Yakima MightyJoe 2 User manual

1033308B - 1/24
Part #1033308 Rev. B
IMPORTANT WARNING
ITIS CRITICAL THAT ALL YAKIMA RACKS AND ACCESSORIES BE PROPERLY AND SECURELY ATTACHED TO YOUR VEHICLE. IMPROPER
ATTACHMENT COULD RESULT IN AN AUTOMOBILE ACCIDENT, AND COULD CAUSE SERIOUS BODILY INJURY OR DEATH TO YOU OR TO
OTHERS. YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR SECURING THE RACKS AND ACCESSORIES TO YOUR CAR, CHECKING THE ATTACHMENTS PRIOR TO
USE, AND PERIODICALLY INSPECTING THE PRODUCTS FOR ADJUSTMENT, WEAR, AND DAMAGE. THEREFORE, YOU MUST READ AND
UNDERSTAND ALL OF THE INSTRUCTIONS AND CAUTIONS SUPPLIED WITH YOUR YAKIMA PRODUCT PRIOR TO INSTALLATION OR USE. IF
YOU DO NOT UNDERSTAND ALL OF THE INSTRUCTIONS AND CAUTIONS, OR IF YOU HAVE NO MECHANICAL EXPERIENCE AND ARE NOT
THOROUGHLY FAMILIAR WITH THE INSTALLATION PROCEDURES, YOU SHOULD HAVE THE PRODUCT INSTALLED BY APROFESSIONAL INSTALLER
SUCH AS AQUALIFIED GARAGE OR AUTO BODY SHOP.
MightyJoe 2
Maximum load is 2 bikes
(60 lbs. total)
MightyJoe 3
Maximum load is 3 bikes (90 lbs. total)
The use of Glass Hatch Hooks with Upper
straps will limit the load to 2 bikes only.
BEFORE
DRIVING
AWAY:
READ CAUTIONS AND
WARNINGS AT END
OF INSTRUCTIONS.
EXTRA
WHEEL STRAP
UPPER
STRAPS
SIDE
STRAPS
HUB
LOWER
STRAPS
BIKE
STRAPS
STABILIZER
CRADLE
CRADLE
LOWER
FRAME
HUB—
(RED TRIGGER)
LOWER
HOOKS
UPPER
FRAME
LOAD
ARMS
SIDE
HOOKS
UPPER
HOOKS
GLASS HATCH
HOOKS
for glass
or plastic hatch
or trunk edge.
MightyJoe 2&3

1033308B - 2/24
IF YOUR CAR IS NOT LISTED in the Joe Fit Sheet
or the Fit List, call 888-925-4621 in the USA and Canada,
or see your dealer.
UNLISTED VEHICLES:
IF YOUR CAR CANNOT BE FOUND (on the Joe Fit Sheet
or the Fit List, or through the dealer or Yakima) it is
“unlisted”. Install the carrier as directed in these
instructions where this icon appears.
— LOWER SUPPORT
FRAME
UPPER
FRAME
To move the frames, pull and turn both
red triggers on the outer hubs.
LOAD ARMS
RED TRIGGER—
ROTATE THE UPPER FRAME AWAY
FROM THE LOWER FRAME.
When you see this icon, find
your vehicle in the Joe Fit
Sheet for frame measurement,
strap positions, and critical
notes about your fit.
DANGER
DO NOT INSTALL THIS
CARRIER ON A VEHICLE
LISTED AS “NO FIT”.
FITTING YOUR CAR…
Rotate the trigger
until it remains
pulled out.
FIND YOUR MEASUREMENT
IN THE FIT SHEET.
See FITTING YOUR CAR (above).
• You will need a measuring tape.
• On a flat surface, move the frames apart.
• WITH THE PADS FLAT, MEASURE FROM THE
INSIDE EDGES OF THE TUBES.
POSITION THE FRAMES.
OR
UNLISTED VEHICLES:
POSITION THE FRAMES. On a flat surface, move the frames apart.
Follow these guidelines to position your frames on your car.
UPPER FRAME
• With triggers out, adjust
upper frame until it rests
on the vehicle.
• The position is relative to
the lower frame and will
depend on vehicle shape.
LOWER FRAME
• A common location is a well-
supported license plate depression,
just above or below the numbers.
• Press the area firmly with your hand.
If deformation occurs, choose another
location.
CAUTIONS:
• Do not place the lower frame on glass, plastic, or thin metal.
• Some SUV’s, vans, and wagons have a large section of poorly
supported metal that will dent under weight.
CAUTION: Some vehicles have a spoiler. If any
part of the carrier contacts the spoiler, do not
use this product.
CAUTION: Although your carrier is covered by a warranty (see
final page), Yakima cannot warranty any installation onto any
vehicle that is not listed in the Yakima Fit List or Joe Fit Sheet.

