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Steve Schlager
01-01-2012, 03:14 PM
Just bought a KF-II. Will be trailering it home (about 450 miles). A friend has a 16.5 trailer I will use. Should I put the plane on nose first or tail first. I'm not sure the wings will clear the back of the truck if I put it on tail first.
Any ideas? I have five days until time to do it.
Thanks

Dave S
01-01-2012, 03:55 PM
Hi Steve,

Although our plane is a series 7, not a KFII - the theory should be similar.

Se attached photos note that the blocks under the tailskid on the first photo were only temporary - not used for the Drive

1) Don't know if you have the transport kit; but thought it might not be a bad idea to mention it here. Several components A) Tail pad which fits over the tail and makes a cushion between the flaperons and tail - also helps secure the rudder (probably several ways to work around this if a person doesn't have one) B) Wing lockback braces - secures the wings/tail together between the rear lift strut attach and the tube at the front of the tail. C) Wing support braces - go between the front spar attach holes and the bottom of the fuselage - very important to keep from damaging the wing and rear spar due to torsion caused by road bumps. The transport gear should be visible in looking over the two photos.

2) We loaded with the nose to the front as shown in the photos so the CG of the plane was ahead of the trailer axels and to keep the airflow over the tail feathers going the right direction.

Many folks on this list have custom trailers designed for the purpose which they have described - we didn't - just used what was available in the manner shown in the photos.

Sincerely,

Dave S
KF7 Trigear
912ULS Warp

wheelerg
01-01-2012, 04:01 PM
I just trailored a KF4 for 400 miles, towed it facing forward for tongue weight, used wide masking tape and sealed the open wings so no crap would enter and also not to allow the wind to force the fabric off the spars etc, used support bars for the wings to the bottom of the rudder and tied it down to the trailer using the float mounts forward and aft of the landing gear, also used wheel chalks to ensure no rolling even though tied in place, secured the prop to prevent spinning, i didnt need to close off the open turtle deck as the weather was good yet very cold. secured the tail wheel to stop any hopping, also emptied the wing tanks of fuel to avoid flexxing ... good luck.

foxy
01-01-2012, 08:39 PM
We will also have to transport a Kitfox home. But we don't have the 'transport kit' A B C as mentionned by Dave S.

Is this kit specific for each plane (braces length) or they fit on all ?

The plane is a Speedster nose gear and the ride is 1800 miles (from Tulsa,OK)

So, it would be pretty much the same installation as Dave S.

thanks

Jacques

kitfox2009
01-01-2012, 11:15 PM
Hello Jacques
If I was trailering for that distance I would make up a saddle similar to that shown in my album. This way all the shock loads at the rear of the fuselage are supported on the carry through tubes. Wing supports can be easily built using steel conduit. I am not sure I would use a car hauler type rig either. Remember your load is only 650 to 800 lbs. I brought mine home from CA with no issues. For weather protection I "shrunk wrapped" the entire a/c. It might have been over-kill but it was sure nice to get it home in the same condition as I bought it! Have fun with it.
Cheers
Don

Esser
01-02-2012, 04:17 AM
For all you seasoned Kitfox veterans out there. If you were just going to do one 1800mi trip and then planned on never trailering it again could you not just take the wings right off so you wouldnt need the trailing kit? Maybe make a couple wooden jigs for the wings to be strapped to the trailer on separately? Or is this a bigger hassle then it is worth?

Dorsal
01-02-2012, 06:21 AM
One more version, thats a spring loaded stool under the rear (strapped under compression) worked well but I only had to go < 20 miles.

DBVZ
01-02-2012, 05:03 PM
Here is another version. Avid Aerobat. Trailer has a winch to drag the plane on and off, folding ramps, axle moved back and sand ballast in the front for CG, trailer kit installed with gust blocks, turtle deck below in a padded mount. Very effective straps and tail support system. No trouble at 65-70 mph. Trailer fenders have been moved over the tires since this picture.

