BURLEY 945203 2014 Nomad Cargo Trailer Owner’s Manual

BURLEY 945203 2014 Nomad Cargo Trailer

Congratulations!

You’ve just purchased a Burley® trailer, the leading choice of discriminating bi-cycle 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 thousands of miles of happy, safe trailering.

IMPORTANT:
Because some of the features and guidelines for using the Burley Nomad merit close attention, it is very important that you familiarize yourself with the trailer by reading this manual all the way through before use. If you have any questions, we encourage you to contact your Burley dealer.

Introduction

This manual is written sequentially to assist initial assembly. Your Burley Nomad is shipped 95% factory-as sem bled. You need only to mount the reflectors, install the tongue, attach the wheels, side panels, roll bar and safetyflag, and snap the cover into place. Once you’ve read the safety guidelines, you’re ready to go. Initial as sem bly should take 10-15 minutes. Sub sequent setting up and knockdown can easily be done in a couple of minutes, no tools required. Before trailering, be sure you have a thorough understanding of the safety harness and of trailer hitch operation. Practice folding and unfolding your trailer; it can easily be done quickly, no tools required. Check to see that the trailer wheels and hitch are securely attached. We again request that you read this manual from start to finish before use, referring to it as necessary in the future.
NOTE:
Any reference to left or right is made in the direction of travel as if you were standing behind the trailer looking forward.

When Loaning or Selling Your Trailer

If you loan or sell your Burley Nomad, supply the new user with this manual. They must familiarize themselves with all sections—especially sections “VII. Safety Guidelines” and “VIII. Safety Checklists” prior to use. It is essential that they understand the differences between riding a bicycle with a trailer and without one. It is also essential that they understand correct wheel attachment, setup, knock down, safety fl ag, cover, and hitch. Never loan your trailer if it is in need of maintenance or repair.

Hardware Bag Contents and Tool List

IMPORTANT:
Please verify that you have received all of the contents listed. Do not proceed with as sem bly if any parts are missing; contact Burleyim me di ate ly for replacement parts.

Hardware Bag Contents

1. Rear reflectors:
   • (2) Reflector bracket
   • (2) Self-tapping Phillips screw, bracket
   • (2) Rear reflector, red
   • (2) Self-tapping slotted screw, reflector
2. Tools Required:
   • Phillips screwdriver
   • Flat blade screwdriver
3. Roll-bar hardware:
   • (2) Roll-bar knob
4. Envelope:
   • Burley Checklist
   • Warranty Card
   • Burley Nomad Owner’s Instruction & Safety Manual

NOTE:
Alloy spoked wheels come with reflectors already installed.

Attaching the Wheels

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 surface, lay down a cloth or other protective barrier to avoid damage to your trailer. With the quick-release lever in the “OPEN” position, insert the wheel axle assembly completely into the hollow trailer axle, making sure that the horizontal shaft goes all the way into the axle.

NOTE:
The spoked wheels install with the inset side of the hub facing outward.

Once the wheels are fully seated in the hollow axle, the quick-release laver should be positioned so that it is aimed to the rear of the trailer in the “CLOSED” position (the lever is marked for OPEN or CLOSED positions). The wheel quick-release/axle assembly comes pre-adjusted from Burley.

WARNING:

• Make sure wheels are held securely, with wheel shaft fully inserted into the hollow axle. You should not be able to rock or shift wheels. Improperly installed wheels can fall off, causing an accident or serious injury.
• With wheels mounted, both reflectors must face outward. Check to see that both reflectors have been installed correctly. Incorrectly installed reflectors can reduce visibility at night and cause an accident or serious injury.

Install Rear Reflectors

In the hardware bag, you’ll find the parts needed to install the rear reflectors:

• (2) Reflector bracket
• (2) Self-tapping Phillips screw, bracket
• (2) Rear reflector, red
• (2) Self-tapping slotted screw, reflector

The reflector brackets mount on the outside of each side panel, 2.5” up from the plastic connector on the side panel. The holes for the mounting screws are covered by the fabric. First, insert the screw into the reflector bracket and drive the Phillips-head self-tapping screws through the fabric into the holes provided to mount the bracket. (Don’t worry; this won’t harm the fabric.) Then mount the red reflectors onto the brackets with the slotted-head, self-tapping reflector mounting screws. The bracket should be mounted as shown in the illustrations.

