User manual BURLEY FLATBED

[. . . ] BURLEY FLATBED Owner's Instruction and Safety Manual Contents Section Page Introduction 2 I. 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. If you have any questions, we encourage you to contact your authorized Burley dealer. Introduction Your Burley Flatbed is shipped almost completely assembled from the factory. [. . . ] As weight is placed further forward on the trailer, the rear bicycle wheel carries more load. If the load is placed behind the trailer wheels, weight is removed from the bicycle wheel, making the bicycle less stable. The weight center of your cargo is ideally located over the center of the trailer's fabric floor. Cargo must be secured and fit within the fabric floor space of the trailer, avoiding any contact with trailer wheels or the wheels of the bicycle pulling it. Shifting cargo can interfere with wheels causing an accident that can result in serious injury or death. Trailer Maintenance and Care Hitch and Tongue Maintenance Your trailer is designed for low maintenance and easy care. Clean and grease the eyebolt threads on the hitch periodically to ensure that the eyebolt knob can be properly tightened. Because of ultraviolet degradation, we recommend that the hitch be replaced every five years under normal use. In sunny or smoggy locations or for trailers that are stored outdoors, the hitch should be replaced every two to three years for safety. Replace your hitch or tongue if there are any signs of damage--i. e. , cracks, dents, scratches. IMPORTANT: For any eyebolt service other than lubrication, contact your Burley Dealer. 8 Burley Flatbed Owner's Instruction and Safety Manual 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. When not in use, store your trailer in a dry, well-ventilated area; wipe it dry before storing to help avoid mildew. To extend the life of your fabric, as well as the hitch and other components, do not store your trailer in direct sunlight. Do not use bleach for cleaning, as it will damage the fabric. VIII. Safety Guidelines Bicycling with a trailer is different from bicycling without one, in ways which aren't always obvious. It is therefore essential that you read and understand all of the following safety guidelines--in addition to the warnings and instructions in the previous sections--prior to using your trailer. Before loaning your trailer to others, make sure they too understand its proper, safe use. Contact your dealer or Burley if any of these instructions are unclear. Bicycling with a trailer, and bicycling in general, can be hazardous. Safety Guidelines" could result in accident and serious injury or death. Use Well-Maintained Bicycle and Trailer Use a bicycle which is in good working condition, with good brakes. No Headphones or Other Distraction Do not bicycle with headphones, radios, or other distractions. You must be able to hear surrounding traffic, and concentrate on safe bicycling at all times. 10 Burley Flatbed Owner's Instruction and Safety Manual 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. [. . . ] Follow the Rules of the Road Bicycles are vehicles, and are required to observe all rules of the road. Always signal turns and stops; ride with both hands on the handlebars except when signalling. On bike paths, give audible warning when passing pedestrians from behind. If you are not aware of your local and state bicycle regulations, contact your nearby police or motor-vehicles office for more information. [. . . ]