1033308B - 3/24
SECURE THE FRAME POSITION.
Lower support frame location is
extremely important to the load!
Read and follow the notes
for your vehicle.
POSITION UPPER HOOKS.
LOWER FRAME.
• Turn and push the red triggers
until they are seated in the hub.
• Move the frames apart very
slightly until the red triggers
snap.
• If the frame feels loose, pull
out the red triggers and try
again.
Do not allow the frames to
move out of position.
Check your measurement
again if necessary.
Place where directed
by the Fit Sheet Notes.
Clean the contact points
on the vehicle, and keep
the pads free of debris.
CAUTIONS:
• Do not place the lower frame on glass,
plastic, or thin metal.
• Some SUV’s, vans, and wagons have a large
section of poorly supported metal that will
dent under weight.
UNLISTED VEHICLES:
• A common location is a well-
supported license plate depression,
just above or below the numbers.
• Press the area firmly with your
hand. If deformation occurs, choose
another location.
CARRIER IS
READY TO PLACE
ON CAR.
WARNING: DO NOT ATTACH THE UPPER HOOKS TO GLASS OR PLASTIC! IN ADDITION,
THE USE OF GLASS HATCH HOOKS WILL LIMIT THE LOAD TO 2 BIKES ONLY.
(If upper hooks must attach to glass or plastic, follow Glass Hatch Hooks installation on next page.)
UNLISTED VEHICLES:
UPPER HOOKS
• Insert the upper hooks
into the leading edge of
the hatch or trunk.
Refer to notes for your
vehicle to see if you
should use the Glass
Hatch Hooks in place
of the top or bottom
hooks.
NO GLASS OR PLASTIC? You won’t need the Glass Hatch Hooks, continue to step 13.
CAUTIONS:
• If hooks do not fit into the leading
edge of the hatch or trunk, you can
install the Glass Hatch Hooks.
• If the leading edge of the hatch or
trunk has trim, you must use the
Glass Hatch Hooks.

OK
1033308B - 4/24
REPLACING UPPER STRAP HOOKS
OPEN THE
HATCH
DOOR.
CLOSE THE HATCH.
Pull firmly on the
straps to seat the pads.
While supporting the
carrier with your body,
attach the new straps to
your carrier’s top straps.
PULL
UPPER STRAPS
COMPLETELY OUT
OF THE BUCKLES.
BEFORE CLOSING
THE HATCH…
The pads must be free
from contact between
hatch door and
vehicle’s frame.
THREAD NEW
STRAP-END BACK
INTO BUCKLE.
DO NOT ATTACH THE
UPPER HOOKS TO GLASS
OR PLASTIC!
No glass or plastic? You won’t need the
Glass Hatch Hooks, continue to STEP 13.
Adjust upper straps by pulling on the ends.
Keep the pads away
from the door’s edge.
Pass the strap ends through
the hatch opening from
inside the vehicle.

