Bell Folding Hitchbiker2 User manual

IMPORTANT: Remove only by user!
IMPORTANTE: ¡Sólo debe ser retirado por el usuario!
IMPORTANT : À retirer uniquement par l’utilisateur !
BELL
Folding Hitchbiker2
Two Bike Hitch Rack
™
BELL
Folding Hitchbiker4
Four Bike Hitch Rack
™
BELL
Hitchbiker2
Two Bike Hitch Rack
™
BELL
Hitchbiker4
Four Bike Hitch Rack
™
Please keep these instructions for future reference.
Guarde estas instrucciones para consulta futura.
Veuillez conserver ces instructions pour usage ultérieur.

Warnings ......................................................... 1
Mounting Tips ................................................... 3
Installation ...................................................... 5
Using Your Rack ................................................. 6
Advertencias .................................................... 7
Sugerencias para montaje .................................... 9
Instalación ......................................................11
Cómo usar su portabicicletas ................................12
Avertissements ................................................13
Conseils d’installation........................................15
Installation .....................................................17
Utilisation du porte-vélos ...................................18
This rack is designed to attach securely to most automobile receiver
hitches. Due to variations in automobile design and manufacturing, we
cannot guarantee that this product will properly fit all cars. It is your
responsibility to ensure the safe and proper use of this product.
Some unique receiver hitches do not permit full insertion of the insert
tube. Do not use the rack if the attachment bolt cannot be threaded
through the hole in the receiver hitch into the threaded insert tube.
Some vehicles cannot safely accept any hitch rack. We recommend that
you check with your receiver hitch manufacturer to ensure that it has
sufficient tongue strength to carry a load of bicycles.
This hitch rack is designed for use on passenger cars, trucks, and SUVs
with appropriate receiver capacity. Do not use this hitch mount on fifth
wheels, RV’s, or tent trailers – these vehicles produce loads that will
exceed the capabilities of the rack and cause it to fail! If you need a rack
for one of these applications, speak to your local RV dealer for advice on
appropriate methods.
Never use any other attachment method than the supplied bolt, butterfly
pin, or cable lock. Using a non-threaded pin or substandard bolt could
result in the loss of your rack and load.
Improper attachment or misuse of this rack may be hazardous and may
result in damage to your bicycles, vehicle, or vehicles driving behind
you as a result of colliding with or trying to avoid the fallen bicycles
and carrier.
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Table of Contents
WARNING

Warnings
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It is your responsibility to use your best discretion while installing this
rack to ensure that you do not damage your vehicle.
1. Although the rack is designed to hold the bicycles away from the
painted surface of your vehicle, use care when installing and loading
your rack to avoid scratching or denting your car.
2. Empty racks are hard to see even with red cradles and reflective end
caps – If you park your vehicle with an empty rack in a high traffic
area, it’s a good idea to attach a flag or other visible soft item to the
end of the rack.
SAFE AND PROPER USE OF YOUR CARRIER
1. Always secure your bicycles to the rack using the cradles and
straps – preferably with additional cable lock (included with some
models), rope, or additional shock cords. The individual cradles
offer solid mounting, but should be supplemented for safety.
2. NEVER drive off pavement with a loaded carrier.
3. Some hitches are mounted low to the ground – especially when your
vehicle is loaded down with gear and people. Use extra caution when
entering or exiting driveways to avoid damaging the bike wheels.
4. DO NOT let bicycle tires hang near he exhaust pipe. Hot exhaust
will melt and destroy tires.
5. If a strap appears worn or frayed, REPLACE IT! Worn straps are
dangerous. Replacement parts are available from our customer
service department at 1 800 456 BELL.
6. Maximum rack load ranges from two bikes/70lbs. to
four bikes/120lbs.
7. Inspect and check your rack’s straps and attachment bolt before
and after loading – the weight of the bicycles may cause the
straps to loosen.
8. Check Straps at regular intervals during use, more frequently on
bumpy roads, and immediately if the bicycles shift position.
9. Always make sure bicycle frames rest ON the support arms.
Never hang bicycles from below the arms on the cradles.
10. Cleaning bicycle support arms helps give the cradles optimum grip.
Clean with soap and water only and rinse/dry thoroughly. Do not
use solvents as they may weaken straps and cradles.
11. Although it’s possible to do so and will cause no damage to the rack.
We recommend that you fold the rack away from the car only when
it is unloaded. A full load of bikes can be unwieldy to lower and lift –
pinched fingers and scratched bicycle paint often result.
