I'm looking at new luggage options and have never had a 4 wheeler before. What do you find is the main disadvantage to them (apart from them rolling off on you!)?
Rather than saying Four wheeler versus two Wheeler, I would say consider where you’re going. if it’s just urban use - airport, taxi to hotel and similar, then a Fourwheeler is probably going to be perfectly fine. Mainly smooth and mainly level surfaces.
However, if you’re going off the beaten track so to speak - Africa, much of Asia, anywhere around Europe away from the main cities (and even in the old parts of main cities) where there’s going to be cobblestones, rough surfaces, etc old pavements with cracks and holes, divots etc. then pack a 2 wheeler.
These uneven and cracked surfaces will prevent you from using your four wheeler in glide-along mode. You’ll have to go into two wheel mode and that will risk the wheels breaking off as they’re not meant for bouncing over uneven services.
I know Lynda had said she'll use a backpack in some of these circumstances, but I'm afraid my days off backpacking around Europe are long behind me
. I've been here a week and everyone is using their suitcases via 2 wheels due to cobblestones etc.Taxis etc sometimes can't get within 250m of a hotel in the old towns.
Another issue I find with fourwheelers is that you have to trundle them along beside you and that’s a problem in crowded spaces like airports. With a two wheeler you can at least tuck it behind you and pull it.
if the wheels of a four wheeler hit a sudden crack or other impediment, it’ll either jar your wrist, or topple the suitcase over, or maybe both.
Here is my current champion two wheeler - jumbo wheels enclosed, so they are protected, especially from mis-use by baggage handlers and conveyor belts. If will even handle gravel!
But like I said - horses for courses. A 4 wheeler will do in most circumstances a general traveler will go. But you risk a very difficult time if you suddenly strike surfaces like this
Out of curiosity, when travelling solo for longer periods, what size is your main suitcase? (Eg medium ~88cm, large ~122L)
If I'm traveling for an extended period (usually means mixed climates), and have to take a checked bag, I go the kitchen sink. Like the above
, but it's still under 20 kg.
).
