Hollywood Racks Baja 2 User manual

Hollywood Baja 2 &3 Bike Rack
This instruction sheet is applicable to both 2 and 3 bike capacity Baja racks.
When using the Hollywood Baja rack, please
follow these important recommendations:
Install the Baja rack on structurally sound
trunks and rear decks only. If you own a Mini Van
or Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV), be sure to read the
special notes below.
Never attach hooks to aluminum, plastic, glass,
fiberglass or carbon fiber. If in doubt, check the
surface with a magnet. If the magnet sticks, it’s
okay to use the rack. If not, do not use the rack on
the subject vehicle. The rack strap hooks can
damage non-steel surfaces. Hooks may be
attached to roof rack cross bars. Check the
contour of the bar first.
Clean the surface of the trunk, rear door or deck
lid before installation of the rack. Clean the surfaces of the sponge pads on your Baja rack. Dirt
trapped between the pads of the rack and the trunk can scratch the vehicle’s paint due to the
abrasive composition of dirt.
Tighten all six straps both before and after mounting bikes on the rack.
Never place more than 100 lbs. (45 KG) on either the Baja 2 or Baja 3 racks.
Use at least the two upper rubber tie down straps per bike when securing your bike(s) to the
rack. The lower (Anti-Sway) rubber strap should also be placed around the bike’s seat tube or front
tire to prevent the bike(s) from moving on the rack as you drive.
Always use the 86” external tie down strap after loading all of the bicycles onto the rack. This
final Safely Strap should be threaded through all of the bikes, and the frame of the Baja rack
itself.
Keep the bicycle tires at least one foot (1’) away from the exhaust pipe(s). Automotive exhaust
is hot enough to melt bicycle tires.
Check the rack, bikes and straps regularly
during use.
Drive slowly when used on bumpy or
rock/dirt surface roads.
Mounting the Hollywood Baja Rack on
Your Vehicle:
Your new Baja (2 or 3) rack comes to you
fully assembled in the box, so there is no
assembly to do on the rack itself. There will
be some adjustment and set-up required so
that the Baja will fit on your vehicle
correctly. Please read and adhere to all
instructions as follows:
Fig. 1
Fig. 2

1. After removing your Baja rack from the box, loosen the black hubs by turning the hub
adjustment knob counter-clockwise. This will allow the two sections of the rack to move relative
to one another, for correct rack placement on your vehicle. Note how the teeth on the hubs
interlock into place. See Fig. 2. The Baja is adjustable to clear spoilers and small rear wings.
2. Adjusting the rack frame: Position the Baja rack on the vehicle such that the bicycle support
arms are parallel to the ground, or angled slightly upward at the back of the rack. The rear brace
should rest on a steel trunk lid, or rear door. See Fig. 1. If necessary (especially on vans, station
wagons and SUV’s) the upper pads may rest on glass. This is because the weight of the rack and
bicycles is support by the upper straps, and the lower pads. Be careful not to interfere with rear
mounted wiper blade if the vehicle is so equipped.
3. Once the proper rack position has been determined by adjusting the Baja’s bicycle support arms
and rear brace, tighten the hubs by turning both black knobs in a clockwise (right hand thread)
direction until snug and secure. Be sure that the teeth of the black hubs are interlocked evenly, so
that the support arms are perfectly parallel. See Fig. 1.
4. Attaching the straps: Begin attaching straps with the upper (farthest forward) pair, placing the
hooks in the most forward trunk lid opening, and then pulling on the end of the strap until the
proper length is reached. Once the upper straps have been attached, the side and bottom straps can
be attached in any order. If your vehicle has a “soft” plastic bumper, the lower straps may be
attached to the lower edge of the trunk lid, or rear door opening instead of the bumper.
5. When all six straps are attached, pull on each strap to make sure that the hooks are properly
seated, and that all straps are tight. After mounting the bikes, recheck and retighten all straps
since the weight of the bike(s) often adds tension to the upper straps, and removes and equal
amount of tension from the lower straps.
Mounting bike(s) to your Hollywood Baja rack:
Fig. 3Not like this! Fig. 4Like this!

