Thule 889800 Bike Square Bar Adapter Instruction Manual

1. Introduction and Product Overview

The Thule 889800 Bike Square Bar Adapter is an accessory designed to enable the secure mounting of compatible Thule bike racks onto various types of vehicle load bars. This adapter is specifically engineered for use with square bars, round aluminum load bars, and most other standard load bars available on the market. It provides a reliable interface for attaching your bike carrier system.

2. Package Contents

Before beginning installation, please verify that all components are present and undamaged. The package for the Thule 889800 Bike Square Bar Adapter typically includes:

• Three (3) curved adapter clamps
• Three (3) threaded T-bolts of varying lengths

Image 1: Contents of the Thule 889800 Bike Square Bar Adapter package, showing three curved clamps and three threaded T-bolts.

3. Safety Information

Adherence to these safety guidelines is crucial for safe operation and to prevent damage to your equipment or vehicle:

• Always ensure the adapter and bike rack are securely fastened before driving.
• Regularly check all mounting points for tightness, especially after initial installation and before each use.
• Do not exceed the maximum load capacity specified for your bike rack or vehicle's roof system.
• Consult your vehicle's owner's manual for specific roof load limits.
• Drive cautiously, especially when cornering or braking, as the vehicle's center of gravity will be altered.
• Be aware of increased vehicle height when entering garages, car washes, or low-clearance areas.

4. Setup and Installation

This section details the steps for installing the Thule 889800 Bike Square Bar Adapter onto your vehicle's load bars and subsequently attaching a compatible Thule bike rack.

4.1 Attaching the Adapter to Load Bars

1. Identify the appropriate threaded T-bolt length for your specific load bar profile. The kit includes various lengths to accommodate different bar thicknesses.
2. Position the curved adapter clamp around the load bar at the desired mounting location for your bike rack. Ensure the clamp sits flush against the bar.
3. Insert the chosen T-bolt through the designated hole on the bike rack's mounting bracket.
4. Align the T-bolt with the receiving slot on the curved adapter clamp.
5. Tighten the T-bolt securely. Do not overtighten, but ensure there is no movement in the adapter. Repeat for all required mounting points of your bike rack.

This adapter is designed to fit around square bars, round aluminum load bars, and most other load bars on the market. Ensure a snug fit for optimal security.

4.2 Attaching the Bike Rack

Once the adapters are securely installed on your load bars, proceed with attaching your Thule bike rack according to its specific instruction manual, utilizing the newly installed adapter points.

5. Operating Instructions

The Thule 889800 adapter itself does not have operational controls. Its function is to provide a secure mounting point. Operation pertains to the bike rack it supports:

• Always refer to your specific Thule bike rack's instruction manual for proper loading and securing of bicycles.
• Before each trip, confirm that the bike rack is firmly attached to the adapters and that the adapters are tight on the load bars.
• Ensure bicycles are properly secured to the rack to prevent movement during transit.

6. Maintenance

To ensure the longevity and continued safe performance of your Thule 889800 Bike Square Bar Adapter, follow these maintenance recommendations:

• Cleaning: Clean the adapter components with mild soap and water. Avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners.
• Inspection: Periodically inspect the adapter clamps and T-bolts for any signs of wear, cracks, or damage. Replace any damaged components immediately.
• Storage: If removing the bike rack and adapter for extended periods, store them in a clean, dry place away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures.

7. Troubleshooting

This section addresses common issues you might encounter with the Thule 889800 Bike Square Bar Adapter.

• Issue: The adapter does not fit securely around my load bars.
  Solution: Ensure you are using the correct T-bolt length for your load bar's thickness. The adapter is designed for square bars, round aluminum bars, and most other standard load bars. If your bars are unusually large or shaped, this adapter may not be compatible. Verify your load bar dimensions against Thule's compatibility guidelines.
• Issue: The bike rack feels loose after installation.
  Solution: Re-check the tightness of all T-bolts securing the adapter to the load bars and the bike rack to the adapter. Ensure all components are properly seated and tightened according to the instructions.
• Issue: Missing components.
  Solution: Refer to the "Package Contents" section. If components are missing, contact Thule customer support or your retailer.

8. Specifications

9. Warranty and Support

Specific warranty details for the Thule 889800 Bike Square Bar Adapter are typically provided with the product packaging or can be found on the official Thule website. For warranty claims, technical assistance, or replacement parts, please contact Thule customer support directly. Keep your proof of purchase for any warranty-related inquiries.

For further information, visit the official Thule website: www.thule.com