Tuesday, October 10, 2023

Do wheeled suitcases make a noise? Dubrovnik in Croatia, London, Heathrow, flats and condos - small and big wheels, caster noise prevention

 For me wheeled suitcases and shopping trolleys are a blessing. 

I read that Dubrovnik planned to ban suitcases on wheels because they created noise in the old town of the walled harbour city which attracts cruise ships. 




Conflicting stories say banned, not banned, considering banning, all articles on different dates, and with what authority?

Meanwhile, here are some thoughts for you as a traveller to consider.

Cobblestones

How about getting rid of uneven cobblestones which make wheels makes noises. Cobblestones also destroy wheels. Worst of all, the danger of making people fall and twist their ankles. 

I have a small cobbestoned area by the block of flats where my parents used to visit and where I visit regularly. If I park near the cobblestones, or walk across them to the front door, I am liable to fall over. The block has lots of elderly residents and young mother with big wheel prams or small wheel strollers. It is a hazard for them.

What about bicycles? Do their wheels not make a noise? If not, why? Is it the size of the wheels? Maybe the old quarter should have free trolleys, like the ones porters use in hotels. 

Travelators

Travelators in airports also make dreadful noises if you try to pull along a wheeled suitcase. The same suitcase, makes no noise when pulled along carpets and flat areas alongside the travelator and between travelators at Heathrow airport.

Suitcase Wheels

Small wheels are quickly made unsightly and pulled out of shape over uneven surfaces. I used to carry a new suitcase over lumpy ground, and muddy grass areas, then put it down on flat surfaces. Bigger softer wheels which make less noise are a good idea. 

I have two and four wheel suitcases. Four wheels are better. If one wheel goes, you can usually still wheel it on three, or resort to pulling it on two. However, check manoeverability.

Suitcase shops should have surfaces on which you can try wheeling. If the wheels are immediately damaged after one minute wheeling them up and down over gravel, that suitcase won't stay pristine for long after you buy it.

Useful Websites

https://www.antler.co.uk/blogs/the-traveller/new-arrivals-meet-our-quietest-suitcase-yet

https://casterconnection.com/blog/how-to-quiet-caster-noise

https://casterconnection.com/noise-reducing-casters

Please share links to your favourite posts.

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