Kuat Sherpa 2.0 Hitch Rack
Assembly and Installation Instructions
Product Overview
The Kuat Sherpa 2.0 is a hitch rack designed to transport bicycles. The rack packaging itself serves as an assembly fixture. Please read the unboxing instructions carefully to ease the assembly process.
Parts Included
The following parts are included with your Kuat Sherpa 2.0:
- Rear Tray Mount
- Pivot Handle
- Lock Cable
- Front Tire Safety Strap
- Inner Tray Assembly
- Outer Tray Assembly
- Pivot Assembly
- 2x M10x450 Bolt with lock washer
- M8x45 Bolt
- M8 Lock Washer
- M10x95 Bolt
- 2x M10 Washers
- M10 Nut
- 6mm Hex Key
- Hitch Pin/8mm Hex Key
- Hitch Pin Lock
- 3x Lock Keys and Bottle Opener
- 17mm/19mm Wrench
Assembly Instructions
- Step 1: Remove the parts box and bracing. Open the parts box.
- Step 2: Remove the trays. Do not remove the hitch assembly.
- Step 3: Place the trays into the build position.
- Step 4: Assemble the trays. Parts needed: 1x Rear Tray Mount, 2x M10x450 Bolt and Lock Washer.
- Step 5: Install the rear tray bolt. Parts needed: 1x M10x95 Bolt, 2x M10 Washer, 1x M10 Locknut. Tighten bolts to 15 ft-lbs (20 Nm), alternating between bolts. Excessive tightening can damage the rack. It may be necessary to align rear tray bolt holes. Simultaneously press down on the rear tray and pull upward on the hitch shank to align the M10x95 bolt hole.
- Step 6: Install the pivot handle. Parts needed: 1x M8x45 Bolt, 1x M8 Lock Washer, 1x Pivot Handle/Pedal.
Note: After the first use, check the main tray bolts for loosening and re-tighten if needed. Maximum torque is 15 ft-lbs.
Installation Instructions
- Step 1: Install the rack into the hitch receiver.
- Step 2: Attach the locking hitch pin. Turn the knob to tighten the hitch cam.
Loading Bicycles
- Step 1: Pivot the tray assembly down using the pivot handle to release the tray.
- Step 2: Open the front tire cradles. Note: Keep front tire cradles folded down when not in use.
- Step 3: Fold out the front tire hooks. Note: Keep front tire hooks folded in when not in use to reduce the chance of damage to the hook arms.
- Step 4: Position the front tire hook against the tire and as close to the fork as possible. Note: Proper placement of the tire hook is critical to securing the bicycle to the rack. The tire hook should be as close to the fork as possible.
- Step 5: Ensure the rear bicycle tire is properly seated in the rear cradle. Feed the strap through the ratchet pawl and pull the strap down to tighten. Note: When loading bicycles with 20"-24" front tires, an adapter must be used. Please contact Kuat Racks directly by calling toll free 1(877)822-5828, or by emailing info@kuatracks.com to receive a 20"-24" adapter kit.
Front Tire Safety Strap Usage
Note: The Front Tire Safety Strap must be used when driving over rough terrain or with bicycles weighing 35 lbs or heavier.
Note: If you wish to place the tire hook up to 1" (25mm) away from the fork, you must use the Front Tire Safety Strap. Caution must always be taken to ensure each bicycle is secured on the rack before any travel.
Additional Notes
Locking Bicycles
Loop the lock cable around the frame(s) and insert the latch tip into the lock on the outside tray.
Note: With the tire hooks folded down, the tire hook next to the pivot handle can be used to gain leverage over the pivot handle, making it easier to disengage the pivot.
Rack Tilting
Note: The rack can be tilted away, providing additional clearance for trunk or rear hatch access.
Tips and Tricks
- Periodically check all nuts and bolts for proper tightness; not doing so can lead to premature wear or rack failure.
- Lubricate the lock mechanisms using a light oil. Keep the cover on the hitch pin lock at all times.
- The 8mm hex key on the hitch pin can be used to tighten and loosen the cam system.
- Keeping your rack clean will help prevent corrosion and keep the rack working correctly for years.
- The pivot handle is also designed to be used as a foot pedal when lowering the trays.
- Make sure the bicycles' tires are properly inflated and free of leaks. Bicycles can become loose if a tire deflates while in the rack.
Kuat Rack Warnings - SHERPA 2.0
Specifications:
- Number Of Bikes: 2
- Weight Per Bike: 40 lb (18.2 kg)
- Max Wheelbase: 47 in (1194 mm)
- Max Tire Width: 3.0 in (76 mm)
General Warnings:
- Follow instructions for proper assembly, mounting, and loading procedures.
- Check tightness of all bolts and screws periodically.
- Make sure the rack and your vehicle receiver are in good working condition before each use.
- Do not use rack off-road.
- Do not use hitch extenders with this product.
- Do not use this product on a recreational vehicle or trailer.
- Do not use rain or wind-covers or tarps with this product.
- Place the front tire clamp next to the front fork.
- Do not take through automatic carwash.
- Do not use front tire bicycle fenders with this product.
- Front Tire Safety Strap must be used when driving over rough terrain or with bicycles 35 lbs or heavier.
If you have questions or problems with your rack, please contact Kuat Racks directly by calling toll free 1(877)822-KUAT, or by email: info@kuatracks.com.
Kuat Racks Limited Lifetime Warranty
Kuat honors the warranty on all Kuat brand products for original owners of the product. The warranty is not transferable.
If a Kuat rack covered by this warranty is determined to be defective, Kuat will repair or replace the defective parts. Kuat may, in some cases, offer the owner a refund of up to the original purchase price of the product in lieu of repairing or replacing the product.
The Kuat warranty does not cover conditions beyond Kuat's control, including but not limited to: excessive loading, improper assembly, improper installation, theft, or any use inconsistent with the user guide. The warranty also does not cover normal wear and tear, scratches, cosmetic oxidation, accidents, or damage due to unauthorized repairs or modifications.
If you are the original owner of a defective Kuat product, please contact Kuat at 1(877)822-5828. A Kuat representative will work to resolve the problem. If repairs are necessary, the owner is responsible for the cost of returning the product to Kuat for repair. No product should be returned to Kuat without prior authorization from Kuat staff.
LIMIT OF LIABILITY: This warranty only covers repair, replacement, or refund for the covered Kuat product. Any damage to vehicles or property, or personal injury, is not covered by this warranty. Limitations or exclusions of incidental damage may not apply in all states.
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