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KeysFox
Joined: 05 Jan 2009
Posts: 137
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 Posted: Fri Jun 24, 2016 2:14 pm Post subject: Tow bar alterantive & Kitfox flying adventures |
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Some food for thought. A very small flat bed trailer can be purchased for
under $200 (Harbor Freight - sale price).
I have been towing my model IV between our house and the local public use
airport for over a decade using one and love it.
At first blush the idea of a little trailer seems cumbersome,
but........read on.
My model IV, 1050, with Rotax 912 is very easy to lift at the tail (model
7 is heavier at tail), so setting the tail wheel in a pocket made out of
short pieces of 2 X 4 on the deck of the flat bed directly over the small
trailer's axle for balance, is easy. (Pin or strap the tail wheel so it
can not hop out)
Now to the good parts, Because the tail is elevated on the flat bed, the
wings are very easy to fold (with elimination of almost all down force
from gravity trying to fold the wings against the tail) thus there is far
less risk of crunching a flaperon or punching a hole in fuselage fabric.
If you are trying to fold the wings when the bugs are biting, rains a
falling or winds a blowing, having the wings nearly level really makes the
job safer and easier.
Because the tail is up and wings nearly level, fuel does not tend to run
to the low end of the tank where the gas cap is, out thru the cap onto the
wings and into the environment.
Assuming your tail wheel casters, then the little trailer can be turned
360 degrees for maneuvering.
I rotate the trailer tongue to the side or ahead once the rig is in the
garage and so no need bothering to disconnect the plane from the trailer
for storage.
(In fact for over a decade we have pulled the plane into an enclosed "car"
trailer using the little tail wheel trailer and taken the rig from the
Florida Keys, to Maine, to the Pacific coast behind our RV, having a HOOT
flying low and slow in spectacular scenery, as we travel across the
country thru national parks, sea shores and fascinating flying locations
all over the country. Forums on this will be presented at Air Venture near
Red Barn Thursday 2:30 and Friday at 4:00, nothing to sell just sharing
fun flying as a Southernmost EAA Chapter 1241 Marathon, Florida Keys
member.)
By the way, the little trailer has relatively large tires compared to the
typical tail wheel tire so moving the plane on soft surfaces, over small
roots and rocks, across irregular concrete surfaces, etc. is easier than
with the plane down on its tail wheel.
An 18 inch piece of all thread replacing the rear bolt attaching the hitch
coupler to the trailer tongue makes a convenient handle for moving the
plane and trailer by hand.
Pictures of all this and the rest of the story at OSH if you are interested.
BJ
Kitfox IV, 912, Warp Drive
wings off for recover
bjones(at)dmv.com
| Quote: | The attach points on the fuselage should extend out past the fabric about
3/8" and should not allow the tow bar to come in contact with the fabric
when attached.
Andy F
Sent from my iPhone
> On Jun 24, 2016, at 12:02 PM, TURBO T <turbot(at)shaw.ca> wrote:
>
> Im building a tow bar for a KF2
>
> Should the brackets fit tight against the fuselage or have a gap & let
> the cross rods take the load ?
>
> Am worried about the side mounts wearing the fabric.
>
> Thanks
>
>
=============================================================================
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| | - The Matronics Kitfox-List Email Forum - | | | Use the List Feature Navigator to browse the many List utilities available such as the Email Subscriptions page, Archive Search & Download, 7-Day Browse, Chat, FAQ, Photoshare, and much more:
http://www.matronics.com/Navigator?Kitfox-List |
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_________________
B Jones
N154K
443-480-1023 |
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dwight purdy
Joined: 10 Feb 2006
Posts: 85
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| Posted: Sat Jun 25, 2016 3:55 am Post subject: Tow bar alterantive & Kitfox flying adventures |
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Would love a picture of your set up.
