Yakima CaddyYak, TotRod Owner's Manual

OWNER’S MANUAL

Read and understand these directions

before using your child trailer.

RECOMMENDED TOOLS:

• Wrench: 8 mm (adjustable wrench will work)

• 2 Batteries (AAA) for CaddyYak light

ACCESSORIES:

• Helmets for rider and passengers required

• Rear view mirror is helpful

CaddyYak or TotRod

Child Trailers

LIGHT:

CaddyYak only

INSIDE THIS BOOK…

Fit Requirements ........................... page 3

Safety and Handling ............................ 4–5

Rain Cover/Screen................................... 6

Weight Limits............................................ 7

Load Limitations................................... 7–8

Piloting ...................................................... 9

Ride Checklist ........................................ 10

Maintenance .......................................... 10

Assembly & Installation

Unfolding the trailer ........................ 11

Trailer Wheel Installation............... 13

New Skewer Installation ............... 15

Trailer/Bike Installation .................. 16

1033077B-1/38

Light, Flag ......................................... 17

Passengers ............................................. 18

Folding the Trailer ................................. 19

Français .................. page 20

Part #1033077 RevB

1

IMPORTANT WARNING!

IT IS CRITICAL THAT ALL YAKIMA TRAILERS AND ACCESSORIES
BE PROPERLY AND SECURELY ATTACHED TO YOUR BICYCLE.
IMPROPER ATTACHMENT COULD RESULT IN AN ACCIDENT, AND
COULD CAUSE SERIOUS BODILY INJURY OR DEATH TO YOU OR TO
OTHERS. YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR SECURING THE TRAILER AND
ACCESSORIES TO YOUR BICYCLE, CHECKING THE ATTACHMENTS
PRIOR TO USE, AND PERIODICALLY INSPECTING THE PRODUCTS
FOR ADJUSTMENT, WEAR, AND DAMAGE. THEREFORE, YOU MUST
READ AND UNDERSTAND ALL OF THE INSTRUCTIONS AND
CAUTIONS SUPPLIED WITH YOUR YAKIMA PRODUCT PRIOR TO
INSTALLATION OR USE. IF YOU DO NOT UNDERSTAND ALL OF THE
INSTRUCTIONS AND CAUTIONS, OR IF YOU HAVE NO MECHANICAL
EXPERIENCE AND ARE NOT THOROUGHLY FAMILIAR WITH THE
INSTALLATION PROCEDURES, YOU SHOULD HAVE THE PRODUCT
INSTALLED BY A PROFESSIONAL INSTALLER SUCH AS A QUALIFIED
BICYCLE SHOP.

ATTACHMENT HARDWARE CAN LOOSEN

OVER TIME. CHECK AND TIGHTEN IF

NECESSARY, BEFORE EACH USE.

USE PEDAL POWER ONLY!

Never use a motorized vehicle to pull a Yakima bike trailer. The increased acceleration,

power and speed is unsafe for both the passenger and the trailer.

LIMITED WARRANTY

Yakima Products (“Yakima”) will repair or replace merchandise which proves defective in materials and/or workmanship. The
limited warranty is effective for three years from the date of purchase. The limited warranty is applicable only if the Fit List and
instructions are followed and the products are used properly. If a customer believes that a Yakima product is defective, the
customer must return it to an authorized Yakima dealer with proof of purchase. Yakima will then issue authorization to the dealer
for the return of these products. If an article is found to be defective upon inspection by Yakima, Yakima will repair or replace the
defective article at its discretion without charge. The customer will pay freight to Yakima, and Yakima will pay any applicable
return freight. Unauthorized returns will not be accepted. Normal wear and tear of Yakima products or damage resulting from
misuse, accidents, or alterations are not covered by this Limited Warranty. The purchaser acknowledges that Yakima has no
control over the attachment of its products to vehicles or the attachment of items to the Yakima products. Accordingly, Yakima
cannot assume responsibility for any damage to any property arising out of the improper attachment or use of its products. In
addition, this Limited Warranty applies only to Yakima products and not to other products used in conjunction with Yakima products.
This Limited Warranty is in lieu of all other warranties, expressed or implied, and does not cover consequential damages of any
kind that may arise from the use or misuse of any Yakima product.