Setting Up and Folding Your Burley Nomad

Setting up or folding your Burley Nomad is accomplished in a few easy steps involving the side rails, the roll bar and cover, the tongue, and the safetyflag.

Install Side Rails
Ensure that all four of the plastic side-panel hold-downs (C-shaped) on the main frame are flipped to the outside of the Burley Nomad (see illustration). Slide each side rail down over the 2″ tall aluminum side rail guides at the front and rear of each side of the main frame. Take care that you put the proper side panel assembly on each side, each with the trademark “Burley” facing outward. Next, snap each side-panel assembly into place with the plastic side-panel hold-downs at the front and rear of each side as shown on next page. The large end of the side rails face forward.

WARNING:
All four side-panel hold-downs must be snapped in place before using trailer. Otherwise side rails can shift or collapse resulting in loss of cargo.

Install Tailgate and Splashguard
Snap the tailgate into place as shown in the illustration below. Start by ensuring there is sufficient slack in the 1” webbing to allow you to loop the webbing over the side panel and lock it into place in the corresponding side release buckle sewn to the inside of the side panel. Repeat for the other side of the tailgate. In a similar fashion, attach the front splash guard to the front side panels. The tailgate and splashguard are adjustable to accommodate any size or amount of cargo you wish to carry in your Nomad. Simply tighten or loosen the 1” webbing as required. For normal cargo carrying modes, the tailgate and splash guard should be adjusted so they are tight to minimize the entry of water and dirt.

Install Roll Bar and Cover

1. Locate the two roll-bar knobs in the hardware bag, and the tonneau cover.
2. Lay the cover over the side rails so that it is right side out and oriented so the end with “Burley” and “Nomad” is at the front of the trailer.
3. Next, slip one of the roll-bar knobs through one of the grommets on the cover. Slide roll bar through the casing in the top of the mesh divider.
4. Align one end of the roll bar with its cor re spending hole on the side rail. Thread the roll-bar knob through one side rail, and tighten it into the roll bar (see illustration below).
5. Similarly, thread the second roll-bar knob through the other grommet on the cover, align the roll bar with the hole in the other side rail, and screw this roll-bar knob into the roll bar.
6. Carefully check that both roll-bar knobs are screwed tightly into the roll bar.

Complete the cover installation by pulling on one of the B-tabs and looping the rubber O-ring on the trailer frame as shown below. Finish this for each of the three remaining B-tab/O-rings. Additionally, ensure that the cover extends over the top of each side panel (see illustration below).

Install Tongue

To facilitate tongue installation, tip your Bur ley Nomad frame onto its back end. If you are working on a rough or dirty surface, lay down a cloth or other protective barrier. Installing your Burley Nomad tongue involves four simple steps (see the following illustrations):

1. Slide the tongue onto the pivot pin at the left front.
2. Remove the hairpin cotter and lock pin from the front tongue re cep tackle, rotate the tongue up into place, and snap it into the two plastic tongues recep tacles.
3. Secure the tongue by pushing the lock pin fully into the front tongue re cep tackle.
4. Rotate the lock pin and locate the hole in it which will be between the recep tacle and the trailer frame. Anchor the lock pin by inserting the hair pin cotter all the way into the hole in the lock pin.

WARNING:
Never operate trailer with out tongue lock pin and hairpin cotter locked in place. Unlocked tongue can loosen or detach and cause ac ci dent resulting in serious injury.

Installing the Safety Flag
Insert the fl ag into the webbing strip on the outside of the left panel.

