Yakima RoadShower™ 4G, 7G, 10G
Contents
Components
The RoadShower™ system includes:
- RoadShower unit (1X)
- Quick connector (hose) (1X)
- Quick connector (spigot) (1X)
- Hose (1X)
- On/off elbow (1X)
- Nuts (4X)
- Nozzle (1X)
- Thermometer (1X)
- Long carriage bolts (4X)
- Short carriage bolts (4X)
- Clamps (2X)
- Washers (4X)
- Gaskets (2X)
- Keys (2X)
- Accessory lock (2X)
Available Accessories: 30" shower head (large) #8004106, 19" shower head (medium) #8004104.
Crossbar Spread: RoadShower 4G/7G: 24"-50"; RoadShower 10G: 32"-80".
Roof Rack Load Limits: RoadShower 4G: Racks with 100lb limit and higher. RoadShower 7G/10G: Racks with limit of 165lbs and up.
Important Warnings and Usage Notes
Safety First: Adhere to all safety warnings affixed to the tank. Do not drink from the RoadShower. Do not leave water in the unit during freezing temperatures; drain the tank completely. Do not use an automated car wash with the RoadShower installed; remove it first to prevent damage to your vehicle and the unit. Periodically check and tighten mounting brackets, especially on rough roads, to prevent detachment and potential accidents. Yakima is not liable for damage or injury caused by the unit detaching from the vehicle.
Parking on a Hill: Park with the outlet facing downhill to maximize water usage. An optional second outlet can be added to the opposite end for hose flexibility.
Spray Nozzle: The nozzle spray pattern can be adjusted by rotating the tip. If the tip is fully tightened, no water will flow. The nozzle can be removed to use the hose directly. Ensure the nozzle is secured with the hose clip and Velcro® before traveling.
Maintenance: Empty the tank completely before storage. Store with the valve open, hose, and fill cap off to allow drying. Regularly tighten all hardware. Clean the unit with soap and water.
Troubleshooting: For a leaking air valve, tighten the Schrader valve core. For leaks around the on/off valve, uninstall, apply thread seal tape, and reinstall. Periodically check the nozzle for hard water deposits and clean as needed.
Assembly
Step 1: Install the On/Off Elbow
Install the on/off elbow onto the tank and tighten firmly with a wrench. Avoid overtightening. Check for leaks after filling and retighten if necessary.
Step 2: Install the Nozzle
Screw the nozzle onto the end of the hose and tighten by hand.
Step 3: Attach the Hose to Spigot
Press the quick-release connector of the hose into the on/off elbow on the tank.
Step 4: Stow the Hose and Apply the Thermometer
Secure the hose in the clips using the Velcro® straps. Peel the backing from the thermometer's adhesive and attach it to the tank in your desired location.
Always check the thermometer and test water temperature with your hand to avoid scalding.
Installation on Crossbars
Step 1: Bottom Slot Installation on Crossbars
Determine the correct carriage bolt length based on your crossbar thickness: shorter bolts for thinner crossbars, longer bolts for thicker ones. Use longer bolts if installing the included accessory locks.
Note: The RoadShower is typically installed using the bottom slot. The side slot is for custom installations.
Insert four carriage bolts into the bottom slot of the RoadShower, two on the left and two on the right.
Step 2: Position the RoadShower™
Place the RoadShower™ onto your crossbars, inboard of the towers, with the bolts straddling the crossbars.
Note: The maximum overhang fore or aft of the front and rear crossbar should not exceed 30" (76 cm).
Step 3: Install the Clamps
Assemble the clamps around the crossbar as shown. Use a 1/2" wrench to install washers and nuts. Tighten nuts completely to 2 Nm. Push and pull the RoadShower to verify installation.
Note: Use of the included accessory locks is recommended.
Filling and Pressurizing the Tank
Filling and Pressurizing with a Garden Hose
Note: Clean the tank before first use.
- Detach the sprayer hose from the tank via the quick-release connector.
- Attach the quick-release fitting to your garden hose.
- Connect the garden hose to the tank using the quick-release connector.
