BURLEY FLATBED Owner's Instruction and Safety Manual Contents TM Section Page Introduction 2 I. Hardware Bag Contents and Tool List 3 II. Mounting the Reflectors 3 III. Installing the Quick-Release Levers 3 IV. Attaching the Wheels and Tongue 4 V. Hitching the Flatbed to Your Bicycle 6 VI. Loading Cargo 7 VII. Trailer Maintenance and Care 8 VIII. Safety Guidelines 9 IX. Safety Checklists 13 X.
Congratulations! You’ve just purchased a Burley® trailer, the leading choice of discriminating bicycle trailer owners worldwide. Every effort has been made to ensure your purchase is of top quality and proven design, ready to provide you with many years and miles of happy, safe trailering. IMPORTANT: Because some of the features and guidelines for using the Burley Flatbed merit close attention, it is very important that you familiarize yourself with the trailer by reading this entire manual before use.
I. Hardware Bag Contents and Tool List IMPORTANT: Please verify that you have received all of the contents listed. Do not proceed with assembly if any parts are missing; contact Burley immediately for replacement parts.
IV. Attaching the Wheels and Tongue First, verify that the tires are inflated to 30–35 P.S.I. Next, tip the trailer frame on its back end. If you are working on a rough or dirty sur face, lay down a cloth or other protective barrier to avoid damage to your trailer. Move the quick-release lever to the unlocked position and place the wheels into the dropouts, making certain that the axles go all the way into the slots.
Make sure wheels are held securely; you should not be able to rock or shift wheels. Improperly installed wheels can fall off, causing accident and serious injury. Only use dished, 20 x 1.75 wheels supplied with Burley Flatbed. Do not operate with tires inflated above 35 P.S.I. Failure to comply can cause trailer tip over, resulting in accident and serious injury to cyclist. Swing Tongue and Hitch into Place Tip your trailer frame on its back end.
V. Hitching the Burley Flatbed to Your Bicycle The trailer hitch was designed to quickly and safely attach to virtually all types of bicycles. It is inserted in front of the left rear dropout of your bicycle. B Loosen the knob on the eyebolt until A the two arms are spread fully apart. Slip the lower hitch arm under the chainstay (A) and the upper arm above the seatstay (B). (See illustration above.) Wedge the hitch cone all the way back into the angle formed by the stays at the wheel.
Hitch must seat properly into stays and not interfere with racks, bags, or fittings. Inspect hitch and tongue frequently for damage or loose fasteners. Interfering parts or damaged hitch can cause accident resulting in serious injury. Do not use or store trailer at temperatures below 32˚ Fahrenheit as hitch rubber flex connector can become brittle and possibly break, causing accident resulting in serious injury. VI.
Secure a Container First When carrying smaller items, it is suggested that you fasten a sturdy container to the trailer first and then carefully load the items you wish to carry. Use of a container simplifies securing cargo, and reduces wear on your trailer due to rubbing of edges of small items. Center the load It is important to center the load you are carrying. A load balanced front and back will detract the least from bicycle handling.
Fabric Care Your Burley Flatbed is manufactured from tough, durable vinyl coated polyester. The fabric is coated for waterproofness and is highly resistant to fading. The fabric can be easily cleaned with any mild soap or detergent and warm water. For more persistent soil, use a nylon bristle brush. When not in use, store your trailer in a dry, well-ventilated area; wipe it dry before storing to help avoid mildew.
on bike paths). We recommend you spend some time experimenting with a loaded trailer in an uncongested area to become familiar with how your heavier, longer vehicle responds. Prevent Trailer Tip Over Just like automobile and motorcycle trailers, bicycle trailers can tip over. To avoid overturning: Do not pull your trailer over curbs or hit holes or other obstructions in the road. Do not make high-speed turns or descents when pulling the trailer. Always corner with caution at 5 m.p.h.
No Motorized Vehicles Your Burley Flatbed is only intended for use with pedal-powered cycles; never pull it with a motorized vehicle, as the increased acceleration and speed could damage the trailer or cause the trailer to tip over. Avoid Riding in Traffic We recommend against riding in traffic. If you must ride in traffic, do not pull your trailer on highways or busy streets. Never assume that you will be given the right-of-way, even if it is legally yours.
Avoid Riding at Night Make every effort to schedule your rides so you are not pulling a trailer at night. Because your vehicle is longer and heavier you will be less able to react to unseen hazards. Automobile drivers may not be accustomed to your longer vehicle and may not react to it appropriately. If you must ride at night, wear bright, reflective clothing, use a bright headlight and a red blinking taillight on your bike.
Have Fun Defensively Besides being practical and easy-to-use, the Burley Flatbed allows people and children to get outdoors for some fun together, rain or shine. The fact that you’re getting exercise and fresh air at the same time is an added benefit! So, whether you’re going down to the corner store, across town on a picnic, or off for an extended vacation, enjoy your Burley Flatbed and remember . . . ALWAYS RIDE DEFENSIVELY! IX.
X. Parts List and Drawing Note: Subassemblies are indented. Inquire for additional parts.
Burley Flatbed Owner's Instruction and Safety Manual
About Burley Design Cooperative Burley has been supplying products to the bicycle industry since 1975. Burley products are designed and manufactured at our Eugene, Oregon shop. As worker-owners of our cooperatively owned business, we bring an uncommon degree of personal pride and attention to our work. Use our products with confidence and satisfaction! Burley Trailer Limited Warranty Burley will repair or replace any original equipment parts it determines to be defective for the life of the trailer.
