Atwood 493433 Owner's manual

LITERATURE NUMBER 297-333470
Bike Rack for
Recreational Vehicle Ladder
Model # 493433
This Bike Rack design has been verified to the
guidelines stated in this document for use on recreation
vehicle ladders.
●Installation ●Operation ●Maintenance
Effective 01/16/2014
SERVICE CALLS & QUESTIONS
Location and phone numbers of qualified Service
Centers can be found at our website
http://www.atwoodmobile.com or call 866-869-3118 to
locate a Service Center.
WARNING
MAY CAUSE PERSONAL INJURY OR DEATH
For your safety and protection, it is important that this
installation manual is read and understood before
installation or use. Failure to properly install the unit or
attempting to modify it in any way can be extremely
hazardous and may result in property damage and
personal injury and will void the warranty.
CAUTION
MAY CAUSE PERSONAL INJURY OR PROPERTY
DAMAGE
Incorrect or improper installation may cause
personal injury and/or property damage.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Package Contents:
• Atwood Bike Rack: Quantity 1
-with Superlock Buckle strap – 25”: Quantity 4*
(*pre-installed on V-blocks)
• Protective Split Round Foam – 3”: Quantity 3
• Strap Pack: 1 (contains 6 straps)
-consisting of the following:
• Velcro strap – 12”: Quantity 1
• Superlock Buckle strap – 54”: Quantity 1
• Superlock Buckle strap – 42”: Quantity 1
• Superlock Buckle strap – 30”: Quantity 3
• Instruction Sheet
PURPOSE
This product is designed for installation onto a
permanently affixed rear-mounted recreational vehicle
ladder to provide an area where bicycles can be stowed
outside the vehicle.
-The MAXIMUM WEIGHT CAPACITY of the Bike Rack
is 150 lbs.
SAFETY ALERT SYMBOLS
Safety Symbols alerting you to potential personal safety hazards.
Obey all safety messages following these symbols
WARNING
avoid possible
injury or death
CAUTION
avoid possible
injury and/or property damage

Before you begin…
CAUTION
MAY CAUSE PERSONAL INJURY OR PROPERTY
DAMAGE
It is the responsibility of the installer to inspect the
permanently mounted RV ladder to determine its
condition, installation, and rated capacity will allow the
use of this Bike Rack. Seek a qualified technician to
determine if your permanently mounted RV ladder is
installed properly and is fit for use with this Bike Rack.
Ladder Specifications:
-The ladder should be of a minimum 1” diameter
aluminum or steel tubing common design with steps at
least 1-3/4” wide.
-The ladder should be of a common design with spacing
between the vertical rails of at least 9”.
-The ladder should be securely mounted.
-The ladder should have a minimum rated capacity of
150 pounds.
-The ladder should be in good condition with no dented,
cracked or rusted parts.
CAUTION
MAY CAUSE PERSONAL INJURY OR PROPERTY
DAMAGE
Become familiar with the Superlock strap buckle to
make sure all of your straps are threaded properly.
When threaded properly, the strap will allow you to
adjust and tighten as necessary (See Diagram #2). If
threaded improperly, the strap buckle will slip and the
strap will loosen.
Refer to Diagram #2 showing how the buckle is to be
threaded. The Superlock buckle requires the strap to be
straight in the section it is applied in order to apply
proper locking force within the buckle; NEVER use the
Superlock buckle on a curved section of the strap.
In all cases, after threading the buckle and installing
each strap, make sure all straps are pulled tight.
INSTALLATION
How to mount the Bike Rack to your permanently-
mounted RV ladder.
CAUTION
MAY CAUSE PERSONAL INJURY OR PROPERTY
DAMAGE
Install at a height sufficient for the mounted rack to
have adequate clearance from the lowest point of the
bike to the road surface. Verify the loaded bike does
not extend past the side of the RV or cause any
interference and/or obstruct the driver’s view.
1. Determine the appropriate rung of the ladder to mount
to, normally the step immediately above the ladder’s
support standoffs, approximately the 4th step up. Install
the Atwood Bike Rack onto the ladder following the
steps pictured below.

2. Installed height of the Bike Rack will be determined
based on the size of the bicycle to be mounted. To
determine the best installed height, place the largest
bicycle on the rack by placing the vertical frame member
(see Diagram #3) in the outer V-block carrier (see
Diagram #1). The front wheels of the bike(s), when
mounted, must be at or above the bottom of the vehicle
bumper. If mounted lower, the bikes may drag when the
vehicle goes up or down a ramp. If height is a concern,
remove the bike(s), remove the Bike Rack and move the
Bike Rack up to the next step of the ladder; replace
bike(s) to check fit. When operating height has been
determined, remove bike(s) and continue with Bike Rack
installation.
3. With your Bike Rack attached onto the proper step of
your ladder, center it between the rails of the ladder.
CAUTION
MAY CAUSE PERSONAL INJURY OR PROPERTY
DAMAGE
Failure to properly secure the Bike Rack to the ladder
may cause damage or injury. Always verify that the
Bike Rack is securely fastened to the ladder.
4. Install (1) 42” strap with Superlock buckle by placing
the strap around two steps of the ladder above and
below the lower crossbar of the Bike Rack as shown
below, with the buckle in the straight section of the strap
between the upper and lower step and behind the
ladder. Pull on the end of the strap until strap is tight.

