The ARKSEN Hitch Mounted Foldable Bike Rack Platform Style (2 Bike) with Built-in Anti-Wobble Lock is a robust and versatile accessory designed for transporting up to two bicycles securely on a vehicle's hitch receiver. This owner's manual provides comprehensive instructions for assembly, operation, and maintenance, ensuring safe and effective use of the product.
Function Description:
This bike rack is engineered to attach to a 2-inch steel hitch tube on a vehicle, providing a stable platform for carrying two bikes. Its foldable design allows for convenient storage and easier access to the vehicle's rear when not in use or when bikes are not loaded. A key feature is the built-in anti-wobble lock, which minimizes movement and ensures a secure connection between the rack and the hitch receiver, enhancing stability during transport. The rack also incorporates security locks to deter theft and ensure the rack remains attached to the vehicle. Padded hooks and tie-down straps are included to protect bike frames and secure the bikes firmly to the rack, preventing damage during transit. The design also includes a smart tilt feature, allowing the user to lower the rack for easier access to the vehicle's tailgate or back door, though this feature has specific usage precautions.
Important Technical Specifications:
- Model Number: 005-PBK-FH2-SD
- Load Capacity: Designed for 2 bikes
- Weight Capacity: 150 lbs (pounds)
- Fitting: Compatible with a 2-inch steel hitch tube
- Hardware: The rack utilizes various bolts, washers, nuts, pins, and specialized components like wheel holders, clamping covers, and reflector stickers. Key hardware includes M10x55 bolts, M8x70 bolts, M10x60 bolts, M12x80 bolts, flat washers, spring washers, and lock nuts, many of which feature nylon thread locker for enhanced security.
- Security Features: Includes a lock knob with a key for anti-theft mode and a buckle pin for securing the rack to the hitch.
Usage Features:
- Assembly: The manual provides a detailed, step-by-step assembly guide, starting with inserting the folding bracket into the hitch receiver and securing it with a triangle pin and screw. Subsequent steps involve attaching the connecting bracket, horizontal and vertical tubes, wheel holders, and hooks using various bolts, washers, and nuts. The assembly process emphasizes the importance of tightening nuts until resistance is felt due to nylon thread locker, ensuring a secure fit.
- Anti-Wobble Lock: The rack features a lock knob that, when tightened, eliminates play between the rack and the hitch receiver. This knob must be in the unlocked position to tighten or loosen it. Once tightened, inserting and turning the key counter-clockwise activates the security anti-theft mode, preventing unauthorized removal. To remove the rack, the key is turned clockwise, and the knob is loosened.
- Bike Loading:
- Adjust the wheel holders (8,9) to accommodate the bikes.
- Place the bikes on the rack.
- Ensure the padded hooks (6,7) firmly press against the bike frames.
- Secure the bike wheels to the rack using the stabilizer straps (18).
- Always distribute weight evenly on the rack.
- Load heavier bikes closer to the vehicle.
- Ensure the total weight of the bikes does not exceed the rack's or vehicle's weight capacity.
- Security Straps: A tie-down strap (18) is provided for extra security. It should be wrapped around the hooks and bicycle frame bar, then cycled around the bikes and rack to secure them.
- Fold Function: The rack can be folded up when not carrying bikes. This involves removing the buckle pin (22), tilting up the carrier, and then replacing the buckle pin into the upper hole to secure the folded position. The vertical tube (4) can also be folded down by removing the red pin (3) and reinserting it into an alternative hole to fix the tube's position.
- Tailgate/Back Door Access (Smart Tilt Feature): The rack can be lowered to allow access to the vehicle's tailgate or back door. This is achieved by removing the buckle pin (22) and tilting the carrier down.
- WARNINGS for Smart Tilt Feature:
- It is not recommended to tilt the carrier when bikes are loaded.
- Do not attempt to lower the rack with bikes on it.
- This feature is for heavy loads, and two-person lift is recommended to avoid muscle strain or back injury.
- Only use the smart tilt feature when the vehicle is parked.
- Always return the rack to the level position and ensure it is locked into place before transport.
- Do not allow the rack to fall freely into the tilt position.
- Reflectors: Reflector stickers (20) are provided and should be applied to the end of the carrier according to state or local vehicle regulations for enhanced visibility.
Maintenance Features:
- Pre-Use Inspection: Always inspect the product before use for any damage or missing parts. Do not use if damaged.
- Secure Fasteners: Regularly check that all pins are secured and all nuts and bolts are tightened. The nylon thread locker on the nuts helps maintain tightness but periodic checks are still important.
- Load Monitoring: Frequently check the loads on the rack during transport to ensure they remain secure.
- Clearance: Ensure the rack and its load do not block taillights or any vehicle safety equipment.
- General Care: Keep small components away from pets and children to prevent choking hazards. Keep plastic bags and packaging film away from pets and children to avoid suffocation.
- Proper Installation: The manual explicitly warns against improper installation, stating that failure to install the rack to the car receiver properly may result in the rack separating from the receiver and falling onto the roadway, causing potential road hazards. This underscores the critical importance of following all assembly and installation instructions carefully.
The ARKSEN bike rack is designed for durability and ease of use, providing a reliable solution for transporting bicycles, provided all instructions and safety precautions are diligently followed.
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