THULE 1348472 BackSpace XT Box Instructions
- June 12, 2024
- THULE
Table of Contents
THULE 1348472 BackSpace XT Box Instructions
General
- Thule assumes no liability for injury to persons, damage to movable or immovable property, loss of profit, or any other loss or damage caused by the improper mounting or use of the carrier, including but not limited to mounting or use in conflict with the assembly instructions, mounting instructions or any other instructions given, in writing or verbally, by Thule or a Thule dealer.
- The carrier and its parts must not be modified in any way.
- Consult your Thule dealer if you have any questions about the operation, use and limits of the carrier. Read all of the instructions and warranty information carefully before mounting and using the carrier.
Fitting
- Check the assembly instructions to make sure that all the necessary parts of the carrier are present.
- Read and follow the assembly instructions and the recommendation list carefully, if the list is included. Then fit the unit in the correct sequence by following points 1, 2, 3 and so on.
- Do not attempt to fit the carrier in any other way than the way shown in the mounting instructions.
Loading
- The maximum load for the carrier, as specified in the assembly instructions, must not be exceeded. In addition, the maximum load recommended for the vehicle itself always takes priority over the load specified in the assembly instructions. It is always the lower recommended maximum load that applies and that must not be exceeded.
- The maximum load for the carrier, as specified in the assembly instructions, applies to vehicles in motion as well as parked vehicles.
- The load must be carefully secured. Elastic bungees must not be used.
- If the vehicle is equipped with an automatic boot or tailgate opening function, this function must be disabled and the luggage compartment must be opened manually when the rear-mounted carrier is fitted, to avoid damage to the vehicle and/or the carrier.
- If necessary, the load must be fitted with the appropriate lights and warning signs in accordance with local laws.
- In the case of vehicles first type-approved after 1 October 1998, the rear-mounted carrier and/or the load must not cover the vehicle’s third brake light. The vehicle’s third brake light must be visible from:
- 10 degrees to the left and to the right of the longitudinal axis of the vehicle
- 10 degrees above and 5 degrees below the horizontal axis If these figures are not complied with, an optional replacement brake light must be fitted. National laws must be taken into account while using the carrier.
- Keep the mounting and safety instructions and (if applicable) the ECE Type Approval in the vehicle where the carrier is mounted.
Important information for tow bar-mounted carriers
- The tow bar-mounted carrier is not suitable for tow bars made entirely of aluminium or GGG40 (cast iron).
- The tow ball and the cylindrical part of the tow bar which reaches 2 cm below the tow ball must be made of steel. However, the tow ball holder can be made of aluminium.
- The combined weight of the carrier and the load must never exceed the permitted tow bar capacity. Information about the tow bar capacity can be found on a plate next to the tow bar or in the vehicle information booklet.
- Always check that the tow ball is free of dirt and oil and not damaged. Some tow ball manufacturers cover their tow balls with protective foil or coating. This foil or coating must be removed before using the carrier, as it has a negative effect on friction and stability.
- Before departure, the functioning of the lights must be checked. When using the fog light on the carrier, make sure that the fog light on the vehicle is not switched on at the same time. The vehicle’s fog light normally switches off automatically when the vehicle detects that the plug is connected. Check if this is the case.
- If the carrier moves on the tow ball or if the clamping force is reduced when operating the fastening handle, the tow ball’s clamping force must be adjusted in accordance with the mounting instructions. Ask your local Thule dealer for advice or assistance.
- If the carrier has a tilting mechanism for easy access to the boot, make sure that the mechanism is securely locked in the transport position during transportation.
- Check distance and exposed area on the carrier behind the exhaustpipe to avoid heat damage to the carrier. The hot exhaust pipe and/or the hot exhaust gas could damage components of the carrier. On certain vehicle models an exhaust pipe extension is required. Consult your Thule dealer if you are in doubt about the requirements that apply to your vehicle.
Driving characteristics and regulations
- Check the load fastenings regularly.
- Make sure the cargo box is closed and locked and the key removed from the lock before driving off.
- The vehicle driver is solely responsible for ensuring that the carrier is in perfect condition and that the carrier and load are securely fastened (even if fitted by a third person).
- Every time the carrier is used, check that the carrier is securely fitted after driving a short distance (50km) and then at regular intervals. If you notice any unusual noise, movement of the load and/or carrier, different behaviour of the vehicle or other unusual conditions, stop and check that the carrier and load are secured correctly, and in accordance with the mounting instructions.
- The vehicle’s total length and/or height may increase when a carrier is mounted. Take special care when reversing and/or entering garages or ferries etc.
- Replace any damaged or worn parts of the carrier immediately. During transportation, all levers, bolts and/or nuts must be tightened in accordance with the mounting instructions.
- Carriers fitted with a lock must always be in the locked position. The keys must be removed and kept inside the vehicle during transport.
- Be aware that the vehicle’s driving characteristics and braking behaviour (including in curves) might change and that the vehicle might become vulnerable to side winds when the carrier is fitted.
- Depending on the carrier model, the car’s tail lights can be obstructed. If that is the case and if the carrier does not already have integrated rear lights, an external light board must be fitted.
- An additional number plate might be required. This should be attached to the appropriate part of the carrier in accordance with local laws.
- The vehicle’s speed must always be adjusted to the load being carried and the current driving conditions, such as the road type, road quality, wind conditions, traffic intensity and applicable speed limits, but must under no circumstances exceed 130 km/h. Applicable speed limits and other traffic regulations must always be observed.
- Drive slowly over speed bumps, maximum speed 10 km/h.
- Be aware that wind noise may be generated during transport and may vary depending on the vehicle and load.
- For reasons of fuel economy and environmental impact as well as the safety of other road users, the carrier must be removed from the vehicle when not in use.
Maintenance
- The cargo box should be carefully cleaned and maintained, particularly during the winter months. For this purpose, only use a solution of water and standard household washing liquid without any alcohol, bleach or ammonium additives as otherwise the surface of the box could suffer damage. Please do not use any standard cockpit sprays for cleaning the cargo box. The locks should be lubricated with spray lubricant (no lubricant should be allowed to come into contact with the plastic surface of the box).
- Lubricate the coupling mechanism (but not the surfaces in contact with the tow ball surface) and other moving parts of the carrier when required.
- Remove the carrier before using an automatic car wash.
- When the carrier is removed from the vehicle, it must be stored in a dry storage area. All the components of the carrier must be stored safely. Remember to clean and maintain the carrier in accordance with the instructions.
- If you lose part(s) of the carrier or part(s) of the carrier wear out, only use genuine Thule spare parts as replacements. Spare parts can be purchased from your dealer or manufacturer.
- To ensure that you receive the spare parts quickly and to avoid time-consuming queries, please provide the relevant product details and the serial number when placing an order or making an inquiry.
- In order to ensure that you are able to replace lost or defective keys as quickly as possible, note down the lock and key number which can be found on your key.
Thule Sweden AB, Borggatan 5 335 73 Hillerstorp, SWEDEN
© Thule Group 2023. All rights reserved.
References
Read User Manual Online (PDF format)
Read User Manual Online (PDF format) >>