Matronics Email Lists :: View topic

Matronics Email Lists
Web Forum Interface to the Matronics Email Lists

Get Email Distribution Too! FAQ Search Memberlist Usergroups Register

Profile Log in to check your private messages Log in

Tow Bar
Goto page 1, 2 Next

Matronics Email Lists Forum Index -> Kitfox-List

View previous topic :: View next topic

Author Message

shericom(at)rogers.com
Guest

Posted: Sun Jan 29, 2006 11:27 am Post subject: Tow Bar

Hi again Everyone, Once I get my M4 Speedster finished

in late spring (I hope) I will be keeping it in my

garage at home as I live less then three miles from

our local airport and flying club, I was looking for

information an using the KitFox type tow bar that

attaches to the rear of the a/c. I would love to hear

from anyone who has used one, either good or bad. I'm

not sure if I should go this route of should consider

a modified boat trailer. Maybe your comments will help

make up my mind. Thanks, Don.



M4/1200-912 Speedster

Don Stevenson, Caledon, Ontario, Canada

experimental208nd(at)comc
Guest

Posted: Sun Jan 29, 2006 11:47 am Post subject: Tow Bar

I borrowed one to move my fox from PYM right after 911. It was next to a 

NUKE, so no flying out of there.



I towed it about 15 miles( slowly but it went great.)



I passed two different set of cops.



1- looked at me and dropped his head as I was just about to leave his town.



2- the other one passed me going the other way and nearly Broke his neck, 

but no tickets.



It is techniclly registered, but you  would have to find out for sure, I 

donot think they would even want to figure it out.



Jay

---

aldaniels(at)fmtc.com
Guest

Posted: Sun Jan 29, 2006 12:41 pm Post subject: Tow Bar

I have one for my 5 and it does a good job. I would think the deciding 

factor would be traffic and roads. I am in a very rural area and it 

works good. Some drivers are stupid and the sight of a plane going down 

the road does not increase their IQ. I usually am a nervous wreck by the 

time I get my 3 miles to the airport, but it is just the other drives, 

the plane tracks good. I think a good enclosed trailer would be best as 

you can store it safe and dry in there when not flying, but again it 

depends on your needs. I am lucky in that I have a hangar at the 

airport. Plug for ONO. We only charge 12 cents a square foot for the 

hangar space on a 20 year rolling lease, and you build your own hangar. 

Lease and property tax on my hangar big enough to put two planes in is 

only about $300 a year. I understand this is better than most places.



Donald STEVENSON wrote:



 	  Quote: 	
		  



Hi again Everyone, Once I get my M4 Speedster finished

in late spring (I hope) I will be keeping it in my

garage at home as I live less then three miles from

our local airport and flying club, I was looking for

information an using the KitFox type tow bar that

attaches to the rear of the a/c. I would love to hear

from anyone who has used one, either good or bad. I'm

not sure if I should go this route of should consider

a modified boat trailer. Maybe your comments will help

make up my mind. Thanks, Don.



M4/1200-912 Speedster

Don Stevenson, Caledon, Ontario, Canada

rliebmann(at)comcast.net
Guest

Posted: Sun Jan 29, 2006 12:58 pm Post subject: Tow Bar

No doubt that different states have their own laws but here in Illinois NO 

licence plate is needed to tow a  plane ON its own wheels. Just the red flag 

hanging from the prop and lights if your vehicle lights are obscured..



I towed my Fox Model 2 on our tollway system for 38 miles at 45 miles per 

hour. When I got to the test site I felt the wheels and they were warm to 

the touch as were the tires. All else was fine too.

Ron

Malcolmbru(at)aol.com
Guest

Posted: Sun Jan 29, 2006 5:00 pm Post subject: Tow Bar

if U plan to tow it  a lot you could  modify  a   trailer from the big box 

store,  by  making the  tong  removable  and replace it with one long and strong 

enough to haul your  plain, than switch it  back when you need it  to do 

something   else

roncarolnikko(at)hotmail.
Guest

Posted: Sun Jan 29, 2006 10:02 pm Post subject: Tow Bar

Don ask a cop , or whoever gives tickets, in Canada.   We have overactive 

state police in Oregon that love the "not DOT approved" that is molded into 

most of the tires we use. Other than that I believe we can haul up to 800 

lbs without licence.  Washington requires a licence on all trailers towed by 

vehicles with Washington plates.      I have trailered mine several times.   

