Allen S545 4-Bike Hitch Rack Instructions

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WARNING

Bikes or rack falling on the road can cause serious accidents resulting in bodily injury. Do not use the rack on any vehicle on which it cannot be properly mounted as described in this instruction sheet.

• Rack should only be used on vehicles with Class III or IV 2” receiver hitches.
• NEVER use on a trailer or the front of vehicles.
• Bikes must be tied to the rack using tie-downs, or additional straps if necessary.
• Check periodically during use that all bolts and pins are tight, and that the rack and bicycles are secure.
• Never carry more than 4 bicycles (MAX CAPACITY: 140 LB) - no tandems, mopeds, or recumbents.
• Car tail lights must remain visible.
• Bikes must be securely tied to the rack. Use bike tie-downs, or additional straps if necessary.
• Drive conservatively, especially over bumps. Never use off-road.
• Do not use if any part of the rack is damaged, worn, or missing. Contact R. A. Allen Co., Inc. for replacement parts.

CAUTION

Use Allen S545 only in accordance with local motor vehicle and traffic regulations.

• Install rack and load bicycles only at a safe distance away from moving traffic.
• Make sure that the rack and bicycles are kept at a safe distance from the road and hot exhaust.
• Only operate the vehicle with the rack in an upright, locked position.
• Bicycles should never extend beyond the sides of the vehicle.
• Remove the rack from the car, or fold carry arms down when not in use.

A. Parts

The S-545 box should contain the following items:

• 1 x Hitch Insert: The component that slides into the vehicle's receiver hitch.
• 1 x Carry Arm Assembly: The main structure with arms to hold bicycles.
• 1 x RR Post: The vertical post connecting the hitch insert to the carry arm assembly.
• 1 x Spine Shield: A protective cover for the vertical post.
• 1 x Hardware Kit, containing:
  • 2 x 3/8" x 2 1/2" Bolts
  • 1 x 3/8" x 3" Bolt
  • 4 x 3/8" Lock Nuts
  • 1 x 1/2" Lock Nut
  • 1 x 1/2" Wobble Bolt (for securing the rack to the hitch)
  • 1 x 70" Bottom Strap (for securing bikes together)

B. Assembling Rack

Tools Required

Two 9/16" wrenches and two 3/4" wrenches, or two adjustable wrenches.

Step 1: Connect RR Post to Hitch Insert

Insert the lower portion of the RR Post into the Hitch Insert, aligning the holes at the bottom of each part. Insert the 3/8" x 3" bolt through the aligned holes and thread a 3/8" lock nut onto the end of the bolt. Pivot the RR Post into the upright position until the securing latch snaps into place. Tighten the nut and bolt firmly using two wrenches.

Step 2: Attach Carry Arm Assembly

Insert the Carry Arm Assembly into the upper portion of the RR Post, lining up the holes in each part. Insert the two 3/8" x 2 1/2" bolts through the aligned holes and thread a 3/8" lock nut onto the end of each bolt. Tighten each nut and bolt firmly using two wrenches. Both parts should be firmly joined together.

Step 3: Install Spine Pad

With "Allen Sports" text in the upper position, align the recesses for the nut and bolt heads on the Spine Pad. Snap the Spine Pad into place onto the receiver rack's vertical post.

Important: When the rack is in an upright position, the securing latch must be fully engaged for the rack to function properly.

C. Installing Rack onto Vehicle

The Model S-545 should only be used on 2" receiver hitches installed on automobiles. Never use this rack on a trailer.

1. With the carry arms in the folded position, insert the rack into the receiver hitch. Line up the hole in the base of the rack with the hole of the receiver hitch.
2. Insert the 1/2" wobble bolt into the aligned hole. Ensure the shoulder of the bolt comes against the inside of the receiver rack's hitch.
3. Tighten firmly using two 3/4" wrenches. There should not be any movement of the rack inside the hitch when the lock nut is secured.

D. Folding Up Carry Arms

To fold up the carry arms:

1. Squeeze together the two red tabs located on the back of the carry arm assembly.
2. Swing the carry arms into the upright position. The pins connected to these tabs should "snap" into place to hold the carry arms in an upright position.

Reversing this process will keep the carry arms locked in a down position. If both pins on your rack do not properly engage the carry arms in the upright position, do not use your rack and contact R. A. Allen Co.

E. Loading Bicycles on Rack

• Remove all loose items from bicycles (pumps, bags, etc.) and check that all quick-release hubs are tight.
• Load the first bicycle with its chain and gears facing away from the rack. Make sure that bicycles do not come into contact with the vehicle.
• Load subsequent bicycles in alternating directions. For best weight distribution, load the heaviest bicycles first, with lighter bicycles on the outside. Add padding between bicycle contact points if necessary.
• After bicycles are loaded, check that the entire rack is secure and that the no-wobble bolt is tight, and that the rack is still firmly in place. Vision out of the rear window may be restricted – use side mirrors accordingly when backing up.

Special Note on Installing Women's Style Frames:

Place one carry arm under the front top tube. With the other carry arm, rotate the tie-down cradle and place it in the space behind the seat tube and below the rear down-stay. The Allen 900B Adaptor Bar is also recommended for this application.

F. Securing Bikes to Rack

1. Place bicycle in cradle. All bikes must be securely tied to the rack. Use individual tie-down straps, or additional straps if necessary.
2. Lock down the tie-down strap.
3. Use the 70" strap to pull all bicycles together around the bottom brackets. The strap should also secure the wheels.

Allen Lifetime Warranty

If an Allen bike rack is found to have a defect in workmanship or material over the lifetime of the original purchaser, Allen will repair or replace the rack free of charge. The warranty does not cover damage or wear which occurs as a result of day-to-day use or general wear and tear.

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Contact Information

R. A. Allen Co., Inc. / Allen Sports USA

60 Thoreau St. - #161

Concord, MA 01742, USA

Email: CUSTOMERSERVICE@ALLEN.BIKE

Website: www.allen.bike

©2015 R. A. Allen Co., Inc., All Rights Reserved