Yakima GroundControl User manual

1033348-1/15
GroundControl
IMPORTANT WARNING: It is critical that all YAKIMA GroundControl products and accessories be properly and securely
attached to walls and floors. Improper attachment could result in an accident, and could cause serious bodily injury
or death to you or to others, or damage to property. You are responsible for securing the GroundControl unit and
accessories to your walls and floors, checking the attachments prior to use, and periodically inspecting the products
for adjustment, wear, and damage. Therefore, you must read and understand all of the instructions and cautions
supplied with your YAKIMA product prior to installation or use. If you do not understand all of the instructions and
cautions, or if you have no mechanical experience and are not thoroughly familiar with the installation procedures,
you should have the product installed by a professional installer such as a licensed contractor. Incorrect installation,
use of unauthorized parts, or unintended use of this product may void your warranty.
USE SUPPLIED HARDWARE
Use only hardware supplied
in your GroundControl kit or
supplied by an authorized
YAKIMA dealer. Use of
unauthorized parts in the
GroundControl system could
result in product malfunction or
an accident involving injury or
death or damage to property.
INCORRECT INSTALLATION
Follow instructions contained in
this manual. Incorrect installation
could result in serious injury or
damage to property.
UNINTENDED USAGE
This product is intended to store
and organize outdoor gear and
is not designed for any other
purpose other than what is
stated here. Do not allow any
person to lean, hang, or climb
on this product. Do not attempt
to install this product on any
vehicle. Any unintended use of
this product may result in an
accident involving injury or death,
or damage to property.
EXTENDER KIT INSTRUCTIONS . . . . . . . PAGE 10
CORNER KIT INSTRUCTIONS . . . . . . . PAGE 12
PART #1033348 Rev.A
TM

1033348-2/15
Vertical Pieces
Foot Tubes (x2)
Top Tube (x2)
Plate Screw (x4)
Vertical Tube (x4)
Wall Screw (x12)
Wall Plate (x4)
Hooks (x4)
Strut Tubes (x2)
Side Tubes (x6)
Horizontal Tubes (x6)
Strut Clamp (x2)
Coupler (x12)
5/32” Hex Wrench
Foot (x2)
Vertical Connector (x2)
Vertical Sleeves (x8)
COUPLER SLEEVE
HOUSING
(FOOT PAD)
required tools
Power Drill
1/8” drill bit
Pen or Pencil
12’ tape measure
24” level
Stud Finder - for walls
with hidden studs
Horizontal Pieces Horizontal Connectors (x12)
Stud Finder
Magnet-style stud finders
are an acceptable but
not desirable method of
finding studs since nails are
not always located in the
center of the stud. YAKIMA
recommends using an
electronic stud sensor that
uses density sensors. This
method is a faster and more
accurate way to find studs
and gives you a better sense
of the stud’s width.

