Hollywood Bike Rack Instructions: A Comprehensive Guide

This comprehensive guide will provide you with the necessary instructions for assembling, installing, and maintaining your Hollywood bike rack. Ensuring a safe and secure transportation experience for your bicycles.

Hollywood Racks has been a trusted name in bike transportation since 1973, beginning with trunk-mounted racks. Their goal has always been simple: provide strong, secure, and easy-to-use solutions for cyclists. With decades of experience, they offer a diverse range of car bike racks, including hitch, trunk, and spare tire options, catering to various vehicle types and cycling needs.

Hollywood Racks are known for their user-friendly designs, incorporating features like adjustable wheel holders, locking frame hooks, and patented No Wobble hitch tightening systems. Whether you’re carrying standard bikes, e-bikes, or recumbent models, Hollywood Racks aims to make bike transport safe and convenient.

Types of Hollywood Bike Racks

Hollywood Racks offers a variety of bike rack types to suit different vehicles and needs. These include hitch racks, trunk racks and others, each designed with specific features and benefits.

Hitch Racks

Hitch racks from Hollywood Racks attach to the receiver hitch of your vehicle, providing a stable and secure platform for transporting bikes. Models like the Sport Rider SE2 and Destination HR4200 offer different features, including adjustable wheel holders, locking frame hooks, and tilt-down capabilities for easy access to the rear of the vehicle.

The Sport Rider SE2 is designed for heavier bikes, including e-bikes, while the Destination HR4200 is a lightweight option for standard bikes. Ensure your hitch is compatible (2″ or 1 1/4″) and meets the weight capacity requirements. Some models also include anti-wobble systems and locking mechanisms for added security. Always refer to the specific model’s instructions for proper assembly and installation.

Trunk Racks

Hollywood Racks trunk racks offer a versatile solution for vehicles without a hitch receiver; These racks attach to the trunk or hatchback of your car using a system of straps and adjustable supports. Proper installation is crucial to prevent damage to your vehicle and ensure the safety of your bikes.

Before installing a trunk rack, clean the surface of your car’s boot lid and bumper to prevent scratches. Ensure all straps are tightened before and after loading bikes. When carrying two bikes, stagger the handlebars to avoid interference. Always consult the specific model’s instructions for the correct strap placement and weight limits. Note that certain vehicles with spoilers may not be compatible with trunk racks.

Assembly Instructions for Hollywood Hitch Racks

This section details assembly procedures for specific Hollywood hitch rack models. Follow the instructions carefully to correctly assemble your Sport Rider SE2, Destination HR4200, or Sportrider HR1500 hitch rack.

Sport Rider SE2 Assembly

To assemble the Sport Rider SE2, begin by laying the upright beam face down, ensuring the Hollywood decal faces downward. Then, carefully position the receiver tube bracket onto the beam’s end, making sure the receiver tube points upwards. The Sport Rider SE2 is designed to fit almost any bike style using new universal locking frame hooks and adjustable wheel holders.

Next, secure the receiver tube bracket. This rack features a patented No Wobble-No Tools hitch tightening system, keyed-alike locking hitch pin, and security cable to ensure the bikes are secure. Detailed instructions and diagrams are included in the manual for each step. Refer to the manual for visual aids and specific torque specifications. Ensure all bolts are tightened to the recommended torque.

Destination HR4200 Assembly

The Destination HR4200 assembly involves several key steps to ensure a secure and functional bike rack. Begin by unpacking all components and verifying against the parts list in the instruction manual. Lay out the main frame and attach the support arms using the provided hardware. Ensure the support arms are securely fastened, as they provide crucial stability for the bikes during transport.

Next, install the wheel trays onto the support arms, adjusting their positions to accommodate various bike sizes. The HR4200’s padded frame holders slide vertically along the center post and rotate 360 degrees. This feature accommodates diverse bike frame shapes and sizes, ensuring a snug fit. Finally, attach the locking hitch pin to prevent swaying during transit. Refer to the manual for detailed diagrams.

Sportrider HR1500 Assembly

Assembling the Sportrider HR1500 requires careful attention to detail. Begin by laying the upright beam face down, ensuring the Hollywood decal faces down. Attach the receiver tube bracket to the end of the upright beam, with the receiver tube pointing upwards. Secure the bracket using the provided bolts and washers, tightening them evenly to ensure a stable connection.

Next, attach the wheel holders to the support arms, adjusting them to accommodate your bike’s wheel size. The HR1500 is designed for 2-inch hitches only, so avoid using adapters. This model is specifically for e-bikes, with a maximum weight capacity of 80lbs per bicycle. Ensure all locking mechanisms are functioning correctly before use. Refer to the detailed diagrams in the instruction manual.

Installation Instructions for Hollywood Hitch Racks

Proper installation is crucial for safety. This section covers securing the rack to your vehicle’s hitch and adjusting frame holders and wheel trays for a snug and secure fit.

