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Trailering The CH701

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cwolf41(at)comcast.net
Guest

Posted: Sat Oct 14, 2006 10:37 am Post subject: Trailering The CH701

I'm interested in doing extended trailering of a Zenith 701.



I've been flying for many years, and I'm currently part owner of a Cessna

182.  I also own a recreational vehicle which I love to travel in, around

the country.  But what I would really enjoy, is an airplane that I could

tow on a trailer behind my RV, stopping and flying wherever the scenery

looks interesting.  RVs seem to be towing every other kind of recreational

vehicle, these days, so why not an airplane?



Obviously such an aircraft would have to have folding wings, which is why

I've been looking at the Zenith 701.  I took the rudder building workshop

for the 701, and thoroughly enjoyed it.  I think I would enjoy building the

701.  I also took a ride in the 701, and was quite impressed with its

performance.



I've seen pictures at the Zenith web site of a 701 on trailers.  One plane

was even being towed behind an RV, so it looks like I'm not the first guy

to get the idea.



But is the 701 really suited for extensive trailering?  That folding wing

design looks like it was more intended to reduce hangar space, rather than

designed for zooming down the highway at 70 mph.  Those folding wings

constitute a large, flat surface of metal, high in the air.  How much side

gusting of wind could the plane endure before it was damaged, or worse yet,

caused the trailer to flip over?



It's my understanding that the folded wings are only secured by a single

pivot bolt at the front, and slots in a plywood saddle at the back.  Is

this really enough to secure the wings for extended highway travel?



I talked to Michael Heintz at Quality Sport Planes, in Cloverdale,

California, last week, while I was taking the rudder building workshop.  He

said for extended trailering, the best method would be to remove the wings

entirely, and strap them to the bed of the trailer.  Then trailering would

be fine.



Does anyone have any experience with extended trailering of the 701?  If

so, I would sure like to talk to you!



I like the 701 very much.  However I'm also looking at a Kolb Mark III

Xtra.  It seems like Kolb planes get trailered quite a bit, while the 701

does not.  Perhaps there is a good reason?  The Kolb factory says their

aircraft was designed for folding and trailering, and the folded plane does

seem to look more solid and compact than the 701.  I also like the fact

that the Kolb does not use a wet wing, so unlike the Zenith, there is no

need to drain the fuel before folding the wings.



If anyone has any suggestions or advice on this topic, I'd sure appreciate

hearing from you.  Thanks!



Chris Wolf

cwolf41(at)comcast.net

marinegunner(at)gmail.com
Guest

Posted: Sat Oct 14, 2006 1:55 pm Post subject: Trailering The CH701

Chris,

 If I were to build a 701 and then take it with me and the RV for extended trips, I would use an enclosed trailer. The wings come off easily and stores under the fuselage on the floor of the trailer without any problem. 

  

 Having recently sold a 701 airframe, I know this can be done because the person who bought it drove down with a trailer and took it home. His trailer was not long enough to enclose the entire tail, so he built a special rear door that allowed the tail to stick out when closed - sorta like those extra openings for rudders that you see in hangars designed for really big airplanes. A slightly longer trailer would have allowed him to enclose the entire airplane - and it was very easy to put inside. 

  

 Trailering this way would be much safer than any other, not matter what type airplane - that is why they do this with sailplanes.

  

 Have flown both airplanes and enjoy the 701 more than the Kolb - just personal prefrence as both are very good airplanes.

  

 DO NOT ARCHIVE

-- 

Semper Fi,

Steven R. Hulland

CH 600 Taildragger

Amado, AZ



This and all other incoming/outgoing email, attachments and replies scanned prior to opening/sending and uses an external firewall to help insure virus free email and attachments.  

  [quote][b]

cwolf41(at)comcast.net
Guest

Posted: Sat Oct 14, 2006 2:51 pm Post subject: Trailering The CH701

On Sat, 14 Oct 2006 14:53:32 -0700, Steve Hulland wrote:



 	  Quote: 	
		  Chris,

If I were to build a 701 and then take it with me and the RV for extended

trips, I would use an enclosed trailer. The wings come off easily and stores

under the fuselage on the floor of the trailer without any problem.


