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Thread: Tie Downs for Oshkosh?

  1. #1
    Super Moderator desertdave's Avatar
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    Default Tie Downs for Oshkosh?

    I just registered for Oshkosh 2021 and am starting prepping. I found this thread from 2011 but thought I would see if something new has hit the market since then.
    https://teamkitfox.com/Forums/thread...hlight=tiedown

    What are you guys using for portable tie downs? I'm currently considering one of these:

    13-02448.jpg

    13-22751s.jpg
    Dave
    KitFox 6 Taildragger
    912 ULS
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    Garmin G3x
    All around nice guy

  2. #2
    Senior Member Eric Page's Avatar
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    Default Re: Tie Downs for Oshkosh?

    Here are the EAA plans for DIY tiedown anchors: http://sandbox.eaavintage.org/wp-con...ft_tiedown.pdf
    Eric Page
    Building: Kitfox 5 Safari | Rotax 912iS | Dynon HDX
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    Default Re: Tie Downs for Oshkosh?

    Anybody use these? One time use per but strong.
    Starfox

  4. #4
    Senior Member Eric Page's Avatar
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    Default Re: Tie Downs for Oshkosh?

    It looks like they come in several hold-down capacities: 300, 1100, 3000 and 5000#. Since you can't control soil conditions, I think you'd want the 3000# version on the wings (bring enough hammer; they go 3-1/2 ft deep!), and you could probably get away with less on the tail. Anyway, it would be an expensive solution.

    Pricing: Westech Rigging | Amazon

    They're probably a great idea for a remote spot that you're going to visit more than a couple of times, or for parking on your own land, but I have a feeling that EAA and KOSH management wouldn't want attendees leaving lengths of steel cable in the ground.
    Eric Page
    Building: Kitfox 5 Safari | Rotax 912iS | Dynon HDX
    Member: EAA Lifetime, AOPA, ALPA
    ATP: AMEL | Comm: ASEL, Glider | ATCS: CTO
    Map of Landings

  5. #5
    Senior Member jiott's Avatar
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    Default Re: Tie Downs for Oshkosh?

    Quote Originally Posted by Eric Page View Post
    Here are the EAA plans for DIY tiedown anchors: http://sandbox.eaavintage.org/wp-con...ft_tiedown.pdf
    I made these and have been using them for years. They work very well. The plans call for 18" drive pins, but I found that to be too long for most harder soils; I shortened mine to 12". Instead of a hammer to drive in the pins I use a survival hatchet which I carry all the time anyway. It has much more uses than an extra hammer.
    Jim Ott
    Portland, OR
    Kitfox SS7 flying
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    Senior Member Dave S's Avatar
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    Default Re: Tie Downs for Oshkosh?

    Guys,

    I used the EAA plan Eric referred to with the exception that I made two sets of anchor rods - one set 18" and the second set 24" to account for differences in the types of soil a person encounters.

    IMHO - really solid
    Dave S
    Kitfox 7 Trigear (Flying since 2009)
    912ULS Warp Drive

    St Paul, MN

  7. #7
    Administrator DesertFox4's Avatar
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    Default Re: Tie Downs for Oshkosh?

    I think it was 2018 AirVenture, the Kitfox Aircraft display booth took a 74 mph thunderstorm gust front hit. All three display aircraft were secured with The Claw tie down system. John and Debra’s personal Kitfox was facing West right into the on coming storm. The tri-gear Kitfox was facing North so it took a full side load from the storm. Stick & Rudder’s Kitfox was facing East and received a tail first hit. All three stayed securely in place and during the blow John looked out at his Kitfox and it’s main gear were two inches off the ground. Debra and me were attempting to hold the West side of the display tent from blowing in and were concerned that the aircraft tied down on the West side of the booth would stay put and not come through the tent.
    The Claw tie down system worked as hoped and none of the display aircraft received any damage. That was endorsement enough for me and, I can use The Claw here in the desert where you can’t even get some of the others in the hard ground.

    *** Kitfox Aircraft are dealers for The Claw by the way.


    DesertFox4
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  8. #8
    Senior Member Dusty's Avatar
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    Default Re: Tie Downs for Oshkosh?

    I have 100%confidence in the claw,weight is the only downside

  9. #9
    Super Moderator desertdave's Avatar
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    Default Re: Tie Downs for Oshkosh?

    Anybody have experience with Abe's tiedown system?

    https://abesaviation.com
    Dave
    KitFox 6 Taildragger
    912 ULS
    Whirlwind 70” Prop
    Garmin G3x
    All around nice guy

  10. #10

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    Default Re: Tie Downs for Oshkosh?

    Replaced the stakes with 12" x3/8" lag screws.
    The baby milwaukee 12v impact runs them in easily, weight is comparable to the hammer that came with the tie down kit.
    The lagscrews are the same length as the stakes but lighter.

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