Dwight Purdy
Model II
--
| | - The Matronics Kitfox-List Email Forum - | | | Use the List Feature Navigator to browse the many List utilities available such as the Email Subscriptions page, Archive Search & Download, 7-Day Browse, Chat, FAQ, Photoshare, and much more:
http://www.matronics.com/Navigator?Kitfox-List |
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dwight
model II |
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peteohms
Joined: 31 Oct 2007
Posts: 224
Location: Leander, TX
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| Posted: Sat Jun 25, 2016 12:47 pm Post subject: Tow bar alterantive & Kitfox flying adventures |
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Love pictures too.
Pete
On Jun 25, 2016, at 6:55 AM, dwight PURDY <dpurdy(at)comteck.com (dpurdy(at)comteck.com)> wrote:
| Quote: | Would love a picture of your set up.
Dwight Purdy
Model II
From: bjones(at)dmv.com (bjones(at)dmv.com)
Sent: ‎6/‎24/‎2016 6:12 PM
To: kitfox-list(at)matronics.com (kitfox-list(at)matronics.com)
Subject: Re: Tow bar alterantive & Kitfox flying adventures
--> Kitfox-List message posted by: bjones(at)dmv.com (bjones(at)dmv.com)
Some food for thought. A very small flat bed trailer can be purchased for
under $200 (Harbor Freight - sale price).
I have been towing my model IV between our house and the local public use
airport for over a decade using one and love it.
At first blush the idea of a little trailer seems cumbersome,
but........read on.
My model IV, 1050, with Rotax 912 is very easy to lift at the tail (model
7 is heavier at tail), so setting the tail wheel in a pocket made out of
short pieces of 2 X 4 on the deck of the flat bed directly over the small
trailer's axle for balance, is easy. (Pin or strap the tail wheel so it
can not hop out)
Now to the good parts, Because the tail is elevated on the flat bed, the
wings are very easy to fold (with elimination of almost all down force
from gravity trying to fold the wings against the tail) thus there is far
less risk of crunching a flaperon or punching a hole in fuselage fabric.
If you are trying to fold the wings when the bugs are biting, rains a
falling or winds a blowing, having the wings nearly level really makes the
job safer and easier.
Because the tail is up and wings nearly level, fuel does not tend to run
to the low end of the tank where the gas cap is, out thru the cap onto the
wings and into the environment.
Assuming your tail wheel casters, then the little trailer can be turned
360 degrees for maneuvering.
I rotate the trailer tongue to the side or ahead once the rig is in the
garage and so no need bothering to disconnect the plane from the trailer
for storage.
(In fact for over a decade we have pulled the plane into an enclosed "car"
trailer using the little tail wheel trailer and taken the rig from the
Florida Keys, to Maine, to the Pacific coast behind our RV, having a HOOT
flying low and slow in spectacular scenery, as we travel across the
country thru national parks, sea shores and fascinating flying locations
all over the country. Forums on this will be presented at Air Venture near
Red Barn Thursday 2:30 and Friday at 4:00, nothing to sell just sharing
fun flying as a Southernmost EAA Chapter 1241 Marathon, Florida Keys
member.)
By the way, the little trailer has relatively large tires compared to the
typical tail wheel tire so moving the plane on soft surfaces, over small
roots and rocks, across irregular concrete surfaces, etc. is easier than
with the plane down on its tail wheel.
An 18 inch piece of all thread replacing the rear bolt attaching the hitch
coupler to the trailer tongue makes a convenient handle for moving the
plane and trailer by hand.
Pictures of all this and the rest of the story at OSH if you are interested.
BJ
Kitfox IV, 912, Warp Drive
wings off for recover
bjones(at)dmv.com (bjones(at)dmv.com)
| Quote: | The attach points on the fuselage should extend out past the fabric about
3/8" and should not allow the tow bar to come in contact with the fabric
when attached.
Andy F
Sent from my iPhone
> On Jun 24, 2016, at 12:02 PM, TURBO T <turbot(at)shaw.ca (turbot(at)shaw.ca)> wrote:
>
> Im building a tow bar for a KF2
>
> Should the brackets fit tight against the fuselage or have a gap & let
> the cross rods take the load ?
>
> Am worried about the side mounts wearing the fabric.
