Allen Sports 542QR Bike Rack Instructions

Product Registration

Ensure you register your purchase at https://allen.bike/pages/register-your-product to activate the product warranty and receive important product notifications.

Important Warnings and Safety Information

WARNING: Bikes or bike racks falling onto the road can cause serious accidents resulting in bodily injury. Do not use the bike rack on a vehicle for which it cannot be properly mounted as described in these instructions.

• The bike rack must only be used on vehicles equipped with 1 1/4 inch or 2 inch receiver hitches.
• NEVER use the bike rack on trailers or on the front of vehicles.
• Bikes must be attached to the bike rack using additional straps or ties if necessary.
• Periodically check during use that all bolts and pins are tight and that the bike rack and bikes are securely fastened.
• Never transport more than 4 bikes (maximum capacity 79 kg or 140 lb). No tandems, mopeds, or recumbent bicycles. Rear vehicle lights must remain visible.
• Drive prudently, especially over bumps. Never use the equipment off-road.
• Do not use the bike rack if any of its parts are damaged, worn, or missing. Contact R.A. Allen Co., Inc. for replacement parts.

CAUTION: Use Allen's 542QR only in accordance with local motor vehicle and traffic regulations.

• Install the bike rack and load bikes only at a safe distance from traffic.
• Ensure that both the bike racks and bikes are kept at a safe distance from the road and hot exhaust gases.
• Only operate the vehicle with the bike rack in the upright and locked position.
• Bikes must never extend beyond the sides of the vehicle.
• Remove the bike rack from the car or fold the carrying arms when not in use.

Parts Included

The 542QR box should contain the following items:

• 1 Hitch Insert
• 1 Set of Carrying Arms
• 1 Quick Release Bar
• 1 Hardware Kit (containing: 2 x 3/8" x 2 1/2" bolts, 1 x 3/8" x 3" bolt, 3 x 3/8" nuts, 2 wrenches, 1 keychain)

Assembly of the Bike Rack

Step 1

• Insert the lower part of the Quick Release Bar into the Hitch Insert so that the holes at the bottom of each piece align.
• Insert the 3/8" x 3" bolt into the hole, and thread the 3/8" nut onto the end of the bolt.
• Pivot the Quick Release Bar to the upright position so that the upper holes align. Insert the Quick Release Tie and secure the wire retainer.
• Firmly tighten the nut and bolt using two wrenches.

Step 2

• Insert the Set of Carrying Arms into the upper part of the Quick Release Bar, aligning the holes in each piece.
• Insert the 3/8" x 2 1/2" bolts into each hole and thread the 3/8" self-locking nut onto the end of the bolts.
• Firmly tighten the nut and bolt using two wrenches.

Note: At the end, both pieces should be firmly assembled together.

IMPORTANT: When the bike rack is in the upright position, the wire retainer of the Quick Release Tie must always be in the closed position to prevent the bike rack from falling during use.

Installation of the Bike Rack on the Vehicle

This bike rack must only be used on Class II or Class III/IV receiver hitches of 1 1/4 inch or 2 inch installed on automobiles by professionals. NEVER use this bike rack on any type of trailer.

Step 1:

Insert the key into the lock and turn the key counter-clockwise so that the locking knob can tighten/loosen the hitch insert's shim.

Diagram shows turning a key to unlock/lock a knob.

Step 2:

Turn the locking knob counter-clockwise to loosen the hitch insert's shim.

Diagram shows turning the knob counter-clockwise to loosen the shim.

Step 3:

Press the spring pin on the hitch and insert the bike rack into the receiver hitch until the spring pin snaps into the receiver hitch hole of the vehicle.

Diagram shows pressing a spring pin and inserting the rack into the hitch.

Step 4:

Turn the locking knob clockwise to tighten the bike rack inside the receiver hitch. Ensure not to overtighten; a properly secured bike rack should be free of any movement inside the receiver hitch.

Diagram shows turning the knob clockwise to tighten.

Step 5 (Optional):

Insert the key and turn it clockwise so that the locking knob can turn freely. This will lock your bike rack to your vehicle.

To remove the bike rack from the vehicle, follow steps 1 to 3.

Loading Bikes onto the Bike Rack

1. Remove all loose items from the bikes (pumps, bags, etc.) and verify that all quick-release hubs are tightened.
2. Load the first bike with the chain and gears facing away from the bike rack. Ensure that the bikes do not contact the vehicle.
3. Load subsequent bikes in alternating directions. For better weight distribution, load the heaviest bikes first. Place the lightest bikes on the outside. Add padding between bike contact points if necessary.
4. After loading the bikes, verify that the entire bike rack is secure, the anti-wobble hitch bolt is tightened, and the bike rack is still firmly in place. Rear window vision may be restricted. Use side mirrors when backing up.

Special Note for Women's Frame Installation: Place one carrying arm under the front top tube. With the other carrying arm, pivot the tie-down cradle and place the carrying arm in the space located behind the seat tube and under the rear base. The Allen 900B Crossbar Adapter is also recommended for this application.

Securing Bikes to the Bike Rack

1. Place the bike in the cradle.
2. Thread the straps.
3. Pull the strap to tighten.
4. Use a 178 cm (70 in) strap (not included) to bundle all bikes around the lower supports. The strap should also secure the wheels.

All bikes must be securely fastened to the bike rack. Use individual tie-down straps or additional straps if necessary.

Folding the Carrying Arms

• To fold the carrying arms, remove the Quick Release Tie from the Set of Carrying Arms and pivot the carrying arms to the upright position. Reinstall the Quick Release Tie. Ensure the wire retainer on the Quick Release Tie is properly closed.
• IMPORTANT: The wire retainer must be fully closed to keep the carrying arms in the upright position during use. Please refer to the drawing in Step 2 on page 1.

Diagram shows folding arms to the upright position and reinstalling the quick release tie.

Manufacturer and Contact Information

Manufacturer:
ALLEN GLOBAL FCZO
IFZA DUBAI - BUILDING A1, UNIT 001
DUBAI SILICON OASIS, DDP
DUBAI, UAE

Contact Us:
GET OUT THERE TRADING
RUA MOUZINHO DA SILVEIRA 10
1250-167 LISBOA, PORTUGAL
+351 211 452 812
CUSTOMERSERVICE@ALLEN.BIKE
WWW.ALLEN.BIKE

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Version: V.8.20