2004 YAMAHA BIG BEAR PRO 400 trailer

2-13

Never operate an ATV in fast flowing water or
in water deeper than that recommended in this
manual. Remember that wet brakes may have
reduced stopping ability. Test your brakes after
leaving water. If necessary, apply them several
times to let friction dry out the linings.


Always be sure there are no obstacles or peo-
ple behind you when you operate in reverse.
When it is safe to proceed in reverse, go slowly.


Always use the size and type tires specified in
this manual.


Always maintain proper tire pressure as de-
scribed in this manual.


Never modify an ATV through improper instal-
lation or use of accessories.


Never exceed the stated load capacity for an
ATV. Cargo should be properly distributed and
securely attached. Reduce speed and follow
instructions in this manual for carrying cargo or
pulling a trailer. Allow greater distance for brak-
ing.
U4SH6B.book Page 13 Tuesday, May 27, 2003 4:39 PM

6-33
EBU00230
Loading
Cargo or a trailer can change the stability and han-
dling of an ATV. You must use common sense and
good judgement when carrying cargo or towing a
trailer. Keep the following points in mind:

Never exceed the weight limits shown. An
overloaded ATV can be unstable.
MAXIMUM LOADING LIMIT

Vehicle loading limit (total weight of cargo,
rider and accessories, and tongue weight):
220 kg


Front carrier: 45 kg


Rear carrier: 85 kg


Storage box: 2 kg


Trailer hitch:
Pulling load (total weight of trailer and car-
go): 410 kgf
Tongue weight (vertical weight on trailer
hitch point): 15 kgf
U4SH6B.book Page 33 Tuesday, May 27, 2003 4:39 PM

6-35

Do not exceed the maximum tongue weight.
You can measure tongue weight with a bath-
room scale. Put the tongue of the loaded trailer
on the scale with the tongue at hitch height. Ad-
just the load in the trailer, if necessary, to re-
duce the weight on hitch.


If you are carrying cargo and towing a trailer, in-
clude the tongue weight in the maximum vehi-
cle load limit.


Load cargo on the carrier as close to the center
of the vehicle as possible. Put cargo at the front
of the rear carrier. Center the load from side to
side.


Tie down cargo securely to the carriers. Make
sure cargo in the trailer cannot move around. A
shifting load can cause an accident.


Make sure the load does not interfere with con-
trols or your ability to see where you are going.
U4SH6B.book Page 35 Tuesday, May 27, 2003 4:39 PM

6-37

Ride more slowly than you would without a
load. The more weight you carry, the slower
you should go. Although conditions vary, it is
good practice not to exceed low range 2nd
gear whenever you are carrying heavier loads
or when towing a trailer.


Allow more braking distance. A heavier vehicle
takes longer to stop.


Avoid making sharp turns unless at very slow
speeds.


Avoid hills and rough terrain. Choose terrain
carefully. Added weight affects the stability and
handling of the ATV.WARNING
Never exceed the stated load capacity for this
ATV. Overloading this ATV or carrying or tow-
ing cargo improperly could cause changes in
vehicle handling which could lead to an acci-
dent.
Cargo should be properly distributed and se-
curely attached. Reduce speed when carrying
cargo or pulling a trailer. Allow greater dis-
tance for braking.
U4SH6B.book Page 37 Tuesday, May 27, 2003 4:39 PM

7-19
WARNING
_

Never exceed the stated load capacity for
this ATV.


Cargo should be properly distributed and
securely attached.


Reduce speed when carrying cargo or pull-
ing a trailer. Allow greater distance for
braking.


Always follow the instructions in your
Owner’s Manual for carrying cargo or pull-
ing a trailer.
_
MAXIMUM LOADING LIMIT

Vehicle loading limit (total weight of
cargo, rider and accessories, and
tongue weight): 220 kg


Front carrier: 45 kg


Rear carrier: 85 kg


Storage box: 2 kg


Trailer hitch:
Pulling load (total weight of trailer and
cargo): 410 kgf
Tongue weight (vertical weight on
trailer hitch point): 15 kgf
U4SH6B.book Page 19 Tuesday, May 27, 2003 4:39 PM

7-33
When riding in an area where you might not easily
be seen, such as desert terrain, mount a caution
flag on the ATV. DO NOT use the flag pole bracket
as a trailer hitch.
WARNING
_ Always mount a caution flag on the ATV to
make you more visible when operating in ar-
eas where you might not be seen by other off-
road vehicles. Watch carefully for other vehi-
cles. _ Do not ride in areas posted “no trespassing”. Do
not ride on private property without getting permis-
sion.
U4SH6B.book Page 33 Tuesday, May 27, 2003 4:39 PM