How to assemble a bike trailer

• Spanner for your rear axle nut or quick-release
• Allen keys (supplied)
• Tyre pump

Before you start, lay everything out on a soft surface (the flattened box works) and check it against the parts list in your manual.

• Folding trailer frame with seat and cover
• Two push-button wheels
• Tow arm and hitch coupler
• Axle hitch adapter
• Safety flag, safety strap and reflectors

1. 1

   Step 1: Unfold the trailer frame and lock it open with the pins or latches, pulling on it to check they are fully engaged.

2. 2

   Step 2: Press the button in each wheel hub and push the axle into its socket until it clicks, then pull the wheel to check it is locked.

3. 3

   Step 3: Attach the tow arm to the trailer with its pin and clip, making sure the clip goes all the way through.

4. 4

   Step 4: Fit the hitch adapter to the bike's rear axle, under the quick-release or axle nut on the left side, and retighten the wheel properly.

5. 5

   Step 5: Connect the tow arm coupler to the hitch adapter, insert its pin and clip, and wrap the safety strap around the chainstay.

6. 6

   Step 6: Fit the safety flag, inflate the tyres to the pressure on the tyre wall, and check the parking brake if the trailer has one.

7. 7

   Step 7: Adjust the harness to the child, then ride a lap empty to learn how the trailer changes your braking and cornering.

• Not checking the wheel buttons have clicked, so a wheel can come off.
• Refitting the rear bike wheel loosely after fitting the hitch adapter.
• Forgetting the safety strap, which keeps the trailer attached if the hitch fails.