1033308B - 5/24
☞
IF NOT ATTACHING UPPER HOOKS TO GLASS OR PLASTIC, CONTINUE HERE.
Position the frame as determined in
step 6. The upper straps should hold
the carrier in place.
ADJUST UPPER STRAPS.
Adjust upper straps by pulling on the ends. (Loosen by
pressing the metal buckles.)
PLACE LOWER STRAP HOOKS.
Place where directed by the
Fit Sheet Notes.
CAUTIONS:
• Keep straps away from hot vehicle exhaust!
• Keep straps from rubbing on sharp metal edges!
• Do not attach lower hooks to plastic bumpers.
UNLISTED VEHICLES:
LOWER HOOKS
• The first choice is the bottom of the
trunk/hatch.
• The second choice is under the
bumper if there is a rigid, metal
attachment point.
• The third choice is tie-down hooks
underneath the vehicle or holes in
the vehicle’s frame.
WARNING: DO NOT ATTACH THE LOWER
HOOKS TO GLASS OR PLASTIC!
If lower hooks must attach to glass or plastic, follow
Glass Hatch Hooks installation on next page.
Position hooks at
side mounting
points directed by
the Fit Sheet
Notes.
CENTER THE CARRIER ON THE CAR,
position the side strap hooks. UNLISTED VEHICLES:
SIDE HOOKS
• Mount to the side of the trunk/hatch.
• Position the hooks so they will not
slide up or down when tightened.
TIGHTEN SIDE STRAPS.
Pull the straps
tighter with two
hands.
TIGHTEN
UPPER
STRAPS.
Bundle the extra
strap ends into the
band.
Pull the straps
tighter with
two hands.
Note: If it is difficult to get the hook in, insert it at a
wider section and then slide it into place.
CONTINUE TO STEP 29

1033308B - 6/24
Position hooks at
side mounting
points directed by
the Fit Sheet
Notes.
CENTER THE CARRIER ON THE CAR,
position the side strap hooks. UNLISTED VEHICLES:
SIDE HOOKS
• Mount to the side of the trunk/hatch.
• Position the hooks so they will not
slide up or down when tightened.
TIGHTEN SIDE STRAPS.
Pull the straps
tighter with two
hands.
TIGHTEN
UPPER
STRAPS.
Bundle the extra
strap ends into the
band.
Pull the straps
tighter with
two hands.
Note: If it is difficult to get the hook in, insert it at a
wider section and then slide it into place.
OPEN THE
TRUNK DOOR.
Position the pads
inside the trunk
with the straps
hanging free.
BEFORE CLOSING THE TRUNK:
Be sure the pads are free from contact
between trunk door and vehicle’s frame.
Attach the top strap
hooks to hold the carrier
as you continue.
• CLOSE THE TRUNK.
• Pull firmly on the straps to
seat the pads.
REMOVE THE
CARRIER FROM
THE CAR.
REPLACING LOWER STRAP HOOKS
PULL LOWER STRAPS COMPLETELY OUT OF THE HUB.
Insert the new straps from inside the hubs.
Thread new strap-end back into buckle.

1033308B - 7/24
Use extra strap to
secure the wheel.
The weight of the bikes
may cause the straps to
slack or dislodge hooks.
TIGHTEN UPPER AND SIDE STRAPS
AGAIN AFTER BIKES ARE LOADED.
Secure the front
wheel on the bike
closest to the car.
On the inner hubs,
pull and turn the
red triggers.
REPLACE RED TRIGGERS.
• Make sure that both triggers
are seated in the hub!
•Move the arms, they should
snap into place.
Rotate load
arms to just
above
horizontal.
EXTEND LOAD ARMS.
LOAD HEAVIEST BIKE FIRST
Secure straps tightly over bike
frame and seat tube.
The straps can be routed
under the cables.
Alternate bike
directions to avoid
interference.
Arrange bike frame in the cradles for greatest stability.
Always load first bike
with chain away from
vehicle.
Attach one rubber strap to each
cradle and stabilizer.
To slide cradles along the carrier arms,
close cradle and stabilizer. Close
cradles while loading bikes.
\
stabilizer
BEFORE
DRIVING AWAY
WITH YOUR
BIKES:
READ ALL
WARNINGS ON THE
PAGE AFTER NEXT.
LOAD REMAINING
BIKES.
UNLISTED VEHICLES:
LOAD ARMS
CAUTIONS:
• Adjust load arms to just above horizontal.
• Make sure bikes have sufficient
clearance from the ground.

