Kitfox Aircraft Stick and Rudder Stein Air Grove Aircraft TCW Technologies Dynon Avionics AeroLED MGL Avionics Leading Edge Airfoils Desser EarthX Batteries Garmin G3X Touch
Page 1 of 2 12 LastLast
Results 1 to 10 of 17

Thread: Trailer design advice

  1. #1

    Join Date
    Jan 2010
    Location
    Fellsmere, FL
    Posts
    43

    Default Trailer design advice

    I'd like a trailer for my Model IV. I've been looking for a deal on a used boat trailer to convert but having failed to find anything that I like, I'm now considering building one. I have all the tools necessary but am unsure about the design. I'm including a couple of drawings of what I have in mind. It's based on a number of trailers that I found via Google but those pictures lacked detail so I had to fill in the blanks. Any advise would be appreciated.
    Attached Images Attached Images

  2. #2
    Super Moderator Av8r3400's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jan 2009
    Location
    Merrill, WI
    Posts
    3,046

    Default Re: Trailer design advice

    Looks just like most of the other "tail high" trailers I've seen and great starting point.

    (Just need to add tool boxes, fuel tanks, sleeper, bathroom, )
    Av8r3400
    Kitfox Model IV
    The Mangy Fox
    912UL 105hp Zipper
    YouTube Videos

  3. #3

    Join Date
    Jan 2010
    Location
    Fellsmere, FL
    Posts
    43

    Default Re: Trailer design advice

    I'm particularly unsure about the cradle for the airplane's wheels. I'm wondering if I should go with some kind of tube structure. Anyone have pics of a similar trailer showing details of this area that they can share? Also, I was thinking about using 2inch square tube for the main frame. Is this enough?

  4. #4
    Senior Member Av8r_Sed's Avatar
    Join Date
    Feb 2010
    Location
    10C Greenwood, IL
    Posts
    671

    Default Re: Trailer design advice

    PropellerHead,
    Many of the designs I've seen have a horizontal section at the top of the tail wheel channel with a stop so the tailwheel doesn't roll off. Also you need a way to support the tail while unloading the tailspring. Some have a pin arrangement that goes through the tow bar attach point for this purpose. With the wings folded and some fuel in the tanks, the tailspring will be overloaded, especially when hitting bumps in the road.

    Also, most designs seem to have a pivoting ramp for the main gear and provision for nylon tie down straps to go over the circumference of the wheels.

    -- Paul S

  5. #5
    Senior Member t j's Avatar
    Join Date
    Oct 2009
    Location
    Ellensburg, WA
    Posts
    862

    Default Re: Trailer design advice

    After trailering for every flight the past 3 1/2 years I say...Put a lot of thought into making loading, securing, and unloading as quick and simple as possible if you will trailer for every flight. There is a lot of monkey motion involved.
    Tom Jones
    Classic 4 builder

  6. #6

    Join Date
    Jan 2010
    Location
    Fellsmere, FL
    Posts
    43

    Default Re: Trailer design advice

    I reworked the cradle bit. I decided I didn't like the sheet metal idea.
    Attached Images Attached Images

  7. #7
    Senior Member
    Join Date
    Mar 2009
    Location
    Summerland BC Canada
    Posts
    411

    Default Re: Trailer design advice

    I built a trailer using the running gear from an old Boler travel trailer. It has 14" tires and rubber torsion bar suspension. The hitch draw-bar is 2"square tubing built to extend as necessary depending on A/C type.
    The sloping tube (to maintain level travel) has a sliding rack that pins to the two main "carry through tubes" at the lower longerons just ahead of the tail skid. I have a Vixen but the setup is the same on a taildragger. A winch mounted at the top pulls the A/C on easily. The frame is lowered at the rear in order to have the A/C wheels only about 4" off the road for good handling. I can load/unload in minutes. Most of the time is spent fueling/unfueling and pre-flighting.
    I have some pics,if anyone is interested I will forward to your email address.
    I also built a box on the trailer for fuel, tools,tie-downs,etc. I brought the A/C home from CA and also traveled for every flight before I was lucky enough to find a hanger to share.
    Don

  8. #8

    Join Date
    Jan 2010
    Location
    Fellsmere, FL
    Posts
    43

    Default Re: Trailer design advice

    Pics would be awesome. Why not post them here for posterity?

  9. #9
    Senior Member
    Join Date
    Mar 2009
    Location
    Summerland BC Canada
    Posts
    411

    Default Re: Trailer design advice

    I just posted a FEW pics of my trailer on the pictures & albums section. Never did this before. Hope it works.
    Don

  10. #10

    Join Date
    Jul 2009
    Location
    OR
    Posts
    62

    Default Re: Trailer design advice

    Our Trailer

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •