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chipper2128
05-23-2009, 04:16 PM
First, I'm new to posting on the forum, although I have been reading for a while now. I have been considering a Kitfox for about 8 months now after attending the Labor Day Fly-In last September. The primary attraction of the Kitfox for me is the folding wings and the option to trailer the airplane home when needed. I would need to keep the airplane in a trailer at or near the airport since hanger rents have gone so high around here that I could either pay the hanger rent or fly, but not both.

My concerns center around what size trailer does one need to routinely move a Kitfox (5 or 7) in and out. I have seen one set up on a Kitfox 5 that used a custom made trailer that had about 2 inches clearance from the folded wing leading edge, but the trailer itself was about 112 inches wide which exceeds the allowable trailer width in most states by about 10 inches.

I have seen pictures of some other trailers on the web that looked like they had little to no clearance on the sides. I can't imagine scratching up the wings every time you move it in and out?

I would sure like to hear from anyone who has an enclosed trailer and keeps it at an airport to "hanger" his Kitfox. I read about one member who got a custom Low-Tow trailer, but the pictures on the website sure look like a tight fit.

Is there something I am overlooking here? I may be able to find some hanger space to rent with the wings folded and avoid all this, but I sure can't count on that now.

Thanks for your insights.

Mike

SkyPirate
05-23-2009, 09:14 PM
Hi Mike,..
I have often wondered about the wings rubbing on an enclosed trailer too,..but ,,there is one thing ,..most states will let you haul a load up to 10 feet wide ..with out a permit,.or an escort,..the limit might be...in some states ..daylight hours only for transport,and some states do not allow any over size load to be hauled on week ends..or holidays.
the load must be placarded..with "WIDE LOAD" so if you did build a custom trailer wider then the allowed 102 inch,.following those guidlines you might be ok,.. first I would check with DOT in your state,.ask them how to contact the permit office for oversize loads and limits,..they can answer the question best for your state,
what I have said here is generalized ,..I have only transported over sized loads from Maine to florida and from the east coast states as far west as Indiana , luoisiana.
I havent hauled any in Colorado .

I have seen trailers for sale on the kitfox web site as well,..you might want to contact John at kitfox to see if he might be able to help you.

hope this info helps you out


Chase

chipper2128
05-24-2009, 05:25 AM
Chase,

Thanks for your reply. A friend here in the trucking business also mentioned the oversized load option and I will check that out with CDOT. He thought a permit was required.


Thanks
Mike

SkyPirate
05-24-2009, 09:28 AM
just a precaution,..don't tell them your hauling an airplane ,..I can imagine the person on the other end of the phone call picturing a 747 ha ha ha ha

actually most people do not know the wings can fold back on some aircraft,..so the picture an airplane on a trailer,..wings out .etc..

vetdrem
05-24-2009, 06:24 PM
I use an enclosed trailer to haul my kitfox and haven't had any trouble with rubbing the sides. My trailer is 8'6" wide, legal in all states, and works great as a hanger when parked in a tiedown spot (I did exactly that for a winter in Florida. They charged me $30/month for the spot)

I put straps over the wheels to hold the mains and support the tail with a stantion that I made. That keeps the plane from moving around, but I was also concerned about the fuselage swaying as the trailer bounced. I attached eyebolts to the trailer floor under the planes forward float fittings and use ratchet straps to go from the float fittings to the eyebolts. That stops "body sway" and makes it impossible for the wings to bump the sides of the trailer.

I have about 3000 miles on it with NO RUBS.

SkyPirate
05-24-2009, 07:44 PM
sounds good to me ,..3000 miles of michigan roads ...thats a test in itself :)

SkyPirate
05-25-2009, 03:36 PM
I know the dimensions are probably listed somewhere on the kitfox site for the kitfox in wings folded config,..a wild guess here ..at 7'10? maybe 8'2"?
I'll have to check



7'10" on the model 4,.I didn't check the 5,6 or 7 but I think they are the same. so depending on the wall thickness of the trailer ..its 8 inches less then the "legal" limit of 102" a 1.5" wall still leaves 5 inches,..2.5" on each side,.a little tight,..
I have thought of building a enclosed trailer with hexagon view from the rear,..bowing the wall out an extra 2 or 3 inches at the hieght of the wing . I stil might .