12. Never leave unlocked bikes unattended. Thieves are quick!
Secure your bikes to the hitch using a cable lock or other visible
theft deterrent. BELL offers an excellent range of bicycle locks
that are portable, effective, and durable.
13. When your rack is not in use and not mounted to your car, find a safe
place to store it lying down with the end caps facing up. Do not store
it where it can be tripped over or driven into and damaged.
IMPORTANT

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Mounting Tips
BICYCLE SUPPORT ARMS
Support arms should angle upward
from the horizontal. This helps to keep
bicycles secure while traveling and also
away from vehicle surfaces. To obtain
proper angle, hitch-mounting points
on car frame may be adjusted.
SUPPORT ARM ASSEMBLY
The support arm assembly is designed
to remain stable once assembled. After
your first trip, check the bolts and snug
them up as needed.
ATTACHMENT BOLT
The mounting area for the hitch rack
is under the rear of the vehicle which
makes it a dirty and wet area. Cleaning
and greasing the threads of the bolt
and the insert tube will make for
smoother installation and removal.
RECEIVER INSERT TUBE WITH
THREADED NUT AND INSERT C-SHIM
This tube is designed to work well with
both 2" and 11 /4" receiver hitches.
Factory and aftermarket hitches can
vary quite a bit within these sizes so
we use a threaded attachment bolt to
reduce the inherent play in this type of
mount to provide more stable transport
of your bikes.
VERTICAL MAST
Made from durable powder coated
steel, our mast is the best compromise
of easy loading and safe ground
clearance for fully loaded travel.
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Mounting Tips
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LOCKING LOOP
Our racks include a reinforcing bracket
that doubles as a lock loop for cables – if
you use an aftermarket cable, loop it
through here to anchor the bikes to the
rack.
LOCKING KEY CABLE
(INCLUDED WITH SOME MODELS)
This cable is extra long to make securing
all the bikes quick and easy. It offers
two locking options – you may lock it
back to itself using the sliding bayonet
or lock it to the exposed end of the hitch
bolt for full system security. Always lock
your bike, including short trips close
to home – thieves are quick! The keys
we supply should be readily available
wherever keys are sold – so make some
spares and stash them in each vehicle
‘just in case’.
TILT PIVOT
This simple pivot mechanism will provide
years of quick access to your vehicle
before and after you ride. If play in the
mast develops, simply tighten the bolt
until the wiggle is gone.
LOCKING PIN
(Included on Folding Racks ONLY) Pin
allows the user to lower the hitch arms
and stow them when not in use. The pin
is very durable and secure, for peace of
mind while hauling your bikes. It comes
tethered to the mast so it’s hard to lose. It
includes a security pin to keep it in place.
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Installation
1. Wipe or brush out the inside of your receiver hitch so it’s free from road
debris. Figure A.
2. Insert the rack until the threaded hole lines up with the hole in the side
of the receiver tube. To accommodate the 11
/4" receiver hitches simply
remove the insert C-shim screw and C-shim. Figure B.
3. Insert the attachment bolt and tighten. ALWAYS insert the bolt from the
drivers side – this will improve the stability of the rack in the hitch. Using
the vertical mast for leverage wiggle the rack back and forth. Check and
tighten the attachment bolt more if needed. Install the butterfly pin into
the hole on the end of the attachment bolt. Figure C.
4. Install the lower hitch post to the vertical mast. Line up the holes, insert
and attach the lower frame bolts, washers and nuts. Tighten. Figure D.
5. Install the support arm assembly. Line up the holes, insert and attach
the upper frame bolts, washers and nuts. Tighten. Figure E.
6. On level ground, check that the support arms are angled up from the
horizontal. If they are angled down from the horizontal away from the
car, do not load the rack. Your hitch should be adjusted by a hitch mount
professional before the rack can be used safely. Figure F.
7.
(Included on Folding Racks ONLY) Check the tilt pivot by removing the
pivot pin and folding the rack away from the car. The rack should move
freely down far enough to clear back hatches and tailgates on most cars.
There should only be a minimal amount of play in the pivot bolt – if there
is substantial play check the pivot bolt and nut for tightness. Make note
of the clearance distance between your vehicle door and the mast. Tilt the
mast back into the vertical position and reinstall the pivot pin and retainer
clip. Figure G, H and I. LOAD BIKES ONTO INDIVIDUAL CRADLES. TIGHTEN ALL
STRAPS TO TOP OR SEAT TUBES, USING THE CRADLES. Figures M, N, and O.
