LITKIT Universal Washing Machine Shipping Kit (Patent Pending)

LITKIT™ includes: 2 Airbags, a 3” and 5” Corrugated Cellblock, and LITKIT™ sticker. Possible additional items needed: packing tape and cardboard.

Additional required items: Air Supply/Tank and Inflation Tool (one time purchase).

Requiring on average a 5-minute installation (see our videos), the LITKIT™ simple system of air-inflated bags and card expansion cell restricts side-to-side, forward-back and up-down motion of the washer drum.

DO NOT OVER-INFLATE THE AIRBAG—The Airbags will hold an estimated 2000# of weight, but will burst or damage unit when over-inflated.

Basic inspection of unit

Perform service check—Notate any cosmetic and mechanical deficiencies such as vibrations, corrosion or unusual noises with the unit to be serviced. It is best to do a floor condition inspection, show the customer, and notate any deficiencies.

Unplug the washing machine and turn off the water at this time. Protect the floor by placing Masonite or Lexan strips under the machines legs and move the unit out to gain access to the rear.

Disconnect pressure hoses and use a wet/dry shop-vac to remove as much water as possible from the drain hose and pump. If the drain hose has an external connection, disconnect at this time. If the drain hose connection is internal, it is best to secure the hose to the machine upon completion.

Installation of LITKIT™: Frontload Machines

Carefully remove the lid of the unit by removing the screws at the top rear section of the unit. Once you have gained access, evaluate which of the 2 Corrugated Cellblocks will best fit at the top front of the drum. Expand Cellblock to its full extent and release. Apply downward pressure to the drum and insert the Cellblock into position. The open cells must be facing the pressure point areas. Use caution to ensure that the Corrugated Cellblock is not coming in contact with electrical or mechanical devices. The Cellblocks are designed to be highly adjustable to accommodate confined areas. If needed, scoring both solid sides with a standard utility knife can cut the Cellblocks. Once completed, use a sufficient piece of tape to hold Cellblock in place in case of heavy jolting of the unit. Best to tape it to the drum itself.

Depending on the style of unit, the Airbags in most cases should be cornered at the rear sides and back of the drum. This will accommodate the side-to-side and rear motion of the drum. It is possible to fold the Airbags to accommodate smaller areas. If there are no mechanisms or wiring harnesses, place the first bag at either corner and inspect for any areas or items that may puncture the bag when inflated. If the area is not clear from possible punctures, pad the areas with foam or use the box from the kit and cut the cardboard to fit. Tape any padding used in place to ensure it will not slip during installation or transit.

If you must place the Airbags on the side of the drum, use the second Cellblock at the top rear of the drum and place between the drum and the rear panel. It may be necessary to cut the Cellblock to fit. Be sure to tape the Cellblock in place.

Once you are sure of proper placement, attach the Inflator Tool to the bag and slowly inflate the bag until the drum slightly moves or the bag stays in place. Place the second bag at the opposite rear side of the drum and repeat step 6. It is imperative that you DO NOT OVER-INFLATE THE AIRBAGS. Over-inflating the bags will result in the Airbag bursting or damage to the unit you are servicing. Adjust the air in each bag as needed. The goal is to reduce the movement of the drum, not to stop all of the movement.

Use the remaining Cellblock at the top rear of the drum as a secondary safety for heavy jolting during transit. Fully expand the Cellblock and insert, making sure that the open cells face the pressure or potential pressure points. Repeat the taping process for added security.

If the front load washer will not accommodate the rear corner placement of the Airbags, carefully find an adequate side placement. Repeat the same steps for inflation as stated on step 7 and place the second Cellblock just as you did in step 8.

Once the Airbags are in place, for either the rear corner or side mount, connect the 2 bags with a piece of tape. Doing this will hold the bags in place during heavy transit jolts, large climate swings, and in case of any possible punctures.

Once all of the previous steps have been completed, reattach the lid and insert the mounting screws.

Wrap all hoses in padded paper and place inside of the washer drum. Using stretch wrap, place an adequate amount to secure the door and control panel. Once completed, use a piece of tape to secure the loose end of the stretch wrap.

Place the enclosed sticker on the front of the machine on the stretch wrap. The LITKIT™ sticker must be in a highly visible location. Mark the quantity of each item used so the destination technician can properly service the unit upon delivery.

New Style Top Loader Washing Machine

LITKIT™ will also accommodate the newer styles of no agitator and / or redesigned agitator top load washing machines. Standard practices of foam blocks will not be sufficient for these new styles of machines.

Follow steps 1, 2 and 3 for standard disconnect procedures.

Using 2 of the enclosed bags, insert 1 bag on each side of the top of the washer drum. Inspect for any jagged edges or seals that when inflated could puncture the bags or damage the unit.

Attach the Inflator Tool and slowly fill the first Airbag. Once the drum starts to move, connect the Inflator Tool to the second bag and slowly inflate the bag to match the first bag. Repeat as necessary. As with the front load units, the goal is not to completely stop the movement of the drum but to restrict it.

If the Airbags are stopping the lid from closing, deflate and reposition the Airbags a little further in and repeat the inflation.

Once you are satisfied with the inflation steps, follow steps 12 and 13.

For winter service—a slight amount of additional air pressure is needed. Also, connect the bags with tape to accommodate air pressure loss for large climate swings. As a precaution for front load machines, install the 2nd Cellblock between the top rear of the drum and the rear panel. If needed cut Cellblock on the solid side to fit the space required.

As a test, LITKIT™ has been installed at room temperature and stored for 24 hours at 2 degrees Fahrenheit. Result was a slight loss of air pressure but maintained a sufficient amount to restrict drum movement.

Since most of the newer washing machines are computerized and expensive, we recommend use of a Shock Watch sticker (25g) to be adhered to the inside of the lid. Advise customer and notate paperwork and LITKIT™ sticker accordingly.

A list of LitKit compatible washing machines is available here.

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