Towing a Trailer with the GSD Gen 2
Heads up!
This article mentions third-party trailer hitches that are not manufactured by Tern. Please note that hitch designs might change, and that their manufacturers may choose to maintain the same product name even after the design has changed.
For your safety, always consult with your bike dealer, or with the bike trailer manufacturer or reseller, to make sure you have the right components to safely tow your trailer.
This article refers to GSD Gen 2 bikes.
Contents
1. TowBar
- Where is the TowBar located?
- What trailer hitches are compatible with the TowBar?
- Can I use panniers or other accessories and tow a trailer with the TowBar at the same time?
2. Tail Hitch L
- What is the Tail Hitch L?
- What trailer hitches are compatible with the Tail Hitch L?
- Can I use panniers or other accessories and tow a trailer with the Tail Hitch L at the same time?
3. Important Safety Note
Adding a trailer to your GSD opens up a whole new world of possibilities—whether you aim to turn your GSD into a pet taxi, use it to carry more than two kids, or maximize your cargo-hauling capacity.
In this article, we'll cover our two recommended ways of towing a trailer with the GSD Gen 2: using the TowBar and the Tail Hitch L.
1. TowBar
The lower rear bars on your GSD frame come equipped with integrated mounting points and are collectively known as the TowBar. This design feature makes towing a trailer super simple.
Where is the TowBar located?
The TowBar is located on the rear of the GSD, above the Integrated Lower Decks. It includes a series of four holes that can be used to mount different types of trailer hitches.
It looks like this:
What trailer hitches are compatible with the TowBar?
We have tested and can recommend the following trailer hitches for the TowBar on the GSD Gen 2:
- Weber EH Hitch (SKU: KU.02.000.12)
- Burley Steel Hitch (SKU: 960116)
- Thule Axle Mount ezHitch Cup (SKU: 20110720)
You don’t need an adapter for any of the brands mentioned above, but you may need additional nuts and bolts, depending on what comes in your trailer package.
Can I use panniers or other accessories and tow a trailer on the TowBar at the same time?
The Cargo Hold 37 Panniers (and other smaller panniers) are compatible with the TowBar when installed in the frontmost position.
However, certain GSD accessories such as the Cargo Hold 52 Panniers and Storm Box are not compatible with the TowBar because they'll block the mounting holes on the bike frame.
2. Tail Hitch L
If you want to tow a trailer and still be able to use accessories like the Cargo Hold 52 Panniers or the Storm Box, then the Tail Hitch L is your best bet.
What is the Tail Hitch L?
The Tail Hitch L is a GSD accessory that moves the trailer mounting points further away from the bike, allowing you to tow a trailer AND use lower deck accessories at the same time—which is something that can't normally be done if you use the GSD's TowBar.
It looks like this:
What trailer hitches are compatible with the Tail Hitch L?
We have tested and can recommend the following trailer hitches for the TowBar on the GSD Gen 2:
- Weber EH Hitch (SKU: KU.02.000.12)
- Burley Steel Hitch (SKU: 960116)
- Thule Axle Mount ezHitch Cup (SKU: 20110720)
You don’t need an adapter for any of the three brands mentioned above, but you may need additional nuts and bolts, depending on what comes in your trailer package.
Can I use panniers or other accessories and tow a trailer with the Tail Hitch L at the same time?
Yes! The Tail Hitch L makes it possible to use any of the GSD lower deck accessories while towing a trailer, including the Cargo Hold 52 Panniers, the Storm Box, and the Sidekick Wide Decks or Doublewide Decks.
3. Important Safety Note
We partnered with EFBE, a worldwide leader in bicycle testing, to rigorously test the GSD’s TowBar and the Tail Hitch L, and make sure they are safe and reliable for towing up to 60 kg (including the trailer weight plus any passengers or contents).
However, trailer safety also depends on other factors, so please keep in mind:
- Always follow the trailer manufacturer's safety guidelines for proper installation and usage, and always consult with the bike trailer manufacturer or reseller to make sure your trailer setup is safe.
- Always be extra careful when riding with a trailer, whether you are carrying passengers or cargo. Exceeding the trailer's weight limit or using it in ways it wasn't designed to be used may pose a serious risk, and should be avoided.
- Always stay within your bike's max gross vehicle weight. The GSD has a MGVW of 200 kg (440 lb), and that means your whole setup—including bike, trailer, accessories, cargo, passenger(s), and rider—should not exceed that limit. The only exception is if your trailer has its own braking system.
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Note: This article on trailer towing, along with other guides and how-to articles on this site are intended to serve only as a helpful resource for Tern bicycle owners. They are for informational and educational purposes only and should be used at your own risk. Consult with your authorized Tern dealer for professional advice and assistance specific to your bicycle.
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