or if something is not clear, do not hesitate to contact me. I would be happy to help you! Hope to hear from you soon! :-)
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