8. To raise the rack arms remove security pin from locking clip. Remove
locking clip from the mast. Raise the rack arms and re-insert locking pin
through the mast and attach security pin. Figure J and K.
9. Load the first bike with your chain side facing away from the vehicle.
Alternating the direction of the bikes makes the carrier easier to load and
prevents the handlebars from getting tangled.
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B
J K LI
DCA

Using Your Rack
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10. Load each bicycle so the top tube rests on the cradles.
11. Wrap each strap over frame tubes, thread through cradle loop, pull
snug and press hook-and-loop straps together. Wiggle each bike to
ensure the straps are secure. The cradle strap is designed to fit many
sizes of bicycle tubing and hold firmly regardless of temperature or
weather. Figure L and M.
12. Use a BELL cable lock (included with some models), a shock cord,
or rope to secure the frames and wheels of the bicycles to ensure
safe transport.
USING THE QUICK ACCESS TILT FEATURE
13. Remove all the bicycles from the support arms.
14. Hold the vertical mast firmly with one hand. Unfasten the quick
release retainer clip and remove the pin. Figure G.
15. Tilt the rack away from the vehicle until it reaches it’s stop. Avoid
impacting the ground with the reflective endcaps. Figure H.
16. After returning the hitch rack to its upright position, be sure that the
pin is fully inserted into the tilt channel and that the retainer clip is firmly
clipped on the pin.
USING THE LOCKING KEY CABLE
17. Wrap the cables through your bike frames and wheels, routing through
the lock loop at the base of the rack mast. Your cable is configured to
either lock back to itself when looped through the lock loop on the mast
with the sliding bayonet or to the hitch bolt as shown. Figure N and O.
IMPORTANT
Before each use, check to ensure that ALL straps and bolts are tightened
securely, and if you are using a locking cable that it is tightly wrapped and
locked completely.
English
F
ONM
GE H

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Advertencias
Este portabicicletas ha sido diseñado para sujetarse con seguridad
a la mayoría de los enganches receptores de automóviles. Debido a
variaciones en el diseño y fabricación de los autos, no podemos garantizar
que este producto se adapte correctamente a todos los vehículos. El uso
seguro y correcto de este producto es responsabilidad de usted.
Algunos enganches excepcionales no permiten el acople total del tubo
de ensamble. No use el portabicicletas si el perno sujetador no puede
pasarse por el agujero del enganche receptor para asegurarse en el tubo de
ensamble roscado.
En algunos vehículos, no se puede colocar el portabicicletas de manera
segura. Recomendamos verificar con el fabricante de su enganche
receptor que su enganche tenga suficiente resistencia en el acople para
soportar una carga de bicicletas.
Este portabicicletas de enganche ha sido diseñado para usarse en
automóviles de pasajeros, camiones y vehículos deportivos utilitarios
(SUV) con capacidad receptora adecuada. No use este montaje en
remolques acoplados, vehículos recreativos o remolques de tienda de
campaña. Estos vehículos producen cargas que exceden la capacidad del
portabicicletas y ¡hacen que falle! Si necesita un portabicicletas para
alguno de estos usos, solicite asesoría con su distribuidor local de
vehículos recreativos.
Nunca use otro método de sujeción que no sea el perno, chaveta de
mariposa o seguro de cable suministrados. El uso de un tornillo sin rosca o
perno de calidad inferior podría provocar la pérdida de su portabicicletas
y su carga.
La fijación inadecuada o uso indebido de este portabicicletas podría ser
peligroso y dañar sus bicicletas, su vehículo o los vehículos que vengan
detrás, al chocar o evitar chocar con las bicicletas y/o portabicicletas que
se desprendieran.
ADVERTENCIA
Es su responsabilidad ejercer el mayor cuidado al instalar este
portabicicletas para asegurar que no cause daños a su vehículo.
1. Aunque el portabicicletas ha sido diseñado para evitar contacto
de las bicicletas con la superficie pintada de su vehículo, tenga
cuidado al instalar y cargar su portabicicletas, para evitar rayar
o causar abolladuras a su automóvil.
2. Los portabicicletas vacíos son difíciles de ver, aún con cunas rojas
y tapas reflectoras. Si estaciona su vehículo con un portabicicletas
vacío en un área de mucho tránsito, es recomendable colocar una
bandera u otro objeto visible en la punta del portabicicletas.
IMPORTANTE
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Advertencias
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SEGURIDAD Y USO CORRECTO DE SU PORTABICICLETAS
1. Siempre asegure sus bicicletas al portabicicletas usando las cunas
y correas, preferiblemente con el seguro de cable adicional (incluido
con algunos modelos), cuerdas o cordones tensores adicionales.