>
> Thanks
>
>
===========================
_=============sp; - List Contribution Web Site nbsp; &======================
|
|
| | - The Matronics Kitfox-List Email Forum - | | | Use the List Feature Navigator to browse the many List utilities available such as the Email Subscriptions page, Archive Search & Download, 7-Day Browse, Chat, FAQ, Photoshare, and much more:
http://www.matronics.com/Navigator?Kitfox-List |
|
_________________
Pete
Leander, TX
Kitfox III, 912ul, Grove |
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| Back to top |
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KeysFox
Joined: 05 Jan 2009
Posts: 137
|
| Posted: Sat Jun 25, 2016 4:32 pm Post subject: Tow bar alterantive & Kitfox flying adventures |
|
|
Guys,
I tried to send a photo of the tail wheel trailer and a photo of the rig
(motor home, plane and enclosed trailer) on the ramp at Monument Valley
airport in replies to Pete's response to see if they will go thru that
way. I don't think they will.
BJ
>> Love pictures too.
| Quote: | >
> Pete
>
>> On Jun 25, 2016, at 6:55 AM, dwight PURDY <dpurdy(at)comteck.com> wrote:
>>
>> Would love a picture of your set up.
>>
>> Dwight Purdy
>> Model II
>> From: bjones(at)dmv.com
>> Sent: ‎6/‎24/‎2016 6:12 PM
>> To: kitfox-list(at)matronics.com
>> Subject: Re: Tow bar alterantive & Kitfox flying
>> adventures
>>
>>
>>
>> Some food for thought. A very small flat bed trailer can be purchased
>> for
>> under $200 (Harbor Freight - sale price).
>>
>> I have been towing my model IV between our house and the local public
>> use
>> airport for over a decade using one and love it.
>>
>> At first blush the idea of a little trailer seems cumbersome,
>> but........read on.
>>
>> My model IV, 1050, with Rotax 912 is very easy to lift at the tail
>> (model
>> 7 is heavier at tail), so setting the tail wheel in a pocket made out
>> of
>> short pieces of 2 X 4 on the deck of the flat bed directly over the
>> small
>> trailer's axle for balance, is easy. (Pin or strap the tail wheel so it
>> can not hop out)
>>
>> Now to the good parts, Because the tail is elevated on the flat bed,
>> the
>> wings are very easy to fold (with elimination of almost all down force
>> from gravity trying to fold the wings against the tail) thus there is
>> far
>> less risk of crunching a flaperon or punching a hole in fuselage
>> fabric.
>> If you are trying to fold the wings when the bugs are biting, rains a
>> falling or winds a blowing, having the wings nearly level really makes
>> the
>> job safer and easier.
>>
>> Because the tail is up and wings nearly level, fuel does not tend to
>> run
>> to the low end of the tank where the gas cap is, out thru the cap onto
>> the
>> wings and into the environment.
>>
>> Assuming your tail wheel casters, then the little trailer can be turned
>> 360 degrees for maneuvering.
>>
>> I rotate the trailer tongue to the side or ahead once the rig is in the
>> garage and so no need bothering to disconnect the plane from the
>> trailer
>> for storage.
>>
>> (In fact for over a decade we have pulled the plane into an enclosed
>> "car"
>> trailer using the little tail wheel trailer and taken the rig from the
>> Florida Keys, to Maine, to the Pacific coast behind our RV, having a
>> HOOT
>> flying low and slow in spectacular scenery, as we travel across the
>> country thru national parks, sea shores and fascinating flying
>> locations
>> all over the country. Forums on this will be presented at Air Venture
>> near
>> Red Barn Thursday 2:30 and Friday at 4:00, nothing to sell just sharing
>> fun flying as a Southernmost EAA Chapter 1241 Marathon, Florida Keys
>> member.)
>>
>> By the way, the little trailer has relatively large tires compared to
>> the
>> typical tail wheel tire so moving the plane on soft surfaces, over
>> small
>> roots and rocks, across irregular concrete surfaces, etc. is easier
>> than
>> with the plane down on its tail wheel.