1033077B-2/38

2

INTRODUCTION AND THANKS!

Congratulations and thanks for choosing a Yakima
trailer to safely transport your children in confidence,
fun and style.

It is your turn to enjoy the quality standards and
dedication to good times that Yakima has offered
outdoor enthusiasts for over two decades. We take
our commitment to safety seriously and ask that you
take the time to read this important owner’s manual.

Trailers…

Why child’s trailers from Yakima? Because we just didn’t like what was
available when it came to bringing the little ones along on a bike ride.
Because of our work as a destination hardware company outfitting
automobiles we are held to stringent quality standards and procedures.

It is because of our own high standards for our children that we have such
a critical eye when it comes to bike trailers. We feel we have created the
safest, most comfortable bike trailer possible for transporting our children
and yours. We know you will enjoy it as much as we do.

IMPORTANT FIT REQUIREMENTS

No one is better equipped to properly care for your
child than you are. The safety guidelines found within,
combined with your own good judgement as a parent,
should put you well on your way to a safe and
rewarding recreational experience.
—We wouldn’t want it any other way.

DROPOUT SPACING

REQUIREMENT

This trailer is designed to be used with bicycles

with quick release wheels.

When measured from inside to inside, the rear

wheel dropout spacing on your bike must fall

between 130 mm – 160 mm for this trailer to

function safely.

130 mm – 160 mm

IF THE INSIDE TO INSIDE MEASUREMENT OF YOUR REAR DROPOUTS…

IS LESS THAN 130 mm:

STOP! Do not use this trailer with

this particular bike.

IF YOU NEED FURTHER TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE OR REPLACEMENT PARTS:

Please contact your dealer or call us at [phone] or [phone],

Monday through Friday, 7:00am to 5:00pm Pacific time.

IS GREATER THAN 145 mm:

Use Replacement Skewer #8008216

(sold separately).

FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THESE FIT REQUIREMENTS MAY RESULT IN
SEPARATION OF THE TRAILER FROM THE BICYCLE, CAUSING SERIOUS
INJURY OR DEATH TO PASSENGERS AND RIDER.

1033077B-3/38

3

1

BEFORE YOU BEGIN:

Read all of the introduction (pages 2 through 9)

before installing and operating your new trailer!

Have the children play alone while you enjoy a cup of tea and focus on this
important information regarding your new trailer.

Towing a Trailer WILL Affect Your Bike’s Handling!

In many ways, bicycling with a child
trailer can be quite different than
bicycling without one.

You will encounter definite changes
in the handling ability and overall
performance of your bike when a
trailer is attached. As you add
length and weight to your bike,
control and handling become more
of a challenge. Plan on it taking
longer to stop when you are braking

!

and count on it taking a greater
amount of time and effort to get
rolling again once you are stopped.

Pedaling with a loaded bicycle
trailer in tow demands your full
concentration. Be especially careful
when proceeding through
intersections with a trailer in tow
and pay close attention to your bike
handling skills and the little

differences each individual load
can bring to the performance
equation.

Your agility and maneuverability on
the bike will be reduced so choose
a ride safely within the comfort
zone of your own individual bike
handling abilities.

Your turning will be limited;
especially on right turns.

WARNING!

YOUR BIKE’S HANDLING MAY BE ADVERSELY

AFFECTED WHEN TOWING A TRAILER!

Failure to read and follow the instructions

contained in these pages may result in accidents

and serious injury or death.

Greater Length: You Now Have a Trailer In Tow

Because of our

trailer’s lightweight
design and ability to
smoothly roll behind

your bicycle, it might

be easy at times to

forget that you are

riding with a trailer

and some very

precious cargo in tow.