DesertFox4
05-25-2009, 03:48 PM
Model 4 dimensions wings folded:


Wings Folded Length 21’-6”

Wings Folded Width 7’-10”

Height 5’8” Tail Wheel

Height 8’-0” Tri-Gear


Model 7 Super Sport dimensions wings folded:



Wings Folded Length 22’-7”

Wings Folded Width 8’-0”

Height 5’8” Tail Wheel

Height 8’-0” Tri-Gear

SkyPirate
05-25-2009, 03:54 PM
Thanks Desertfox4 :) so the 7 is wider

Dorsal
05-26-2009, 04:51 PM
Vetdrem,
What is the make of your trailer or is it custom?

SkyPirate
05-26-2009, 05:08 PM
dorsal .. right off route 91,..I'm trying to remember the name of the place,..it's on the west side of 91,..west hatfield ,..north hampton area,.there is a camper / enclosed trailer dealer,..have you checked that place out ? also I don't know how far you are from Haverhill Mass...but if you go into NH on 125 ..north about 15 or 20 miles up ..where you meet 101 jct,..their was an enclosed trailer dealer there too,..

Chase

vetdrem
05-26-2009, 05:59 PM
My trailer is a flat bed that I built a framework on out of 1" electrical conduit, covered the front with fiberglass that is used on motorhome sides, and the rest is covered with a tarp I bought off ebay that is used to cover semi's hauling lumber.

With a little luck, I have included a few pics.

SkyPirate
05-26-2009, 07:29 PM
that looks good vetdrem,..was the trailer a camper frame?

I was born on Cape Cod ,..but lived all over the world,..I'm in Missouri for now

Dorsal
05-27-2009, 04:21 AM
Thanks, great pics, looks like a very cost effective approach.

Chase,
Are you from this area (Mass that is)?

Lion8
05-01-2011, 10:29 AM
I modified a 1972 Holsclaw dual axle boat trailer. At the back I atached a couple very light I beams close to the ground. I made wheel pans and bolted them to the I beams where the mains sit in. There is a small ramp attached to the center up to the hand crank assembly. I installed light metal stud material around the outside of the trailer just a bit wider than the dimensions of the plane.
As far as going in and out of my garage, I installed a Reese hitch on the front of my pick up. This is unbelievably easy in and out of my garage.

QreusJorj
02-22-2018, 02:18 PM
actually most people do not know the wings can fold back on some aircraft,..so the picture an airplane on a trailer,..wings out .etc..

That would certainly make the load of the trailer lighter. :p

Paul Z
02-24-2018, 08:47 PM
Here is a Trailer Supplier that builds trailers specifically for Airplanes. My previous airplane a Series 7 SS fit in one.

ohlhausenr
02-26-2018, 02:58 PM
Paul Z, I ordered one from Mark Sorenson for my Kitfox IV. Should be ready by first of April, I'll let you know if it meets my expectations.
Ray

ken nougaret
02-26-2018, 03:36 PM
Paul Z, I ordered one from Mark Sorenson for my Kitfox IV. Should be ready by first of April, I'll let you know if it meets my expectations.
Ray

Ray, did you order a 8.5' or 9' outside diameter trailer?

Ramos
02-26-2018, 04:42 PM
Many states will have restrictions, and possibly, permit requirements if over 8'6" wide. Just something to keep in mind.

ohlhausenr
02-26-2018, 04:51 PM
I ordered a 102" (8.5) wide trailer which meets my requirements.

