Towing Question

[DesertFox4]

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.

[Av8r_Sed]

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.

[Geowitz]

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.

[Micro Mong Bldr]

What material do you use for the rods through the fuselage that connect it to the towbar? Also the wing braces?
Thanks!

[Oneninerwhiskey]

What material do you use for the rods through the fuselage that connect it to the towbar? Also the wing braces?
Thanks!

Quarter inch cold rolled steel rod should fit. BUT, if the plane is secured too tightly, AND your trailer flexes, you WILL bend it again. Unless you have a solid heavy trailer secure the tail by the tail wheel only. This has been my experience FWIW. I had to repair the same damage on my KF after my third or fourth flight.

[cgruby]

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,