1033077B-4/38

• Your LENGTH as a rider has now doubled and you
need be always aware of this important fact.

• On every ride use the FLAG provided for visibility
and to let others know where you and your child’s
space ends and theirs can begin.

• NEVER assume that those in autos will see you
because as soon as you do, they won’t. Drivers
are preoccupied with other cars, and the LAST
thing they are looking for is someone pulling a
child trailer behind a bicycle.

HINT: If possible, take

a spin next to a friend
familiar with pulling a trailer.
Get a glimpse of the
increased length and width
that will soon be your
responsibility. Get a feel for
the size of the matter so you
can estimate your space
requirements before taking
charge of the navigational
chores yourself.

4

Practice Makes Your Ride Perfect!

Familiarize yourself with how a trailer handles by taking
a practice lap before passengers are ever on board. We
are assuming you already know how to properly handle
a bike. If not, take some time to learn proper bike
handling skills before you attach a loaded trailer and
attempt to transport a child. With the addition of a trailer,
your bike’s overall handling and performance will be
affected. Take a moment and get to know your trailer
with a practice ride in a relatively calm, traffic free area.

Be visible on the road!

Avoid rides at night by planning your
rides during the daylight hours. With
a trailer you are longer and heavier
which adds up to a slower reaction
time when it comes to avoiding those
obstacles lurking under the cover of
darkness. Auto drivers do not expect
you and may not be able to respond
quickly when you suddenly become
visible. If night riding cannot be
avoided, by all means wear bright
clothing and always use a light for
both the front and rear of your bike/
trailer combo.

Load 50-100 lbs. of weight into your trailer and take
another practice lap to gauge what it may feel like to
ride with actual passengers in tow. You will probably
have to alter your riding style to compensate for
changes in length and weight as they occur. Get a feel
for how your bike and trailer will perform under any
circumstance that may arise. This way, you will be
well prepared to react in the safest most responsible
manner possible.

If your trailer comes with a red rear
flasher use it. If your trailer doesn’t
come with a flasher you need to get
one if you are going to ride at night.
Always make sure you have reflectors
that are highly visible and free from
damage. We can only give warnings
and voice our concerns. You are
ultimately responsible for the
consequences of your own actions and
should understand that night riding is
inherently more dangerous than riding
during the daylight hours.

Be Aware of the Weather Conditions —

In wet, rainy or slick conditions
observe the following safe handling procedures:

Your stopping distance will at least DOUBLE in wet or slippery

conditions.

Riding in adverse weather

conditions on roads that have

become wet or slippery can

be incredibly dangerous for

bicyclists and should be

avoided whenever possible.

If you find yourself out in

such conditions use extreme

caution because your ability

to control and stop your bike

is greatly impaired.

At frequent intervals, lightly apply your brakes to clear your wheel

rims and brake pads of excess water buildup. Remember, in wet
conditions it can take two full revolutions of a wheel just to clear
away the water and begin to slow your bike.

Never pull the brake levers forcefully or suddenly.

your wheels and cause dangerous, uncontrolled skidding.

Keep your speed to a minimum and allow for a greater margin

of error when starting through intersections, stopping and cornering.

Avoid riding over slick substances such as sand, loose gravel, ice, oil

and other debris not intended as a biking surface. These slick spots
put a thin layer between you and the road, essentially removing your
tires from the surface they are trying to hold. If slippery surfaces
cannot be avoided it is advisable that you dismount and walk your
bike and trailer to avoid accidents and injury.

This could lock up

1033077B-5/38

5

The Trailer’s Rain Cover and Screen are Designed to Protect the Passengers

Always use the
trailer cover,

it is there to protect
your passenger from
the adverse
conditions and
miscellaneous debris
commonly associated
with bicycle travel.

NEVER CARRY MORE THAN 2 PASSENGERS

Never leave your passenger
in the direct sunlight.

Heat can build quickly in
intensity and cause serious
injury. You can open or close
the vinyl cover to help cool or
warm your child but always
be aware of the wind chill
factor and the dangers posed
by UV radiation.