Paul Z
02-26-2018, 10:16 PM
Paul Z, I ordered one from Mark Sorenson for my Kitfox IV. Should be ready by first of April, I'll let you know if it meets my expectations.
Ray

I’m glad I was able to help. I had thought about ordering one, but I was able to rent a trailer from a guy that was having financial problems that had a highlander. When you get it I would recommend adding some wheel guides. See the attached photos. The black triangular pieces on the ramp and inside the trailer. Once the wheels were lined up between the two triangular tire guides. It made loading the plane extremely easy, the wheels stayed centered with no effort.

ohlhausenr
02-27-2018, 03:31 PM
Thanks Paul for the suggestion on the wheel guides and the pics. Do you know what material was used to make the wheel guides?
Ray

Paul Z
02-27-2018, 07:33 PM
They were made out of a press board covered in black vinyl, looked like cheap countertop material. I don’t see why 5/8” plywood wouldn’t work fine. They wer 45 Degrees X 45 Degrees about 6 to 8 inches tall. It went up the ramp, all the way to the front door of the trailer. The wheels of the plane had about one inch clearance total, as we pushed tge plane up, it did a good job keeping the plane centered. I would recommend either installing permanent padding on the walls to protect the wings, or some packing blankets. My Kitfox has a aluminum tail spring and I did do anything to support the tail, and it did well. However, I did get some leading edge paint scratches in the paint on the co-pilots wing.

ohlhausenr
02-28-2018, 05:27 AM
Thanks Paul, I did ask Mark about the leading edge rubbing and he said he has had no problems with this. Tying the mains secure is very important in eliminating this problem. I guess I’ll find out.
When you transported your Kitfox had you converted it to a tail wheel.
Ray

Paul Z
02-28-2018, 07:22 AM
Ray,

Yes I had already converted it to a tail wheel. Here is a photo with the fuel drained and wings folded. Notice I had some packing blankets for the wings. I was getting the plane ready to push it in the trailer. If you order a trailer make sure to get a personnel door in front of the trailer crawling under the plane is a pain. I would get a personnel door towards the back. You will need egress to tie down the in both the front & rear of the trailer, and once you close the cargo door, you will be reluctant to open it back up and sometimes will not have the space to open it up. It would make checking tie downs a lot easier when traveling, as I said crawling under the plane is a pain. On my way back I would open the front door check the tie downs then crawl to the tail and check the tail tie downs. Most of the times the tie downs are fine. I found one had worked loose on the trip.

ohlhausenr
02-28-2018, 02:06 PM
Paul,
I did order with two side doors, one forward and one rear for exactly what you have said about getting to the plane without opening the rear romp door. I'm also having two rear to front recessed floor E-Tracks plus four D-rings for tie downs. Also ordered a remote winch ramp door with removable cable. This was recommended because of the weight of the ramp door. I'll post some pics when I receive the trailer.
Ray

Flybyjim
03-19-2018, 05:01 AM
Will a nose gear 7 fit into a trailer, seems the height of the rudder would be a problem. I guess one could order a higher trailer.

Gawilkie
03-19-2018, 06:49 AM
When the wings fold on a nose wheel KF the weight shifts to the rear and the tail comes down ( sometimes sharply, don't ask how I know). A support of some sort should be used. I built a four wheeled cart with a bungee support system, the cart worked well in the shop on a smooth floor but not well on other surfaces. The best design I have seen is a stand with a single fully rotating wheel. It is possible to build the stand at a height that puts the top of the tail lower than front of the fuselage, be very maneuverable and fit into a similar trailer as a tail wheel model..

Jaguar56
03-19-2018, 08:38 AM
Will a nose gear 7 fit into a trailer, seems the height of the rudder would be a problem. I guess one could order a higher trailer.

This seems to be a model for a nose gear S7. This is also my plan to haul it with a car in the trailer. In this case a cap was used for the tail to ride in, keeping the overall height down.

Jaguar56
03-19-2018, 08:44 AM
I like this concept that Avid uses. I don’t think it is a retrofit to the Kitfox, but would likely buy one if Kitfox offered it. I rigged something myself, but it is not working as easily as I had hoped.

The other option is to mount a regular tail wheel and someday move the main gear forward.

GregA
04-10-2018, 02:19 PM
Is it possible/reasonable to move a semi-completed kit that is already on gear in a narrower trailer by removing the wheels/tires? Anybody done this? I suspect it would be more difficult to load, but if only doing it once....

jiott
04-10-2018, 02:36 PM
Greg, Get 3 mover's piano dollys to strap under the fuselage and it should roll right in.

