User Manual for Allen 102DN Bike Trunk Rack

Quick guide from the manual

The Allen 102DN is a trunk-mounted bike rack designed to carry up to 2 bicycles with a maximum capacity of 70 lbs (32 kg). Before use, ensure your vehicle is compatible and that you follow all safety guidelines to prevent damage to your vehicle or bicycles. Always check that the rack is securely mounted and that all straps are tightened before driving.

Setting up the rack

Before installing the rack on your vehicle, you must prepare the assembly:

1. Fold out the top foot and carry-arm assembly.
2. Insert the pins at the ends of the wire struts into the holes in the top foot assembly.
3. Completely fold out the bottom foot assembly.
4. To insert pins safely: Unfold the rack and lay it on its side with carry arms perpendicular to the middle section. Pull up on the set-up pin to install it into the hole on the carry arm. Flip the rack over and repeat on the other side.

Installing the rack on your vehicle

Follow these steps to mount the rack securely:

1. Ensure all contact surfaces between the car and rubber feet are clean and free of dirt.
2. Verify that top buckles are threaded correctly.
3. Hook the top hooks over solid metal edges at the top of the trunk, rear door, or hatchback. Never hook to rain gutters, roof racks, vertical glass, or plastic moldings.
4. Set the length of the top straps so the carry arms are inclined slightly upwards.
5. Place the bottom foot assembly against the vehicle in its completely open position. Ensure the bottom gray rubber pads are on a solid surface (never on glass).
6. Hook the bottom hooks to a metal edge below the bumper or at the bottom of the trunk/rear door.
7. Tighten the bottom straps until the elastic portion is completely stretched.
8. Install the left and right side straps using the straps labeled "SIDE STRAPS". Attach the hooks to the sides of the trunk/rear door and tighten.

Alternate installation methods

If there is no metal edge below the bumper for the bottom hooks:

• Method 1: Remove bottom straps from the bottom horizontal cross-bar and loop them around the carry-arms near the top metal buckles. Attach hooks to the lower edge of the trunk/rear hatch and tighten.
• Method 2: Remove bottom straps, open the trunk slightly, and place the bottom hooks just inside the trunk/hatch. Carefully close the trunk on the bottom strap, then re-thread and tighten the straps.

Loading and securing bicycles

Follow these procedures to load your bikes safely:

• Remove all loose items from bicycles (pumps, bags, etc.) and ensure quick-release hubs are tight.
• Load the first bicycle into the position closest to the vehicle with its chain and gears facing away from the rack.
• Load subsequent bicycles in alternating directions for better weight distribution.
• Place the heaviest bicycles first, with lighter bicycles on the outside.
• Secure all bikes to the rack using individual tie-down straps.
• Use the excess bottom strap or additional straps to secure the front wheel of the inside bicycle to prevent it from contacting the vehicle.

Safety warnings

• Do not use the rack on vehicles where it cannot be properly mounted.
• Never carry more than 2 bicycles.
• Do not use for tandems, mopeds, or recumbents.
• Ensure car tail lights remain visible.
• Drive conservatively, especially over bumps, and never use off-road.
• Do not open the trunk or rear door when the rack is installed.
• Remove the rack from the car when not in use.