Re: Trailer design advice
That long tongue is going to be very weak. I would run some diagonal braces long the length of the tongue to the tail wheel channel. Also, run a brace from the main frame in front of the trailer wheels to a place about 3' from the hitch on the tongue. This will give you some lateral stability on the trailer. I will get on my other computer and post up some pics of my converted boat trailer.
1 Attachment(s)
Re: Trailer design advice
Latest version with suggestions from akflyer
Re: Trailer design advice
Don, I'm always looking for ways to make my trailering easier and quicker. I can't seem to find your photos. Doesn't mean it didn't work. The photo section on the forum is a bit of a mystery to me.
Re: Trailer design advice
Morning Tom
To find the pics after I had posted, I clicked on my user name"kitfox2009" then "public profile". The pics were shown as an album down in the lower right hand corner. I could send more to your personal email address if interested.
Don
Re: Trailer design advice
Just to make it easier for those of you who are intersted, here is the link to Dons Album showing his trailer.
http://www.teamkitfox.com/Forums/album.php?albumid=164
Re: Trailer design advice
Okay I found them there. The tail ramp/tail support is quite unique. It has got some wheels turning in my head.
Re: Trailer design advice
Hi Tom
The "cradle" assembly just pins to the the fuselage through the two lower carry tubes. I attach this to the a/c first. The 'sliding block" assembly will run right to the lower end at the back of the trailer if necessary (as for a tail wheel model). I just use the top 2/3 of the slider because with a tricycle gear the plane just backs up until the cradle matches the sliding block. Stick in the pin and winch it up. I usually fold one wing (the a/c balances perfectly) before sticking in the pin.
Note the steel casters on the sliding block. I tried it first without these but found the assembly "bound up" and would not slide easily.
The entire trailer can be adjusted to fit Avid`s or KF`s either tri-gear or tail wheel. The hitch shortens up for Speedster`s or low box tow vehicles. Next spring we will be moving a friends RV9 with it as well.
Having room for tools. fuel, ladder, gust locks, etc. is pretty handy.
I am very pleased with how this turned out and I think my total investment is under $400.