Passengers should always wear a
helmet and be properly secured
using the shoulder harness and lap
belt as the instructions demonstrate.

Fasten the belts so each child is held
securely. A single occupant should
sit in the center position to promote
safety and stability.

Check your child
frequently

to make sure they are
safe and comfortable.
Remember that the
environment inside the
trailer is not the same
as for you, the rider.
Be aware of the wind
chill factor on small
children.

Check placement of straps and
buckles periodically to monitor a
child’s comfort and safety. Be
especially attentive to a sleeping
child. Make sure that no part of a
child’s body, clothing or any other
object can come into contact with
wheel spokes or other moving parts.

Dress your
passenger

using the layer
system and bring
some extra
clothing just in
case it is needed.
Don’t leave your
kids exposed to
the elements.

Everyone

Needs

Water

Just like motor vehicles, bicyclists are required by law to follow all the
rules of the road. Keep this in mind as you observe these cycling rules:

H2O

It is important to keep yourself and
your passengers properly hydrated
at all times so bring plenty of water
and make it easily accessible.
Safety, comfort and well being are

essential on every one of your bike
trips, so please use common sense
and pay close attention to your
surroundings and your passenger’s
needs.

The Rules of the Road

• Signal all turns and stops.

• Scan ahead and anticipate.

• Ride WITH traffic— never against it.

• Give an audible warning when

passing pedestrians and other
self-propelled persons.

Ride defensively and be alert and aware at all times.

Celebrate life; breathe in the fresh air and pedal with care.

• Know local and state bike regulations
by contacting local police or DMV.

• Refer to your bike owner’s manual
for safe cycling tips and follow them.

• Watch for parked cars with
opening doors.

• Obey signals and NEVER run stop signs!

1033077B-6/38

6

THERE ARE LIMITS!

WEIGHT LIMIT

100 lbs. (45kg)

The maximum

allowable speed

for Yakima’s child

trailers is

15 m.p.h in the

straightaway

and

5 m.p.h. on the

corners.

DO NOT EXCEED TRAILER WEIGHT LIMIT!

The maximum trailer load limit for children, cargo and any combination
thereof is 100 lbs. When a trailer is overloaded it is dangerous and unsafe.
Never exceed 100 lbs. total weight when using your Yakima trailer.

DO NOT EXCEED MAXIMUM SPEED!

Always remember that the increased
weight and length of your trailer and cargo
will make you slower in pulling away from a
stop. That means that you will take longer
to cross intersections or paths, or when
passing others.

It will also increase your stopping
distances, especially in wet conditions.
So, look farther ahead and anticipate your
need to start, stop and turn as much as
possible. Be safe.

Exceeding this limit is unsafe and may result in accident or

35 p.s.i.

Failure to properly inflate your tires may lead to loss of

CAUTION

injury to passengers, bike, trailer and rider.

PROPERLY INFLATE YOUR TIRES!

Use only Yakima supplied wheels and keep them properly maintained in
good, working order:

• Tires should be inflated to 35 p.s.i.

• Do not use knobby, off-road tires. Use only road tires with street tread.

• Do not use tires wider than 1.75” (6.8 cm).

• Check for wear and proper inflation before each use.

• Using higher-pressure tires will cause your trailer to become unstable,

creating the potential for tip over.

CAUTION

control of the bike and serious injury or death!

1033077B-7/38

7

…AND SAFETY REQUIREMENTS

HELMETS REQUIRED

You and your passengers must wear approved bicycling helmets at all
times. Head injury and fatalities can be prevented or reduced by
wearing an approved bicycle helmet.

Never leave children unattended while

they are seated in the trailer.

AVOID TIGHT TURNS!

Trailer hitch arm will cause interference.
You should dismount from your bike and
maneuver the trailer through the turn.

USE A REAR

VIEW MIRROR

A rear view mirror will

allow you to monitor your

trailer during use.

