The CCM Premium Hitch Mount Platform Bike Carrier (model no. 040-1196-2) is a robust and versatile accessory designed for transporting bicycles on vehicles equipped with a hitch receiver. This instruction manual provides comprehensive details on its assembly, installation, usage, and maintenance, ensuring safe and proper operation.
Function Description:
The primary function of this device is to securely transport up to two bicycles on the rear of a vehicle. It utilizes a hitch-mount platform design, which offers a stable and secure method of carrying bikes, minimizing sway and potential damage during transit. The carrier is designed to accommodate vehicles with either a 1 1/4" (3.2 cm) or 2" (5 cm) hitch receiver, making it adaptable to a wide range of vehicles. Its platform style means bikes rest on trays rather than hanging, which can be beneficial for various bike frame types and reduces the risk of paint scratches. The carrier also features a tilting mechanism, allowing for easy access to the vehicle's rear trunk or hatch even when the carrier is installed.
Important Technical Specifications:
- Model Number: 040-1196-2
- Maximum Load Capacity: 90 lb (40 kg) total or 45 lb (20 kg) per tray pair. This limit applies to the combined weight of all bicycles being transported.
- Hitch Receiver Compatibility: Designed for both 1 1/4" (3.2 cm) and 2" (5 cm) hitch receivers. Specific installation steps are provided for each size.
- Clearance Requirement: Requires 5" (13 cm) clearance beyond the hitch receiver pin opening, particularly important for vehicles with rear-mounted spare tires.
- Materials: The carrier components include a centre bracket, stinger base, wheel tray load bars, and a centre mast, all designed for durability and secure bike transport. Fasteners include hex bolts, step bolts, nylon locknuts, spring washers, and flat washers.
- Tools Required (Not Included):
- 1" (25 mm) adjustable wrench
- 1/2" (13 mm) socket wrench
- 15/16" (24 mm) socket wrench
- 3/4" (19 mm) socket wrench
- 3/16" (4.76 mm) hex drive screwdriver
Usage Features:
- Assembly: The assembly process involves several steps, starting with securing the centre bracket to the stinger base using a hex bolt, flat washers, and a nylon locknut. The centre mast is then attached to the centre bracket with step bolts, flat washers, and nylon locknuts. Finally, the wheel tray load bars and individual wheel trays (driver and passenger side) are mounted to the centre bracket using step bolts, flat washers, and nylon locknuts. Hand knobs on each wheel tray allow for secure tightening and adjustment.
- Vehicle Installation:
- For 2" (5 cm) Hitch Receiver: The 2" receiver adaptor of the stinger base is inserted into the vehicle's hitch receiver. An anti-sway hitch pin, spring washer, and flat washer are then inserted through the aligned holes and tightened with a 3/4" (19 mm) socket wrench. A hitch pin lock secures the pin.
- For 1 1/4" (3.2 cm) Hitch Receiver: The 1 1/4" receiver adaptor of the stinger base is inserted into the vehicle's hitch receiver. A 3/16" hex drive screwdriver is used to tighten the anti-sway bolt. An anti-sway hitch pin, spring washer, and flat washer are then inserted and tightened with a 3/4" (19 mm) socket wrench, followed by securing with a hitch pin lock.
- Loading Bicycles: Bicycles are placed on the wheel trays in an alternating direction (one facing left, one facing right) to optimize weight distribution and fit. The heaviest bicycle should be loaded closest to the vehicle. The centre mast features a push-down mechanism to secure the top tube of the bicycle, which locks into place. A quick-release handle allows for easy unlocking and removal of bikes.
- Securing Bicycles: The carrier includes built-in ratcheting straps on the left and right wheel trays to secure the bicycle wheels. The loose end of the strap is inserted into the buckle until snug, and pressing the face of the buckle releases the strap.
- Tilting Mechanism: The carrier can be tilted to allow access to the vehicle's trunk/hatch. To tilt, ensure the carrier is not loaded with bicycles. Hold the centre mast and pull upwards on the quick-release handle at the base of the mast. The centre mast will then tilt to the passenger side and lock into its lowered position. After accessing the trunk, pull the quick-release handle and lift the mast back to its upright position, ensuring it locks securely.
- Folding for Storage: The wheel trays can be folded up when the rack is not in use or for storage. This involves ensuring the carrier is unloaded, tilting the centre mast into the wheel trays, removing the pin clip and pin from the stinger base, and then lifting the centre bracket towards the vehicle before reinserting and securing the pin.
Maintenance Features:
- Cleaning: After every use and before storage, the bike carrier should be wiped down with a damp cloth and mild detergent.
- Storage: For compact storage, the wheel trays can be folded. The bike carrier should be stored indoors in a cool, dry place to prolong its life.
- Regular Inspections: Users are advised to inspect and check the bike carrier before and after loading bicycles, tightening straps as required. During travel, especially on bumpy roads, straps should be inspected more frequently as bicycles may shift.
- Safety Precautions:
- Do not use for off-road purposes, or load tandems/recumbents.
- Do not install on trailers or other towed vehicles.
- Do not attempt to tilt the rack with bicycles loaded.
- Do not wash in automated car washes with the carrier mounted.
- Ensure license plates are not obstructed (check local regulations).
- Always secure bicycles with straps (not included).
- Never load more than two bicycles.
- Ensure bicycle tires do not hang near the vehicle's exhaust pipe to prevent melting.
- Remove the carrier when not in use to prolong its life.
- Do not use power tools or pneumatic tools for assembly.
- When tilting, ensure the centre mast is held firmly to prevent injury.
- When opening the trunk lid, ensure the centre mast is tilted to avoid damage.
Warranty:
The CCM Premium Hitch Mount Platform Bike Carrier comes with a 1-year limited warranty from the date of original retail purchase against defects in materials and workmanship. The warranty covers repair or replacement at the manufacturer's option, including labor costs. It requires proof of purchase and is subject to conditions such as proper installation, operation, and maintenance, and does not cover normal wear and tear, abuse, misuse, accidental damage, or unauthorized repairs. It applies only to the original purchaser and does not cover indirect, incidental, consequential, or exemplary damages.
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