Allen Sports AST2 - User Manual

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INSTRUCTIONAL

OWNER’S MANUAL

MODEL AST2 BIKE TRAILER

Owner’s Manual should be kept for future reference

WARNING

1. Completely read and understand Owner’s Manual before assembling or operating this product.

2. This product should be assembled by an adult

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

WARNING #1:

• Failure to follow these warnings and assembly instructions could result in serious injury or death!

• Immediately discard all plastic bags and plastic wrapping materials!

• Maximum weight capacity for this trailer is two (2) children at 100 pounds, max payload!

• Never use this trailer/stroller if it becomes damaged!

• To avoid serious injury, children should always wear the seat belt and the shoulder straps!

• Do not install a car seat or any other seating device not approved by the manufacturer inside the trailer!

• A reﬂector that complies with CPSC regulations must be visible on the rear of trailer.

• Never leave children unattended in or around this product!

• Never allow children to assemble, fold, or disassemble this unit!

• Accessories or parcels placed in trailer/stroller may cause it to become unstable!

• Not for use with children under 12 months old! Children must be able to support their own heads!

• Before riding, check that all parts are assembled according to the manufacturer instructions!

Also, ensure that the trailer does not interfere with braking, pedaling, or steering of the bicycle!

• Do not allow any of the child’s body, clothing, shoe laces, or toys to come into contact with moving parts!

• Make no modiﬁcations to the trailer!

• Tires should be inﬂated to 25-35 PSI for maximum comfort! Check tire pressure before each use!

• Use a foot pump or hand pump to inﬂate tires! Pressurized air hoses can cause over inﬂation!

• Periodically re-check all fasteners to make sure they are tight!

• Clean trailer only with soap and water. Do not use solvents!

TOWING TIPS:

• Make sure your bike brakes work properly! Braking distance is increased when pulling a trailer!

• This trailer is wide! Allow extra clearance near curbs, signs, parked cars, and other obstacles!

• A bicycle with trailer attached requires a wide turning radius! Do not turn sharply!

• Children must wear an approved safety helmet when using this product in trailer mode!

• Never remove protective canopy when pulling children in the trailer!

• Always use the safety ﬂag when pulling this trailer!

• Do not ride over curbs! Avoid bumps and holes! Always signal your turns!

• Use extra caution when turning on uneven pavement, and going downhill!

• Not for use at high speeds! Do not exceed 10 MPH!

• NEVER use this trailer at night!

• Install a rearview mirror on your bike to check on children in trailer!

• Dress children appropriately to prevent them from getting chilled or overheated while riding!

Protect against wind-chill in cold temperatures, and provide adequate ventilation and hydration during

warmer temperatures.

SAFETY TOWING TIPS

INSTRUCTIONAL OWNER’S MANUAL

PRODUCT REGISTRATION:

MAKE SURE TO REGISTER YOUR PURCHASE AT

http://allensportsusa.com/about/product-registration

TO QUALIFY FOR PRODUCT WARRANTY AND TO RECEIVE

IMPORTANT PRODUCT NOTIFICATIONS

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Summary

Important Safety Information

Safety Towing Tips

Essential guidelines for safely towing the bicycle trailer, including braking distance and turning radius.

Fully Assembled Trailer and Parts List

Parts Identification

Identifies all components included with the fully assembled trailer for user verification.

Trailer Assembly Instructions

Opening the Trailer Frame

Steps to safely open and set up the trailer frame, ensuring all components are correctly positioned.

Tow Bar Release and Securing

Instructions for releasing the tow bar and securing it with the hitch arm and quick-release pin.

Wheel and Cover Installation

Wheel Installation Procedure

Detailed steps for installing the trailer wheels, ensuring proper attachment and security.

Four Season Cover Attachment

Guide for attaching the four-season cover, including securing straps and elastic cords.

Trailer Attachment and Safety Flag

Safety Flag Installation

Procedure for assembling and attaching the safety flag to the trailer for increased visibility.

Attaching Trailer to Bicycle

Steps for securely attaching the trailer hitch to the bicycle's rear axle and frame.

Child Safety and Trailer Operations

Securing Children with 5-Point Harness

Instructions for properly fastening the 5-point safety harness for one or two children.

Trailer Removal from Bicycle

Steps for safely detaching the trailer from the bicycle hitch.

Routine Trailer Maintenance

Recommended daily and annual maintenance checks for safe trailer operation and longevity.

Folding, Storage, and Warranty

Folding for Storage and Transport

Detailed steps for folding the trailer for convenient storage and transportation.

Product Warranty and Support

Details on warranty service, contact information, and return policies for the product.

The provided document is an instructional owner's manual for the Allen Sports Model AST2 Bike Trailer, a device designed for transporting children or cargo by attaching it to a bicycle.

Function Description

The Allen Sports Model AST2 Bike Trailer serves as a versatile attachment for bicycles, enabling the safe and convenient transport of up to two children or cargo. It features a sling seat with a 5-point safety harness to secure children, ensuring their safety during transit. The trailer is designed to be pulled by most full-sized bicycles, attaching to the rear axle of the bike. It includes a four-season cover to protect occupants and cargo from various weather conditions and flying debris, with a roll-up window for ventilation. A safety flag is also included to enhance visibility during use. The trailer is foldable for compact storage and transport.