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RECOMMENDED ACCESSORIES
UNIVERSAL MOUNTING PLATE
This accessory is especially useful if the studs in your walls are
not placed 32” apart, or you want to place your system without
regard to the exact location of wall studs.
The Universal Mounting Plate is not included in the
GroundControl Base Unit and must be purchased separately.
You may need an additional Universal Mounting Plate for the
strut area of the wall also.
The Universal Mounting Plate will be necessary with the
Extender Kit and Corner Kit.
ANCHOR KIT
The Anchor Kit allows you to secure GroundControl to a
masonry wall or floor. The Anchor Kit is designed to work with
the standard GroundControl hardware. The Anchor Kit is not
included in the GroundControl base unit and must be purchased
separately. See your authorized YAKIMA dealer.
WARNING: FAILURE TO PROPERLY SECURE THIS PRODUCT TO WALLS
AND FLOOR COULD RESULT IN AN ACCIDENT CAUSING SERIOUS
BODILY INJURY, DEATH, OR DAMAGE TO PROPERTY.
Check out the wall where you intend to install the GroundControl.
Determine stud spacing at 96 inches above the floor in the desired installation
location. The GroundControl system must be secured to wall studs 32
inches apart on center. Mark the location of the stud centers. See tips for
finding studs below. If studs are not spaced 32 inches apart at desired install
location, you will need a GroundControl Universal Mounting Plate.
If you are installing the organizer onto bare studs (no wall covering),
see Installing on Bare Studs special instructions. If you need to secure
GroundControl to a concrete or masonry wall, use the optional Anchor Kit
available from your authorized YAKIMA GroundControl dealer.
Finding wall studs
Magnet-style stud finders are an acceptable but not desirable method of
finding studs since nails are not always located in the center of the stud.
YAKIMA recommends using an electronic stud sensor that uses density
sensors. This method is a faster and more accurate way to find studs and
gives you a better sense of the stud’s width. Follow the device manufacturer’s
instructions for finding studs to which to secure your organizer.
Check the floor where you
intend to install the organizer.
Secure your GroundControl unit
to the floor for best performance
and safety. The GroundControl
Base Unit includes only parts for
installation on wood or composite
flooring. If you need to secure
GroundControl to a concrete or
masonry floor, use the optional
Anchor Kit available from your
authorized YAKIMA GroundControl
dealer. See Installing Anchors for
special instructions.
BEFORE YOU BEGIN
Determine where you will place your GroundControl system. (It is 8 ft. tall by 5 ft. wide.) Ensure
there is adequate room to store all the gear you want to fit onto the organizer. Do not place the
system too close to a corner (unless you are installing the optional Corner Kit).
If your wall studs are not 32” apart,
you must replace the wall plates
with the Universal Mounting Plate
(#05103) to install this product.
IF YOUR WALLS ARE CONCRETE OR
MASONRY, you must use the Anchor Kit
(#05111) to install this product.
Anchor the feet if storing heavy items.

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Insert connectors into each end of side tube.
• Depress the connector peg and slide until the peg
clicks into the corresponding hole in the side tube.
(See figure).
• Slide horizontal tubes onto the connectors at both
ends of the side tube.
• Depress connector peg and slide until the peg
clicks into the corresponding hole on the horizontal
tube.
• Insert connectors into the ends of horizontal tubes.
• Slide a second side tube onto the ends of the
horizontal tubes to complete one hoop.
ASSEMBLE HORIZONTAL HOOPS
Attach wall plates to top tubes
or use Mounting Plate
If your wall studs are not
32” apart, you must use
the Universal Mounting
Plate (#05103).
If you are using Universal
Mounting Plate, do not
attach the oval wall plate
to the top tube.
2
3Assemble vertical sleeves onto top tubes. 4Combine top tubes
to vertical tubes.
• Place the wall plate onto the threaded
end of the top tube, parallel to the tube.
• The convex bumps of the plate should go
into the end of the top tube.
• Secure with plate screw.
EXTENDER KIT:
Step 25 to add extensions.
CORNER KIT:
Step 34 for adding corners.

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ASSEMBLE FEET
Check that nut and bolt on foot is tight. If the
bolt or nut is loose, use a wrench to tighten.
• Attach rubber foot pad in the bottom of the
foot disk.
• Screw the threaded end of the foot tube all
the way onto foot disk, but do not tighten.
5
6Assemble vertical sleeves onto foot tubes. 7
Combine foot tube
assemblies to
vertical tubes.
• Enclose the metal tube inside the two
halves of the vertical sleeves.
• Align the two notches to form a circular
hole. (This hole should align with the holes
running down the side of the vertical tube.)
8ASSEMBLE VERTICAL CONNECTORS.

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Align the holes at sides
of the tubes.
9
• Squeeze one end of the
assembled connector
and insert into the open
end of a vertical tube.
• Slide the connector
into the tube until it
reaches the half-hole
at the midpoint of the
connector.
ASSEMBLE VERTICAL
POLES
10
CONNECT VERTICAL
TUBE ASSEMBLIES
11
ATTACH STRUTS TO VERTICAL ASSEMBLIES
USE THIS HOLE
FOR WALLS
WITH STUDS.
ATTACH WALL PLATES TO STRUT TUBES*
• The convex bumps of the plate
go into the end of the top tube.
• Secure with plate screw.
*If you are using Universal Mounting Plate,
do not attach the wall plate to the tubes.
If your wall studs are not 32”
apart, you must use the Universal
Mounting Plate (#05103).
• Wrap the strut clamp
around the vertical poles
at midpoint.
• Grip strut end and secure
with washer, bolt and nut.
12
Use this hole when
there is a Universal
Plate at the top wall
attachments, but not
at the struts.

