Adrian Steel 1BTCGL14 - User Manual

The Adrian Steel 1 Bar Add-On Kit for 2014 TC is a specialized accessory designed to enhance the cargo carrying capabilities of the 2014 Ford Transit Connect, specifically for vehicles equipped with existing Adrian Steel ladder racks. Its primary function is to provide an additional crossbar, enabling the secure transport of short step ladders and other cargo that might not fit on standard 2-bar utility or Grip-Lock ladder racks. This kit addresses a specific need for users who require the ability to carry shorter ladders, optimizing the utility of their commercial vehicles.

Function Description:

The 1 Bar Add-On Kit serves as an extension to existing Adrian Steel ladder racks on the 2014 Ford Transit Connect. It introduces an additional crossbar, referred to as a "center bow," which is designed to integrate seamlessly with various Adrian Steel ladder rack models, including the 63-TCL14, 63-TCS14, 61-TCL14, 61-TCS14, 2BTCL14, and 2BTCS14. This center bow provides an extra point of support and securement for cargo, particularly short step ladders, allowing them to be transported safely on the vehicle's roof. The kit's design emphasizes secure cargo management, ensuring that any load or ladder is properly fastened to the rack before the vehicle is moved, thereby preventing accidents and damage during transit. The inclusion of soft composite surfaces on the crossbar is a key feature, designed to protect ladders and other cargo from abrasion and potential damage during loading, unloading, and transport.

Important Technical Specifications:

• Product Weight: 5 LBS. This lightweight design minimizes the impact on the vehicle's overall weight and fuel efficiency, while still providing robust cargo support.
• Dimensions (Width x Depth x Height): 57.6" x 2.2" x 3". These dimensions indicate a compact yet effective crossbar size, suitable for its intended purpose without being overly bulky.
• Color: Aluminum & Black. The aesthetic design is practical and professional, complementing the appearance of most commercial vehicles.
• Catalog Number: 1BTCGL14. This unique identifier helps in product identification and ordering.
• Construction Materials: The kit features aluminum construction for the main crossbar, which contributes to its lightweight nature and corrosion resistance. Stainless steel fasteners are used throughout the assembly, ensuring durability and resistance to rust, which is crucial for outdoor vehicle accessories.
• Fasteners and Torque: The assembly instructions specify the use of particular fasteners (e.g., FAS0242 screws, FAS0588 lock washers, FAS0552 flat washers) and a torque specification of 10 FT LBS for certain connections. Adherence to these specifications is critical for product integrity and warranty.

Usage Features:

• Adjustable Crossbar: The design incorporates an adjustable crossbar, offering flexibility in positioning to accommodate different sizes and types of cargo, particularly short step ladders. This adjustability ensures a snug and secure fit for various loads.
• Compatibility: Specifically designed for the 2014 Ford Transit Connect, this kit is intended to work with a range of existing Adrian Steel ladder racks, making it a versatile add-on for users already invested in the Adrian Steel system.
• Cargo Protection: The soft composite surfaces are a significant usage feature, directly addressing the need to protect valuable equipment like ladders from scratches, dents, and other forms of abrasion during transport. This extends the life of both the cargo and the rack itself.
• Ease of Assembly (with considerations): The kit is designed for assembly and installation, with detailed instructions provided. While the process involves some manual effort, the instructions guide the user through each step, including the insertion of wear inserts and fastening components. The note about bending the wear insert to approximate the curvature of the bow and the potential need for a block of wood and hammer/mallet indicates that some physical manipulation might be required during assembly for optimal fit.
• Application-Specific Design: The kit's ability to transport short step ladders that "do not otherwise fit the 2 bar utility or Grip-Lock ladder racks" highlights its specialized utility, filling a specific gap in cargo management solutions for these vehicles.

Maintenance Features:

• Fastener Tightness Checks: A critical maintenance feature emphasized in the manual is the regular checking of fastener tightness. It is advised that all fasteners be checked at 2-week and then 6-week intervals of operation. This preventive maintenance step is crucial for ensuring the long service life of the rack and maintaining safety.
• Corrosion Prevention: The instructions recommend sealing all drilled holes into the vehicle with a self-etching primer to resist corrosion and potential fastener point failure. This proactive measure helps protect both the vehicle and the rack from environmental damage.
• Use of Specified Fasteners: The warranty explicitly states that substituting Adrian Steel specified fasteners will void the product warranty. This encourages users to use the correct components, which are designed for durability and compatibility, thereby contributing to the overall longevity and safety of the product.
• Documentation Retention: Users are advised to keep the instructions with the vehicle, which is a practical maintenance feature, ensuring that important information regarding assembly, usage, and care is always accessible for future reference or troubleshooting.

Precautions and Safety:

The manual includes several important precautions to ensure safe installation and operation:

• Air Impact Tools: Caution is advised against using air impact tools, as they can over-torque fasteners and cause failure.
• Sealing Holes: All installation holes should be sealed with silicon or butyl sealant to prevent exhaust fumes from entering the vehicle.
• Drilling Safety: A significant danger warning is provided regarding inspecting for fuel tanks, fuel lines, brake lines, high voltage batteries, and electrical lines prior to drilling to avoid damaging critical vehicle systems or causing injury.
• Drill Stops: To prevent vehicle damage, drill stops should always be used when drilling any installation holes.

Overall, the Adrian Steel 1 Bar Add-On Kit for 2014 TC is a well-engineered, lightweight, and durable solution designed to expand the cargo carrying capabilities of specific Ford Transit Connect models, with a strong emphasis on secure transport, cargo protection, and user safety through detailed instructions and maintenance guidelines.