Burley Pet Trailer

Product Overview

Illustration of the Burley pet trailer in its folded state, with labels indicating different modes: 'Stroll', 'Bike', and 'Ski' for the Tail Wagon model, and 'Stroll' and 'Bike' for the Rover model. A detailed line drawing of the Tail Wagon model is also shown.

The Burley Tail Wagon™ and Rover™ are designed as versatile pet trailers for bicycles.

Introduction

Congratulations on your purchase of a Burley® pet trailer. This manual provides instructions and safety guidelines to ensure a happy and safe experience with your animal companion. Please register your warranty at www.burley.com or by contacting Burley at (541) 687-1644 or burley@burley.com.

Before using your trailer, ensure you thoroughly understand how the trailer hitch operates and that the trailer wheels and hitch are securely attached. A safety check is recommended before each use.

Parts Bag Contents:

• Burley Owner's Instruction and Safety Manual
• 3/8" screw (for attaching light to bracket)
• Bracket for light
• Red light with batteries
• Hitch
• Wheel guard tube:
• 2 screws
• 1 x 5mm hex key wrench

Tools Required:

• Phillips screwdriver
• 5 mm hex wrench
• 25 mm (1") wrench

Trailering Safety Guidelines

⚠️ WARNING! BICYCLING WITH A TRAILER, AND BICYCLING IN GENERAL, CAN BE HAZARDOUS. FAILURE TO OBSERVE ANY OF THE SAFETY GUIDELINES IN THIS MANUAL COULD RESULT IN ACCIDENT AND SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH.

1. Inspect and maintain your bicycle and trailer regularly. Refer to "Safety Checklists".
2. This trailer is designed for one pet up to 75 lbs./27.9 kg. Never carry a larger pet, as the extra weight and higher center of gravity may cause the trailer to tip over.
3. Due to the trailer's added weight, a bicycle pulling it is heavier and less responsive. Avoid sudden swerving, rocks, and curbs. Experiment with your pet in the trailer by taking short trips in an uncongested area until you are both accustomed to it. Train your animal companion to sit or lie when the trailer is in motion. Never tow an excitable pet, as they may lunge or jump, causing the trailer to tip over. To prevent your pet from jumping, always use the cover and never leave your pet unattended.
4. Observe recommended speeds: a maximum of 15 mph/24km/h on smooth, straight roads, and 5 mph/8km/h or less when turning or on uneven roads.
5. Never use your pet trailer for transporting people.
6. Never pull your Burley trailer with a motorized vehicle.
7. Use only the factory-supplied wheels, with tires inflated to the pressure recommended on the tire sidewall. Check tires before each use.
8. Clamp the hitch securely to the bicycle frame and check for a tight attachment before each ride.
9. Never use the trailer if it is damaged in any way. Do not make modifications, as alterations may result in a structurally unsound and unstable trailer.

For a complete parts list and product diagram, please visit www.burley.com.

NOTE: Any reference to left or right is made in the direction of travel, as if you were sitting inside the trailer, looking forward.

Instructions

Mounting Reflectors

1. Mount clear reflectors with screws through grommets in the trailer front. (Refer to Photo 1 description).

2. Repeat for red reflectors in the rear.

Photo 1 description: Shows clear reflectors being mounted on the front of the trailer.

Photo 2 description: Shows a red reflector being mounted on the rear frame tube, near where traffic would approach.

Light Installation

1. Remove the clip and screw from the back of the light. Insert batteries into the light.

2. Snap posts on the back of the light into the bracket hole. Using the 3/8" screw, fasten the bracket and light together.

3. Mount the light/bracket on the rear main frame tube, on the side closest to traffic. (Refer to Photo 2 description).

4. Ensure the light switch is accessible.

Wheel Guard Tube Installation

Locate threaded holes in the center of the trailer bottom side frame tubes. With the wheel guard tube ends facing toward the wheels (away from the trailer front), match the tube holes and frame holes. Insert and tighten the provided screws securely. (Refer to Photo 3 description).

Photo 3 description: Illustrates the installation of the wheel guard tube.

Opening Trailer

Rotate the front tube upward and the rear back until they meet on plastic saddles. Rotate the frame latches and snap onto the front tube. (Refer to Photo 4 description).

Photo 4 description: Shows the trailer frame being opened and latched.

Attaching Wheels

Insert wheel axles into the axle receiver. Close securely, with levers aimed to the trailer rear. Inflate tires to the pressure recommended on the tire sidewall. (Refer to Photo 5 description).

Photo 5 description: Illustrates attaching the wheel to the axle receiver.

Attaching Handle

Slide the handle into the receivers on both sides of the axle. (Refer to Photo 6 description).

Photo 6 description: Shows how to attach the handle to the axle receivers.

Attaching Tow Bar

Slide the tow bar through both receptacles on the left side. Line up the back tow bar hole with the rear receptacle hole. Insert the retaining pin through both holes and lock the retaining hoop securely. (Refer to Photo 7 description).

⚠️ WARNING! NEVER OPERATE TRAILER WITHOUT RETAINING PIN LOCKED IN PLACE. UNLOCKED TOW BAR CAN DETACH AND CAUSE AN ACCIDENT AND SERIOUS INJURY.

Photo 7 description: Depicts the attachment of the tow bar, highlighting the retaining pin.

Attaching Cover

On the front, fasten buckles together on the sides. On the rear, hook O-rings over side knobs. Fasten snaps on top. (Refer to Photo 8 description).

Photo 8 description: Shows the trailer cover being attached using buckles, O-rings, and snaps.

Attaching Tailgate

Snap buckle parts together on the trailer sides under the cover. (To help prevent unplanned exits, use the attachment shown in Photo 9b). (Refer to Photo 9a and 9b descriptions).