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Move the vertical assemblies
aside and drill starter holes
into the studs using a 1/8 inch
drill bit.
If studs are not located precisely
where you want to install the
system, use the Universal
Mounting Plate.
If mounting to masonry or
concrete, you must use the
Anchor Kit (#05111).
13
• Stand the completed vertical tube assemblies
against the wall. Holes should be to your left.
• Position vertical assemblies so that the holes of
the wall plates line up with studs at 32” inches
apart.
• Mark location of the wall plate holes with a
pencil (32” apart).
• CHECK THAT MARKS ARE LEVEL.
POSITION VERTICAL
ASSEMBLIES ON WALL
HALF CONCRETE OR
MASONRY WALLS
It may be necessary
to add a wood spacer
to accommodate the
difference in wall
depths. Concrete or
masonry requires the
Anchor Kit. Follow
Anchor kit instructions.
If your floor is uneven, adjust the
height of the feet until unit is level.
• Determine which side will need to be raised.
Turn foot disk until system achieves level.
• If system cannot be made level by extending
the feet, you can use one or more shims to
adjust the height of the system.
• Make shims large enough to cover the
bottom of the foot.
UNEVEN FLOORS
MOUNTING TO
BARE STUDS
Mount the system
as you would to a
standard wall. If
studs are not located
precisely where you
want to install the
system, use Universal
Mounting Plates at
both locations.
14
DRILL HOLES
15
CAUTION:
DO NOT EXTEND
FOOT OVER 1/2”
16
UNIQUE WALL CONDITIONS
CORNER KIT:
Step 32 for measurements.
If you will be storing heavy items,
such as a boat or cargo box, mark
the drilling points for the feet.

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DO NOT
TIGHTEN
• Secure the vertical
assemblies to the wall
through the bottom holes of
the wall plates.
• Do not tighten yet.
• Leave the top holes empty.
ATTACH TOP TUBES
TO WALLS
17
• Secure the struts to the wall through the
bottom holes of the strut wall plates.
• Leave the top holes empty, do not tighten yet.
ATTACH STRUT TUBES TO WALLS
18
CHECK THE
DISTANCE AGAIN
32”/81.28 CM
COUPLERS
• LOOSEN the screws on the
couplers.
• Slide the coupler housings
off the sleeves.
• Open the coupler sleeves.
19
SLEEVE
HOUSING
ATTACH COUPLERS
20
OPEN
Close sleeve… Attach housing… Open housing.
Start at the top, skipping
a hole each time.
SIX
COUPLERS
ON EACH
POLE
SLEEVE
SCREW
• Make sure the sleeve screws hang down.
• Align the peg on the inside of the sleeve with
the hole in the vertical assembly tube.
• Close the sleeve around the tube.

1033348-9/15
Wood Floors
• For wood floors or sub-floors under carpet, use supplied
mounting screws and install as with wall plates.
• If feet do not touch the floor, use one or more shims large
enough to cover the bottom of the foot. Do not rotate the
feet more than 1/2 inch.
• Drill 1/8” starter holes through the holes in the feet.
• Insert screws through holes.
• DO NOT OVER TIGHTEN.
INSTALL HOOPS
21
• The holes in the hoops must face the wall.
• Begin at the bottom and install a hoop into
four open couplers.
• Install remaining hoops.
• Center the hoops in the open couplers.
CLOSE AND TIGHTEN COUPLERS
22
• Close the coupler covers.
• Push up the hanging sleeve screws and
hand-tighten the with the included
5/32” hex key.
DO NOT
OVER-TIGHTEN
Concrete Floors
Do not drill through the feet. The concrete
bit can cause damage to the feet. It may be
necessary to remove the unit to access the
floor and install the anchors in the Anchor Kit
(sold separately).
If mounting to masonry or concrete, you must
use the Anchor Kit (#05111)
23
SECURE UNIT TO THE FLOOR IF YOU WILL BE STORING HEAVY GEAR
24
SECURE THE UNIT TO THE WALL
• Drill hole for upper hole of wall plate, if not yet
done.
• Place screws into upper hole of wall plate and
tighten securely.
• Tighten screws in bottom of wall plate or
Universal Mounting Plate (sold separately for
walls with inaccessible studs, part #05103).
READ ALL WARNINGS
AND WEIGHT LIMITS
ON LAST PAGE.
FAILURE TO READ
WARNINGS MAY
CAUSE INJURY DUE TO
IMPROPER USE.

