RIVCO GW007 Gold Wing Hidden Trailer Hitch Instruction Manual

RIVCO GW007 Gold Wing Hidden Trailer Hitch

Product Information

The 2018 Gold Wing Trailer Hitch is a non-O.E.M. part or accessory designed for use with the Gold Wing motorcycle. It is important to note that installing this trailer hitch will not void the motorcycle warranty, as stated by the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act passed by the federal government in 1975. The act protects consumers by stating that the warranty cannot be canceled or voided for using non-O.E.M. parts or accessories unless it can be proven that these parts or accessories caused a failure in any part of the vehicle.

Before attempting installation, it is recommended to read through the instructions provided in this manual completely. Familiarize yourself with all the included parts and hardware to ensure a successful installation.

Product Usage Instructions

1. Place the motorcycle on its center stand. Refer to photo (1A) and remove the two 5 mm hex screws from the rear fender. Pull outward on the bottom of the fender, then lift it upwards to remove it. Unplug the wire connector on the backside of the fender and set the fender aside.
2. Open the saddlebags and proceed to remove the side covers. Each side cover has three plastic pins that press into three rubber grommets. Refer to photo (2A) and firmly pull outwards on each corner of the covers until the pins release from the grommets.
3. Remove the small gray plastic covers located just above the passenger floor boards. Each cover is held on by two plastic rivets (photo 2B), one 5mm hex screw (photo 2C), and one 10mm hex bolt (photo 2D). Use a small blade screwdriver to push the center pin of the rivets inward, then remove the entire rivet.
4. Remove the seat by unscrewing the two 6mm hex screws at location photo (2E). Unplug the seat’s wire connector (photo 2F). Lift the front of the seat upward, slide it towards the rear, and lift it off the frame.
5. Remove the plastic covers of the rear tip-over bars (photo 3B) by removing the plastic rivet (photo 3A) from the bottom side of the cover and pulling it outward. Remove the 6mm screws (photo 3C) securing the exhaust heat shields. Slide the covers forward (photo 3D) and remove them. Finally, remove the two 12mm bolts (photo 4A) and take off the tip-over bars.
6. Proceed to remove the mufflers. Loosen the 12mm muffler clamp bolts (photo 4C) by turning them 3-4 times. Remove the 12mm muffler hangar bolts and nuts located at the rear of the mufflers just below the saddlebags (photo 4D). Slide the mufflers to the rear while wiggling them side to side until they come off.
7. Remove the two 12mm bolts and nuts (photo 5A&B) that connect the end of the main frame to the sub-frame. Take care not to drop the nuts into the space below, and use a pencil-type magnet if needed. To make removing the bolts easier, lift up on the bottom of the trunk.
8. Refer to photo (7C) and unplug the white and brown wire connectors. Reroute them beneath the two plugs (photo 7D) as shown, and then reconnect them.
9. Install the left strut arm following the same procedure. On the right side, route the larger wire loom between the strut and sub-frame as shown, and reroute the two smaller wires (photo 7C) under the strut.

Will installing a trailer hitch void my motorcycle warranty? No, in 1975 the federal government passed a set of laws called the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act. This act states your vehicle warranty cannot be voided or canceled for using any non-original equipment manufacturer (O.E.M.) part or accessory (like our trailer hitch) unless the manufacturer of the vehicle can prove the use of this non-O.E.M. part or accessory caused a failure of any part or parts on the vehicle. We encourage you to research the Magnuson-Moss act then share your findings with your dealer if they tell you installing our trailer hitch or any other accessories will void your warranty.

Read through these instructions completely before attempting installation, lay out all pieces Including the hardware to make yourself familiar with all the parts.

