Double Sided Door Latches

[dunc]

The RAF internally operated door latches are not a problem, until you want to latch both doors closed from the outside, like when trailering your gyro. Does anybody have a solution for this common problem?

 

[Eric S]

I have only trailed mine once when I brought it home. I hooked a bungee cord to the handles across the inside on each door and it worked okay.

 

[dunc]

I have only trailered mine 3X, about 1000 miles each time, but will do again next month. Each previous time I wrapped the cabin and rotor head with Saran Wrap, sealing with duct tape. That may be overkill, but as I am planning more trailer trips, I was hoping this common problem would have a better fix than bungee cords. They would not provide much security when parked at a hotel, etc. A canvas cover would work too, be a little more secure, but creating that complex curved pattern is beyond my sewing skills.

 

[eddie]

If you use canvas Rob it will scratch the plastic canopy really bad.

I have a cover make from a really soft felt like backing material ,works great.

 

[dunc]

I was over-simplifying the use of "canvas". My Kennon covers for my Cessna are made from a waterproof nauga-beast-like material with a soft fabric backing. I would use something like that. You didn't happen to keep the pattern you used when cutting the material, did you?

 

[eddie]

No the covers came with the Gyro,a complete set cabin, tail and even the rotor blades.

 

[dunc]

That sounds great Eddie! I assume this was fabricated by the previous owner, not a "RAF standard issue" option? Do you have a picture of your RAF "wrapped up"?

 

[dunc]

I have developed a new latching system, borrowing from SH, but using the standard RAF latching plates mounted on the doors. This allows a) doors to be latched for either inside or outside, and b) doors to be locked. This allows for trailering on an open, exposed flatbed trailer with "reasonable" security. Pictures to follow.

 

[Eric S]

Pictures to follow.

I'm eager to see what you came up with. I put the doors on when it's cold, but prefer flying without them, so I remove the doors once it warms up outside. Sometimes that happens in the same day in Texas. Not being able to lock/unlock the doors from the outside is a pain.

 

[dunc]

Not to mention life threatening if you are incapacitated and outside help has arrived. Here are some pictures. Too busy preparing new trailer for Mentone to collect details, parts lists. Etc.

 

[Eric S]

Nice. I like simple. Those remind me of the locks on the storage compartment doors on my motorhome. Hmmm.