This walker carrier has several parts that must be initially assembled, but it goes together very easily. Since it is designed to either work with the Spyder Rack or mount directly to the hitch, it is very versatile. If you will note how the bowed larger portion and a smaller Z shaped bar that mounts to it. This serves several functions; it stiffens the vertical portion of the unit and also dampens some of the road vibration. Do not exceed the weight requirement of the hitch, which in most cases is 40 lbs. Only use a walker with this setup.
IMPORTANT
When assembling, make sure you use the thread locker you are provided with so the bolts will not loosen up. We suggest that the walker be firmly secured top and bottom. Periodic inspection of all the bolts and tie downs should be done, especially on longer trips.
ITEMS LIST
Bow Bracket Z Bracket Header Bracket Footer Bracket Spacer Shoe Bracket Square U Bolts (in white box) 7/8″ Bolt, washer, and nut 9 Blue 3/8″ bolts, washers, lock washers, and Nuts Loc tite thread locker
Walker Carrier Only
We’ll start out with the easiest install first. You will need everything named above with the exception of the the Spacer Shoe Bracket. Remove the hitch ball from your receiver. You may have a time with this if it has never been taken off before. If you have a friendly automotive shop nearby you might get them to remove it for free.
Once that is done, thread the 7/8″ bolt through the welded washer at the end of the Z Bracket, then lay the Z bracket on the Bow Bracket and feed the bolt through the large hole. Place the washer, lock washer, and nut close to the hitch within easy reach. Take the entire assembly and place it on the hitch, putting the bolt through the hitch hole. Temporarily, just use the nut and get it started to the point where it will hold itself in position. Take the Footer Bracket, 4 bolts, washers, lock washers, and nuts and place it in position on the fixed bracket that is on the Bow Bracket closest to the byke. The Footer Bracket has “ears” and they should be turned towards the front of the byke. Start all the bolts to marry the two brackets together. Finger tight only.
Locate the 3/8″ bolt holes that are farthest away from the byke. Add the bolts, washers, and nuts to attach the Z Bracket and Bow Bracket together. Loc-tite and tighten these down firmly.
Find the 2 square U bolts and their washers and nuts in the white box. These will be used in both applications. Using the notched area on the footer bracket on each side, attach the U bolts and finger tighten the nuts and washers. Adjust the rack so it is as straight as possible. NOTE: When the hitches are built, sometimes the welding will slightly distort the plate, making it slightly un-level. In extreme cases, you may have to shim one side, but in most cases the walker carrier will be straight.
Loc tite and tighten down the large center bolt, then the U bolt nuts, checking to make sure that everything stays straight. That center bolt will really need tightened and then checked periodically to make sure it is still tight.
Last piece to put on is the header bracket. Find 4 bolts, washers, and nuts and attach the header bracket to the top plate of the bow bracket. Once all 4 are started and finger tight, check for it being level and if need be you can slightly adjust it. One at a time, remove the nuts and loc tite them. Tighten them all down so that the unit won’t go anywhere.
You should notice that the bow bracket has a great deal of flex. This is by design and will act as a spring to absorb some of the road vibration. The metal is thick enough and wide enough to never become stress fatigued, but you should also check for any beginning cracks, fissures, etc. This unit has been test with the heaviest walker sold for a little over 400 miles and it passed with flying colors.
As time goes by you will probably gets dings in the paint from use and the road. A Rustoleum Flat Black does nicely to match the original powder coat.
Walker Carrier with Spyder Rack
Please refer to the installation instructions for the Spyder Rack. The only exception to those instructions is the bracket that the large bolt goes through. In it’s place you want to place the bow bracket and Z bracket. The footer bracket will not be used in this case. You will use the shoe bracket though. This is a thick U shaped piece of metal that will keep the rack from moving to either side. It only goes in one way and is bolted in place. Once that is done and the spyder rack has been positioned to clear the byke, everything can be tightened down. Note that the 2 square U bolts will attack to the rack where the footer bar did. Loc tite and tighten everything down to complete the installation. With a light weight walker, you should also be able to carry around 10 lbs. of clothes.
Securing the Walker
I cannot stress this enough. Tie it down securely. At least at 3 points. The best ryding position will probably be sideways. Make sure the license plate or brake lights aren’t blocked. Usually, law enforcement will give you a pass as long as it is not completely blocked. When on the road and stopping for fuel. check your load to make it is still tight and hasn’t shifted.
Don’t forget to smile as you are now more mobile again and in the wind!
Roadster Renovations 