CURT 18021 Bike Rack Installation Manual

Level of Difficulty

Easy

Installation difficulty levels are based on time and effort involved and may vary depending on the installer level of expertise, condition of the vehicle and proper tools and equipment.

Weight Carrying Capacity

*Maximum capacity of 180 lbs. evenly distributed when expanded to 4 bike carrier with extension arms (#18020, sold separately)

Parts List

Tools Required

Product Photo Description

A visual representation of the CURT 18021 bike rack, showing its structure with multiple arms designed to hold bicycles, attached to a vehicle's trailer hitch receiver.

Important Safety Information

▲ WARNING

• Never exceed the vehicle manufacturer's recommended towing capacity.
• Never exceed the product's weight capacity.
• Do not modify or use this accessory for purposes other than for which it was designed.
• Failure to use support straps on trailer hitches with 1-1/4" receiver tubes voids the trailer hitch and bike rack warranties.
• Check straps for wear, and replace if worn.
• This product is not intended for off-road use, tandems or recumbents.
• It is the user's responsibility to adhere to all state and federal laws regarding obstruction of vehicle lighting (i.e. brake lights, taillights, turn signals and backup lights) and license plate when using this accessory.
• For use with any frame-mounted 2" class 3 or higher trailer hitch receiver.
• Note: Clamp-on bumper receivers and traditional 4" square bumpers should not be used to mount bike racks. Do not exceed receiver weight limits.

Product Registration and Warranty

CURT stands behind its products with industry-leading warranties. To get copies of the product warranties, register your purchase or provide feedback, visit: warranty.curtgroup.com/surveys

ASSEMBLY

Step 1: Prepare Arms

Raise the arms to the outright position, and secure with the attached lynch pin. See Figure 1-A.

Figure 1-A depicts the arm post being secured in its extended position using a lynch pin.

Step 2: Connect Posts

Connect the arm post (#1) and the connecting post (#2) using bolt kit (#8). See Figure 1-B.

Figure 1-B illustrates the connection between the arm post and the connecting post, secured by bolt kit #8.

Step 3: Attach Post to Shank

Using the hex head bolt kit (#7), attach the bottom of the connecting post (#2) to the shank (#3). Make sure to install the bolt in the bottom hole. See Figure 1-C. Insert the bolt that is connected to the post through the top hole of the shank and secure with the provided clip. See Figure 1-D.

Figure 1-C shows the connecting post being attached to the shank using bolt kit #7, specifying the bolt goes into the bottom hole. Figure 1-D shows the final securing of this connection with a clip.

Overall Assembly Diagram Description: An exploded view shows the main components of the bike rack: the arm post (1), connecting post (2), shank (3), and the U-type plastic shank adapter (4). Various hardware kits (7, 8, 9) and tools (12, 13, 14) are also illustrated.

INSTALLATION

Step 1: Mount to Vehicle

Insert the bike rack shank into the vehicle receiver tube. Secure with 1/2" hex head bolt, flat washer, star washer and clip (#9).

The diagram shows the bike rack shank being inserted into a vehicle's trailer hitch receiver and secured with hardware. A note illustrates assembling the U-type adapter (#4) onto the 1-1/4" shank (#3) for a 2" receiver, secured with adapters (#5).

Step 2: Install Safety Support Strap

Install the safety support strap. Loop the strap (#11) to the center section of the bike rack where the arms connect to the bike rack post, as shown in the figure below. Hook the strap buckle (#10) to the back of the tow vehicle. Cinch the strap until there is no bounce in the rack. Secure the extra strap length.

▲ WARNING: Any bike rack with a 1-1/4" shank requires the use of a support strap (CURT #18050). Failure to use a support strap will void the warranty of the trailer hitch and bike rack.

The diagram illustrates the safety support strap being attached to the bike rack and then to the rear of a tow vehicle, showing how to tighten it for stability.

Step 3: Load Bikes

Install the bikes on the rack and secure with the provided rubber bike arm straps (#6). Be sure to secure the cross post and seat post to the rack.

Note: When towing more than one bike, be sure to alternate the directions the bikes are facing on the rack. First bike faces right, 2nd bike faces left. See the figure below.

The diagram shows two bikes being loaded onto the rack. The note indicates alternating bike direction (e.g., first bike right, second left) for optimal fit.

FOLDING FEATURES

Feature 1: Tilting for Cargo Access

At the base, remove the clip from the upper bolt holding the bike rack in the vertical position. Remove the bolt and tilt the rack away from the vehicle. The rear cargo area is now accessible.

A diagram shows a bike rack tilted away from a vehicle's rear, indicating cargo area access.

Feature 2: Folding for Transport

At the top, pull the lynch pin that secures the arms in the outward position. Fold the bike rack arms down to the transport position, and replace the lynch pin.

A diagram shows the bike rack arms being folded down into a compact transport position, secured by a lynch pin.