DO NOT PULL EXCESSIVE LOADS

Never overload your trailer. Overloading can injure passengers and may cause

tip overs in the event of sudden stops, swerves or directional changes.

CENTER THE LOAD

If you have only one passenger, seat the child in the
center position. Adjust the load so that one side is not
heavier than the other.

ALWAYS
USE THE FLAG

The flag that comes with your
trailer is an essential safety
device and its use is required as a
necessary safety precaution. Use
of the flag makes you more visible
to motorists and other riders, but
is not a guarantee that you will be
seen.

DO NOT CARRY LOOSE OBJECTS

Unsecured heavy objects can injure passengers and may cause tip overs

in the event of sudden stops, swerves or directional changes.

Do not carry cargo in the seating area while children are present.

1033077B-8/38

TRANSPORTING ANIMALS

Yakima trailers are specifically designed to transport

children, and gear, not your pets.

8

— IT ALL BEGINS WITH THE PILOT —

USE GOOD JUDGEMENT:

In order to safely navigate with a
bike trailer attached, you should be
an experienced, healthy cyclist with
the physical strength and sound
mental judgement needed to
properly do the job.

Do not wear headphones when
towing Yakima’s child trailers.

Never allow a child or adolescent to
pull your trailer. They may not have
the strength or good judgement to
safely do so.

•• AVOID TIPPING OVER ••

Just like everything else affected by the pull of gravity, bicycle trailers

• Avoid curb hopping, potholes and
any other road obstructions as you
travel with your trailer. Ride on
paved surfaces only. Yakima’s child
trailers are not intended for off­road travel.

• Before starting on a journey, sit
down with your passengers and
make it clear that they may not
bounce or rock from side to side.

• Shifting of weight from one side to

STAY FOCUSED:

Bicycling can have
many rewards but each
ride also comes with
inherent risks and
dangers. Keep your
mind on what you are
doing and focus on a
safe, enjoyable passage
for you and your
children.

AVOID THE DANGERS OF TRAFFIC:

We strongly recommend that you not ride in
traffic. Don’t use your trailer on a busy road
or highway that is unsafe for children. Ride
defensively and don’t assume that you will
be seen or given the right of way by those in
autos. Never trust a driver whose abilities
behind the wheel are altogether unknown to
you. Remember, a bike lane is not a
guarantee of safety. Always proceed with
care and awareness, being especially
cautious at intersections, in parking lots and
at railroad crossings.

can and will tip over given the chance.

another may cause trailers to tip and should
always be avoided.

• Tell children to keep all body parts, clothes,
toys and any other objects out of the spokes
and other moving parts. Avoid high-speed
turns and descents when pulling a trailer.
Your reaction time when it comes to avoiding
obstacles and reacting to undesirable
situations is slowed as you add the length
and weight of a trailer to your ride.

• Yakima’s kid trailers are two wheeled

wonders for sure, but
they can’t lean into a
turn the way you can
on a solo ride. Slow
to 5 mph when
turning and avoid
sudden swerving or
directional changes.

STAY ON LEVEL GROUND

NO CURB-HOPPING

OR STAIR-THUMPING

Your trailer is not designed for traveling
on stairs. Curb hopping with a child’s
trailer in tow is dangerous and not
recommended. Dismount to walk your
bike and trailer over curbs.

Similar obstacles should be navigated
using the following portage method. First
remove your passengers from the trailer.
Then disconnect the trailer from the bike
and roll the bike and trailer independent
of one another down the stairs. Don’t take
a bike or trailer on escalators.

1033077B-9/38

DO NOT GO

OFF-ROAD

Never use your Yakima
child trailer for off road
travel. These trailers are
not intended for off road
use. Towing a child off-road
in a trailer is dangerous,
unsafe and irresponsible.
The unpaved terrain, bumps
and holes that are found in
off-road travel could cause
a trailer rollover resulting in
serious injury.