Las cunas individuales brindan montaje estable, pero debe
complementarse por cuestiones de seguridad.
2. NUNCA se baje del pavimento con un portabicicletas cargado.
3. Algunos enganches se montan muy cerca del suelo, sobre todo
cuando el vehículo está cargado con equipo y pasajeros. Tenga
precaución especial al entrar o salir de las cocheras para evitar dañar
las ruedas de las bicicletas.
4. NO deje que los neumáticos de las bicicletas queden cerca del tubo
de escape. El escape caliente derrite y destruye los neumáticos.
5. Si una correa se ve desgastada o raída, ¡CAMBIELA! Las correas
desgastadas son peligrosas. Puede obtener piezas de repuesto en
nuestro departamento de atención al cliente, en el 1-800 456 BELL.
6. La carga máxima del portabicicletas es de dos bicicletas/70 libras
(32 kilogramos) o cuatro bicicletas/120 libras (54 kilogramos).
7. Revise las correas del portabicicletas y el perno sujetador antes
y después de cargarlo. El peso de las bicicletas puede provocar
que las correas se aflojen.
8. Revise las correas periódicamente durante su uso y con mayor
frecuencia en caminos accidentados. Hágalo inmediatamente
si las bicicletas cambian de posición.
9. Cerciórese siempre que los cuadros de las bicicletas descansen EN
los brazos de apoyo. Nunca cuelgue las bicicleta por debajo de los
brazos de apoyo.
10. Mantener limpios los brazos de apoyo de las bicicletas da mejor
agarre a las cunas. Lávelos sólo con agua y jabón; luego, enjuague
y séquelos bien. No use disolventes, ya que podrían debilitar las
correas y cunas.
11. Aunque es posible hacerlo y no provoca daños al portabicicletas,
recomendamos que retire el portabicicletas del auto sólo cuando
esté descargado. Es muy difícil bajar y levantar una carga completa
de bicicletas. Las consecuencias a menudo son dedos pellizcados y
pintura de las bicicletas rayada.
12. Nunca deje sola una bicicleta no asegurada con candado. ¡Los
ladrones actúan con rapidez! Asegure sus bicicletas usando un
cierre de cable, o bien con algún otro dispositivo antirrobo visible.
BELL ofrece una excelente variedad de seguros para bicicletas
portátiles, eficaces y durables.
13. Cuando no se encuentre en uso su portabicicletas y no esté
montado en el vehículo, busque un lugar seguro donde guardarlo
en posición horizontal, con las tapas hacia arriba. No lo guarde
donde alguien pueda tropezar con él y derribarlo o golpearlo
con un vehículo y dañarlo.
IMPORTANTE
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Sugerencias de montaje
BRAZOS DE APOYO DE LAS BICICLETAS
Los brazos de apoyo deben inclinarse
hacia arriba del horizontal. Esto ayuda a
mantener seguras las bicicletas durante
el viaje y también alejadas de las
superficies del vehículo. Para obtener
el ángulo adecuado, se deben ajustar
los puntos de montaje del enganche
receptor en el chasís del vehículo.
CONJUNTO DE LOS BRAZOS DE APOYO
El conjunto de los brazos de apoyo
se ha diseñado para permanecer
estable una vez instalado. Después
de su primer recorrido, revise los
pernos y ajústelos si es necesario.
PERNO DE SUJECIÓN
El área de montaje del portabicicletas
de enganche se encuentra bajo la parte
trasera del vehículo, por lo cual queda
en una zona sucia y húmeda. Limpie y
engrase las roscas del perno y el tubo
de ensamble, para que sea más fácil
instalar y retirar el portabicicletas.
TUBO DE ENSAMBLE DEL RECEPTOR, CON
TUERCA ROSCADA Y CALZA C DE AJUSTE
Este tubo ha sido diseñado para
acoplarse a los enganches receptores
de 5,08 cm y 3,17 cm (2” y 1 1/4”).
Los enganches de fábrica y comerciales
pueden variar mucho dentro de estos
tamaños, por lo que usamos un perno
de sujeción roscado para reducir
el juego inherente en este tipo de
montura y así brindar un transporte
más estable para sus bicicletas.
BARRA VERTICAL
Nuestra barra, fabricada con acero
con acabado de pintura en polvo,
constituye el mejor método para
cargar fácilmente el portabicicletas
y mantenerlo a suficiente
distancia del suelo durante
viajes con carga completa.
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