Thule Bexey L – our first dog bike trailer test

Traveling with children is one thing, but traveling with a dog… that’s a whole separate category of logistics :) When Molly came into our home, it quickly became clear that when planning trips, walks or bicycle excursions, we had to take into account not only the needs of the children, but also of our four-legged family member.

So far, we have already tested various Thule products, mainly those related to traveling with children, most recently, for example, the Thule Chariot Cross 2 Single bicycle trailer and the Thule Sun and Wind Tarp cover. This time, however, we got our hands on equipment designed with dogs in mind: Thule Bexey, which is a bicycle trailer for a dog, and along with it also an additional accessory – Thule Bexey Dog Bed, which is a soft bed/mattress that fits inside the trailer.

This was not yet a test during a big bike trip or a trip of several days. To start, we took Molly for a short ride and to a nearby park to see how the trailer performs in practice, how the dog reacts to the ride, and whether it really is a solution that can facilitate active time with the dog.

What is the Thule Bexey L?

The Thule Bexey is a bicycle trailer for your dog, designed for shared bicycle trips, both shorter and longer routes with your pet. The Large model is designed for dogs weighing up to 45 kg, and the manufacturer indicates that it will be suitable for a dog with a height at the withers of about 55 cm, with extra room for your pet to stand and sit comfortably during bike tours. For quite a long time we were wondering whether to take size M or L: eMka is a little smaller, a kilogram lighter, dedicated to dogs up to 35 kg, so theoretically it should also be ok, since Molly can ultimately weigh about 30 kg. However, we decided to go with a larger one to make her travel a little more comfortable.

This is important, because a dog trailer must be more than just a “stroller on wheels.” In it, the dog should have enough space, good ventilation, a stable floor and the ability to enter and exit comfortably. In the case of the Thule Bexey L, we have a low entrance (without a threshold like in children’s trailers), a padded floor, mesh panels on the front and sides, and an interior without sharp edges, which is supposed to increase the comfort and safety of the dog during the ride.

The interior dimensions of the trailer are 91 x 53 x 75 cm, when folded it is 109 x 76 x 35 cm, and its weight is 16.8 kg. So it’s not a tiny gadget to throw in just anywhere, but a full-fledged piece of outdoor equipment that needs to be considered when storing, transporting and planning trips.

It sounds good on paper, but you know – the most important thing is how the equipment will perform in normal use. Especially when the passenger is a dog who has not read the manufacturer’s description and has his own opinion about the news ;)

Thule Bexey Dog Bed – extra bed for trailer

Along with the trailer, we also tested the Thule Bexey Dog Bed (in size L, of course), a soft bed designed specifically for the Thule Bexey L model. The manufacturer describes it as an extra soft layer laid over the padded floor of the trailer to make your dog more comfortable while riding, resting and observing his surroundings.

At first glance, you might think: is such a bed really necessary? After all, the trailer itself already has a padded floor. And indeed – it is not a necessary element to use the trailer. But after our first test, we see that it makes sense. The extra bed makes the interior of the trailer more comfortable, soft and “homey”. For a dog that is just getting used to new equipment, this can be an important element.

The Thule Bexey Dog Bed L measures 50 x 92 cm, weighs 1.5 kg and is compatible with the Thule Bexey L trailer. It mounts with Velcro straps, and the cover can be removed thanks to a zipper and washed by hand. This is important, because with a dog you quickly get hair, sand, mud or wet paws – especially if the trailer is to be used not only on asphalt paths, but also in the park or on trips.

In our case, the bed complemented the trailer very well. Molly had a soft place to sit and lie down, and the whole thing looked more comfortable than the empty cabin itself. With a short test, of course, it is difficult to judge how the mattress will perform after many months of use, but after the first ride, we can see that this accessory is not just a “pretty accessory.” Especially for longer trips, older dogs or dogs that need more comfort, it can realistically improve the comfort of the trip.

First impressions

Even after removing the trailer, you can see that it is a solid piece of equipment (by the way, like any from Thule). The design gives the impression of being stable and refined without being clumsy. Color hazy green, or hazy green, is visually very pleasing – subdued, off-road, matching the outdoor nature of the product.

