Yakima StageTwo Hitch Mount Bike Rack

Product Overview

Key Features & Specifications

• Capacity: 2 Bikes (On Road/RV: 60 lbs each; Off-Road: 36 lbs each)
• Tire Widths: Up to 3.25 inches
• Max Wheelbase: 52 inches (132 cm)
• Compatibility: BackSwing™ (2" receivers only), Class II (1.25") receivers (#8002726), Class III/IV (2") receivers (#8002725, #8002740).
• Includes: Integrated locking cables.

Available Accessories

• StageTwo +2 (for 2" hitches only): Anthracite #8002727, Vapor #8002741
• StageTwo Fat Bike Kit #8002735
• RampUp #8002737
• SafetyMate #8002738

Installation

Step 1: Insert Spine into Hitch

Insert the spine into your hitch receiver, aligning the holes. Insert the safety pin through the holes. Turn the SpeedKnob to secure the rack to your hitch, tightening it completely while wiggling the tongue. Use an included SKS key to lock the rack. Note: When locked, the SpeedKnob spins freely.

Step 2: Assemble the Trays

Assemble the inner and outer trays by joining the left and right portions as shown. The Yakima logo should be oriented as shown. The rear-most tray will be installed first.

Step 3: Install the Inner Tray

Place the inner tray (with large underside logo) into the spine bracket, oriented as shown. Attach the tray to the tray bracket with 4 tray bolts and 4 tray washers. Tip: Start by installing the tray bolts by hand. Rock the tray back and forth while installing if necessary. If bolts are difficult to install, loosen the 2 pre-installed bolts to help with hole alignment. All bolts should start easily by hand. Use the included 6mm wrench to tighten all 6 bolts completely to 23 Nm.

Adjustable Tray Positioning

If preferred, trays can be installed centered, but this may reduce saddle-to-handlebar clearance. To center trays, remove installed bolts and reinstall them in the furthest opposite holes before completing tray installation.

Step 4: Install the Inner Pivot Arm

Remove the foam on the hub and install the pivot arm onto the axle. Rotate the inner cup so it aligns with the notches on the arm. Press to ensure it is fully seated on the axle. Install the inner cone, washer, and screw as shown, securing the arm with the 6mm wrench. Note: This requires effort to get through the thread lock. Tighten to a minimum torque of 10 Nm. Rotate the arm to check for side-to-side movement; tighten as needed.

Step 5: Install the Outer Tray

Place the outer tray into the spine bracket, oriented as shown. Attach the tray to the tray bracket with 4 tray bolts and 4 tray washers. Tip: Start by installing the tray bolts by hand. Rock the tray back and forth while installing if necessary. If bolts are difficult to install, loosen the 2 pre-installed bolts to help with hole alignment. All bolts should start easily by hand. Use the included 6mm wrench to tighten all 6 bolts completely to 23 Nm.

Step 6: Install the Outer Pivot Arm

Remove the foam on the hub and install the pivot arm onto the axle. Rotate the inner cup so it aligns with the notches on the arm. Press to ensure it is fully seated on the axle. Install the inner cone, washer, and screw as shown, securing the arm with the 6mm wrench. Note: This requires effort to get through the thread lock. Tighten to a minimum torque of 10 Nm. Rotate the arm to check for side-to-side movement; tighten as needed.

Loading Your Bikes

Step 1: Prepare for Loading

Rotate the arms away and slide the hooks to the end of the arm. Press the buckle and release the rear wheel straps to make way for your bikes. Use the button to slide the hook up and down on the arm.

Step 2: Load Your Bike

• Load your heaviest bike first on the inner tray.
• Always load the first bike closest to the vehicle.

CAUTION: Do not load bikes with fenders. Fenders need to be removed for proper and safe loading.

CAUTION: Do not load a bike if it has a flat tire or a slow leak. Lost tire pressure may result in an insecure load.

Step 3: Secure the Pivot Arm

Rotate the arm up and over the tire until the hook rests 1 inch or less from the brake or fork crown. Compress the hook against the tire by applying firm pressure on the hook body.

Warning: Failure to place the wheel hook in the correct position can cause your bicycle to eject, and cause personal injury, property damage, or death.