Folding Your Burley Nomad
Folding your Burley No mad is ba si cal ly the reverse of setting it up. Familiarize yourself with setting up the trailer as outlined in this section above.
To knock down your trailer:

1. Remove the safety fl ag.
2. Remove the tongue by pulling out the hairpin cotter and lock pin and reversing the process previously described.
3. Unscrew the roll bar knobs. Stow the roll bar and the cover in the bottom of the Burley Nomad along with the tongue. Screw the Roll Bar Knobs back into the Roll Bar for storage.
4. Release the four side-panel hold-downs. Remove the side-panel assemblies and lay them between the wheels on top of the main frame.
5. Remove wheels.

IMPORTANT:
Read and study sections “V. Hitching the Burley Nomad to Your Bicycle,” “VII. Safety Guidelines,” and “VIII. Safety Checklists” before using your Burley Nomad.

Hitching Your Burley Nomad to the 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 drop-out of your bicycle.

1. Loos en the knob on the eyebolt until the two arms are spread fully apart.
2. Slip the lower hitch arm under the chain stay (A) and the upper arm above the seat stay (B). (See illustration next page.)
3. Wedge the hitch cone all the way back into the angle formed by the stays at the wheel. Tighten the knob until the arms are firmly clamped against the stays.
4. Wrap the safety strap around the inside of the chain stay, over the hitch body, and back to the D-ring at the end of the tongue.

Make sure that the cone is wedged securely into the stays. The knob should be finger-tight; do not overtighten. The hitch should not move, but should allow the bicycle complete movement, including lying it down on the ground. It should clear any racks, bags, or fittings you have on your bicycle. If there is any interference, contact your Burley dealer.

IMPORTANT:
Remove trailer from your bicycle when it’s not in use to prevent deforming the plastic hitch.

WARNING:

• Do not operate trailer without hitch safety strap properly installed. A dangling safety strap can contact spokes and damage rear wheel or cause an accident resulting in serious injury.
• 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 an ac ci dent resulting in serious injury.
• Do not use or store trailer at temperatures below 32˚ Fahrenheit as hitch rubber flexconnec tor can become brittle and pos si bly break, caus ing an accident resulting in serious injury.

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 fi ve 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.
The Burley Nomad tongue pivot requires periodic lubrication to enable ease of movement and prevent rust. Lubricate using a light machine oil once a year for normal use, and every three months for heavier use—i.e., frequent tongue removal or use in wet or salty conditions.

Fabric/Shell Care

Your Burley Nomad is manufactured from tough, durable 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 avoid mildew. Polyester fabric will eventually fade, especially when exposed to direct sunlight. 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.

 Safety Guidelines

Bicycling with a trailer is different from bicycling without one, in ways that 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 un der stand its proper, safe use. Contact your dealer or Burley if any of these instructions are unclear.

WARNING:
Bicycling with a trailer, and bicycling in general, can be hazardous. Failure to observe any of section “VII. Safety Guidelines” could result in acci ent and serious injury or death.

Use A Well-Maintained Bicycle and Trailer

Use a bicycle which is in good working condition, with good brakes. A frequent safety check of your bicycle is essential. Inspect and maintain your trailer as outlined in section “VIII. Safety Checklists” of this manual. Have your Burley dealer maintain and inspect your bicycle and trailer if you are not qualifi ed to do so.

Loading Your Trailer

Do not overload the trailer. Maximum trailer load limit is 100 lbs. When placing cargo into the trailer, keep the load centered or forward of the axle. Pack the load as low as possible and make sure items cannot shift around.

Starting and Stopping

Because of the trailer’s additional weight, a bicycle pulling a trailer will be slower to start up and stop, and because of its length it requires more time to cross streets or paths. Your entire vehicle is heavier and less responsive. This means you should think further ahead in anticipating stops, turns, and starts. Note that your trailer extends out further on the left; allow for this difference when turning, passing pedestrians, or approaching obstacles (like posts 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, long er vehicle responds.

Prevent Trailer Tip Over

Just like automobile and motorcycle trailers, bicycle trailers can tip over. To avoid over-turning: 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. or less, as the trailer can not lean into a turn the way a bicycle can. Do not under any circumstances travel faster than 15 m.p.h.—all road irregularities and your slowness to react are greatly magnified.

