Tie Downs for Oshkosh?

[desertdave]

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/threads/2710-Portable-tie-downs?highlight=tiedown

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

27746

27747

[Eric Page]

Here are the EAA plans for DIY tiedown anchors: http://sandbox.eaavintage.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/aircraft_tiedown.pdf

[SomeDay7]

Anybody use these? One time use per but strong.

[Eric Page]

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 (https://www.westechrigging.com/shop-by-brand-duckbill.html) | Amazon (https://www.amazon.com/s?k=duckbill+anchors)

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.

[jiott]

Here are the EAA plans for DIY tiedown anchors: http://sandbox.eaavintage.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/aircraft_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.

[Dave S]

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

[DesertFox4]

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.

[Dusty]

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

[desertdave]

Anybody have experience with Abe's tiedown system?

https://abesaviation.com

[Jcard]

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.

[Av8r3400]

I am also a big fan of "The Claw" system.

[Delta Whisky]

Bringing the Claw.

[GuppyWN]

Yet another vote for the claw.

[jrevens]

I have an all titanium corkscrew set that is very light, but I like the Claw too. I made these titanium spikes for mine which weigh 1 lb. 10 oz. less than the steel ones that came with it.

[Maverick]

In reviewing videos and thinking about this, one uses a hammer/hatchet to drive these stakes into the ground but, nothing I've seen/heard talks about getting these back out. Is there a secret to this? One can find some pretty hard and packed soil in places, especially here in the desert that will really hold onto stakes.

Fred

[Jcard]

In reviewing videos and thinking about this, one uses a hammer/hatchet to drive these stakes into the ground but, nothing I've seen/heard talks about getting these back out. Is there a secret to this? One can find some pretty hard and packed soil in places, especially here in the desert that will really hold onto stakes.

Fred

This is what I use instead of the hammer.
Lags can be used with anything that uses stakes.
Easy pull and around same weight as the hammer.
Nice tool for the kit also.

[jiott]

The hammer with a straight claw (much better than curved claw) easily pulls the pins, just like pulling a nail. I carry a survival hatchet rather than a hammer and it works to pull the pins by laying it flat and levering up.

[efwd]

The Fly Ties have a special tool that you affix to the top of the stake and pull.
I really like the impact drill and lags though. For the loss of the hammer and special tool I probably wouldn't be adding much weight.

[jrevens]

In reviewing videos and thinking about this, one uses a hammer/hatchet to drive these stakes into the ground but, nothing I've seen/heard talks about getting these back out. Is there a secret to this? One can find some pretty hard and packed soil in places, especially here in the desert that will really hold onto stakes.

Fred

I like Jim's hammer/hatchet idea. I modified the hammer shown in my picture (ground the nail pulling slot wider) and it pulls the stakes nicely. It's lighter than the one that came with my Claw, so that's why I use it.