	


Yeah, that's probably the best idea.  I figured I could even build a couple

of form-fitting little cubbyholes, lined with carpet, and just slide the

wings in.



I suppose if you're going to trailer the plane on an open trailer, the Kolb

is probably best, since it has a much lower profile, and wouldn't be as

affected by the wind.  But as you say, it's probably best to use an

enclosed trailer, no matter what kind of plane you're hauling.  Open

trailers just expose the plane to a lot of risks.



It would take less enclosed trailer for the Kolb, since it's just a little

over five feet tall, with the wings folded.  The 701 is about 8.5 feet tall

with the wings folded.



Also, I wouldn't have to drain the fuel from the wings, with the Kolb.  But

I do like the 701!



Only problem with an enclosed trailer, is theft.  The thieves don't know

what's inside, so they just grab it and run.  An acquaintance of mine had

his trailer and plane stolen.  He literally ended up in a remote forest, in

the middle of the night, leaving ransom money.  He got his stuff back.



I think I'll paint MANURE HAULING, or DEAD ANIMALS REMOVED on the side of

my trailer, in great big letters.  Or maybe MORTUARY SERVICE - BODIES

TRANSPORTED.



 	  Quote: 	
		  Having recently sold a 701 airframe, I know this can be done because the

person who bought it drove down with a trailer and took it home. His trailer

was not long enough to enclose the entire tail, so he built a special rear

door that allowed the tail to stick out when closed - sorta like those extra

openings for rudders that you see in hangars designed for really big

airplanes. A slightly longer trailer would have allowed him to enclose the

entire airplane - and it was very easy to put inside.


	


Clever!



 	  Quote: 	
		  Trailering this way would be much safer than any other, not matter what type

airplane - that is why they do this with sailplanes.


	


Yeah, I noticed that last week, watching a glider land, and pack up.  Off

comes the wings, and everything gets slipped inside a long, skinny trailer.



I have a local, custom trailer company that can make me whatever I need.



 	  Quote: 	
		  Have flown both airplanes and enjoy the 701 more than the Kolb - just

personal prefrence as both are very good airplanes.


	


Shucks, I was hoping you could help me break the tie!  



Thanks for the feedback!



Chris Wolf

cwolf41(at)comcast.net

marinegunner(at)gmail.com
Guest

Posted: Sat Oct 14, 2006 4:39 pm Post subject: Trailering The CH701

Chris,

 I have an enclosed utility trailer. I lock the safety chains to my vehicle and they are firmly attached (plus lock) to the tounge. I also use another lock as the safety pin that holds the ball hitch lever in the down position. Finally, if on a trip that requires the trailer to be at a motel, etc. I take a tire boot and lock one of the tires. Takes a couple of extra minutes to hook things up, but I have never lost the trailer - or any other. 

  

 Also have a small 1/4 ton ex-USMC utility trailer with a pintal hitch. Lock the safety chains, but don't worry about the hitch part - most people do not have a pintel and cannot steal it.

  

 Last resort, if I see them stealing it, I simply shoot. Seems to work well. Ha!

  

 DO Not Archive

-- 

Semper Fi,

Steven R. Hulland

CH 600 Taildragger

Amado, AZ



This and all other incoming/outgoing email, attachments and replies scanned prior to opening/sending and uses an external firewall to help insure virus free email and attachments.  

  [quote][b]

rstone4(at)hot.rr.com
Guest

Posted: Sat Oct 14, 2006 5:27 pm Post subject: Trailering The CH701

Hay Steve,

      When you catch a  thief trying to steal your goods, you should use a bow & arrow, cross-bow,  or a blowgun w/poison darts, then no one can hear anything when you kill the  bastard.

  

 Bob Stone, Harker Heights, Tx

 ZodiacXL

 [quote]   ---

marinegunner(at)gmail.com
Guest

Posted: Sat Oct 14, 2006 6:12 pm Post subject: Trailering The CH701

Bob,

 Yep, the bow and arrow, etc. would work well. Where is Harker Heights, TX? I was in Corpus Christi with my wife from the 3rd until the 9th of this month. Had a great time with a great bunch.

  

 Going to airport after I get off work at 06:00 tomorrow. Hope to get a good bit of work done on the airplane.