Ron NB Ore

  do not archive



 	  Quote: 	
		  From: Donald STEVENSON <shericom(at)rogers.com>

Reply-To: kitfox-list(at)matronics.com

To: Kitfox List <kitfox-list(at)matronics.com>

Subject: Tow Bar

Date: Sun, 29 Jan 2006 14:24:04 -0500 (EST)






Hi again Everyone, Once I get my M4 Speedster finished

in late spring (I hope) I will be keeping it in my

garage at home as I live less then three miles from

our local airport and flying club, I was looking for

information an using the KitFox type tow bar that

attaches to the rear of the a/c. I would love to hear

from anyone who has used one, either good or bad. I'm

not sure if I should go this route of should consider

a modified boat trailer. Maybe your comments will help

make up my mind. Thanks, Don.



M4/1200-912 Speedster

Don Stevenson, Caledon, Ontario, Canada

Jim Shumaker

Joined: 09 Jan 2006
Posts: 106

Posted: Sun Jan 29, 2006 10:07 pm Post subject: Tow Bar

Don

   

  I towed my Model III to the airport every time I flew for about 4 years.  I used up a few pairs of tires, but I thought that was cheaper than a trailer.  And they were the cheap atv tires that were only designed for about half the load.  When I got a set of cheap golf cart tires the load rating was much higher, the rubber thicker and they lasted a couple of years or more.  Hitching and unhitching did not take long.  Maybe 15 or 20 mintes at each end.  Not much longer than pulling it out of a hanger, or so I thought.  But when I finally got a hanger I discovered it up it really does add about an hour to each flight.  

   

  I also got a bit of hanger rash from storing it at home.  Mostly nicks and scraps.  But there really is an added risk for damage every time you fold the wings out and fold them in.  When there is wind, the whole operation gets even dicier.  The day I lost the turtle deck over the top of the wing ( it missed the wing but hit the engine cowl) was the day I decided that a hanger was not that expensive after all.

   

  Oh, and don't tow with the tanks full of fuel.  and make absolutely sure that that you use the braces.  The welded tabs can snap off so make sure that you have a back up to the wing tip braces.  Also, strap the elevator up (stick back with the seat belts).  That will help keep the wings from swinging open while towing.  Which leads to great damage.

   

  Jim Shumaker 



Donald STEVENSON <shericom(at)rogers.com> wrote:

  



Hi again Everyone, Once I get my M4 Speedster finished

in late spring (I hope) I will be keeping it in my

garage at home as I live less then three miles from

our local airport and flying club, I was looking for

information an using the KitFox type tow bar that

attaches to the rear of the a/c. I would love to hear

from anyone who has used one, either good or bad. I'm

not sure if I should go this route of should consider

a modified boat trailer. Maybe your comments will help

make up my mind. Thanks, Don.



M4/1200-912 Speedster

Don Stevenson, Caledon, Ontario, Canada

_________________
Jim Shumaker

Jim Shumaker

Joined: 09 Jan 2006
Posts: 106

Posted: Mon Jan 30, 2006 5:27 pm Post subject: Tow Bar

One more thing about towing Don,

   

  I towed so much that the towbar began to bend on me and had to have plates welded on to beef it up.

   

  Jim shumaker



James Shumaker <jimshumaker(at)sbcglobal.net> wrote:

  



Don



I towed my Model III to the airport every time I flew for about 4 years. I used up a few pairs of tires, but I thought that was cheaper than a trailer. And they were the cheap atv tires that were only designed for about half the load. When I got a set of cheap golf cart tires the load rating was much higher, the rubber thicker and they lasted a couple of years or more. Hitching and unhitching did not take long. Maybe 15 or 20 mintes at each end. Not much longer than pulling it out of a hanger, or so I thought. But when I finally got a hanger I discovered it up it really does add about an hour to each flight. 