Photo 9a description: Shows the tailgate buckle attachment.

Photo 9b description: Shows an additional attachment for the tailgate to prevent unplanned exits.

Removing Floor

For cleaning, the floor may be removed by lifting at the front. Remove the floor cover from the base for cleaning. Reinsert the floor rear under nuts in the trailer rear and D-rings on the sides. In the front corners, snap the floor under the front nuts. (Refer to Photo 10a and 10b descriptions).

Photo 10a description: Shows the floor being lifted at the front for removal.

Photo 10b description: Shows the floor reinserted, with details of nuts and D-rings.

Installing Safety Flag

Join pole sections together. On the trailer's left side, insert the flag pole into the flag receptacle on the axle. ? DO NOT USE TRAILER WITHOUT FLAG.

Operating Kickstand (Tail Wagon Only)

Use the side knob to raise and lower the kickstand.

Using Trailer as a Stroller (Tail Wagon Only)

Slide the tow bar through both receptacles on the left side. Line up the front tow bar hole with the rear receptacle hole. Insert the retaining pin through both holes and lock the retaining hoop securely. Place the stroller wheel in the "STROLL" (down) position and tighten the knob.

To adjust wheel tracking (which allows the stroller to roll straight):

1. Loosen the bolt using a 5 mm hex wrench. (Refer to Figure 1 description).
2. With a 25 mm (1") wrench, adjust the bushing until the wheel is aligned and the trailer tracks straight.
3. Tighten the bolt.

Figure 1 description: Illustrates the adjustment of the stroller wheel for alignment, showing the bolt and bushing.

NOTE: Stroller and kickstand are available as accessories for the Rover.

Converting from Strolling to Trailering

Remove the retaining pin from the tow bar, slide the bar forward and line up the rear hole with the rear receptacle hole. Insert the pin through both holes and fasten the safety pin securely. Loosen the knob and swing the wheel up into the "BIKE" position. Tighten the knob. (Refer to Figure 2 description).

Now attach the trailer to the bike, using the Burley hitch.

Figure 2 description: Shows the trailer converting from stroller mode to bike trailering mode, with the stroller wheel being stowed.

Hitching Trailer to Bicycle

1. Remove the quick release lever assembly from the bike.

2. Line up the hole on the flat side of the hitch upper arm with the left (non-chain ring side) rear dropout hole.

3. Reassemble the quick release assembly through the hitch and dropout loosely. (Refer to Figure 3 description).

4. Slide the hitch receiver end of the tow bar between the hitch side arms, and line up the holes. Racks, bags, or fittings should not interfere with the hitch; if there is interference, contact Burley.

5. Open the retaining pin and insert through holes. Rotate the pin's spring clip and close.

6. Tighten and close the quick release lever, with the lever pointing to the rear of the bike.

7. Wrap the safety strap twice around the inside of the chain stay and then over the hitch body. Fasten the hook to the D-ring on the tow bar end. (Refer to Figure 4 description).

Figure 3 description: Illustrates the hitch assembly on a bicycle dropout, showing the quick release mechanism.

Figure 4 description: Shows the safety strap attached to the chainstay and tow bar, with the hook fastened to the D-ring.

Safety Checklists

Before Each Ride:

• Wheels tightly attached
• Tires inflated to recommended pressure on side wall
• Hitch properly secured with safety strap in place
• Locked retaining pin for tow bar
• Bicycle safety check, especially brakes and tires
• Helmet for cyclist
• Safety flag in place ?
• Ensure pet is calm
• Maximum load 75 lbs./27.9 kg.

Monthly Checklist:

• Inspect tow bar, hitch, frame tubing, and hardware for damage
• Inspect tires for wear and cracks
• Inspect wheels for trueness and cracks
• Inspect wheel bearings for wear
• Inspect fabric parts for rips, abrasion, or missing or damaged hardware
• Contact Burley for repairs/replacement of any damaged or worn-out parts

Maintenance and Storage

Hitch and Tow Bar Maintenance

Store trailer indoors if possible. Do not use or store trailer at temperatures below 32°F (0° C) ❄️, as the hitch flex connector can become brittle and possibly break, causing an accident resulting in serious injury.

Fabric Care

Hand wash fabric parts with mild soap or detergent and warm water. For heavy soiling, use a nylon bristle brush. Do not use bleach. Line-dry floor covering and trailer cover. Polyester fabric will eventually fade, especially when exposed to direct sunlight. Wipe dry (to help avoid mildew) and store out of direct sunlight in a dry, well-ventilated area. Replace any damaged parts.

Replacement Parts and Diagram

The following table lists replacement parts for the 2008 Tailwagon and Rover models. A diagram is also provided to visually identify these parts.

For updated product parts lists and diagrams, please visit www.burleygear.com.

Diagram description: A visual representation of the trailer components, with numbered callouts corresponding to the parts list above. It shows the frame, tow bar, wheels, hitch, and other accessories.

Burley Trailer Limited Warranty

Burley trailers are warranted against defects in materials and workmanship under normal use and service. Burley will repair or replace parts it determines to be defective as follows: fabric parts for one year, plastic parts for three years, and durable frame parts for five years. The Burley trailer owner must present the trailer for repair at the place of purchase, with an original sales receipt or similar proof of purchase. This warranty applies only to the original owner and is nontransferable. Burley cannot be responsible for failure due to improper assembly, modification of parts or instructions, neglect, abuse, accident, and/or normal wear. The warranty 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 this Burley product, and there are no oral agreements or warranties collateral to or affecting this agreement. This warranty gives you specific rights. You may also have other rights which vary by state or country.