Usage Features

Assembly and Setup:

Opening the Frame: The trailer frame is unfolded by lifting both side panels into an upright position. QR Snap Pins are then inserted through holes in the frame and closed to secure the frame's position. It's crucial that these spring-release pins are properly engaged for safe operation.
Releasing the Tow Bar: The tow bar, which connects the trailer to the bicycle, is released by finding and removing a quick-release pin that holds it in place. The hitch arm is then rotated forward until it seats in a U-channel, and the pin is re-installed to secure it.
Wheel Installation: Wheels are installed by sliding the axle completely through the bracket in the frame. A Quick Release Pin, tethered to the trailer frame, is then inserted through a hole in the axle and locked to secure the wheel. This process is repeated for both wheels, and users are advised to tug on the wheels to ensure they are secure.
Attaching the Four-Season Cover: The cover is positioned over the trailer with the roll-up window facing forward. Velcro-backed fixing straps secure the cover around the frame, and additional Velcro material at the bottom front of the cover is attached to a matching panel. Slide release buckles at the rear corners of the cover are connected to matching buckles on the trailer cabin, and elastic cords on the rear cover are connected to D-Rings on the cabin corners. The cover is essential for protection against weather and debris.
Safety Flag Installation: The safety flag is assembled and inserted into a small sleeve on the side of the trailer skin, secured with Velcro. The flag is meant for use only with the trailer and should be removed before folding.
Attaching to Bicycle: The trailer's hitch attaches to the left side rear axle of the bicycle. The axle nut is loosened, the hitch is positioned over the axle, and the nut is securely tightened. A safety strap must then be looped around the bike frame and secured to a D-ring on the hitch arm. It is recommended that the bicycle undergo a safety check by a qualified mechanic before attaching the trailer. The trailer should never be used with electric bicycles, motorcycles, or any motorized vehicle.

Securing Children:

For One Child: The child is seated in the CENTER of the trailer. The lap belt buckle is undone, the lap belt is buckled over the child's lap and tightened. The two center shoulder straps are placed over the child's shoulders and clipped into the "D" Ring of the center crotch strap. Shoulder strap height is adjusted, and straps are pulled snug. Outer shoulder straps not in use can be clipped into the outer crotch strap's D-ring to keep them out of the way.
For Two Children: Children are seated in the Left & Right seats. The lap belt is buckled over each child's lap and tightened. The two center shoulder straps are placed over each child's shoulders and clipped into the "D" Ring of the center crotch strap. Shoulder strap height is adjusted to allow two average adult fingers between the belt and the child. The buckle should be centered in the child's abdomen, and shoulder straps hooked to D-rings and adjusted for a snug fit. The crotch strap and shoulder straps should meet at the child's stomach level, not chest level.

Towing Tips:

Ensure bicycle brakes work properly, as braking distance increases with a trailer.
Allow extra clearance for the trailer's width near obstacles.
Be aware of a wider turning radius and avoid sharp turns.
Children must wear an approved safety helmet.
Always use the protective canopy and safety flag.
Avoid riding over curbs, bumps, and holes.
Exercise caution on uneven pavement and downhill.
Do not exceed 10 MPH.
Never use the trailer at night.
Install a rearview mirror on the bike to monitor children.
Dress children appropriately for weather conditions, protecting against wind-chill and ensuring ventilation/hydration.

Folding for Storage and Transport:

Remove children and cargo.
Unclip the tow bar safety strap and remove the pin to detach the hitch from the frame. Re-clip the strap to the tow bar D-ring.
Remove the flag and pole, separating the three sections.
Remove quick-release pins from rear wheel stub axles and the tow bar bracket.
Fold the tow bar back under the trailer and replace the quick-release pin.
Place wheels and flag inside the passenger compartment and close the front cover.
Fold the upper cabin by removing the 4-season rain cover and QR pins from both sides, then folding the frame down until the trailer is flat.

Maintenance Features

Regular Maintenance (Before Each Ride):

Fasteners: Check all fasteners for tightness and tighten or replace as needed.
Wheels: Ensure wheels are fully secure on the frame and properly inserted.
Tires: Check for wear and proper inflation (25-35 PSI). Use only a hand-operated pump to avoid damage from under- or over-inflation.
Hitch Attachment: Double-check that the QR Pin is locked and the safety strap is in place.
Harness Strap: Check harness strap for wear and ensure buckles lock properly.

Annual/As Needed Maintenance:

Have the trailer inspected by a qualified bicycle mechanic for signs of wear or needed adjustment.
Cleaning: Clean the trailer with a mild detergent and water. Do not remove the seat or cover for washing. Avoid harsh chemicals or water, as they may damage fabrics or frame materials.
Storage: Store the trailer in a cool, dry environment, away from direct sunlight. After extended periods of storage, check tires for wear or cracking, and fabric and strapping for signs of wear. An inspection by a qualified bicycle mechanic is recommended after prolonged storage.