I also got a bit of hanger rash from storing it at home. Mostly nicks and scraps. But there really is an added risk for damage every time you fold the wings out and fold them in. When there is wind, the whole operation gets even dicier. The day I lost the turtle deck over the top of the wing ( it missed the wing but hit the engine cowl) was the day I decided that a hanger was not that expensive after all.



Oh, and don't tow with the tanks full of fuel. and make absolutely sure that that you use the braces. The welded tabs can snap off so make sure that you have a back up to the wing tip braces. Also, strap the elevator up (stick back with the seat belts). That will help keep the wings from swinging open while towing. Which leads to great damage.



Jim Shumaker 



Donald STEVENSON wrote:




Hi again Everyone, Once I get my M4 Speedster finished

in late spring (I hope) I will be keeping it in my

garage at home as I live less then three miles from

our local airport and flying club, I was looking for

information an using the KitFox type tow bar that

attaches to the rear of the a/c. I would love to hear

from anyone who has used one, either good or bad. I'm

not sure if I should go this route of should consider

a modified boat trailer. Maybe your comments will help

make up my mind. Thanks, Don.



M4/1200-912 Speedster

Don Stevenson, Caledon, Ontario, Canada

_________________
Jim Shumaker

shericom(at)rogers.com
Guest

Posted: Tue Jan 31, 2006 2:22 pm Post subject: Tow Bar

To all who replied to my question regarding a tow bar

for a model 4 Speedster, I thank you.         I think

that is the way I will go, now I need to find a source

for one or have one made, I would also like some

information on the  proper towing brace for the wings

etc. If you can help in this matter, it would be much

appreciated, Don



Don Stevenson, Caledon, Ontario, Canada



Model 4/1200-912 Speedster

Lynn Matteson

Joined: 10 Jan 2006
Posts: 2778
Location: Grass Lake, Michigan

Posted: Tue Jan 31, 2006 7:00 pm Post subject: Tow Bar

Hi Don-

I'll shoot some pics of my wing braces tomorrow and send via email.



Lynn

On Tuesday, January 31, 2006, at 05:20  PM, Donald STEVENSON wrote:



 	  Quote: 	
		   

 <shericom(at)rogers.com>



 To all who replied to my question regarding a tow bar

 for a model 4 Speedster, I thank you.         I think

 that is the way I will go, now I need to find a source

 for one or have one made, I would also like some

 information on the  proper towing brace for the wings

 etc. If you can help in this matter, it would be much

 appreciated, Don



 Don Stevenson, Caledon, Ontario, Canada



 Model 4/1200-912 Speedster

_________________
Lynn
Kitfox IV-Jabiru 2200
N369LM

jeburke94je(at)direcway.c
Guest

Posted: Wed Feb 01, 2006 1:53 pm Post subject: Tow Bar

Don, I have a tow bar for the IV and I use it twice a year. I would be glad 

to email you some pictures and measurements to make one if you would like to 

make one.



Jim N94JE

---

shericom(at)rogers.com
Guest

Posted: Wed Feb 01, 2006 2:27 pm Post subject: Tow Bar

Thanks Jim, I would appreciate any info you can send

me, I do have a drawing I got off line some time ago,

but yours may be better, so if you don't mind sending

it to me that would be great, Don



Don Stevenson   email shericom(at)rogers.com

--- Jim Burke <jeburke94je(at)direcway.com> wrote:



[quote] 

 <jeburke94je(at)direcway.com>

 

 Don, I have a tow bar for the IV and I use it twice

 a year. I would be glad 

 to email you some pictures and measurements to make

 one if you would like to 

 make one.

 

 Jim N94JE

 ---

Graeme Toft

Joined: 09 Jan 2006
Posts: 123

Posted: Wed Feb 01, 2006 2:30 pm Post subject: Tow Bar

Jim, If you wouldn't mind I'd like to be included also. I have been

considering a tow bar for a while now and your measurements would be a

great help.



Cheers



Graeme 



--

jeburke94je(at)direcway.c
Guest

Posted: Wed Feb 01, 2006 3:48 pm Post subject: Tow Bar

Graeme, I will send you pictures with measurements that should help. I also 

think you should have the drawing Don has. I think I have seen it and it was 

a good reference.