WARNING:
Trailers can tip over causing damage to trailer and serious injury to cyclists or passengers. AVOID causes of tip over, especially:

• Hit ting potholes, curbs, other road obstructions
• Tak ing turns too fast
• Sud den swerving
• Off-banked turns
• Improper wheel installation
• Improper tire inflation

Fit, Alert, Adult Pilot

To safely pull a trailer, you need to be a fi t, experienced cyclist. You must be alert, have good sight and hearing, and adequate strength in your legs, arms, and hands. Never allow a child or adolescent to pull your trailer because it is likely that they lack the necessary physical ability and judgment.

No Headphones or Other Distractions

Do not bicycle or stroll with headphones, radios, or other distractions. You must be able to hear surrounding traffic and concentrate on safe bicycling at all times.

No Motorized Vehicles

Your Burley Nomad 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 traffi c. If you must ride in traffi c, do not pull your trailer on highways, busy streets, or on streets unsafe for bicycling with children. Never assume that you will be given the right of way, even if it is legally yours. Use care when pulling your trailer on bike routes or along bike lanes, especially at intersections.

Ride on Clean, Paved Surfaces

Your Burley Nomad is not intended for off-road use. Any bumps or irregularities could cause tip-over and serious injury to the bicyclist or damage to the trailer.
Cross over railroad tracks, curb cutouts, and road grooves at 90˚. Riding parallel or at acute angle to such obstacles can cause a crash, resulting in serious injury.

Riding When It’s Slippery

Be especially careful in wet, rainy, or freezing conditions. Your ability to control and stop your bicycle when towing a trailer is greatly impaired. In wet conditions apply your brakes periodically to be sure the rims and brake pads are clear of water. Avoid forceful braking which can cause dangerous skidding. Ride slowly and allow a greater margin of safety when starting, stopping, and turning. Do not ride on surfaces where sand, gravel, ice, oil, or other slippery substances are present; if you must pass over slippery surfaces, walk your bike and trailer.

Navigating Curbs, Stairs, and Escalators

Never tow your trailer over curbs; rider must dismount and walk over any curbs. If you must traverse stairs, prevent a hazardous loss of control: disconnect the trailer from the bike; carefully roll your trailer and bike, independently, up or down the stairs. Never take your bike or trailer on escalators.

Use Cautiously with Pets

Your trailer is not designed to secure pets. A cat or other small pet can be towed if they are in a pet carrier secured to the trailer frame. A sedate dog can be towed seated on the trailer floor: add carpet for comfort, always use a cover. Never tow an excitable dog in your trailer, as it may lunge or try to jump out causing the trailer to tip over or other accident.

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. Au to mo bile 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 tail light on your bike. Do not operate without properly attached reflectors; replace cracked or missing reflectors.

Wear Helmets

Numerous studies have shown that:

• Head injury is the leading cause of bicycling fatalities; and,
• Helmets prevent or reduce bi cyclists’ head injuries.

Proper Wheels and Tires are Essential

Use only the factory-supplied wheels, and keep them properly maintained. Infl ate tires to 30–35 P.S.I. and check pressure before each use. Do not use higher-pressure tires, as the trailer will be bouncy and prone to tip over with light loads. We only recommend tires with street tread.

Know Your Trailer Hitch

Clamp the hitch securely to the bicycle frame, and check for a tight attachment each time you use the trailer. Refer to sections “VII. Hitching the Burley Nomad to Your Bicycle” and “VIII. Trailer Main te nance and Care” of this man u al for proper installation, use and main te nance of your hitch.

Use Your Flag

Always use the safety flag—it’s an essential safety device. The moving flag will help make you more visible to motorists and other cyclists.

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 signaling. Scan ahead for dangerous situations, and anticipate turning traffi c. Watch out for parked cars and opening doors. Never run stop signals, and never ride against oncoming traffi c. 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. Refer to the owner’s manual of your lead bicycle for safe cycling information.