Some people start with a boat trailer, so the axle is already in the right place. I had one like that briefly, but sold it to a KF3 buyer who used it to haul his purchase home about 2000 miles. Correct spring loading on that one too, and he loaded it nose forward. Again, no problems. I may have a picture of that too. I will look.

Biggest issue we had was the open rear cabin area with the wings folded. On a trip from MI to SC recently we spent 2 nights in a motel in KY with tarps over the plane, waiting for the weather to clear up. We now have made a custom fit vinyl cover that will attach in the turtle deck area and keep wind and rain out, extending up and over the roof with Velcro spit for the flaperon shafts. No need to disconnect them to fold the Avid wings.

I second the concern about using a car hauler for just a 600 pound aircraft. The springs are not going to work at all, so just like an un-sprung trailer. Especially without the right support for the wing roots.

DBVZ
01-02-2012, 05:21 PM
This started as a boat trailer. Was converted to a quad hauler with a flat deck, rear ramps, surge brakes, and the cargo pod. I think it was a 2006 trailer. Lots of strap hooks for the quads. Fit this Kitfox very well. I would have loaded rear forward, but the guy who bought it did it this way and had no trouble on a 2000 mile trip (each way) last summer , when he went to get the plane he bought. Color even matched his truck and plane.

jrevens
01-03-2012, 03:20 PM
One more version, thats a spring loaded stool under the rear (strapped under compression) worked well but I only had to go < 20 miles.

Did you take your airplane camping, Dorsal? ;)

rogerh12
01-03-2012, 03:50 PM
I used some sand bags to counter weight my model 2 and keep the touge weight in check. Pulling it noise first worked great with little noticable drag.
Hope this helps
Roger



http://barnstormers.com/tmp_images/4e/87/.watermarked_19a487e991f0953c9b40b166ca6e2d5c.jpg

jtpitkin06
01-03-2012, 11:02 PM
Here are my recommendations:
Tow the aircraft facing forward with the tail elevated enough to put the wings at a slight negative angle.
Tail support should be braced securely. Should a single strap fail with the wings at a negative angle the aircraft will remain on the trailer.

If the wings are at a positive angle, a single strap failure could allow the aircraft to change lanes without you.

If the wings are near level, there is no need to drain the tanks when folding wings.
Fold wings after aircraft is loaded on the trailer.
Towing facing forward puts the aircraft CG forward on the trailer for better tongue weight. Negative tongue loads will tend to fishtail.
Forward towing gives better tow vehicle clearance when making turns.

Cover the wing roots, turtle deck, and cockpit to keep out air, water and debris. Seal with tape.
Use towing struts to support thewing forward spars at the root end and support the forward wing lift struts at the empanage.
Use gust locks with appropriate padding to keep controls from banging.
Double strap everything.
Chocks should be anchored or bolted to the trailer.
Towing forward puts the least amount of strain on the airframe or flight controls.
Towing with the wings in a slightly negative angle improves tow vehicle fuel economy and performance.
Open wings before unloading from trailer.


Things to avoid:
Wings at a severe angle to relative wind. Negative loads can damage wings.
Wings at a sever positive angle. If straps break the aircraft will depart the trailer for a short flight.
Wings at severe angles greatly affect tow vehicle performance and fuel economy.


John Pitkin

pedro10012000
01-04-2012, 12:17 AM
A recent story and pics here of how not to do it ... (you may have to register to see the pics - avid was being towed tail-forward, one wing broke free on highway - ouch!!)

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/avid_flyer/message/32611
Wings coming loose while towing.

DBVZ
01-04-2012, 10:10 AM
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/avid_flyer/message/32611
Wings coming loose while towing.[/QUOTE]I read a story about a guy in Australia with an Avid Amphib on a trailer. He got where he was going and the plane was gone! He went back along his route and the plane was "parked" off the road. Not much damage, fortunately. Secured it better for the rest of the trip. Loaded front forward, tail down, in that case. How could you miss the departure of the aircraft? Perhaps only side mirrors to the rear. But still, on corners you should still see it even behind a big box truck.

foxy
01-04-2012, 10:15 AM
Okayyyyyyyyyy......

