Conventional cargo trailers are useful on the road but awkward at home, where even a small model can consume a substantial part of a driveway or garage. German startup Faltos approaches that problem with a road-going trailer that folds upright like an accordion when the hauling is finished.
The compact design is intended for people who occasionally need to move motorcycles, e-bikes, garden equipment or bulky household items, but do not want to dedicate a permanent parking space to an empty trailer.
A full trailer that folds in about a minute
In its towing configuration, the Faltos measures 371 cm long, 173 cm wide and 85 cm high (146 x 68 x 33 inches). Its usable cargo bed measures 242 x 124 x 30 cm (95 x 49 x 12 inches), providing enough room for loads that would be difficult to fit inside most cars.
Once unloaded and disconnected from the tow vehicle, the trailer can be collapsed to 85 x 185 x 110 cm (33 x 73 x 43 inches). It then stands upright on small wheels, allowing the owner to roll it into a garage and park it close to a wall. Faltos says the transformation takes about 60 seconds.
The folding system is built around a galvanized-steel chassis. The drawbar, axle assembly and cargo platform pivot together through a sequence of hinged sections, while locking hardware secures the structure in its road-ready position.
The load floor uses 18-mm plywood panels joined by aluminum hinges and braces. The listed empty weight is about 200 kg (441 lb), with a permissible gross weight of 750 kg (1,653 lb). That leaves a maximum payload of 550 kg, or roughly 1,210 lb, depending on the registered configuration.
Configurable for different jobs
The basic trailer has low side walls and eight tie-down points. Available accessories broaden its role, including motorcycle and e-bike carriers, a cargo net, support feet, wall extensions and both flat and high tarpaulins. The rear panel can be lowered or removed to simplify loading.
Faltos also offers different weight-rating configurations. Reducing the registered payload can make the trailer eligible for towing at up to 100 km/h (62 mph) under applicable German rules. Actual speed limits, licensing and registration requirements will depend on the buyer’s country and tow vehicle.
The clever storage mechanism does not remove the usual trailer considerations. Owners still need an appropriate tow hitch, electrical connection, secure load distribution and enough clearance to perform the folding sequence. Its roughly 200-kg mass also means that level, firm ground will make repositioning easier.
Pricing and availability
The Faltos folding cargo trailer starts at EUR 2,799 (approx. US$3,190), with accessories and delivery adding to the final cost. It is currently marketed through dealers in Germany and elsewhere in Europe, and no official North American availability has been announced.
For buyers short on storage space, the appeal is straightforward: Faltos provides the carrying area of a conventional utility trailer, then gives most of that floor space back when the job is done.
Source: Faltos