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Extender Kit GroundControl
CAPACITY
ACCESSORY
VERTICAL PIECES
Foot Tubes (x1)
Top Tube (x1)
Plate Screw (x1)
Vertical
Tube
(x2)
Wall Screw (x6)
Wall Plate
(x1)
Strut Tube (x1)
Horizontal Tubes (x6)
Strut Clamp (x1)
Foot (x1)
Vertical
Connector
(x1)
Vertical Sleeves (x2)
SLEEVE
HOUSING (FOOT PAD)
HORIZONTAL PIECES Horizontal
Connectors (x6)
Coupler (x6)
The Extender Kit
can be added to
either side of your
GroundControl Unit.
More than one
kit can be added
depending upon the
available space.
BEFORE YOU BEGIN
• The Extender Kit increases the
width of the GroundControl by
32 inches.
• Plan out the location of the
entire unit before assembly
and installation.
• You may need one or more
Universal Mounting Plates
if the wall studs do not align
with the installation.
• When mounting to the wall,
be sure that all three vertical
assemblies are level before
drilling holes into wall.
• Tools required are same as
those for the Base Unit.
5/32” Hex Wrench

1033348-11/15
2625
LOOSEN COUPLERS
Use the 5/32” hex wrench
included with the Base Unit to
loosen the coupler screws and
open all couplers.
CLEAR THE UNIT
Remove gear and accessories
from the installed unit.
START HERE TO
EXTEND YOUR
(INSTALLED)
BASE UNIT.
Begin at STEP 1
if this is a new
installation, and
refer to STEP 29.
REMOVE HORIZONTAL HOOPS
• If coupler housings remain attached to hoops,
detach the housings by pulling them from the hoop.
• Leave couplers attached.
• Depress pegs on the
horizontal tubes and pull
side tube away from hoop.
• Leave connectors in the
side tubes.
REMOVE SIDE TUBES FROM
THE SIDE THAT WILL EXTEND.
ASSEMBLE EXTENDED HORIZONTAL HOOPS
• Add horizontal tubes to the connectors attached to the
GroundControl horizontal tubes.
• Depress the connector peg and slide all the way into the tube
until it clicks into the corresponding hole.
• Slide the remaining side tubes onto the connectors.
EXTENDED
HORIZONTAL
HOOPS
27 28
29
CONTINUE AT STEP 2
30
• ASSEMBLE VERTICAL POLES
• DRILL, ATTACH UNIT WALL
• INSTALL HOOPS

1033348-12/15
Corner Kit
GroundControl
CAPACITY
ACCESSORY
The Corner Kit combines
two Base Units into a
single system fitting
around (or into) a corner.
BEFORE YOU BEGIN
It will be necessary to
unattach the Base Unit
(if installed) and remove
one set of side tubes.
• Plan out the location
of the entire unit
before assembly and
installation.
• Review measurements in
Step 31 and 32.
• You may need one
or more Universal
Mounting Plates if the
wall studs do not align
with the installation.
Kit contents
Corner Tubes (x6)
PLAN THE INSTALLATION THOROUGHLY!
It may be difficult to fit the system into a corner due to space constraints.
Check the stud locations before assembling this product. Wall studs near corners
are often spaced unpredictably and Universal Mounting Plates may be required.

