Clean the vacuum pad with dish soap and a soft cloth or sponge. Ensure there's no dirt or debris on the sealing edge (the bottom outside edge of the vacuum pad). Check the sealing edge for nicks or cuts – a nick or cut can let air escape under the cup, and your SeaSucker won't maintain vacuum. If a vacuum pad has a nick or cut, it should be replaced. You should also regularly clean the vacuum pump, especially if it's exposed to saltwater or used in a dusty environment. To clean the pump, 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. Ensure the cylinder is completely dry – any remaining water can make the pump emit a popping noise when pumped and might affect the check-valve function of the pump. Wipe the plunger clean, and apply a thin layer of silicone-based gel lubricant to the black rubber seal at the tip of the plunger. We use LubeTube brand lubricant for this purpose. Push the plunger back into the cylinder and pump it a few times to properly seat it and distribute the lubricant.

Every SeaSucker vacuum mount comes with a protective cover. Pop that cover onto the vacuum pad when you're not giving it a workout. Be sure to push the edge of the vacuum pad all the way into the cover; if it's not fully snug, the edge of the cup could get a bit wonky and make it tricky to stick your SeaSucker on next time. If that does happen, let your SeaSucker chill on a flat surface like a countertop for a few hours – it'll sort itself out. Even though we've chucked a UV inhibitor into the rubber and plastic we use, it's still a top idea to stow your SeaSucker indoors or in the shade because eventually, the Aussie sun can wreak havoc on just about everything.

If it's rain or good ol' freshwater, don't sweat it. Give it a quick dry if you've got the time. But if it's the salty stuff from the sea, give it a rinse with some fresh water once you've hopped off your boat. Maybe even give it a gentle scrub with some soap and water – you know, like you'd do with your fishing gear, those trusty rods and reels, for example. And don't forget to let the water drain out of those pumps when you're finished – we don't want any surprises there, mate!

You see, all our top-notch SeaSucker vacuum mounts are already equipped with built-in UV blockers, so they're built to endure the harsh Aussie sun. But, fair dinkum, those UV rays can still give any rubber or plastic a run for its money. That's why it's a ripper idea to keep your SeaSuckers in the shade when they're not in action. Better safe than sorry, right?

1. Certainly, because there is a risk of theft. We have received inquiries from individuals who unfortunately had their SeaSuckers stolen.
2. It's worth noting that having a rack on your vehicle without a bike can negatively impact your fuel efficiency, potentially by as much as 5 miles per gallon.
3. Removing and reinstalling the SeaSucker is a straightforward process, so it's advisable to take it off when not in use.
4. Additionally, giving your vacuum pads some time to revert to their original shape is a good practice to maintain their condition.

Before attaching your SeaSucker, give the mounting surface a good wipe to remove any dirt. No need to go overboard with alcohol wipes like one enthusiastic customer did, but a quick rubdown with a wet paper towel or napkin should do the trick. And don't forget to keep the vacuum pad's sealing edge clean as well.

There's no fixed timeframe for how long our vacuum mounts will hold. It depends on various factors such as the surface you attach them to, the condition of the vacuum mount, the weight it's supporting, and other variables. When it comes to the surfaces, vacuum mounts were originally designed for carrying large sheets of glass and other smooth, flat materials, so smoother surfaces work best. Keeping both the surfaces and the SeaSucker clean will help maintain a strong hold.

In case the vacuum mount begins to lose suction, it has a warning mechanism. As you may already know, the vacuum pump's plunger will automatically extend from the pump cylinder when it starts losing suction power. When you notice the orange indicator band, it's a signal to repump your SeaSucker. For car racks, it's generally advisable to check the rack before getting into your vehicle and inspect it each time you make a stop for gas, food, or a bathroom break.

To remove your SeaSucker, use your finger to lift the edge of the vacuum cup away from the mounting surface. Pull the T-shaped tab on the top of the vacuum pad upwards and towards the center of the vacuum mount. Once you've lifted the edge of the vacuum pad, the vacuum seal will break, allowing you to easily remove your SeaSucker.

Our standard warranty used to be only one year, but these products have proven to be incredibly reliable, so we've decided to extend it to a lifetime warranty. This warranty offers coverage to the original purchaser for any defects in materials or workmanship.

Please refer to our returns policy.

Certainly, we do offer replacement parts because we want you to be able to use your SeaSucker for as long as possible! You can find vacuum pads, pumps, and a variety of accessory parts on our website.

Yes, it's possible to use your rack in cold temperatures, but there are some precautions to keep in mind. When you remove your rack after using it in the cold, you'll need to warm it up again to nearly room temperature before the rubber becomes pliable enough to create a solid seal on the mounting surface. Additionally, in warm weather, it's advisable to moisten the sealing edge of your rack before attaching it. However, please avoid doing this in freezing or near-freezing temperatures, as the vacuum cup can freeze to the car's surface, hindering the proper functioning of the vacuum pump and check valve. Furthermore, if you clean your car in cold weather, ensure that it's thoroughly dried before attaching your rack.

Certainly. It's perfectly fine to use SeaSucker mounts in the rain. In fact, they tend to perform better when wet, so you don't need to worry about rainy conditions affecting their effectiveness.

The factory is situated in sunny Bradenton, Florida. The products are manufactured, assembled, and packaged at this facility. Although some components are sourced from external suppliers, the majority of parts come from manufacturers in the USA.