5. Install (2) 30” straps with Superlock buckles by first
placing one of the straps over the top of the upper
crossbar with the buckle in back of the ladder. Run the
strap to the outside of the Bike Rack and under the
bottom of the step immediately below the upper
crossbar. With the buckle in the straight section of the
strap between the upper crossbar and lower step and
behind the ladder, pull on the end of the strap until strap
is tight. Repeat on the opposite side with the second
strap. Verify that the Bike Rack is now securely
attached to your ladder.
OPERATION
CAUTION
MAY CAUSE PERSONAL INJURY OR PROPERTY
DAMAGE
Failure to properly secure the bike(s) to the rack may
cause damage or injury. Always verify that the bike(s)
are securely fastened to the rack.
CAUTION
MAY CAUSE PERSONAL INJURY OR PROPERTY
DAMAGE
Overtightening straps on bike frame or wheel may
cause damage to the bike.
How to mount the bikes onto the rack
1. Unbuckle the 25” straps already mounted in the V-
blocks. Roll the bike in front of the Bike Rack with the
sprocket side facing the ladder (see Diagram #3). Raise
the bike until it is perpendicular to the ground with the
rear wheel up and the front wheel down. Slide the center
opening of the bike over the Bike Rack rails and fit the
bike’s vertical frame member (see Diagram #3) into the
inboard V-block carriers (closest to your ladder) (see
Diagram #1). Position the bike on the V-block so that the
rear wheel axle is located as far inboard of the ladder as
possible. Check to see that bike seat or bike wheels
does not extend beyond the sides of the RV and verify
the Bike Rack and/or bike does not obstruct the driver’s
view of the road.
2. Secure the 25” straps around the rear wheel. Choose
a location on the bike wheel that aligns the strap towards
the bike’s rear axle. This will assure that the bike wheel
does not turn and produce slack in the strap while
traveling. Pull straps tight, and make sure that
Superlock buckle is in a straight section of the strap.
Once the first bike is secured to the V-blocks, mount and
secure the second bike to the V-blocks by following the
same procedure.
3. For a single bike, install (1) 30” strap with a Superlock
buckle by placing the strap through the front wheel and
around the lower diagonal frame member nearest the
wheel. Tighten to hold the front wheel rigid.

For a pair of bikes, install the bikes on the Bike Rack
with the handlebars overlapping (see illustration below),
then install (1) 30” strap with a Superlock buckle by
placing the strap through the bike frame and around the
bike frame’s fork member of both bikes (see illustration
below). Leave the strap slightly loose as it will tighten in
the following steps.
4. Install (1) 54” strap with Superlock buckle around the
rear axle support members of the outer bike and through
the rear wheel spokes. Continue to run the strap toward
the outer rail on either side of the ladder, inserting the
straps through the rear wheel spokes of the inner bike if
present. Wrap the strap around both rails of the ladder
with the buckle in the straight section of the strap behind
the ladder. Tighten strap until the bike(s) straighten up
and become parallel with the ladder. For dual bikes, this
step should tighten the previously installed strap around
the bikes forks. If not, adjust the fork strap until tight.
5. Final strap…
Tie (1) 12” Velcro strap around the handlebars of the two
bikes where they overlap. Tighten to keep the
handlebars and front wheels from swinging.
Three pieces of split round foam (provided) can be
inserted in any area where the bikes come into contact
with each other or any part of the mounting surface or
structure.
CAUTION
MAY CAUSE PERSONAL INJURY OR PROPERTY
DAMAGE
Check the straps and bike position occasionally,
especially if traveling on bumpy or unpaved roads.
Adjust into correct position as necessary, ensuring all
straps are tight at all times. It is the responsibility of the
user to verify bikes are secure to rack and rack is
secure to the ladder.