  

 DO NOT ARCHIVE

 

-- 

Semper Fi,

Steven R. Hulland

CH 600 Taildragger

Amado, AZ



This and all other incoming/outgoing email, attachments and replies scanned prior to opening/sending and uses an external firewall to help insure virus free email and attachments.   [quote][b]

rstone4(at)hot.rr.com
Guest

Posted: Sat Oct 14, 2006 7:18 pm Post subject: Trailering The CH701

Steve,

      You must be an  Ex-Marine because you always sign off with Semper-Fi.  Harker Heights is a  very small town in Central Texas between Temple and Lampasas, right next to  Killeen and US Army Fort Hood.  

  

 Bob  Stone           DO NOT  ARCHIVE

 [quote]   ---

ggower_99(at)yahoo.com
Guest

Posted: Sat Oct 14, 2006 9:26 pm Post subject: Trailering The CH701

To trailer the 701 fuselage is better to have the fuselage kind of a "take off" position. 

This is with the front wheel raised as little and tied up over a stool type support in the trailer floor and also a tie in the tail hook.  Off course with the main gears well tied and movement free.

This way the trailer not need to be too tall.  



The wings will be safe in a hamoc type support to the side walls.  The hamoc support we made it from strips of  carpets (samples from a carpet store)  carefully passed betwen the wing and the slats.   The wings will be movement free with straps to the wall.   the wall will  have strips of foam and heavy cloth to protect the wings.



This, of course is a two or three person task, for the volume of the parts, not the weight.



Hope this helps.



Saludos

Gary Gower.

Chris Wolf <cwolf41(at)comcast.net> wrote:[quote] --> Zenith-List message posted by: Chris Wolf 



On Sat, 14 Oct 2006 14:53:32 -0700, Steve Hulland wrote:



 	  Quote: 	
		  Chris,

If I were to build a 701 and then take it with me and the RV for extended

trips, I would use an enclosed trailer. The wings come off easily and stores

under the fuselage on the floor of the trailer without any problem.


	


Yeah, that's probably the best idea.  I figured I could even build a couple

of form-fitting little cubbyholes, lined with carpet, and just slide the

wings in.



I suppose if you're going to trailer the plane on an open trailer, the Kolb

is probably best, since it has a much lower profile, and wouldn't be as

affected by the wind.  But as you say, it's probably best to use an

enclosed trailer, no matter what kind of plane you're hauling.  Open

trailers just expose the plane  to a lot of risks.



It would take less enclosed trailer for the Kolb, since it's just a little

over five feet tall, with the wings folded.  The 701 is about 8.5 feet tall

with the wings folded.



Also, I wouldn't have to drain the fuel from the wings, with the Kolb.  But

I do like the 701!



Only problem with an enclosed trailer, is theft.  The thieves don't know

what's inside, so they just grab it and run.  An acquaintance of mine had

his trailer and plane stolen.  He literally ended up in a remote forest, in

the middle of the night, leaving ransom money.  He got his stuff back.



I think I'll paint MANURE HAULING, or DEAD ANIMALS REMOVED on the side of

my trailer, in great big letters.  Or maybe MORTUARY SERVICE - BODIES

TRANSPORTED.



 	  Quote: 	
		  Having recently sold a 701 airframe, I know this can be done because the

person who bought it drove down with a trailer and took it home. His trailer

was not long enough  to enclose the entire tail, so he built a special rear

door that allowed the tail to stick out when closed - sorta like those extra

openings for rudders that you see in hangars designed for really big

airplanes. A slightly longer trailer would have allowed him to enclose the

entire airplane - and it was very easy to put inside.


	


Clever!



 	  Quote: 	
		  Trailering this way would be much safer than any other, not matter what type

airplane - that is why they do this with sailplanes.


	


Yeah, I noticed that last week, watching a glider land, and pack up.  Off

comes the wings, and everything gets slipped inside a long, skinny trailer.



I have a local, custom trailer company that can make me whatever I need.



 	  Quote: 	
		  Have flown both airplanes and enjoy the 701 more than the Kolb - just

personal prefrence as both are very good airplanes.