Have Fun Defensively

Besides being practical and easy to use, the Burley Nomad allows people to get outdoors for some fun together, rain or shine. So, whether you’re going down to the corner store, across town on a picnic, or off for an extended vacation, enjoy your Burley Nomad and remember . . . ALWAYS RIDE DEFENSIVELY!

Safety Checklists

Before Each Ride, Ensure the Following:

•  Wheels tightly attached
•  Tire pressure 30–35 P.S.I.
• Hitch properly secured with safety strap in place
•  Rollbar, tongue, and side rails securely attached
•  Maximum load 100 lbs.
• Bicycle safety check, especially brakes and tires
•  Safety fl ag and cover in place

Monthly Checklist

•  Inspect tongue and hitch for damage, scratches, or loose fasteners
•  Inspect tongue pivot for smooth operation
•  Inspect frame tubing and hardware for cracks, damage, or loose parts
•  Inspect tires; worn out or cracked tires can lead to blowout
•  Inspect wheels for trueness and cracks
•  Inspect wheel bearings for wear
•  Inspect fabric canopy and harness for rips, abrasion, or missing/damaged hardware
•  Repair or replace any damaged or worn-out parts

IMPORTANT:
Refer to section “VI. Trailer Main te nance and Care” of this manual for additional periodic maintenance. Unless you are a qualified bicycle mechanic, contact your Burley dealer for repairs and maintenance.

Parts Lists & Drawings

Note:
Subassemblies are indented.

1. (1)Preassembled Main Frame Assembly
2. (1)Front Main Frame, 1″ Aluminum Tube
3. (1)Rear Main Frame, 1″ Aluminum Tube
4. (1)Left Frame, 1″ Aluminum Tube
5. (1)Right Frame, 1″ Aluminum Tube
6. (1)Bag Holder, 3/4″ Aluminum Tube
7. (1)Axle Assembly
8. (1)Fabric Bottom Bag
9. (1)Front Tongue Receptacle, Plastic
10. (1)Rear Tongue Receptacle, Plastic
11. (4)Side-Panel Hold-Down
12. (1)Lanyard w/Lock Pin & Hairpin Cotter to Hold Tongue
13. (1)Pivot Pin for Tongue
14. (2)Front Side-Rail Guide
15. (2)Rear Side-Rail Guide
16. (2)Rear Reflector Assembly
17. (1)Roll Bar, 3/4″ Aluminum Tube
18. (1)Mesh Pocket Panel
19. (2)Roll-Bar Knob
20. (2)Side panel
21. (1)2-Piece Safety Flag
22. (2)16″ Alloy Spoked Wheel, Tire, & Tube Assembly
23. (1)Tonneau Cover
24. (1)Tongue Assembly
25. (1)Hitch
26. (1)Hitch Safety Strap

Optional Accessories (not shown)

• Nomad Carry Bag
• Nomad Cargo Rack

About Burley Design Cooperative

Burley has been supplying products to the bicycle industry since 1975. Burley products are designed and manufactured at our Eu gene, 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 re-pair or replace any original equipment parts it determines to be defective for the life of the trailer. The owner of a Burley trailer must present the trailer for repair at an authorized Burley dealer, together with an original sales receipt or similar proof of purchase. This war ran ty applies only to the original owner and is non-transferable. Burley can not be responsible for failure due to improper assembly, modification of parts or instructions, neglect, abuse, accident, and/or normal wear. The war ran ty does not cover any trailer used for rental, competition, or commercial use. Burley neither assumes nor authorizes any person to assume any other liability in connection with Burley trailer or jogger, and there is no oral agreements or warranties collateral to or affecting this agreement. This warranty gives you specific legal rights and you may also have other rights which vary from state to state.
Burley Design Cooperative • 4020 Stewart Rd. • Eugene, OR 97402 USA
541-687-1644 • Fax 541-687-0436 • www.burley.com
Copyright © 2003 by Burley Design Cooperative
“Burley” is a registered trademark of Burley Design Cooperative

References

• Burley | Bike Trailers & Strollers

Read User Manual Online (PDF format)

Read User Manual Online (PDF format)  >>

Download This Manual (PDF format)

Download this manual  >>