WARNING
MAY CAUSE PERSONAL INJURY OR DEATH
Do not attempt to climb ladder with Bike Rack attached
to ladder.
MAINTENANCE
The Bike Rack is made from durable materials and is
intended for outdoor use. However, minor maintenance
may be required periodically.
The Bike Rack may be cleaned with warm soapy water.
Be sure to thoroughly rinse with clean water to retain
finish. May be towel or air-dried.
Check to make sure all fasteners are tight before and
after each use, and replace any missing fasteners before
use. Do not use Bike Rack if any fasteners are
damaged, broken or missing.
When Bike Rack is mounted and no bikes are present,
loop and tighten all Superlock straps to make sure they
stay with the Bike Rack. Failure to do so may result in
straps becoming lost and will need to be replaced. Do
not use Bike Rack without all required straps in place.
The Bike Rack is not intended to be a permanent fixture.
If the recreational vehicle is placed into storage or is to
remain stationary for an extended length of time it is
recommended that the Bike Rack be removed from the
ladder and stored separately. Minimizing the Bike Rack
components’ exposure to the elements or other hazards
will prolong the life of the Bike Rack and its components.
Periodically inspect the Bike Rack tubing and/or V-
blocks for any damage, cracks or broken pieces.
Replace the rack if damaged, cracked or broken. Do not
use Bike Rack if any components are damaged, broken
or missing.
Periodically inspect the rack straps for cuts or tears.
Replace any defective straps. Replacement straps can
be ordered by contacting Atwood Mobile Products LLC.
Do not use Bike Rack if any straps are damaged, broken
or missing.
ATWOOD MOBILE PRODUCTS LLC
LIMITED WARRANTY
Atwood Mobile Products LLC warrants to the original retail customer of products
manufactured by Atwood Mobile Products LLC and subject to the below
mentioned conditions, that this product will be free of defects in material and
workmanship for the below specified period of time from the original date of
purchase or manufacture. For the remainder of this document Atwood Mobile
Products LLC will be referred to as Atwood. Atwood’s liability hereunder is limited
to the replacement of the product, repair of the product, or replacement of the
product with a reconditioned product at the discretion of the manufacturer. This
warranty is not transferable and is intended for original purchaser only. This
warranty is void if the product has been damaged by accident, unreasonable use,
neglect, tampering, or other causes not arising from defects in material or
workmanship. The warranty extends to the original owner of the product and is
subject to the following conditions.
1) Atwood will repair or replace any part defective in material or
workmanship, after inspection by Atwood. This warranty includes labor
charges per Atwood’s Flat Rate Schedule as required to remove and
replace the part. Service calls to customer’s location and diagnostic time
are not considered part of these charges and, therefore may be the
responsibility of the owner.
2) In the event of a warranty claim, service may be performed at any
approved OEM dealer location
3) Parts being replaced must be shipped to Atwood “Prepaid” in first class
saleable condition and identified with a return goods number, unless other
arrangements have been made. Credit for shipping costs will be included
with the warranty claim. The defective parts become the property of
Atwood and must be returned to Atwood.
4) Returned goods – Goods may not be returned without our consent.
Requests for returns should be made within 10 days from receipt of our
invoice. If the parts being returned are not defective, Atwood reserves the
right to apply a 20% restocking fee. We cannot accept material which has
been custom fabricated or modified from its original design.
5) This warranty applies only if the product is installed, repaired, maintained
and operated according to the installation/service instructions. Any
deviations from these recommended specifications must be approved in
writing by Atwood.
6) The warranty period on replacement parts is the unused portion of the
original warranty period.
7) Damage or failure resulting from misuse (including failure to seek proper
repair service), misapplication or alterations is the owner’s responsibility.
8) Atwood does not assume responsibility for any loss of use, loss of time,
inconvenience, expense for gasoline, telephone, travel lodging, loss or
damage to personal property, or revenues. Some states do not allow the
exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages, so the
above limitations or exclusions may not apply to you.
9) Any implied warranties are limited to the product’s warranty period. Some
states do not allow limitations on how long an implied warranty lasts, so
the above limitation may not apply to you. This warranty gives you
specific legal rights and you may also have other rights, which vary from
state to state.
10) Replacement parts purchased outside of the original warranty carry a 90-
day warranty.
11) Any action to enforce this warranty shall not be commenced more than 3
months after the expiration of this warranty.
12) THIS WARRANTY IS EXCLUSIVE AND IS IN LIEU OF ANY AND ALL
OTHER WARRANTIES, EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING
WITHOUT LIMITATION THE IMPLIED WARRANTY OF
MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR PURPOSE.
Product Specifications for products listed below are designed for use for their
specific application. Any other use, unless authorized in writing by the Atwood
Engineering Department, voids this warranty. Original date of purchase of unit
refers to the date the consumer purchases the vehicle from a dealer. Date of
manufacture refers to the date the item was produced by Atwood Mobile
Products.
Racks – Two (2) years from original date of purchase of unit.
1) This limited warranty is valid only when the product is applied, installed,
maintained and operated in accordance with this Atwood Installation,
Maintenance and Operating Manual. Any deviation from these
recommended specifications must be approved in writing by Atwood.
2) Any implied warranties are limited to the duration of this limited warranty
as stated above. Atwood does not assume responsibility for
consequential damage or loss, including loss of vehicle, loss of time,
inconvenience, expense for gasoline, telephone, travel, lodging, loss or
damage to personal properties, or loss of revenues. Atwood’s maximum
liability shall not exceed the cost of the goods. Some states do not allow
limitations on how long an implied warranty lasts or limitations on
consequential damages, so the above limitations may not apply to you.
This limited warranty gives you specific legal rights which may vary from
state to state.