1. Place the motorcycle on its center stand. Referring to photo (1A) remove the two 5 mm hex screws from the rear fender. Remove the rear fender by pulling outward on the bottom then lifting it upwards. Unplug the wire connector on the backside of the fender and set the fender aside
2. Open the saddlebags. Remove the side covers as follows. There are three plastic pins on each side cover that press into three mating rubber grommets at locations photo (2A). Pull outwards on the covers firmly and slowly at each corner until the pin releases from the grommet.
3. Remove the small gray plastic covers just above the passenger floor boards. Each cover is held on by two plastic rivets photo (2B), one 5mm hex screw photo (2C) and one 10mm hex bolt photo (2D). Using a small blade screwdriver push the center pin of the rivets inward then remove the entire rivet.
4. Remove the seat by removing the two 6mm hex screws at location photo (2E). Unplug the seats wire connector photo (2F). Lift the front of the seat upward then slide it towards the rear and lift it off the frame.
5. Remove the rear tip over bar plastic covers photo 3B) (shown removed and upside down) by removing the plastic rivet photo (3A) from the bottom side of the cover then pulling it outward. Remove the 6mm screws photo (3C) that secures the exhaust heat shields. Slide the covers forward (3D) and remove them. Remove the two 12mm bolts photo (4A) and remove the tip over bars.
6. Remove the mufflers as follows. Loosen the 12mm muffler clamp bolts photo (4C) 3-4 turns. Remove the 12mm muffler hangar bolts and nuts located at the rear of the mufflers just below the saddlebags (4D). Slide the muffler to the rear and off while wiggling them side to side.
7. Remove the two 12mm bolts and nuts (5A&B) that connect the end of the main frame to the sub frame. When removing the nuts use care not to drop them into the space below. A pencil type magnet will help with this. To remove the bolts easier lift up on the bottom of the trunk.
8. Referring to photo (7C) unplug the white and the brown wire connectors. Reroute them beneath the two plugs photo (7D) as shown then reconnect them.
9. Referring to photo (6) install the two strut arms as follows. Starting on the right side hold the arm as shown photo (6A ) vertically with the curved end up and facing forward, slide it up between the inner fender and saddlebag photo (6B &C). You will be able to see a small gap between the two. Slide it up until the curved end is above the main frame and sub frame. Route the wire loom photo (7A) to the outside, between the black sub frame and the strut arm as you bring the curved end of the strut up and over the silver main frame. Rotate or angle the lower end of the strut to the rear until it is almost touching the rear of the saddlebag. Install one of the supplied longer 8 x 50 mm bolts thru the strut, frame and sub frame then start the nut removed from the original bolt photo (again using a pencil type magnet will help to get the nut started and prevent dropping it into the bodywork).
10. Install the left strut arm to this point in the same manner. On the right side route the lager wire loom between the strut and sub frame as shown and the two smaller wires rerouted earlier photo (7C) under the strut.
11. Locate the tip over bars removed earlier in step 4. The nuts that are welded to the bars need to be removed. Do this by cutting or grinding off the welds photo (8A). Smooth the surface with your grinder or a file then apply some touch up paint to the bare metal.
12. Starting on the right side and referring to photo (9) install the right trailing arm (item #4) using the thin spacer (item#7), 8x45mm flange bolt which is the medium length fully threaded 8mm bolt (item#8) and an 8mm flange nut (item#11). Referring to photo insert the 8x45mm bolt into the sub frame. Thread the bolt in fully and tighten it securely (18-22 ft. lbs.). Next install the thin spacer (item #7) over the nut that is welded to the backside of the sub frame). Place the trailing arm up into place and place its rear hole onto the backside of the sub frame sliding it over the protruding threads of the bolt. Install the hex nut loosely.
13. Replace the right tip over bar placing its rear tab with bolt hole between the trailing arm and the main frame. In this hole use one of the supplied 8x40mm bolts (item#10) and 8mm flange nuts. In the forward hole use one of the original 8x25mm bolts. Do not tighten these bolts at this time.
14. Install the left trailing arm (item#3) in the same manner referring to photo (10) threading the 8x50mm (item#8, longest fully threaded) bolt thru the sub frame then tightened securely followed by the remaining thicker spacer (item#6) on the backside of the sub frame, the trailing arm and a flange nut. Replace the tip over bar as done earlier on the right side placing its rear tab between the silver main frame and the trailing arm then using a 8x40mm bolt (item#10)and flange nut. Use the original 8x25mm bolt at the front of the tip over bar. Do not tighten these bolts at this time.
15. Referring to the diagram and photo(11) install the Hitch frame receiver (item 1) using the four supplied 3/8”x1 ¼” bolts, 3/8” locking nuts and eight 3/8” flat washers. Place a washer onto each bolt. Lift the receiver up into place. The strut arms should be outward of the receiver and the trailing arms outward of the struts as shown. Insert the bolts from the center outward as shown thru all three pieces followed by another washer and a locking nut.
16. Tighten all the 8mm bolts and nuts securely to 18-22 ft. lbs. and as follows. Tighten the upper strut bolts and nuts (item8). Tighten the forward tip over bar bolts. Next tighten the forward trailing arm bolts and nuts (items 10&11). Tighten the remaining trailing arm bolts first (items 8&9) and then tighten their nuts. It is important that you have used the correct bolts at the forward locations of the trailing arms as too long of bolts may cause damage to the swing arm of the rear suspension. To check this refer to photo (9& 10), you should see that the bolt shanks only protrude past the flange nuts one or two threads. If it is significantly more recheck that you have the correct bolt at that location. Tighten the hitch frame bolts and nuts (item 12 & 14) securely (30-32 ft. lbs.).
17. At this time install the wiring you plan to use for your trailer according to their instructions.
18. Replace the mufflers tightening the hangar bolts and nuts first then the clamp bolts .Replace the muffler heat shields, the heat shield should hook on at the front then slide towards the rear until the screw hole aligns (photo 3C). Replace the tip over bar cover and plastic rivets (photo3A&B). Replace the gray plastic covers just above the passenger floorboards and their plastic rivets (photo 2B).
19. Replace the seat by first hooking the plastic tabs near the center of the seat onto the frame then sliding it to the rear and finally aligning the pins and tab at the front of the seat and pushing down until the bolt holes at the front of the seat align with those on the frame then install the bolts and tighten. Reconnect the seats wire plug. Replace the side covers. Replace the rear fender.
20. Install the tongue (item 5) into the receiver using the supplied pin with clip (item 15). Snug the anti rattle bolt (item16). Making this bolt snug will also help your trailer track straighter behind the motorcycle.