Securing the Rack to the Hitch

Begin by inserting the hitch rack’s receiver tube into your vehicle’s 2-inch or 1.25-inch hitch receiver. Ensure that the rack is fully seated and aligned correctly. Next, use the provided hitch pin to secure the rack in place. It’s important to use the correct hitch pin size for your receiver to prevent wobbling.

For added security, utilize the keyed-alike locking hitch pin, if provided. This will deter theft and ensure that the rack remains firmly attached to your vehicle during transit. Finally, tighten the no-wobble system, if equipped, to eliminate any movement between the rack and the hitch receiver. Always double-check the connection before loading any bikes.

Adjusting Frame Holders and Wheel Trays

Properly adjusting the frame holders and wheel trays on your Hollywood bike rack is essential for a secure and stable bike transport. Begin by positioning the wheel trays to accommodate the wheelbase of your bikes. Adjustable trays ensure that the bikes sit securely and prevent them from shifting during travel.

Next, adjust the frame holders to fit the frame size and shape of each bike. Padded frame holders are designed to protect your bike’s finish. Ensure that the frame holders are tightened securely, but not so tight as to damage the frame. For bikes with unusual frame designs, consider using a bike adapter bar to create a horizontal top tube for secure attachment. Always double-check the adjustments before driving.

Safety Guidelines and Maintenance

Prioritize safety with regular checks of straps and stability. Adhere to weight limits and perform routine maintenance. This will ensure your Hollywood bike rack functions optimally and keeps your bikes secure.

Checking Straps and Bike Stability

Before each journey, diligently inspect all straps for wear and tear, ensuring they are correctly threaded and securely fastened. Confirm bike stability by gently shaking each bike, verifying minimal movement. Stagger handlebars when carrying two bikes to prevent interference. During use, regularly check the rack, bikes, and straps. If any issues arise, consult your retailer or contact Hollywood Racks. Straps should be stored buckled when not in use. Prioritize safety by maintaining constant vigilance. Ensure the bikes are well-secured. Re-tighten straps after placing bikes. Proper checks will prevent potential accidents and protect your valuable cargo.

Weight Capacity Considerations

Carefully consider the weight capacity of your Hollywood bike rack to prevent overloading and ensure safe transport. Consult the rack’s manual for specific weight limits. The Commuter rack’s limit is 35 lbs per bike, and is not suitable for electric bikes. Models like the Sport Rider SE2 and HR1500 are designed for heavier bikes, with capacities up to 80 lbs per bike. Exceeding the recommended weight limit can damage the rack and compromise safety. Distribute weight evenly across the rack. Always verify that the combined weight of your bikes does not exceed the rack’s maximum capacity. Doing so will help avoid accidents and ensure a secure journey.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Encountering issues with your Hollywood bike rack? This section addresses common problems like rack wobbling and bike fit challenges. Find solutions to ensure a secure and stable bike transport experience.

Rack Wobbling

Rack wobbling is a common issue that can arise with hitch-mounted bike racks. It’s crucial to address this problem to ensure the safety of your bikes and other drivers on the road. One primary cause of rack wobbling is an improperly secured hitch connection. Ensure the hitch pin is correctly inserted and tightened. Many Hollywood Racks models, like the Sport Rider SE2, feature a patented “No Wobble-No Tools” hitch tightening system. Make sure this system is correctly engaged and tightened according to the instructions.

Another potential cause of wobbling is exceeding the weight capacity of the rack. Overloading can compromise the rack’s stability. Always refer to the rack’s specifications for weight limits. If the wobbling persists, inspect the rack for any loose bolts or damaged components. Tighten any loose connections and replace damaged parts immediately.

Bike Fit Problems

Encountering difficulties fitting your bike onto a Hollywood rack is a common concern. Frame geometry can vary significantly, causing challenges when securing bikes. Frame adapters are generally not needed for Hollywood Racks. Ensure the frame grabbers are properly positioned on the bike frame or seat tube, within the specified diameter range. Adjust the frame holders vertically along the center post. Rotate them 360 degrees to accommodate different frame shapes and sizes.

For bikes with step-through frames, consider using a bike adapter bar to create a horizontal top tube. This provides a secure attachment point for the frame grabbers. If your bike has particularly wide tires, verify that the wheel holders are compatible. Models like the RV Rider feature universal heavy-duty wheel holders for tires up to 5 inches wide. Consult the rack’s manual for specific instructions on adjusting the wheel holders to fit different tire sizes.

Contacting Hollywood Racks Support

If you encounter any issues with your Hollywood Racks bike rack, reaching out to their support team is crucial. Before contacting them, gather relevant information such as the rack model number. Also, have your purchase date handy for warranty verification. The Hollywood Racks website offers a comprehensive FAQ section. It addresses common questions regarding assembly, installation, and compatibility.

For direct assistance, you can contact Hollywood Racks customer service. Their phone number is 800-747-4085. Prepare a detailed description of the problem you are facing. Include photos or videos to illustrate the issue. This can significantly expedite the troubleshooting process. Hollywood Racks also provides online support through their website. You can submit an inquiry form outlining your concerns. Be sure to include your contact information for a prompt response.