	


Shucks, I was hoping you could help me break the tie!  



Thanks for Get on board. [url=http://us.rd.yahoo.com/evt=40791/*http://advision.webevents.yahoo.com/mailbeta]You're invited[/url] to try the new Yahoo! Mail. [quote][b]

marinegunner(at)gmail.com
Guest

Posted: Sun Oct 15, 2006 5:18 am Post subject: Trailering The CH701

Robert,

 Nope, not an Ex-Marine as they are only the ones who were discharged under less than honorable conditions. I am a Marine - retired at that. Ha! Attended a reunion of Marines in Corpus Christi Oct 3-9. Attendees included active duty from Cpl to  Lt.Gen. and retirees from GySgt - Lt General and Marines who got out with less than 20 from PFC to GySgt. We are a great band of brothers.

  

 On the way to the airport to work on airplane. Have a grand day.

  

 DO NOT ARCHIVE

-- 

Semper Fi,

Steven R. Hulland

CH 600 Taildragger

Amado, AZ



This and all other incoming/outgoing email, attachments and replies scanned prior to opening/sending and uses an external firewall to help insure virus free email and attachments.  

  [quote][b]

rstone4(at)hot.rr.com
Guest

Posted: Sun Oct 15, 2006 7:29 am Post subject: Trailering The CH701

Steve,

      I cannot say I am  from a more glorious outfit but very effective anyway.  I am retired US Air  Force.  The only people who get into combat in the USAF today is the  officers.  The only positions on air crews today that are filled by  enlisted is radio operators and load masters.  They are on cargo aircraft  only.  All tactical combat aircraft have an all officer crew. During the  second world war the situation was quite different because the bulk of the crew  of a B-17 or a B-24 were the gunners.  The 8th Air Force conducting bombing  operations over German occupied areas of Europe suffered loses of up to 67%  until the North American P-51 Mustang became available.  After that loses  to enemy fighters went down to almost nothing.  I went in right after the  war in 1946 and have never heard a shot fired except on the rifle  range.

      Tell me what you  are building and how far along you are.  I am building a ZodiacXL with the  Jabiru 3300 engine and expect to be finished this November or December.  I  have enclosed a picture.

  

 Bob Stone

 [quote]   ---

Canopy_Instalation.JPG

Description:

Filesize:

53.72 KB

Viewed:

165 Time(s)

cwolf41(at)comcast.net
Guest

Posted: Sun Oct 15, 2006 12:32 pm Post subject: Trailering The CH701

On Sat, 14 Oct 2006 17:39:13 -0700, Steven Hulland wrote:



 	  Quote: 	
		  Chris,

I have an enclosed utility trailer. I lock the safety chains to my vehicle

and they are firmly attached (plus lock) to the tounge. I also use another

lock as the safety pin that holds the ball hitch lever in the down position.

Finally, if on a trip that requires the trailer to be at a motel, etc. I

take a tire boot and lock one of the tires. Takes a couple of extra minutes

to hook things up, but I have never lost the trailer - or any other.



Also have a small 1/4 ton ex-USMC utility trailer with a pintal hitch. Lock

the safety chains, but don't worry about the hitch part - most people do not

have a pintel and cannot steal it.



Last resort, if I see them stealing it, I simply shoot. Seems to work well.

Ha!



DO Not Archive


	


Good advice.  Thanks!



Chris Wolf

cwolf41(at)comcast.net

cwolf41(at)comcast.net
Guest

Posted: Sun Oct 15, 2006 12:35 pm Post subject: Trailering The CH701

On Sat, 14 Oct 2006 22:26:06 -0700 (PDT), Gary Gower wrote:



 	  Quote: 	
		  To trailer the 701 fuselage is better to have the fuselage kind of a "take

off" position. 

This is with the front wheel raised as little and tied up over a stool type

support in the trailer floor and also a tie in the tail hook.  Off course

with the main gears well tied and movement free.

This way the trailer not need to be too tall.  


	


Very clever!  Do you happen to know how tall the fuselage is, in this

"takeoff" position?



