THULE Safety Bike User Manual
- June 12, 2024
- THULE
Table of Contents
Safety
Thule bike
User Manual
5560032001
Bring your life thule.com
General
A.1 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.
A.2 The carrier and its parts must not be modified in any way.
A.3 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
B.1 Check the assembly instructions to make sure that all the necessary parts
of the carrier are present.
B.2 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.
B.3 Do not attempt to fit the carrier in any other way than the way shown in
the mounting instructions.
Loading
C.1 The maximum load for the carrier, as specified in the
assemblyinstructions, 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.
C.2 The maximum load for the carrier, as specified in the
assemblyinstructions, applies to vehicles in motion as well as parked
vehicles.
C.3 The load must be carefully secured. Elastic bungees must not be used.
C.4 Check and do not exceed the maximum weight per bike specified in the
mounting instructions.
C.5 When loading bikes on a rear door-mounted carrier or a tow bar mounted
carrier, always position the largest and heaviest bikes closest to the car,
followed by the smaller and lighter bikes.
C.6 The carrier is constructed to carry only standard bike frames.
Tandem bikes must not be transported on the carrier. Always check and do not
exceed the maximum bike frame size (diameter) specified in the mounting
instructions.
C.7 In the case of bikes with carbon frames or forks, always consult the bike
manufacturer or dealer to check if you are allowed to use the carrier.
C.8 We recommend that you use the Thule Bike Frame Adapter 982 for rear-
mounted carriers, such as the tow bar-mounted carriers and rear door-mounted
carriers.
C.9 Thule assumes no liability for any damage to carbon frames orforks
incurred during mounting and/or use of the carrier.
C.10 All easily removable parts of the bikes must be removed before
transportation, including but not limited to bike covers, child seats,
baskets, locks (if not permanently mounted) and air pumps. These parts can
become detached during transportation because of increased air resistance and
vibration and can constitute a danger to other road users.
C.11 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.
C.12 If necessary, the load must be fitted with the appropriate lights and
warning signs in accordance with local laws.
C.13 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.
C.14 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
D.1 The tow bar-mounted carrier is not suitable for tow bars made entirely of
aluminium or GGG40 (cast iron).
D.2 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.
D.3 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.
D.4 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.
D.5 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.
D.6 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.
D.7 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.
D.8 Keep a safe distance between the carrier/bikes and the exhaust pipe to
avoid heat damage to the carrier and/or the bikes. The hot exhaust pipe and/or
the hot exhaust gas could damage components of the carrier and/or the bikes.
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.
Important information for rear door-mounted carriers
E.1 Never mount the carrier if your vehicle has an optional/ additional rear
spoiler (even if the vehicle model is recommended in our Thule Buyer’s Guide,
see below).
E.2 Before mounting the carrier, always check the latest recommendations for
your vehicle in the Thule Buyer’s Guide on www.thule.com.
E.3 New or updated recommendations may have been issued for your vehicle after
these instructions were published. If your vehicle is not listed in the Thule
Buyer’s Guide, there may be several reasons for this:
E.3.A your vehicle has a plastic/weak/large spoiler or
E.3.B your vehicle has a plastic/glass or a divided rear door or
E.3.C the car manufacturers do not allow the use of rear doormounted carriers
or
E.3.D your vehicle is very new to the market (available for less than six
months). The most up-to-date information can always be found on www.thule.com.
E.4 The car manufacturers market their vehicle models with different features
in different countries around the world, e.g. a chrome part or spoiler might
be added to the rear door. Rear door-mounted carriers must not be used on
vehicles fitted with accessories of this kind, even if the vehicle model is
approved in the Thule Buyer’s Guide.
E.5 Thule assumes no liability for any damage or loss caused by any incomplete
or out-of-date information provided in the Thule Buyer’s Guide as a result of
regional differences in vehicle features.
E.6 Be aware that it might not be possible to use a tailgate wiper when the
rear door-mounted carrier is mounted. The wiper function must be disabled
(e.g. by removing the fuse – please check your vehicle information booklet) or
the wiper must be removed. On vehicles with automatic rear wiper operation,
this function must be fully disconnected when the rear doormounted carrier is
mounted. Ask your car dealer or workshopfor assistance.
E.7 Always clean the surface and edges of the tailgate and rear door before
fitting the rear door-mounted carrier.
E.8 Due to the risk of vehicle damages, it is not allowed to open the vehicle
trunk when having a rear door-mounted carrier loaded with bikes mounted on the
trunk. The bike carrier mustbe unloaded before opening the vehicle trunk.
Driving characteristics and regulations
F.1 Check the load fastenings regularly.
F.2 The vehicle driver is solely responsible for ensuring that the carrier is
in perfect condition and that the carrier and load aresecurely fastened (even
if fitted by a third person).
F.3 Every time the carrier is used, check that the carrier is securely fitted
after driving a short distance (50km) and thenat regular intervals. If you
notice any unusual noise, movementof 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.
F.4 The vehicle’s total length and/or height may increase when a carrier is
mounted. The bikes themselves may increase the vehicle’s total width and
height. Take special care when reversing and/or entering garages or ferries
etc.
F.5 Do not let the load exceed national regulations in regards to vehicle
width. For safety reasons, Thule Group recommends to not carry loads wider
than the vehicle width.
F.6 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.
F.7 Carriers fitted with a lock must always be in the locked position. The
keys must be removed and kept inside the vehicle during transport.
F.8 Be aware that the vehicle’s driving characteristics and brakingbehaviour
(including in curves) might change and that the vehicle might become
vulnerable to side winds when the carrier is fitted.
F.9 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.
F.10 An additional number plate might be required. This should beattached to
the appropriate part of the carrier in accordancewith local laws.
F.11 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.
F.12 Drive slowly over speed bumps, maximum speed 10 km/h.
F.13 Be aware that wind noise may be generated during transportand may vary
depending on the vehicle and load.
F.14 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
G.1 Clean the carrier regularly using warm water or car shampooespecially when
using or after using the carrier in coastal areas (the effect of salt water)
or during periods when salt is applied to the roads (winter time).
G.2 Lubricate the coupling mechanism (but not the surfaces in contact with the
tow ball surface) and other moving parts of the carrier when required.
G.3 Remove the carrier before using an automatic car wash.
G.4 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.
G.5 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.
G.6 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.
G.7 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
info@thule.com
www.thule.com
© Thule Group Nov 2022. All rights reserved.
PART OF THULE GROUP
5560032001