Jim N94JE

---

Graeme Toft

Joined: 09 Jan 2006
Posts: 123

Posted: Wed Feb 01, 2006 6:10 pm Post subject: Tow Bar

Thanks Jim.



Regards

Graeme Toft

Do not archive



--

kerrjohna(at)comcast.net
Guest

Posted: Thu Feb 02, 2006 8:59 am Post subject: Tow Bar

be alert to the fact that the width of the IV's vary some at the tow bar carry through points. There are the IV-1050's, the IV-1200, and the IV Classic. It might be necessary to make some modifications in order to obtain the desired fit.



John Kerr



-------------- Original message -------------- 

From: Jim Burke <jeburke94je(at)direcway.com> 



[quote] 

 

 Graeme, I will send you pictures with measurements that should help. I also 

 think you should have the drawing Don has. I think I have seen it and it was 

 a good reference. 

 

 Jim N94JE 

 ---

jeburke94je(at)direcway.c
Guest

Posted: Thu Feb 02, 2006 9:30 am Post subject: Tow Bar

Good point John, I think the pictures I sent the guys will help, But they 

may want to take there own measurements.



Jim,N94JE

---

mscotter

Joined: 15 Jan 2006
Posts: 49
Location: Winston-Salem, NC

Posted: Mon Feb 06, 2006 7:23 pm Post subject: Tow Bar

Hey guys, with so much interest maybe some pics should be posted in the

dropbox.  Just an idea.



Mark Scott

Elkton, MD



--

_________________
Mark Scott
Winston-Salem, NC

jeburke94je(at)direcway.c
Guest

Posted: Tue Feb 07, 2006 5:48 am Post subject: Tow Bar

Hi Mark, What are you calling the drop box? I have some pictures and I would 

more then happy to post them if the members are interested.



Jim N94JE

---

mscotter

Joined: 15 Jan 2006
Posts: 49
Location: Winston-Salem, NC

Posted: Tue Feb 07, 2006 6:28 am Post subject: Tow Bar

Jim, the dropbox is a repository for kitfox list stuff that is of value to all the membership.  There is a wealth of info in there on everything from engines, to interiors, panels, trailers, and basically anything to do with the kitfox.  Get ready to blow a few hours sifting through it.  I have spent more than one late night checking out the great ideas in there.  The address is:



http://www.sportflight.com/cgi-bin/uploader.pl?action=main



I've never added anything to it, but as far as I know any list member can put things up in the dropbox.  It's a heck of a lot more efficient than emailing the same thing to a bunch of different people, and then it benefits us all.

-------------- Original message -------------- 

From: Jim Burke <jeburke94je(at)direcway.com> 



 	  Quote: 	
		   

 

 Hi Mark, What are you calling the drop box? I have some pictures and I would 

 more then happy to post them if the members are interested. 

 

 Jim N94JE 


	


Jim, the dropbox is a repository for kitfox list stuff that is of value to all the membership. There is a wealth of info in there on everything from engines, to interiors, panels, trailers, and basically anything to do with the kitfox. Get ready to blow a few hours sifting through it. I have spent more than one late night checking out the great ideas in there. The address is:



http://www.sportflight.com/cgi-bin/uploader.pl?action=main



I've never added anything to it, but as far as I know any list member can put things up in the dropbox. It's a heck of a lot more efficient than emailing the same thing to a bunch of different people, and then it benefits us all.

-------------- Original message -------------- 

From: Jim Burke jeburke94je(at)direcway.com 



 -- Kitfox-List message posted by: Jim Burke <JEBURKE94JE(at)DIRECWAY.COM>

 

 Hi Mark, What are you calling the drop box? I have some pictures and I would 

 more then happy to post them if the members are interested. 

 

 Jim N94JE

_________________
Mark Scott
Winston-Salem, NC

Display posts from previous:

	Matronics Email Lists Forum Index -> Kitfox-List	All times are GMT - 8 Hours Goto page 1, 2 Next
Page 1 of 2

Jump to:

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