![Matronics Email Lists Forum Index](templates/Matronics/images/logo_phpBB.gif) |
Matronics Email Lists Web Forum Interface to the Matronics Email Lists
|
View previous topic :: View next topic |
Author |
Message |
MJKTuck(at)cs.com Guest
|
Posted: Wed May 18, 2011 7:52 pm Post subject: Europa Design Trailer Question |
|
|
Hi Guys,
I've just finished up my annual condition inspection. I have the
aircraft hangared and the only time I use the trailer is when I do my
inspection or otherwise feel the need to take the wings off.
I have an Europa monowheel trailer. I found it just about impossible to
push the aircraft up the incline of the ramp portion of the standard
trailer so I made up an extension ramp which is about 3 feet long and
reduces the slope by half. Even so, I still really struggle to push it
up the incline particularly if I don't have someone to steady the wing.
I'm thinking there has to be an easier way!
I've thought about lifting the aircraft up using a car jack (as I would
do if needed to change the tire) then positioning the ramp under the
wheel suitably blocked into a downward slope so the aircraft could run
'downhill' into position but I thought maybe there is a more elegant
solution out there that others use - from those who trailer their
aircraft all the time. Didn't the brochure claim you could do all this
in five minutes?
I'd be interested in hearing or seeing photos of any other solutions to
this weighty problem.
Regards,
Martin Tuck
N152MT
Wichita, Kansas
| - The Matronics Europa-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?Europa-List |
|
|
|
Back to top |
|
![](templates/Matronics/images/spacer.gif) |
nigel henry
Joined: 24 Feb 2011 Posts: 16 Location: oxford uk
|
Posted: Wed May 18, 2011 10:02 pm Post subject: Europa Design Trailer Question |
|
|
Hi Martin�� � � � � �I agree the trailer is a problem. �My �thoughts are a hydraulic�axle so the trailer can be lowered to the ground � also why can't the bed be folding or it comes apart �with pins ?�
I have a use for a smaller trailer �two wheels most of the time with a 1.8�meter bed max width is not a problem �here in the UK we have a legal requirement that the trailer has to be braked �has anybody designed �a trailer like this ?
� � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � Nigel Henry�
Quote: | Date: Wed, 18 May 2011 22:48:36 -0500
From: MJKTuck(at)cs.com
To: europa-list(at)matronics.com
Subject: Europa Design Trailer Question
--> Europa-List message posted by: Martin Tuck <MJKTuck(at)cs.com>
Hi Guys,
I've just finished up my annual condition inspection. I have the
aircraft hangared and the only time I use the trailer is when I do my
inspection or otherwise feel the need to take the wings off.
I have an Europa monowheel trailer. I found it just about impossible to
push the aircraft up the incline of the ramp portion of the standard
trailer so I made up an extension ramp which is about 3 feet long and
reduces the slope by half. Even so, I still really struggle to push it
up the incline particularly if I don't have someone to steady the wing.
I'm thinking there has to be an easier way!
I've thought about lifting the aircraft up using a car jack (as I would
do if needed to change the tire) then positioning the ramp under the
wheel suitably blocked into a downward slope so the aircraft could run
'downhill' into position but I thought maybe there is a more elegant
solution out there that others use - from those who trailer their
aircraft all the time. Didn't the brochure claim you could do all this
in five minutes?
I'd be interested in hearing or seeing photos of any other solutions to
this weighty problem.
Regards,
Martin Tuck
N152MT
Wichita, Kansas
[b]
|
Quote: | _-= Same great content also available via the Web Forums!
|
>============
| - The Matronics Europa-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?Europa-List |
|
|
|
Back to top |
|
![](templates/Matronics/images/spacer.gif) |
JonSmith
Joined: 21 May 2010 Posts: 110
|
Posted: Wed May 18, 2011 10:41 pm Post subject: Re: Europa Design Trailer Question |
|
|
Hi, I have a small hand operated winch mounted just behind the tow hitch. It's a small winch with a ratchet type winding handle like you might find on a sailing dinghy trailer to wind the boat onto the trailer. I have attached it to my trailer with just one bolt - in fact it's mounted on the rear of the tow hitch using the rear one of the two hitch mounting bolts.