Step 4: Secure the Wheelstrap

Route the strap through the wheel spokes. Rotate the wheel slightly if necessary to avoid a valve stem. Insert the end of the strap through the buckle and pull firmly to tighten.

Step 5: Load Your Second Bike

Refer to steps 2 through 4 to load your second bike (if applicable). Rotate the pivot arm into the proper position and compress it. Feed the wheelstrap through the spokes, into the buckle, and pull to tighten. If there is bike-to-bike interference when loaded, switch locations or make sure the trays are in the offset position to eliminate interference.

Step 6: Lock Your Bikes

• Always use the integrated locking cables when transporting bikes.
• Pull the cable from the top of the pivot arm. Route the cable through the bike frame and/or suspension fork, and attach it to the pin on the arm. Lock with the SKS key.

Note: If you wish to add your own chain or cable lock in conjunction with the integrated locks, there is an anchor point located between the trays.

Step 7: Fold the Carrier Up When Not in Use

When not carrying bikes, always fold the StageTwo™ up. Release the tilt lever and fold the carrier all the way up until it locks into position.

Tilt Feature

The StageTwo™ can be lowered to aid in loading your bikes or to allow access to your vehicle's rear hatch. Release the lever as shown and support the spine as you lower the carrier. You may use the tilt feature with bikes loaded or unloaded. When loaded, be careful to avoid hitting your head on the bike when you lower the carrier.

CAUTION: To avoid damage, check that your loaded bike clears while operating your vehicle's power lift gate.

Optional Adjustments

Adjusting the Position of the Trays

Use the 6mm wrench to remove the hardware securing the tray and the hardware plugging the hole. Shift the tray over and align the holes. Replace the hardware to secure the tray and to plug the extra hole. Tighten completely to 23 Nm. Note: Trays shown being centered.

Unloading and Removal

Unloading

1. Release the wheelstrap and tuck it out of the way.
2. Press the button and raise the hook.
3. While supporting the bike, lower the hook arm.
4. Carefully remove your bike.

Removal

1. Unlock and stow the locking cables.
2. Unload your bikes.
3. Remove the safety pin.
4. Unlock the SpeedKnob and loosen it.
5. Remove the carrier from your vehicle.
6. Store the StageTwo™ in a safe place.

Important Information

Guidelines

• Do not install the rack if the spare tire causes interference.
• Remove the rack before entering an automatic car wash, and when not in use.
• Ground clearance of 10 inches or higher is recommended.
• The use of hitch splitters, reducers, and non-approved extensions is NOT permitted.

Use

• Do not transport bikes with attached fenders, baby seats, panniers, wheel covers, or full bike covers.
• Not for use with tandem and recumbent bikes.
• Use caution when entering driveways so that the rack does not contact the ground.
• Drive slowly over speed bumps 5-10 mph (8-16 kph) max.
• Always check and abide by your state and local laws before using this product.

Safety Checks

• Be sure the hooks are properly placed and fully compressed against the wheels.
• Be sure the tires are fully inflated.
• Be sure the wheelstraps are in place securely around the wheels.
• Replace wheelstraps if they are cracked or worn.
• Be sure all hardware is secured according to these instructions.
• Do not position bike tires directly in back of your vehicle's hot exhaust. See page 8 to adjust the wheel tray to position the bike out of the way.
• Verify that bikes are secured to rack before operating your vehicle.

Warnings

• Attachment hardware can loosen over time. Check and tighten if necessary, before each use.
• Be sure all hardware is secured according to instructions. Failure to perform safety checks before driving away can result in property damage, personal injury, or death.
• Be sure to read all the warnings and warranty information contained in the insert accompanying these instructions.

Fat Bike Kit Installation

Replace the Rear Wheel Straps

Press the tab in on the bottom of the standard strap, then push it straight down to remove it. Store the strap in a safe place. Insert the Fat Bike strap until it meets the tab. Pull firmly to advance the strap past the tab. Verify that the strap is secure. Repeat the process for as many straps as you're replacing.

Install the Front Wheel Straps

A. Insert the strap through the front wheel cradle.
B. Route it through the spokes. Rotate the wheel as necessary to avoid interference.
C. Route the strap through the buckle and pull it to tighten.