GregA
04-10-2018, 03:11 PM
Jim,

Thanks, I had that figured. What I need to know is whether one can fit a partial kit into a narrower trailer and, if so, what is the minimum width with the gear in place (and tires removed - perhaps also with axles removed if it's on Grove gear). Haven't had any luck finding dimensions of the gear width on an SS7 (with or without axles).

Maybe remove the gear entirely is what you are suggesting? I'm not familiar enough with the Kitfox to know how easily the gear removes.

Cheers,

Greg

jrevens
04-10-2018, 08:20 PM
Jim,

Thanks, I had that figured. What I need to know is whether one can fit a partial kit into a narrower trailer and, if so, what is the minimum width with the gear in place (and tires removed - perhaps also with axles removed if it's on Grove gear). Haven't had any luck finding dimensions of the gear width on an SS7 (with or without axles)...

Hi Greg,

I haven't actually measured mine, but according to the drawing provided by Kitfox, the width with standard 6.00-6 tires & wheel-pants, is 7' 4". Leaving the axles on without the wheels & tires would only make a difference of a few inches. Without the axles it looks like the gear is approximately 6' wide. I don't know if that's the "heavy duty" gear or not, or if there is any difference. The fuselage itself is approximately 3' 7" at the widest point... maybe a little wider with bubble doors.

rv9ralph
04-10-2018, 08:54 PM
So I was pondering this issue a few days ago. Why, I don't know. But with a partial completed Kitfox with grove gear, could you mount the axels on the inside to save on the width. Would it put undue strain on something? Don't know. Just a thought. Of course, this couldn't be done with brakes installed without a lot of trouble.

Just thinkin and sharin.

Ralph

GregA
04-10-2018, 09:17 PM
So, sounds like it is clearly narrower without the wings on (website shows 8’0” with folded wings) and likely I can find a truck or trailer that will fit it if need be Thanks for the information.

Greg

Esser
04-11-2018, 08:23 AM
Jim,

Thanks, I had that figured. What I need to know is whether one can fit a partial kit into a narrower trailer and, if so, what is the minimum width with the gear in place (and tires removed - perhaps also with axles removed if it's on Grove gear). Haven't had any luck finding dimensions of the gear width on an SS7 (with or without axles).

Maybe remove the gear entirely is what you are suggesting? I'm not familiar enough with the Kitfox to know how easily the gear removes.

Cheers,

Greg


It’s much easier to remove the entire gear than just the tires and axels. 4 easy to get at bolts.

t j
04-11-2018, 10:07 AM
Dont forget the horizontal stabilizer if it is installed on the fuselage. A couple people can easily tilt the fuselage to get through the door but you would need a van or trailer 8 foot wide inside.

efwd
04-11-2018, 05:51 PM
I'm looking at the POH for the airplane I'm flying here at Stick & Rudder. The span of the tires, measured center of tread to center of tread is 6'6" wide. Looking at the airplane, the gear is a bit narrower.
Eddie

fastfred
04-16-2018, 05:38 AM
Blizzardmfg.com will custom build them for you. One of our EAA guys had one built there

Hoenshell
04-19-2018, 02:39 PM
Hello, I'm new here and very interested in the Kitfox, largely due to the ability to fold the wings and transport it. I really like the STi model, but it looks like it measures 8'6" with wings folded which leaves no room to put in an enclosed trailer without requiring oversize permit. Anyone try to build an enclosed trailer for an STi model yet or have any thoughts?

fastfred
04-19-2018, 02:46 PM
That is a problem because most states have a maximum trailer width 102 inches so the STI might not be legal to trailer at all unless you go to a wide load.

Hoenshell
04-19-2018, 03:23 PM
I did call http://wideloadshipping.com/oversize-trucking-permits/ and they were very helpful. I did find that I can get an annual permit in Missouri for $180 per year; although, this would still restrict me to travel during daytime weekdays only as I understand it.

I'm looking for anyone that has trailer-ed an STi, maybe by removing the wings entirely or other options?

Esser
04-19-2018, 07:41 PM
I don’t kn9w of any other STis flying other than Trent’s and the factory’s. It’s still pretty new.