1033348-13/15
Check your wall stud locations and space before assembling this product.
Wall studs near corners are often spaced unpredictably and Universal Mounting
Plates may be required.
Inner corners require vertical
assemblies be attached to the wall at
26-3/4” (67.95 cm) from the corner.
• From the corner, measure 26-3/4” inches
(67.95 cm).
• Mark this measurement.
• Add 32” (81.28 cm) from the mark (away
from the corner) and mark again.
• Second mark is 58-3/4” inches (149.23 cm)
from the corner.
31
Outer corners require vertical
assemblies be attached to the wall at
13-3/8” from the corner.
• From the corner, measure 13-3/8” (13.97 cm).
• Mark this measurement.
• Add 32” (81.28 cm) from the mark (away from
the corner) and mark again.
• Second mark is 45-3/8” inches (115.26 cm)
from the corner.
32
26-3/4” (67.95 cm) 32” (81.28 cm)
26-3/4” (67.95 cm) 32” (81.28 cm)
58-3/4” (149.23 cm)
FIRST
VERTICAL
POLES
SECOND
VERTICAL
POLES
32” (81.28 cm)
13-3/8” (33.97 cm)
13-3/8” (33.973 cm)
32” (81.28 cm)
32” (81.28 cm)
45-3/8” (115.26 cm)
32” (81.28 cm)
OUTER CORNER INSTALLATION
SECOND
VERTICAL
POLES
FIRST
VERTICAL
POLES
INSIDE CORNER
INSTALLATION
WIDTH OF
SYSTEM FROM
CORNER IS
74”/188 cm
WIDTH OF
SYSTEM FROM
CORNER IS
60”/153 cm

1033348-14/15
ASSEMBLE CORNERS AND HOOPS
• Slide one connector onto each
corner tube.
• Depress the connector peg and slide
all the way into the tube until it clicks
into the corresponding hole.
• Add horizontal tubes to the side tube.
• Connect the half-hoops to the
corners.
33
CONTINUE AT STEP 13 TO ATTACH THE UNIT TO THE WALL.
Assistance is recommended when installing the corner/hoop assemblies onto the
vertical assemblies.
36
EXISTING INSTALLATIONS REMOVE HOOPS, THEN SIDE TUBES —
(NEW INSTALLATIONS BEGIN AT STEP 1)
If you have an installed Base Unit and you are adding a Corner Kit
and Base Unit, you must detach the standing unit from the wall.
34
MAKE SURE THAT THE
PEG HOLES FACE THE
WALL, OTHERWISE
THE COUPLERS WILL
NOT CLOSE PROPERLY.
SET THESE ASIDE Attach the vertical assemblies to the wall (Step 13).
35
CORNERS AND
HORIZONTAL
HOOPS
Assistance is recommended when installing the
corner/hoop assemblies onto the vertical assemblies.
Corner with Entender Kit:
All corner tubes must be
attached directly to vertical
tubes on both sides.

1033348-15/15
DISASSEMBLY
REMOVE ALL GEAR AND ACCESSORIES.
• Use 5/32” hex wrench to loosen coupler sleeve screws,
open couplers.
• Remove hoops. If coupler housings remain attached to
hoops, pull the housings off the hoop.
• Slide coupler housings up. Open coupler sleeves and
remove.
• Remove floor screws from foot disks.
• Remove wall screws from wall plates or Universal Mounting
Plate. (If using Universal Mounting Plate, remove screws
from back of plate and detach vertical assembly.)
• Detach top tube by pulling top sleeve from the vertical pole.
• Remove sleeve and unscrew wall plate from top tube.
• Detach foot assembly by pulling bottom sleeve from the
vertical pole. Remove sleeve.
• Unscrew foot disk from foot tube.
• Disassemble hoops: Depress pegs in connectors and pull
side tubes away from hoops.
CARE AND
MAINTENANCE
Wipe with a wet cloth or use a
solution of soap and water. Do
not use abrasive cleaners
.
• Unit must be secured to walls at
four locations.
• If storing heavy items, feet must
be secured to the floor.
• Prior to each use check for any
loose parts, wear, or damage.
Discontinue use immediately
if the unit should become
damaged or malfunctions.
• Replace any cracked or bent
parts immediately.
This product is covered by
YAKIMA’s “Love It Till You Leave It” Limited Lifetime Warranty
To obtain a copy of this warranty, go online to www.yakima.com
or email us at [e-mail]
or call [phone]
KEEP THESE INSTRUCTIONS!
DO NOT OVERLOAD THIS PRODUCT
Approximate Base Unit Load Capacity:
800 lbs. evenly distributed over product
Approximate Hoop Load Capacity:
200 lbs. EACH HOOP
Overloading this product could result in serious injury or damage to property.
TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE OR REPLACEMENT PARTS
CONTACT YOUR DEALER OR CALL [phone]
MONDAY THROUGH FRIDAY, 7:00 AM TO 5:00 PM, PST
37