- Connect the other end of the garden hose to a water supply.
- Open the valve on the tank.
- Open the water supply valve to begin filling. Allow several minutes for the tank to fill.
- Remove the air valve cap and use a tire pressure gauge to check the pressure.
- When pressure reaches 50-65 PSI, turn off the water supply and replace the air valve cap.
- Close the tank valve, remove the garden hose, and reconnect the sprayer hose. Ensure the valve is fully closed before removing the hose.
Filling and Pressurizing with a Pump
- Remove the fill cap from the tank.
- Fill the tank with clean water.
- Replace the fill cap.
- Remove the air valve cap and connect a pump (e.g., 12-volt tire compressor) to the air valve. Pressurize the tank to 55-65 PSI, then replace the air valve cap.
WARNING: The pressure relief valve is set for 55-65 PSI. Tampering or damage could lead to explosion and injury. Never exceed 65 PSI. If pressure does not release by 75 PSI, replace the fill cap.
Heating the Water
On warm, sunny days, the RoadShower™ heats water using solar energy. The black tank surface and aluminum transfer heat to the water. Water temperature can rise approximately 10-15 degrees Fahrenheit per hour, depending on conditions. For example, water starting at 60°F might reach over 90°F in 2-3 hours. Generally, expect water to be 20-30 degrees Fahrenheit warmer than the ambient temperature on a sunny day.
WARNING: Test water temperature on your hand for about 10 seconds before use. Water in the tank may be hotter than in the hose. Check the thermometer; if there is no reading, the water may be too hot. If too hot, add cool water via the fill cap (after releasing pressure) or wait for it to cool naturally.
Optional: Accessory Lock
To install the accessory lock, choose the front or rear crossbar. Thread nuts onto the carriage bolts, slide the O-ring onto the bolts, and screw the lock on until it contacts the clamp. Use the key to lock the accessory. Record your key number.
Custom Installations
WARNING: The side slot is an option for custom installations. The customer is responsible for ensuring their structure can support the RoadShower™ and its filled weight. Yakima recommends using more than two clamps for secure installation via the side slot.
Important Warnings and Guidelines
Rack Installation: Ensure loads and racks are securely mounted to prevent accidents. Follow product and vehicle instructions. Keep these instructions with your vehicle's manual. Use only manufacturer-approved roof racks. For racks without specified crossbar distance, use the maximum possible, at least 700 mm. Modifications to the attachment system are not permitted.
Load Checks: Periodically check attachment hardware and load for tightness and function: before journeys, after short drives, at regular intervals on longer trips, and more frequently on rough terrain. Check for damage after any unsupervised stops.
Rack Loading: Do not exceed maximum load specifications for the roof rack, accessory rack, or vehicle manufacturer. Distribute load uniformly with the lowest possible center of gravity. Load should not extend significantly beyond the rack's loading surface.
Vehicle Driving: Drive at speeds appropriate for the load and speed limits. Recommend a maximum speed of 80 mph (130 km/h) if no limits are posted. Adjust speed for road conditions, traffic, and wind. Handling, cornering, braking, and side wind sensitivity will change with roof loads.
Off-Road Use: If certified for off-road, use on forest service roads, access roads, or non-technical terrains at moderate speeds. Do not use for rock-crawling, jumping, or bogging. Follow warnings for non-off-road certified products when used together.
Maintenance: Clean racks carefully, especially in winter, using water and standard car wash liquid (no alcohol, bleach, or ammonium). Remove racks and accessories when not in use for fuel economy and safety. Inspect for damage and replace parts with genuine Yakima parts. Unauthorized modifications or parts will void the warranty.
Key Replacement: Record your key number for replacement by visiting www.yakima.com.
Contact Information:
- Yakima Products, Inc.
- 4101 Kruse Way
- Lake Oswego, OR 97035-2541 USA
- Phone: 888.925.4621
- Website: yakima.com/support
- Yakima Australia Pty. Ltd
- 17 Hinkler Court
- Brendale, QLD 4500 Australia
- Phone: 1800-143-548