Trailer Loading

[ksatter26]

Still waiting on the accurate parcel scale to complete my CG calculations. So with 2 days of nice warm dry weather after the rains, I decided to put the beast on my converted trailer to work out a procedure and to get some measurements about where to mount the tailwheel bracket. Once again a valuable (?) learning experience.

Without major reorganization of the hangar/shop, with the wings extended I have but 6-8" of clearance to get thru the hydraulic hangar door. I thought it would bne easier to lift the tail and walk it out . The free castering wheel digs-in (not quite as dried out as I had expected).

I secured cargo straps to the gear cross-members and ran the line from the mechanical trailer winch to the center point. The new Harbor Freight ramps are a must when working alone.

I believe it might be slightly easier to fold the wings at this point, but once again, working alone I prefer to have the weigh forward so that I can lift the tail easier.

At this point I took my tailwheel positioning measurements . When ready for actual transport I'll tie-down the main gear using cargo straps and D-rings bolted to the tailer deck. With these measurements I can set about designing/fabricating/installing the hold-down fixture.

[Badland-F5 Pilot]

Still waiting on the accurate parcel scale to complete my CG calculations. So with 2 days of nice warm dry weather after the rains, I decided to put the beast on my converted trailer to work out a procedure and to get some measurements about where to mount the tailwheel bracket. Once again a valuable (?) learning experience.

Without major reorganization of the hangar/shop, with the wings extended I have but 6-8" of clearance to get thru the hydraulic hangar door. I thought it would bne easier to lift the tail and walk it out . The free castering wheel digs-in (not quite as dried out as I had expected).


IMG_1260.JPG


IMG_1261.JPG


I secured cargo straps to the gear cross-members and ran the line from the mechanical trailer winch to the center point. The new Harbor Freight ramps are a must when working alone.


IMG_1262.JPG


I believe it might be slightly easier to fold the wings at this point, but once again, working alone I prefer to have the weigh forward so that I can lift the tail easier.


IMG_1263.JPG


IMG_1265.JPG


IMG_1266.JPG


At this point I took my tailwheel positioning measurements . When ready for actual transport I'll tie-down the main gear using cargo straps and D-rings bolted to the tailer deck. With these measurements I can set about designing/fabricating/installing the hold-down fixture.

Very nice Kurt. For your test drive, my address is 1234 GiveMeYourPlane Dr.
Middleburg, FL 32068



Nice job Kurt.

[LA F2 Flyer]

Kurt is there anything keeping the plane from wandering left or right while pulling it up the ramps? Not having any sides on those ramps would make me nervous!

[ksatter26]

I thought the same thing. I'll probably bolt a 1x4 inch "fence" to the ramps.

I have a Harbor Freight electric winch bolted to the back wall of my hangar/shop. So I'm covered on witching onto (mechanical boat winch) and off-of the trailer.

Now 8f icon just get the CG right.

[ksatter26]

Just came in from adding 5/8" ply "fences" to the Harbor Freight ramps. I will also add these fences to the perimeter of the trailer.

[LA F2 Flyer]

Very nice. The fencing is a good idea. I also notice that you look to be winching the plane from a single point in the middle of the gear. I opted to use two short adjustable straps, so I can align the plane and keep it aligned while winching...something you may want to consider trying. It's worked well for me so far.