9

TAKE THE GROOVES

HEAD ON

To try and avoid accident or
injury, always cross railroad
tracks, curb cutouts and
grooved road surfaces at a
90-degree angle. If you are
unsure of your bike handling
skills simply dismount and
walk. Riding parallel or at
narrow angles when crossing
such obstacles could cause
trailer tip over resulting in
accident and injury.

If You Lend Your Trailer— Lend This Book With It!

If you ever rent, loan, sell or swap your Yakima
child trailer you must supply the designated user
with this entire manual. Without exception, the

Bike and Trailer Maintenance

A bike towing a trailer has to work extra hard. Like its
rider, the bike needs to be well maintained and kept in
sound working order. Have a safety check performed
by a quality bike mechanic before attaching a trailer.
Always use a bike in good operating condition with a

Ride Checklist & Monthly Maintenance

BEFORE EACH RIDE:

✔ Check your bicycle’s brakes to be sure they are

operating and safe.

✔ Check the tires on your bicycle and trailer to be

sure they are properly inflated. The proper inflation
pressure is molded into the side wall of the tire.
Never use the trailer with under-inflated tires!

✔ Check the tightness of the hitch to the bike frame.
✔ Check the hitch to make sure that the trailer is

properly attached.

✔ Respect the maximum load of 100 lbs. (45 kg).
✔ Secure the passengers. Bouncing or rocking can

cause serious injury or death. Review the
instructions for more information.

✔ Attach the safety flag.
✔ Pack an adequate supply of water for passengers

and rider.

✔ Always make your passengers wear helmets,

and set a good example for safety by wearing
your own helmet.

✔ Check to be sure that lights and reflectors are

visible and working.

important information contained in this manual
must be read and understood by anyone planning

to use a Yakima child’s trailer.

set of brakes that can safely stop both bike and loaded
trailer. Perform these safety checks on a regular basis
and address all maintenance concerns as they arise.
Avoid problems by planning ahead and addressing
them before they become a hazard to safe travel.

ONCE EVERY MONTH:

• Inspect tires. Cracked or worn tires can fail
without warning and cause accidents.

• Inspect wheel for trueness and spoke tension.

• Inspect wheel bearings for wear
or excessive play.

• The interior and exterior fabric of the trailer
can be cleaned with dishwashing soap and
warm water. Do not use bleach products or
solvents.

If you are uncomfortable completing any of
these steps, take your CaddyYak or TotRod
to your local Yakima dealer for service.

Before Riding, Double Check the Hitch Attachment

Install your trailer hitch securely to the bike frame in accordance
with the directions in this manual.

Check your hitch installation for a tight fit each and every time you use
your trailer. Read and follow the instructions included in this manual
for correct installation, use and care of your trailer hitch.

1033077B-10/38

10

2

Remove the flag,
hitch bar, skewer,
reflector,
light (CaddyYak only)
and wheels
from inside
the trailer.

3

ASSEMBLE THE TRAILER:

Unfold the trailer.

• While pulling the sides of the trailer open, push down on the black frame handles.

• Push the black handles down until inner frame tubes are horizontal.

• Both the front and rear handles must be pushed completely down.

4

Lock the REAR frame handle.

• Rotate the red stabilizers
toward the black handle
and slide inward.

Be sure the bag is

fitting at these points.

• The metal buttons will pop up when
the red stabilizers are fully engaged.

1033077B-11/38

The red stabilizers are not secure until the metal
buttons are exposed and unobstructed.

11

5

STABILIZE THE ROLL CAGE:

Pull up on the roll bar until it rests in a horizontal position.

Be sure the bar is

passing through the

seat fabric.

STRAP SYSTEM:

• Lodge the bar into
the joint.

• Insert the pin through the
joint and the bar.

• Engage the end of the
pin with the wire loop.

6

• Slide the straps along the
frame to align with the
buckles at the upper
section of the seat.

• Connect the buckles and
tighten by pulling on the
strap ends.

Connect REAR seat straps.

7

Tighten FRONT seat strap.

• Pull on the strap end until firm.

1033077B-12/38

12