What we noticed most was the amount of space inside. The Thule Bexey L does not look like a small transport cage on wheels, but more like a comfortable cabin for a dog. Molly was able to quietly go inside, turn around, sit down, look around and observe her surroundings. This is important for us, because the dog should not feel “forcefully” confined in such a place.

On the plus side, the low input is also immediately apparent. With dog trailers, this is important, especially if the dog is less confident, older, larger, or simply doesn’t like or shouldn’t jump up high. Here, the entrance is convenient enough that you can calmly encourage your dog inside without lifting him (and with a 20+ pound golden retriever, that’s important!).

The bed itself also made a good first impression. It fits inside the trailer, and doesn’t look like a haphazardly thrown blanket or pillow. Velcro straps keep it in place, so your dog doesn’t move it with every move. This is important, because we depend on stable and predictable ground when driving.

Taming your dog with a trailer

With this type of equipment, one thing is very important: we do not assume that the dog will immediately love the trailer and want to go to the other side of the world in it. It doesn’t work that simply. This is a new thing, the dog will not be used to such a move right away.

We treated Molly’s first contact with Thule Bexey as taming. First, we let her see the trailer at home, go inside, smell it and test it on her own terms. No rush, no cramming the dog inside and closing all the panels at once.

It is worth noting that the trailer can be used for training at home, and this is mega important – after removing the wheels and the hitching arm, the cabin stands stably on a plastic base, which allows you to get your dog used to it even before the first ride. And in our opinion, this is a very sensible approach. The more calmly the dog gets to know the trailer, the greater the chance that he will later treat it as a safe place and not something stressful. Of course, the flavors will be very helpful here ;)

In this process, the bed can be an additional help. They can be removed from the trailer and used at home as well, which the manufacturer indicates as one of the features of this accessory. This allows the dog to get to know the smell and texture of the bed beforehand, and only then get to the trailer with it. It seems like a small thing, but when taming animals such things really matter.

In Molly’s case, the first approach was very positive. She was curious, went inside, looked around, observed us and the surroundings. Of course, there was some uncertainty at first – that’s perfectly natural – but there was no panic or clear resistance. Unfortunately, this changed during the first ride.

A short ride – how did the Thule Bexey perform in practice?

Our first test was short and quiet. We didn’t immediately set off on a long route, but chose to ride in safe conditions and familiar surroundings and visit a park. We wanted to see how the trailer would drive behind the bike and how Molly would react to the ride.

The first impression? The trailer is very stable and you really don’t feel the load. We didn’t feel like it was “dancing” behind the bike or that the dog inside was causing unpleasant tilts. Of course, you need to keep in mind that this is an additional weight behind the bike – the trailer itself weighs 16.8 kg, plus the weight of the dog (in our case more than 20 kg) and any accessories. Starting, braking and turning therefore require more attention than when driving without a load.

The beginnings were not easy. It’s different when the dog sits in a trailer at home, and different when that trailer suddenly starts to go…. And if there is still a family next to it on bicycles you can go crazy ;) So first there was stress and uncertainty. Molly was nervous and squirming terribly, but fortunately the trailer was stable. After a few hundred meters of smooth riding , she finally calmed down and came to terms with the situation;)

During the tour, she observed her surroundings through the mesh panels and looked curious. Good visibility is a big plus here, as the dog is not completely cut off from the world. He can see what’s going on, feel the airflow and be in touch with his surroundings. However, we do not recommend opening the upper net for the duration of the ride, especially the first one (you can see videos on the Internet of just such riding dogs). The dog may get scared, jump out and hurt itself….

A big plus for ventilation. The front and side mesh panels provide airflow, which is really important with a dog – especially on warmer days. We haven’t tested it yet in the heat or on a long trip, so here we don’t want to draw too far-fetched conclusions, but after the first use the impression is very good.

With Thule Bexey trailer to the park

After a short ride, we took the trailer to the park. And here came out another advantage – such a trailer can be not only a means of transportation, but also a safe resting place for the dog.

If you are riding your bikes somewhere, stopping for a picnic, a playground, coffee or a rest in the park, your dog has a place. He can come inside, relax, hide from the excess stimuli or just lie close to you.

This is especially important if the dog is young, tires quickly, is recovering from an injury, is a senior citizen, or simply can’t always cover as much distance as the rest of the family. The trailer then gives much more flexibility. You can go farther without worrying from the beginning whether the dog can make it back.