TRAILER TOWING GUIDELINES AND SAFETY

Remember that this is only a guide, and should be supplemented with your own common sense for safe operation.
WARNING: TOWING A TRAILER BEHIND A MOTORCYCLE IS DONE AT YOUR OWN RISK AND CAN INCREASE THE LIKELIHOOD OF INJURY OR DEATH TO BOTH OPERATOR AND PASSENGER DUE TO INCREASED RISK AND EXPOSURE.
FAILURE TO OBSERVE THE FOLLOWING WILL FURTHER INCREASE THE RISK OF INJURY OR DEATH TO OPERATOR AND PASSENGER.

• (A) ALL HIGHWAY SAFETY WARNINGS, RULES AND LAWS,
• (B) MAINTENANCE AND OPERATION INSTRUCTIONS ASSOCIATED WITH THIS HITCH OR YOUR TRAILER,
• (C) POSTED SPEED AND ROAD CONDITION WARNINGS,
• (D) SAFE RIDING PRACTICES AND PROCEDURES

We are aware of no current state or federal guidelines for pulling a trailer with a Motorcycle. We suggest when pulling and loading a trailer that you do not exceed the Manufacturers Gross Vehicle Weight and tongue weight limits.

When pulling a trailer with a motorcycle, extra distance must be allowed for stopping. When cornering, use slower speeds and a wider angle of attack. Use extra caution at all times, particularly if the road surface is wetor slippery. Splitting lanes with a trailer is HIGHLY discouraged and is ILLEGAL in many states.

IMPORTANT: AS A SAFETY PRECAUTION CHECK THE FOLLOWING BEFORE EVERY TRIP:

• Visual Inspection of Hitch and Mounting Bolts. *Safety Chains are Attached Properly
• Trailer Lights Function Properly. Hitch Pin on & Clipped. Check Air Pressure In Trailer tires.

Thank you for purchasing a RIVCO Product!

RIVCO Products, Inc.
440 S. Pine Street, Burlington, WI 53105 262-763-8222
To register your warranty you and view many more bagger and cruiser accessories, please visit our website.
www.rivcoproducts.com

References

• Motorcycle Gear & Accessories | RIVCO

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