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Thread: Towing Question

  1. #1

    Default Towing Question

    I see a lot of people tow their foxes backwards.

    What is the reason for this?

    Thank you.

  2. #2
    Senior Member Av8r_Sed's Avatar
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    Default Re: Towing Question

    Fits better on a modified boat trailer. Easier to load/ unload while elevating the tailwheel (reduces stress on the tailwheel). It also prevents wind from blowing in the exposed wing roots possibly loosening fabric.
    -- Paul S
    Model III SN910
    582 IVO Med

  3. #3
    Senior Member SkyPirate's Avatar
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    Default Re: Towing Question

    You dont see too many but the tow bars originally made for the kitfox aircraft that connects to the tail which is still part of newer kitfox , my 5 has the tow bar/ lower dorsalfin connections built into the airframe, if your not towing too far, its a slick set up
    Chase
    Model 5 OutBack
    912 UL

  4. #4

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    Default Re: Towing Question

    Any way you can tow down the hiway with the towbar?

  5. #5
    Senior Member SkyPirate's Avatar
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    Default Re: Towing Question

    the tow bar that I see used, I had asked the gentlemen how far they went with it,..they had said 5 miles one way and top speed was 45 mph on secondary roads,..
    Personally I wouldn't tow it on an interstate with the tow bar set up,..I'd feel allot safer with a parameter frame trailer with plane on it,..

    the gentlemen that I had spoke to had a model 3 with stock landing gear,..and the stock kit smooth tires,..
    Chase
    Model 5 OutBack
    912 UL

  6. #6
    Administrator DesertFox4's Avatar
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    Default Re: Towing Question

    As I recall the tow bar was for short distances and low speeds like 30 mph.
    Highway speeds would not be a good idea. Also I'd be careful on any bumpy roads.


    DesertFox4
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  7. #7
    Senior Member Av8r_Sed's Avatar
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    Default Re: Towing Question

    If anyone wants one of those original tow bars, I have one collecting dust in my hangar. Too long and heavy to ship, so you'd need to be close to the Chicago area.
    -- Paul S
    Model III SN910
    582 IVO Med

  8. #8
    Senior Member Geowitz's Avatar
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    Default Re: Towing Question

    I tow every time I fly. To me it feels like a boat trailer. Only about 1.5 miles to the airstrip, but I have had it up to 50mph on a smooth straight away with no problems what so ever. However, I would NEVER take it beyond a rural road nor beyond that speed as there is a lot of down force exerted on the rear of the fuselage due to the weight and air deflection from the wings. When towing backwards the top of the wings deflect a lot of air.
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    Last edited by Geowitz; 01-23-2014 at 06:09 AM.

  9. #9

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    Default Re: Towing Question

    Quote Originally Posted by DesertFox4 View Post
    As I recall the tow bar was for short distances and low speeds like 30 mph.
    Highway speeds would not be a good idea. Also I'd be careful on any bumpy roads.
    I'm a new Kit Fox owner and have sustained some major damage due to towing and neglecting to secure one wing properly. I will, in the future, and suggest anyone else do the same, provide a redundant way to secure the wings during towing. I haven't worked it out yet, but it will probably be a highly visible lanyard or ratchet strap.

    My left wing swung out while towing at about 50 mph and struck a road sign. The wing swung past the fully deployed position, possibly another 45 degrees. The cabin top sustained major damage. I am currently having a new Hat-Rack being built at Kit Fox, which I will replace all the damaged tubing. The left wing sustained major damage, and has been repaired. I am currently applying finishing tapes to the cover.

    Hopefully it'll be flying again this spring.

    Cheers,
    Last edited by cgruby; 01-23-2014 at 06:14 PM.
    Chuck Gruby
    Petal, Kit Fox III Flying

  10. #10
    Senior Member Norm's Avatar
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    Default Re: Towing Question

    If plane is pulled forward the tail wants to fly and you risk bending the back. This picture shows damage to a kitfox because of a 800mile tow.
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