1033308B - 8/24
TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE OR
REPLACEMENT PARTS:
Contact your dealer or call
[phone] or [phone]
Monday through Friday
7:00 am to 5:00 pm PST
LIMITED WARRANTY Yakima Products (“Yakima”) will repair or replace merchandise which proves defective in materials and/or workmanship. The limited warranty is effective
for three years from the date of purchase. The limited warranty is applicable only if the Fit List and instructions are followed and the products are used properly. If a customer
believes that a Yakima product is defective, the customer must return it to an authorized Yakima dealer with proof of purchase. Yakima will then issue authorization to the dealer
for the return of these products. If an article is found to be defective upon inspection by Yakima, Yakima will repair or replace the defective article at its discretion without charge.
The customer will pay freight to Yakima, and Yakima will pay any applicable return freight. Unauthorized returns will not be accepted. Normal wear and tear of Yakima products
or damage resulting from misuse, accidents, or alterations are not covered by this Limited Warranty.The purchaser acknowledges that Yakima has no control over the attachment
of its products to vehicles or the attachment of items to the Yakima products. Accordingly, Yakima cannot assume responsibility for any damage to any property arising out of the
improper attachment or use of its products. In addition, this Limited Warranty applies only to Yakima products and not to other products used in conjunction with Yakima products.
This Limited Warranty is in lieu of all other warranties, expressed or implied, and does not cover consequential damages of any kind that may arise from the use or misuse of any
Yakima product.
KEEP THESE INSTRUCTIONS!
READ THESE WARNINGS…
Glass/Plastic Hatches
• If upper or lower hooks must
attach to glass or plastic, follow
instructions to use Glass Hatch
Hooks (included).
Convertibles
• Do not allow the upper frame of
the carrier to rest on car
convertible top.
• Do not raise or lower top while
carrier is installed.
WARNING
• YOU MUST TIGHTEN STRAPS AFTER
LOADING BIKES.
• CHECK STRAP TENSION PERIODICALLY
DURING TRAVEL.
• STRAPS LOOSEN OVER TIME. CHECK
BEFORE EACH USE, TIGHTEN IF
NECESSARY.
• FAILURE TO CHECK AND TIGHTEN
STRAPS CAN RESULT IN PROPERTY
DAMAGE, PERSONAL INJURY, OR DEATH.
Rear Window Wiper
• Wiper may not be usable while
carrier is installed. Do not allow
wiper to contact any part of this
carrier, at any time.
Vehicles with a Spoiler
• If any part of the carrier contacts
the spoiler, do not use this
product.
Spoiler Gap
• SUV’s, vans, and wagons with a
gap between the rear spoiler
and rear window or hatch must
route upper straps under the
spoiler when possible. Do not
allow straps to contact spoiler.
MAINTENANCE
• No lubrication is required.
• Do not immerse in water.
• Remove the carrier before
entering an automatic car wash.
THE DRIVE
• Never drive off-road with
bicycles loaded.
• Do not let bicycle tires or straps
hang near vehicle’s hot exhaust.
• Do not install onto trailers,
campers, or RVs.
• Never open trunk/hatch with
bicycles loaded.
• Replace any of the straps that
appear worn or frayed (contact
your dealer).
LOAD LIMITS
• MightJoe2: Maximum weight
load is: 60 lbs. (2 bike limit).
• MightJoe3: Maximum weight
load is: 90 lbs. (3 bike limit).
• Do not carry heavy bikes
(over 35 lbs.).
• Do not carry tandem or
recumbent bicycles.
• Remove any bike attachments.
•Attaching Glass Hatch Hooks to
upper straps will limit the load
to 2 bikes.
READ THE INSTALLATION CAUTIONS THAT APPLY TO YOUR CAR…
Tight Seams
• On some vehicles the trunk/hatch
seams may be too tight to easily
insert hooks. Slide hooks from
outside edge of trunk/hatch to
appropriate location. If still to tight,
open trunk/hatch, insert hooks, and
close very carefully to avoid
damage.
• Make sure trunk/hatch is securely
closed before continuing
installation.
Soft Attachment Points
• Excessive tightening of the straps
may cause damage to softer body
materials.
Although your carrier is covered by a warranty (see below), Yakima cannot warranty
any installation onto any vehicle that is not listed in the Yakima Fit List or Joe Fit Sheet.
WARNING