6. Attach the rubber straps (total 6 on Baja 2, total 9 on Baja 3) to the rubber cradles, and to the
Anti-Sway blocks (beneath every other cradle). Start with the round (end) hole of the strap
stretched over the diamond shaped “nub” on the cradle. Which hole you choose for the other
“nub” will depend on the diameter of the bicycle’s specific tube placed in the cradle, or next to the
Anti-Sway block. Each strap should snuggle firmly and completely over the “nub.” Check to make
certain all straps are attached correctly before proceeding. Be sure not to route straps over any
cables (see Fig. 3.), but rather under them (see Fig. 4). This will protect the finish on the bicycle
frame and provide a more solid mounting on the rack.
7. Place the heaviest bike onto the rack first (closest to the vehicle), putting the bike’s top tube
(usually) into the rubber cradles on the support arms. It generally works out best to put the first
bike’s handlebars on the driver’s side of the car. Be sure to note the location of the pedal, as you
may have to rotate the crank in order to keep the pedal from hitting the vehicle. Pull the rubber
strap across the bike’s frame tube and attach it to the “nub” on the opposite side of the cradle for
both right and left cradles. Straps should be snug, but do not over-tighten the straps since this may
shorten the useful life of the strap.
8. Next, rotate the Anti-Sway block so that it rests against the bike’s seat tube (this is the frame
tube into which the seat post fits). See Fig. 6. Pull the strap across the bike’s seat tube in a similar
snug, but not over-tight motion as with the previous straps, and snap on to appropriate “nub.” On
some bikes, it may be necessary to unbolt the Anti-Sway block and turn it around, and mount it to
a tire (see Fig. 5.), or other appropriate part of the bike. For very small bikes (children’s and some
ladies bikes) it may be necessary to remove the Anti-Sway block. One of the advantages of the
Hollywood Anti-Sway block, is that it’s so versatile, easy to use and easily removable.
9. Once all the bikes are mounted on the Baja Rack, and all the rubber straps are pulled snug (but
not over-stretched!) over their respective “nubs,” use the 86” nylon-webbing strap around all the
bikes (may be necessary to go through the wheels), and the rear frame of the rack itself.To lock
the bikes and the rack to your vehicle, you may want to purchase the Hollywood Lock-On
license plate mounted lock and cable, available separately from your dealer. Remember to re-check
all straps after the bicycles have been mounted. Re-tighten straps as necessary.
Fig. 5.
Anti –
Sway
block
on front
tire.
Fig. 6
Anti-
Sway block on
seat tube.

On a bike with a slanted top tube, place top
tube on rear cradle, and down tube on front
cradle to keep bike as “level” as possible.
10. When your Baja rack is not in use, the
hubs may be re-adjusted so that the rack
folds flat, just like it was when you pulled it
out of the box!
If you have any questions or installation
problems, please see your local retailer or
call Hollywood Engineering at 800-747-
4085 Mon.-Fri. from 7:00AM–3:00PM
Pacific time.
Euro Note: Special instructions for use in
Europe: It is the driver’s responsibility to
insure that the vehicle number plate and
lights are visible. Use Hollywood Model
F10 “Elevator” rack if required by law.
Special Notes for SUV’s and Mini-Vans: The rear cargo door on many SUV’s and Mini-vans
may not be structurally strong enough to support the weight of the Baja rack and bicycles. For
these vehicles we recommend the Model F4 Heavy Duty, or F6 Expedition bumper mount racks. If
your vehicle has a 1-1/4” or 2” receiver hitch, we recommend fitting a Hollywood hitch rack.
Caution!
This bicycle carrier has been designed to attach securely to most vehicles. It is the user’s
responsibility to insure the safe and proper installation of this product. Improper attachment or
installation of this product may result in damages to your bicycles, vehicle, or vehicles following
behind you. If the pads of this rack (or any rack) are resting against glass or a structurally soft
panel, be aware that this may cause damage to your vehicle. The manufacturer of this product will
not extend the warranty to any damages not attributable to a defect in materials and workmanship.
The fit guide printed in this manual is intended as a general reference only. On going changes in
vehicle design, materials and finishes used on motor vehicles make it the user’s responsibility to
determine the use of this product. Do not attach hooks to aluminum, glass, fiberglass, moldings,
spoilers or carbon fiber parts. Please check the Fit Guide on the back page prior to installation!
If the make and model of your cars is listed as a “No Fit,” check with your dealer about
installation assistance, exchange for another model that will fit, or refund. This guide is not
complete due to continuous changes in automotive design. For answers to questions, call our
customer service department at: 800-747-4085 Mon.-Fri. from 7:00AM–3:00PM Pacific time.
Limited One Year Warranty:
This rack is warranted for a period of one year against defects in materials and workmanship, effective fro
m the date of purchase
to the original purchaser. The manufacturer will repair or replace any parts defective due to materials or workmanship. The
manufacturer of this product shall not extend the warranty to 1) Any failure or malfunction of the product due to any
modifications to the product; or 2.) Damages not attributable to a defect in materials or workmanship; or 3.) Damages resulting
from improper installation on vehicle or attachment of bicycles on rack. Consequential or Incidental Damages: The
manuf
acturer shall not be liable for any consequential or incidental damages in connection with the purchase, use or handling of
this bike rack. Purchaser’s Rights:
Some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of consequential or incidental damages
and
the above limitation may not apply to you. This warranty gives you specific legal rights and you have other rights, which vary
from state to state