Hockeystud87
04-19-2018, 11:44 PM
Anyone find a good source for a trailer on the west coast? I'm in Oregon and in need a trailer.

zadwit
04-23-2018, 08:26 AM
I bought a 20ft x 8.5 snow machine trailer and built a hangar on it...It is 108" wide and my model 4 kitfox fit right in. Electric winch with remote helps.
Onlyh problem is I extended the aft end 5 ft adn forgot about the location of the trailer axles so it wants to sit on its tail! Ill have to move the axles aft.
Enclose are photos... I made it way to heavy it can take 60# sq snow load and I dont need that....used 1"x1/4" thick sq. tube, also over kill but all I do is store the plane in it and tow it to the airport a mile away out int he country..

Mark SMith davenport, Wa.

ohlhausenr
04-24-2018, 07:37 PM
Received notice that my trailer is ready for pickup. Here are some pics of the finished trailer.

DesertFox4
04-24-2018, 08:31 PM
Great looking trailer Ray. Hope you are well. Fly safe.

Flybyjim
04-25-2018, 03:50 AM
The trailer looks well built, was this as is from a retailer or custom built? I assume you bought this in Texas.

ohlhausenr
04-25-2018, 10:24 AM
I purchased the trailer through Mark Sorenson, Custom Aircraft Trailers, 770-765-3596, Senoia, Ga. Paul Z has his brochure on his #17 post to this thread.
I elected to pick up the trailer in GA instead of shipping to Texas.

efwd
04-25-2018, 12:27 PM
Hi Ray
Can you provide the Ht, W, and Length?
Eddie

ohlhausenr
04-25-2018, 01:28 PM
Eddie,
Ht 7.6 - W 102" - L 24'
Ramp Door Opening 98"W x 79"H

Hockeystud87
04-25-2018, 03:16 PM
Darn I'm all the way out in Oregon... Having trouble finding a good trailer out here.

ken nougaret
04-25-2018, 03:44 PM
The only problem is, thats too narrow for a model 7.

ohlhausenr
04-25-2018, 04:13 PM
Well since it's custom made for Kitfox IV and my state road limits. They make difference sizes, just give Mark a call with your requirements.

efwd
04-25-2018, 04:27 PM
Thanks Ray. The manual states that the folded wings would be 96" wide. Granted, 98" door would be cutting it a bit close. Probably a pretty easy adjustment to be made by a good trailer builder.

Olle1975
04-30-2018, 06:10 AM
A few impressions from a selfmade Trailer, which is able to carry a Kitfox IV and III.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=maVjmcx6e-g

Olaf

ken nougaret
04-30-2018, 09:34 AM
Thanks Ray. The manual states that the folded wings would be 96" wide. Granted, 98" door would be cutting it a bit close. Probably a pretty easy adjustment to be made by a good trailer builder.
That's what the manual says. My measurement on completion is 97 5/8".

efwd
04-30-2018, 11:55 AM
interesting. Thanks

Hockeystud87
05-16-2018, 05:42 PM
Any1 know of someone who builds on the west coast? Or where I could find a trailer on the west coast?

rjmayer
06-06-2018, 01:53 PM
Does anyone have the height of a tricycle Kitfox IV at the tail? Length with wings folded? I saw some prior posts that list the width at 97 5/8" and 98", but the length was not specified. I am looking to get an enclosed trailer. Thanks! Rob

Hockeystud87
06-06-2018, 03:06 PM
The biggest issue is finding someone who can make a a trailer that wide. I can't seem to find any. Especially on the west coast.

rjmayer
06-06-2018, 03:18 PM
There seems to be plenty of trailer manufacturers in South Georgia - I found two in Douglas GA alone - something must be in the water there!
They advertise shipping to all 50 states. I am trying to see if I can order a "stock" enclosed trailer or if I need to have them make one with special dimensions.

Hockeystud87
06-06-2018, 03:26 PM
Ya "Shipping" means $2000 from what i've seen.

efwd
06-06-2018, 07:20 PM
Aren't enclosed car haulers, that the Racecar drivers use, 8.5' wide? Those should be available all day long throughout the country no?
Eddie