I just position the plane up to the trailer with the main wheel at the bottom of the ramp ready to run up onto the trailer. From the winch I run the rope (6mm polyprop) rearwards and use a small carrebena type clip to clip it around the mainwheel axle (on the port side - the other side would foul the brake). Then just go back to the hitch and wind it on - runs up a treat, easy peasy! The tail wheel just runs nicely along the channel with the rope passing alongside it. As I'm winding I can move the hitch of the trailer slightly left/ right as required to keep it perfectly aligned until the main wheel is on the ramp.
I also lower the plane down the ramp to stop things getting out of hand as I'm always rigging/ derigging single handed. I keep it at home on the trailer and rig every time.
Another use of the winch is that after the plane is on the trailer and restrained you can detach the rope from the aircraft and attach it to the ramp to winch that up far enough up to easily get the strut pip pins in if it's a bit tight although I can normally manage this by hand.
Cheers, Jon
| - The Matronics Europa-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?Europa-List |
|
_________________ G-TERN
Classic Mono |
|
Back to top |
|
![](templates/Matronics/images/spacer.gif) |
frans(at)privatepilots.nl Guest
|
Posted: Wed May 18, 2011 11:05 pm Post subject: Europa Design Trailer Question |
|
|
On 05/19/2011 05:48 AM, Martin Tuck wrote:
Quote: | I'd be interested in hearing or seeing photos of any other solutions to
this weighty problem.
|
I got some electrical winch from Ebay, with wireless remote control, for
about $50. Works perfect. There are plenty of offers on eBay for ATV's,
quads, etc. Electrical current comes from a small battery I installed on
the trailer (not included) and the battery is connected to the power
supply of the towing car so it recharges itself automatically as soon as
the trailer is hitched.
So, if I want to load the airplane on the trailer, I just hook on the
rope, press the button and while it is slowly loading I can walk around
and see if everything is going well thanks to the remote control.
The whole process, from arriving to the airfield with the Europa on the
trailer, to a "ready for departure" state, takes about 15 minutes. And
the pre-flight check is included in the rigging process. In fact, it is
faster than many people need to open the hanger door, shuffle some
airplanes around, get their airplane outside, and perform their
preflight checks.
So, I keep the airplane at home and rig and derig for every flight. It
saves hangar costs, and it is easier to perform some maintenance on the
airplane if I have it in my own barn. And I don't have to worry about
other people messing with it. And I can easily fuel it on the way to the
airport, for the lowest price and without lead. I found the ability to
rig and derig so easy the main attraction of the Europa concept.
As a towing car I usually use my classic 1972 Mercedes 300SEL with air
suspension, and this makes quite a sighty combination. In fact, I had to
get used to people passing me slowly while they are making pictures of
the car and the airplane. It has become part of the fun of going out
flying.
Frans
| - The Matronics Europa-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?Europa-List |
|
|
|
Back to top |
|
![](templates/Matronics/images/spacer.gif) |
roddyeuropa(at)aol.com Guest
|
Posted: Thu May 19, 2011 8:07 am Post subject: Europa Design Trailer Question |
|
|
I use a similar system, but have the hand winch attached about a metre forward of the towhook, on the side square tube. I use a pulley mounted at the end of the tailwheel chanel to turn the rope through 180 degrees. Keeps the winch out of way.
Roddy Kesterton G-IKRK
--
| - The Matronics Europa-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?Europa-List |
|
|
|
Back to top |
|
![](templates/Matronics/images/spacer.gif) |
|
|
You cannot post new topics in this forum You cannot reply to topics in this forum You cannot edit your posts in this forum You cannot delete your posts in this forum You cannot vote in polls in this forum You cannot attach files in this forum You can download files in this forum
|
Powered by phpBB © 2001, 2005 phpBB Group
|