>>
>> An 18 inch piece of all thread replacing the rear bolt attaching the
>> hitch
>> coupler to the trailer tongue makes a convenient handle for moving the
>> plane and trailer by hand.
>>
>> Pictures of all this and the rest of the story at OSH if you are
>> interested.
>>
>> BJ
>> Kitfox IV, 912, Warp Drive
>> wings off for recover
>> bjones(at)dmv.com
>>
>>
>>
>> > The attach points on the fuselage should extend out past the fabric
>> about
>> > 3/8" and should not allow the tow bar to come in contact with the
>> fabric
>> > when attached.
>> >
>> > Andy F
>> >
>> > Sent from my iPhone
>> >
>> >> On Jun 24, 2016, at 12:02 PM, TURBO T <turbot(at)shaw.ca> wrote:
>> >>
>> >> Im building a tow bar for a KF2
>> >>
>> >> Should the brackets fit tight against the fuselage or have a gap &
>> let
>> >> the cross rods take the load ?
>> >>
>> >> Am worried about the side mounts wearing the fabric.
>> >>
>> >>
>> >>
>> >> Thanks
>> >>
>> >>
>> >>
>> >>
>> > ===========================
>> > _=============sp; - List Contribution Web Site nbsp;
>> &======================
>
|
| | - The Matronics Kitfox-List Email Forum - | | | Use the List Feature Navigator to browse the many List utilities available such as the Email Subscriptions page, Archive Search & Download, 7-Day Browse, Chat, FAQ, Photoshare, and much more:
http://www.matronics.com/Navigator?Kitfox-List |
|
_________________
B Jones
N154K
443-480-1023 |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
KeysFox
Joined: 05 Jan 2009
Posts: 137
|
| Posted: Mon Jun 27, 2016 11:01 am Post subject: Tow bar alterantive & Kitfox flying adventures |
|
|
Guys,
Per the request for photos, This is a second attempt to send a
(compressed) photo of our small tail wheel trailer used to tow our Kitfox
between our houses and local public use airports.
We also use this trailer to load and transport the plane within our large
enclosed "car" trailer when we do our annual tours of the US by motor home
with Kitfox. (Enormous Fun flying stick and rudder, down low within
spectacular scenery all across our magnificent country!!) OK, back to the
little tail wheel trailer.
Note the bar thru the tongue of the small trailer. It used as a handle to
move the plane and trailer as a unit.
The triangular grey plywood stand under the attach point of the tail wheel
spring to the fuselage, supports the tail and takes some load from
folded wings off of the tail wheel spring while towing the plane on its
main gear down the local public roads and while towing the plane cross
country inside the enclosed trailer. Of course when I move the rig by hand
I naturally lift the small trailer's tongue much like in the photo, which
disengages the grey wood support and allows 360 degree turning of the tail
wheel trailer if desired to move the plane into tight spots, in a garage
for instance.
Note there is a strap over the tail wheel to stop it from hopping up and
potentially rolling off of the flat bed.
The grey wood support folds down and out of the way if desired.
A set of 4 X 4 chocks, and another chock system that allows me to raise a
wing on a ramp are kept on the trailer as well as fire extinguisher, tie
down ropes and a heavier rope used to tie the plane to the enclosed
trailer to warm the Rotax 912 prior to departure.
Lastly, the turtle deck is on a foam pad on the trailer, covered with a
towel and held in place with a bungee, so it is always with the plane and
not inadvertently left in the garage. This also helps keep the turtle deck
from being banged around in the pickup and garage during movement and
storage.
Obviously There are many ways to move a Kitfox on the road, this is just
one more.
If the photo goes thru I may try to share a few more from our touring with
the Kitfox and little motorhome.
BJ
Kitfox IV, 912, Warp Drive
Love pictures too.
| Quote: |
Pete
> On Jun 25, 2016, at 6:55 AM, dwight PURDY <dpurdy(at)comteck.com> wrote:
>
> Would love a picture of your set up.