 	  Quote: 	
		  The wings will be safe in a hamoc type support to the side walls.  The

hamoc support we made it from strips of  carpets (samples from a carpet

store)  carefully passed betwen the wing and the slats.   The wings will

be movement free with straps to the wall.   the wall will  have strips of

foam and heavy cloth to protect the wings.


	


Sounds like a good system.



 	  Quote: 	
		  This, of course is a two or three person task, for the volume of the parts,

not the weight.



Hope this helps.



Saludos

Gary Gower.


	


Very helpful.  Thanks!



Chris Wolf

cwolf41(at)comcast.net

daveaustin2(at)can.rogers
Guest

Posted: Sun Oct 15, 2006 12:58 pm Post subject: Trailering The CH701

Of course, with the aircraft in the takeoff position, at hiway speed there

will be no weight on the trailer or its' wheels so it will tow rather

easily..

Dave Austin  601HDS - 912, Spitfire Mk VIII

Do not archive

jnjkimbell(at)HOTMAIL.COM
Guest

Posted: Sun Oct 15, 2006 3:20 pm Post subject: Trailering The CH701

Chris, 3 months ago I trailered my ch 701 on a trailer behind my Motorhome 

from FL to CA and Back, so I have do have  experience and knowledge of your 

desire.  I would rather not discuss this on the list as I do not like to be 

ridiculed or put down.  Please  contact me by telephone or at my email 

jnjkimbell(at)hotmail.com

---

marinegunner(at)gmail.com
Guest

Posted: Sun Oct 15, 2006 7:09 pm Post subject: Trailering The CH701

Robert,

 CH 600. It will be ready to fly in a few weeks. I have the registration and am finishing a re-paint on instrument panel before scheduling the DAR. Hope to fly in Nov/Dec. Will send pictures  to everyone soon.

 - 

Semper Fi,

Steven R. Hulland

CH 600 Taildragger

Amado, AZ



This and all other incoming/outgoing email, attachments and replies scanned prior to opening/sending and uses an external firewall to help insure virus free email and attachments.  

  [quote][b]

ggower_99(at)yahoo.com
Guest

Posted: Sun Oct 15, 2006 7:11 pm Post subject: Trailering The CH701

Hello Chris,



Dont remeber right now how tall was...  But with the propeller in  a "Y" position, the rudder was just a little higher than the propeller.    A almost "normal" height enclosed trailer can be made.   



Saludos

Gary Gower

do not archive.



Chris Wolf <cwolf41(at)comcast.net> wrote: 	  Quote: 	
		   --> Zenith-List message posted by: Chris Wolf 



On Sat, 14 Oct 2006 22:26:06 -0700 (PDT), Gary Gower wrote:



 	  Quote: 	
		  To trailer the 701 fuselage is better to have the fuselage kind of a "take

off" position. 

This is with the front wheel raised as little and tied up over a stool type

support in the trailer floor and also a tie in the tail hook.  Off course

with the main gears well tied and movement free.

This way the trailer not need  to be too tall.  


	


Very clever!  Do you happen to know how tall the fuselage is, in this

"takeoff" position?



 	  Quote: 	
		  The wings will be safe in a hamoc type support to the side walls.  The

hamoc support we made it from strips of  carpets (samples from a carpet

store)  carefully passed betwen the wing and the slats.   The wings will

be movement free with straps to the wall.   the wall will  have strips of

foam and heavy cloth to protect the wings.


	


Sounds like a good system.



 	  Quote: 	
		  This, of course is a two or three person task, for the volume of the parts,

not the weight.



Hope this helps.



Saludos

Gary Gower.


	


Very helpful.  Thanks!



Chris Wolf

cwolf41(at)comcast.net

	




  [quote][b]

cwolf41(at)comcast.net
Guest

Posted: Mon Oct 16, 2006 10:32 am Post subject: Trailering The CH701

On Sun, 15 Oct 2006 20:11:24 -0700 (PDT), Gary Gower wrote:



 	  Quote: 	
		  Hello Chris,



Dont remeber right now how tall was...  But with the propeller in  a "Y"

position, the rudder was just a little higher than the propeller.    A

almost "normal" height enclosed trailer can be made.   



Saludos

Gary Gower


	


Sounds like a good system, Gary.  Thanks!



Chris Wolf

cwolf41(at)comcast.net

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