In our case, the test was short, but already after it, we can see that the dog trailer can work great just for family activities: bicycle, park, picnic, trip out of town, longer walk with the possibility of rest for the dog.

What did we like?

The biggest plus for us is the comfort of the dog. The trailer is baavery spacious, has a stable base and good visibility. Molly didn’t look like she was locked in a cramped transporter, but rather like a business class passenger who has her own seat and can observe the world.

The additional Thule Bexey Dog Bed further reinforces this impression. The interior of the trailer becomes softer and cozier, and the dog has a more comfortable place to lie down. As the manufacturer points out: the soft, padded bed provides extra comfort especially during longer rides and for older or injured dogs.

The second plus is the low entry threshold. It really makes a difference. Not every dog will jump into the trailer right away, not everyone wants to be lifted, and in the case of larger dogs it could simply be uncomfortable. Here the entrance is designed to make it easier for the dog to enter on its own.

We also like the ventilation and visibility. Mesh panels on the front and sides provide airflow so your dog doesn’t sit in a closed crate. He’s in touch with his surroundings, he can observe what’s going on, and that in many dogs can reduce stress.

Another thing is the possibility of taming the dog with the trailer at home and in general the possibility of using it as a playpen or kennel. With the wheels and hitch arm removed, the trailer can stand firmly on the floor, allowing you to practice getting in, getting out and staying inside in peace. This is very practical, as not every dog will be ready to ride right away.

We also like the build quality, well it’s Thule so you know ;) The materials, the design, the way it closes, the interior, the bed – everything seems well thought out. It doesn’t look like a product that is supposed to last one season, but like equipment for regular use.

Time for the downside

There are no perfect products, and since we want our review to be fully credible and honest it is worth mentioning a few downsides of such a trailer.

For many, the downside will be the price. There’s no denying it, the Thule Bexey trailer is a high-end product and you pay for the quality and safety of your dog. On the manufacturer’s website, the regular price of the Large model is 4439 PLN, and there is currently a promotional price of 3995.10 PLN. Then there’s the cost of accessories – the Thule Bexey Dog Bed L, which we tested, costs £529 (there’s a help here, too: if you buy a trailer, you can buy accessories for half the price).

This means that if you want to buy a set, i.e. a trailer and an extra bed, you have to expect a really big expense. On the other hand – if you plan to ride with your dog regularly, and not just use the trailer once or twice a season, such a kit may make much more sense.

The second thing is the dimensions. This is a trailer for a larger dog, so you need to have somewhere to store it and how to transport it. Even when folded, it takes up space, and in a small apartment or with limited space in the garage, this can be a challenge. If you have ridden with a bicycle trailer before, you will probably be surprised by the length of the dog trailer.

The third issue is the need to get the dog used to it. We don’t see this as a flaw in the product itself, but as something to keep in mind. The trailer will not magically work with every dog from the first minute. Some dogs will need a few days, others a few weeks of quiet taming. A bed can help in this process, as the dog gets a softer and friendlier place, but patience, calmness and positive associations are still key.

Well, and finally, actually not a disadvantage, but a shortcoming, which is due to our habit with the children’s trailer :) When we travel with the children’s trailer it also serves us as a trunk, which holds a lot. The dog trailer lacks extra pockets or storage compartments where you can put something extra.

For whom will a dog trailer be a good choice?

In our opinion, the Thule Bexey trailer will be a good choice for people who really want to spend active time with their dog, and not just transport him to the park by bike once a year.

Someone will ask, but why a trailer if the dog can run next to the bike ;) Well, it can not always and should not always. Above all, let’s remember the health and safety of our pets.

Such a trailer is equipment for those who bike and want to take their dog with them, have a dog that can’t always travel a long distance, travel with their dog through parks, bike trails, campgrounds or vacation destinations, have an older dog or a dog that tires quickly, or are simply looking for a safe and convenient way to transport their dog without combining with baskets, leashes or makeshift solutions.

On the other hand, it will not be a piece of equipment for everyone. If you ride your bicycle occasionally, your dog is great on his own paws, and the trailer would stand in the garage most of the time, then it is worth considering the occasional rental of such a trailer.

Is it worth buying a bed?

In our opinion – if you’ve already decided to buy a Thule Bexey trailer, the bed is an accessory worth considering.