>
> Dwight Purdy
> Model II
> From: bjones(at)dmv.com
> Sent: ‎6/‎24/‎2016 6:12 PM
> To: kitfox-list(at)matronics.com
> Subject: Re: Tow bar alterantive & Kitfox flying adventures
>
>
>
> Some food for thought. A very small flat bed trailer can be purchased
> for
> under $200 (Harbor Freight - sale price).
>
> I have been towing my model IV between our house and the local public
> use
> airport for over a decade using one and love it.
>
> At first blush the idea of a little trailer seems cumbersome,
> but........read on.
>
> My model IV, 1050, with Rotax 912 is very easy to lift at the tail
> (model
> 7 is heavier at tail), so setting the tail wheel in a pocket made out of
> short pieces of 2 X 4 on the deck of the flat bed directly over the
> small
> trailer's axle for balance, is easy. (Pin or strap the tail wheel so it
> can not hop out)
>
> Now to the good parts, Because the tail is elevated on the flat bed,
> the
> wings are very easy to fold (with elimination of almost all down force
> from gravity trying to fold the wings against the tail) thus there is
> far
> less risk of crunching a flaperon or punching a hole in fuselage fabric.
> If you are trying to fold the wings when the bugs are biting, rains a
> falling or winds a blowing, having the wings nearly level really makes
> the
> job safer and easier.
>
> Because the tail is up and wings nearly level, fuel does not tend to run
> to the low end of the tank where the gas cap is, out thru the cap onto
> the
> wings and into the environment.
>
> Assuming your tail wheel casters, then the little trailer can be turned
> 360 degrees for maneuvering.
>
> I rotate the trailer tongue to the side or ahead once the rig is in the
> garage and so no need bothering to disconnect the plane from the trailer
> for storage.
>
> (In fact for over a decade we have pulled the plane into an enclosed
> "car"
> trailer using the little tail wheel trailer and taken the rig from the
> Florida Keys, to Maine, to the Pacific coast behind our RV, having a
> HOOT
> flying low and slow in spectacular scenery, as we travel across the
> country thru national parks, sea shores and fascinating flying locations
> all over the country. Forums on this will be presented at Air Venture
> near
> Red Barn Thursday 2:30 and Friday at 4:00, nothing to sell just sharing
> fun flying as a Southernmost EAA Chapter 1241 Marathon, Florida Keys
> member.)
>
> By the way, the little trailer has relatively large tires compared to
> the
> typical tail wheel tire so moving the plane on soft surfaces, over small
> roots and rocks, across irregular concrete surfaces, etc. is easier than
> with the plane down on its tail wheel.
>
> An 18 inch piece of all thread replacing the rear bolt attaching the
> hitch
> coupler to the trailer tongue makes a convenient handle for moving the
> plane and trailer by hand.
>
> Pictures of all this and the rest of the story at OSH if you are
> interested.
>
> BJ
> Kitfox IV, 912, Warp Drive
> wings off for recover
> bjones(at)dmv.com
>
> > The attach points on the fuselage should extend out past the fabric
> about
> > 3/8" and should not allow the tow bar to come in contact with the
> fabric
> > when attached.
> >
> > Andy F
> >
> > Sent from my iPhone
> >
> >> On Jun 24, 2016, at 12:02 PM, TURBO T <turbot(at)shaw.ca> wrote:
> >>
> >> Im building a tow bar for a KF2
> >>
> >> Should the brackets fit tight against the fuselage or have a gap &
> let
> >> the cross rods take the load ?
> >>
> >> Am worried about the side mounts wearing the fabric.
> >>
> >>
> >>
> >> Thanks
> >>
> >>
> >>
> >>
> > ===========================
> > _=============sp; - List Contribution Web Site nbsp;
> &======================
|
| | - The Matronics Kitfox-List Email Forum - | | | Use the List Feature Navigator to browse the many List utilities available such as the Email Subscriptions page, Archive Search & Download, 7-Day Browse, Chat, FAQ, Photoshare, and much more:
http://www.matronics.com/Navigator?Kitfox-List |
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_________________
B Jones
N154K
443-480-1023 |
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