I might just FLY iy home then I send the papers to FAA for my licence conversion as I can't fly a US registerd plane with my canadian licence

Steve Schlager
01-08-2012, 03:21 PM
Hey everybody!

Two friends and I got the Kitfox II home Saturday afternoon, with no problems.
We loaded it nose first and did not elevate the tail, but strapped the tail down securely and it did not bounce around.
Thanks for all the photos and hints.
you're a great bunch of folks!

Steve Schlager
Carterville, IL
"Little Red Fox"

Dorsal
01-08-2012, 03:58 PM
Pictures??

DBVZ
01-08-2012, 04:26 PM
Hey everybody!

Two friends and I got the Kitfox II home Saturday afternoon, with no problems.
We loaded it nose first and did not elevate the tail, but strapped the tail down securely and it did not bounce around.
Thanks for all the photos and hints.
you're a great bunch of folks!

Steve Schlager
Carterville, IL
"Little Red Fox"Great. It is kind of fun to trailer a plane, right? Kids pointing, some people taking pictures on their phone, questions when you stop for fuel and food. Any issues with the weather? How did you close up the rear roof opening? And yes, pictures.

Steve Schlager
01-10-2012, 11:31 AM
On the way home, a minivan passed us and a little boy was waving at us like crazy.
I would love for him to show up at our airport. That's the kind of kid I look for at the airport. He might be a future airline pilot, given the right encouragement.

Steve Schlager

P.S.:As soon as I figure out how to post pics, I'll put some on. Help, anybody?

DBVZ
01-10-2012, 12:16 PM
It is pretty easy. Click on the paper clip (in reply mode) and you can choose file to identify the picture from your hard drive to upload. Wait for the upload, and done.

Steve Schlager
01-10-2012, 03:07 PM
Here's some photos

DBVZ
01-10-2012, 04:09 PM
Thanks. Looks good. I see you used the "shrink wrap" method to close it up. I bought a roll from Office Depot for my trip. We since made a custom cover, using a vinyl material with a flannel backing, velcro, some aluminum rods with camlock fasteners. Closed up pretty tight now.

DesertFox4
01-10-2012, 04:30 PM
With the wings folded back that is a lot of weight on that tail wheel. :eek:

Use a support bracket to raise your tail and take the stress off the tail wheel area. I've heard stories years ago of the rear vertical stabilizer tubing being broken from improper trailer use. Look it over good before flight.

Stolman
08-31-2012, 12:42 PM
Is it realistic and practical to plan on keeping a Kitfox S7 on a trailer at home and then taking it out to fly (with the intention of avoiding hangar fees)?

GWright6970
08-31-2012, 09:20 PM
"Use a support bracket to raise your tail and take the stress off the tail wheel area." DesertFox4

I see your point....

If you were to do this, how would it be constructed, and padded, so that the support does not rub/destroy the fabric under the fuselage... ?

Does anyone have a picture of their "successful" support?

Thanks,
Grover

HighWing
09-02-2012, 09:27 PM
Just did the trailering. No detail in the pic of the support on the trailer, but two pics of the supports are attached. The base is a steel plate about 12X14 and something like .075 thickness. The two vertical tubes telescope. The telescoping tube rides on the spring (lucky to have the raw stuff laying around). The Delrin top pad is shaped to fit against the tailweel spring and around the main tailwheel spring nut to hold it in place.

The trailer had a wood deck and the owner was fine with me using construction screws to fasten the support to the deck. The trailer had a six inch high square tube structure across the front of the bed, so I ran the tires up against that and wrapped the length of a rachet tie down strap around the tube and the foot of the landing gear. I then used a strap on each side from the top of the landing gear to points aft of that. There were two straps in back, one on each side wrapped around the tailwheel spring. Anyone like to try the spring set-up back there send a personal note, I have three or four extra springs They are one inch diameter and fifty or so lbs. will compress them about a half inch of their two inch capacity.
Lowell