Yakima KingJoe 3 - User Manual

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Installation Instructions27 pages

Quick Start Guide7 pages

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Summary

Loading and Securing Bikes

Extend Load Arms

Extend load arms to just above horizontal by pulling and turning red triggers on inner hubs.

Load Heaviest Bike First

Load the heaviest bike first, with chain away from the vehicle, using cradles closest to the car.

Secure Bike Straps and Wheels

Attach rubber straps diagonally over bike frame and seat tube. Secure the front wheel with an extra strap.

Pre-Drive Checks

Before driving away, read all warnings, check strap tension, and ensure carrier and bikes are secure.

Important Warnings and Maintenance

Load Limits and Restrictions

Adhere to weight limits (60 lbs for KingJoe2, 90 lbs for KingJoe3) and avoid heavy, tandem, or recumbent bikes.

General Safety and Driving Warnings

Always tighten straps, check tension periodically, never drive off-road, avoid exhaust, and do not open hatch.

The Yakima KingJoe 2&3 is a trunk-mounted bicycle carrier designed for transporting bikes on the rear of a vehicle. It is available in two models: the KingJoe 2, which can carry up to two bikes with a maximum load of 60 lbs (27 kg), and the KingJoe 3, which can carry up to three bikes with a maximum load of 90 lbs (41 kg). The carrier features a robust frame structure with upper and lower frames, load arms, and stabilizer cradles to securely hold bicycles.

Function Description:

The primary function of the Yakima KingJoe is to provide a secure and convenient method for transporting bicycles without the need for a roof rack or hitch receiver. It attaches to the vehicle's trunk or hatch using a system of straps and hooks, distributing the load across various attachment points. The carrier's design allows for quick installation and removal, making it suitable for users who need a flexible bike transport solution. The load arms extend to accommodate bike frames, and rubber straps secure the bikes within the cradles. The stabilizer cradles prevent bikes from swaying during transit, ensuring both bike and vehicle safety.

Important Technical Specifications:

Load Capacity:
- KingJoe 2: 2 bikes, 60 lbs (27 kg) total.
- KingJoe 3: 3 bikes, 90 lbs (41 kg) total.
Bike Compatibility: Designed for standard bicycles. Not suitable for heavy bikes (over 35 lbs/16 kg), tandem, or recumbent bicycles.
Attachment System: Utilizes upper, lower, and side straps with hooks. Glass Hatch Hooks are available for vehicles with glass or plastic hatch/trunk edges, though their use limits the load to 2 bikes only.
Frame Adjustment: Features red triggers on the hubs for rotating and positioning the upper and lower frames, as well as extending the load arms. These triggers ensure the frame components snap securely into place.
Cradles: Adjustable cradles slide along the carrier arms to accommodate different bike frame geometries. They include stabilizers to prevent bike movement.
Material: Constructed with durable materials to withstand outdoor conditions and the stresses of carrying bicycles. Specific material composition is not detailed but implies robust metal and plastic components for the frame, hubs, and cradles, with strong fabric straps.

Usage Features:

Vehicle Compatibility: The carrier's fit is determined by a "Joe Fit Sheet" or "Fit List," which provides specific frame measurements and strap positions for various vehicles. For unlisted vehicles, general guidelines are provided for positioning the frames and hooks.
Installation Process:
1. Frame Positioning: The upper frame is rotated away from the lower frame by pulling and turning red triggers. The frames are then positioned on the vehicle according to fit sheet measurements or general guidelines for unlisted vehicles. The lower frame should be placed on a well-supported metal area, avoiding glass, plastic, or thin metal.
2. Securing Frames: Red triggers are pushed and turned to lock the frames in position.
3. Hook Placement: Upper, lower, and side hooks are placed as directed by the fit sheet or general guidelines. Special instructions are provided for Glass Hatch Hooks, which involve routing straps through the hatch opening and attaching them to the carrier's top straps.
4. Strap Tightening: All straps (upper, lower, and side) are tightened securely with two hands to ensure the carrier is firmly attached to the vehicle. Extra strap ends are bundled into bands.
5. Load Arm Extension: Inner hubs' red triggers are pulled and turned to extend the load arms to a horizontal position, ensuring they snap into place.
Bike Loading:
1. Heaviest Bike First: The heaviest bike should be loaded first, with the chain away from the vehicle, using the cradles closest to the vehicle.
2. Secure Bikes: Rubber straps are attached diagonally over the bike frame and seat tube to secure each bike in the cradles.
3. Alternate Directions: Remaining bikes are loaded, alternating directions to avoid interference.
4. Front Wheel Security: The front wheel of the bike closest to the car should be secured with an extra strap.
5. Final Strap Check: Upper and side straps must be re-tightened after bikes are loaded, as the weight of the bikes may cause straps to slacken.
Safety Warnings: Emphasizes critical safety checks, including periodic strap tension checks, avoiding contact with hot exhaust, not opening the trunk/hatch with the carrier installed, and removing bike attachments. It also warns against installing on trailers, campers, or RVs.
Glass Hatch Hook Usage: Specific instructions are provided for replacing standard upper/lower hooks with Glass Hatch Hooks for vehicles with glass or plastic hatch/trunk edges. This involves pulling straps out of buckles, passing strap ends through the hatch opening, positioning pads inside the trunk, closing the hatch, and then attaching the new straps to the carrier.

Maintenance Features:

No Lubrication Required: The manual states that no lubrication is needed for the carrier.
Cleaning: Contact points on the vehicle should be cleaned, and carrier pads kept free of debris.
Water Exposure: Do not immerse the carrier in water.
Automatic Car Wash: The carrier should be removed before entering an automatic car wash.
Strap Inspection: Periodically inspect straps for wear or fraying and replace any damaged straps.
Warranty: Covered by Yakima's "Love It Till You Leave It" Limited Lifetime Warranty. Technical assistance and replacement parts are available by contacting Yakima directly.

The Yakima KingJoe is designed for ease of use and security, but proper installation and adherence to all warnings and instructions are crucial for safe operation. The carrier's modular design with adjustable components allows it to adapt to various vehicle types and bike styles, making it a versatile option for recreational cyclists.