What is TreeFrog Rack

Let’s get one thing out of the way: They are vacuum mounts, not suction cups. There's a big difference between the two.

First, each 15cm vacuum mount is pull rated at over 30kg. Each 7.5cm vacuum mount is pull rated at over 20kg. We’d like to see a suction cup that could pack that kind of punch.

Suction cups also lack one incredibly important safety feature: the indicator band. Our white indicator band begins to appear once the vacuum mount loses some of its suction, letting you know it’s time to re-pump well before it detaches.

Lastly, unlike suction cups, there’s no licking required, unless you’re into that sort of thing, and that’s cool - we don’t judge.

 

The Do’s & Don'ts of your TreeFrog Rack

Always…

• Clean the vacuum pads and the car before attaching your rack.
• Do the recommended maintenance on the rack, as needed.
• Make sure the orange indicator bands are not visible before you leave.
• Check that your bike is secure in the fork mount.

Never…

• Mount bikes backwards, sideways, or at an angle.
• Use your rack if any of the vacuum mounts are not working properly.
• Attach your rack to part of the car that flexes easily.
• Attach the rack over decals or on a wrapped vehicle.

 

So how does a TF vacuum mount work?

A TF vacuum mount relies on two important components to create its powerful seal: the vacuum pad and the vacuum pump.

The vacuum pump evacuates all of the air out from underneath the vacuum pad, which forms the seal. Working together, these two pieces give the TF vacuum mount its incredible strength.

To attach, apply a little downward pressure to ensure that the entire edge of the mount is touching the surface. Then, simply press the pump repeatedly until the orange indicator band completely disappears.

To remove, lift the edge of the vacuum pad away from the surface by pulling either of the tabs on the top of the vacuum pad up and towards the center of the vacuum mount. You’re really just trying to lift the edge of the vacuum pad up off the mounting surface, which breaks the seal and lets you remove your rack.

 

Is there any maintenance to my TreeFrog Rack product?

To get the most out of your TreeFrog Rack product, inspect it regularly and store it with the vacuum mounts’ protective covers on. Beyond regular inspections, make sure to clean your vacuum mounts and pumps.

Before each use, clean the vacuum mount with a sponge or soft cloth and water. Every couple of months (or if your rack comes into contact with salt water or large amounts of dirt), clean the vacuum mount pads and vacuum pumps with mild dish soap.

When cleaning the mounts, do not use harsh solvents or abrasive cleaning pads. Make sure there is no dirt or debris on the edge of the vacuum pad. Inspect the edge for stiffness, cracks, roughness, or cuts – a cut will allow air to leak under the mount and will prevent your SeaSucker from holding vacuum. A damaged vacuum pad should be replaced.

To clean the pumps, pull the plunger straight out of the pump cylinder. Clean the inside of the cylinder with dish soap and a soft cloth or paper towel. Make sure to dry out the cylinder – water left in the cylinder can cause the pump to make a popping noise when pumped and may interfere with the check-valve function of the pump. The plunger should be wiped clean and the black rubber gasket at the tip of the plunger should be re-lubed with a thin layer of silicone-based gel lubricant, such as the Lube Tube that came with your rack. After cleaning, push the plunger back into the cylinder and pump it several times to seat it properly and distribute the lubricant.

And if you're still not sure how regular maintenance works or if you've done just that but still have issues, reach out to our Service Centre in Singapore or Thailand. Our staffs are well trained to help.