Attaching your Burley D'Lite bike trailer is a straightforward process designed for quick setup and reliable hauling. It primarily involves securing the trailer's tow arm to a pre-installed hitch on your bicycle's rear axle and implementing a crucial safety measure to prevent accidental detachment.
Essential Components for Attachment
Before you begin, ensure you have these key components:
- Burley Forged Hitch: This metal piece should already be installed on your bicycle's rear axle (either via a quick-release skewer or a thru-axle adapter).
- Trailer Tow Arm: The rigid arm extending from the front of your Burley D'Lite trailer.
- Quick-Release Pin: A metal pin with a cotter pin or clip, used to secure the tow arm to the hitch.
- Nylon Safety Strap: A fabric strap attached to the tow arm, vital for redundant security.
Step-by-Step Guide to Attaching Your Burley D'Lite
Follow these steps for a secure attachment of your Burley D'Lite trailer:
1. Position the Trailer and Bike
Park your bicycle in a stable position, ideally with a kickstand or leaning against a wall, to prevent it from tipping. Bring your Burley D'Lite trailer close to the rear wheel of your bike, ensuring the tow arm is aligned with the hitch.
2. Connect the Tow Arm to the Hitch
- Align: Slide the end of the trailer's tow arm over the Burley Forged Hitch that is installed on your bicycle's rear axle. The holes on the tow arm and the hitch should line up.
- Insert Pin: Once aligned, insert the quick-release pin through the aligned holes on both the tow arm and the hitch.
- Secure Pin: Fasten the quick-release pin by closing its lever or securing its cotter pin/clip. Ensure it is fully seated and locked in place.
3. Secure the Safety Strap
This is a critical safety step that provides an essential backup connection:
- As an additional safety measure, wrap the nylon safety strap around the frame of your bike. Then, secure it to the tow arm by clipping it to the D-ring located on the tow arm. This creates a secondary connection point, ensuring the trailer remains attached even if the primary hitch connection fails.
4. Perform a Safety Check
Before riding, always perform a quick safety inspection:
- Pull Test: Gently tug on the trailer to ensure all connections (hitch, quick-release pin, and safety strap) are firm and secure.
- Clearance: Check that the trailer tow arm has proper clearance from your bike's tire and frame, and that it doesn't interfere with braking or pedaling.
- Tires: Verify that both your bicycle and trailer tires are properly inflated.
- Load: If already loaded, ensure the trailer's weight is distributed evenly, with heavier items placed low and near the axle.
Tips for a Secure and Smooth Ride
- Practice: If you're new to towing, practice riding with the empty trailer in a safe, open area to get accustomed to the altered handling and braking.
- Braking: Remember that the added weight of the trailer will increase your stopping distance. Brake earlier and more gradually.
- Turns: Take wider turns to ensure the trailer clears obstacles and doesn't clip curbs.
- Maintenance: Regularly inspect your hitch and tow arm for any signs of wear or damage. For detailed maintenance and usage information, refer to the official Burley Design website.
Following these steps will ensure your Burley D'Lite trailer is securely attached and ready for your next adventure.