It is not necessary for the operation of the trailer itself, but it increases the comfort of the dog. This is especially noticeable when the dog has to sit or lie inside for a longer period of time. The trailer itself is stable and comfortable, but the extra mattress just makes the interior more “doggy” – soft, cozy and less technical.

We also like the fact that the bed can be removed from the trailer and used at home as well.

Would we buy them as an absolute must-have accessory? For very short rides you can probably do without it. But if the trailer is to be used on a regular basis, on longer trips, with an older, sensitive dog, or simply one that you want to make more comfortable, we think a dog bed is a very sensible addition.

Will a dog like riding in a trailer?

This is a question that will probably come up for many people. And the answer is: it depends on the dog. Let’s not kid ourselves: traveling in a trailer is not natural for a dog.

Molly did well during our first test (except for the beginning), but this does not mean that every dog will immediately react the same way. Much depends on the nature of the dog, previous experience, level of timidity and how the trailer is introduced.

We strongly recommend starting slowly. First the trailer in the house or garden, then going inside without locking, then a short rest, and only then the first ride. Tastes, patience and lack of pressure are key here.

It’s not about the dog “somehow enduring” in the trailer. The idea is to make him feel safe in it. Only then does such equipment make sense and can become a real convenience during joint excursions.

Is it worth buying a dog trailer?

If you actively bike, have a dog and want to take it with you on family outings, the Thule Bexey is definitely worth considering. This is not a cheap trailer, but you can see that we are paying here for quality workmanship, stability, safety and comfort of the dog.

For us, a trailer is the kind of product that can open up whole new possibilities for traveling with a dog. Not only short walks around the house, but also farther bike routes, parks, campgrounds, vacation destinations or family outings where the dog can be with us, but does not have to cover the distance on his paws all the time.

Frequently asked questions – FAQ

What kind of dog is the Thule Bexey L for?

Thule Bexey L is designed for dogs weighing up to 45 kg. The manufacturer indicates that the Large model will be a good choice for a dog with a height at the withers of about 55 cm, with an additional allowance of about 20 cm so that the dog can stand and sit comfortably while riding.

How much does the Thule Bexey L weigh?

The trailer weighs 16.8 kg. You have to add to this the weight of the dog and any accessories, so when cycling, the extra load is noticeable.

What are the dimensions of the Thule Bexey L?

The interior dimensions of the trailer are 91 × 53 × 75 cm, and 109 × 76 × 35 cm when folded.

Is the Thule Bexey L foldable?

Yes, the trailer can be folded to a more compact size. However, you still need to remember that this is equipment for a larger dog, so it takes up some space in the house, garage or car.

Does the dog need to be used to the trailer beforehand?

In our opinion, definitely yes. Even if your dog is adventurous, it’s a good idea to give him time to get to know the trailer quietly. It is best to start with short sessions at home or in the garden, using treats and positive reinforcement.

Is an additional bed needed?

It is not necessary to use the trailer, but in our opinion it is a very sensible addition. It increases the comfort of the dog, makes the interior softer and cozier, plus it can be removed and used at home as well.

Is the bed washable?

The bed cover has a zipper, so it can be removed and washed by hand.

Is the trailer suitable for longer routes?

The manufacturer designs it for both short and longer trips. We, for now, tested it during a short ride and a visit to a park, so longer tours are yet to come. After the first test, however, we have very good impressions.

Our review of the Thule Bexey trailer after the first test

After our first short ride and visit to the park, we have very positive impressions. Thule Bexey gives the impression of a product that is solid, well thought out and comfortable for the dog. You can see that this is not simply a child’s trailer converted into a pet version, but a structure designed with dogs in mind: with a low entrance, stable floor, good ventilation and spacious interior.

An additional Thule Bexey Dog Bed complements the whole set well. It makes the interior softer, cozier and more comfortable, and it can be removed, the cover can be removed and it is easier to keep clean.

The biggest plus? Molly accepted the trailer better than we expected ;) There was a bit of fear to begin with, but then curiosity entered! She was calm and eager to observe her surroundings. For us, this is the most important signal, because even the technically best product is of no use if the dog feels bad in it.

After one short test, can we say that this is the perfect trailer for any route? Not yet. We would also like to test it on longer rides, on different surfaces and in other weather conditions. But after the first contact, we can say one thing: it promises to be really good.