RAF trailer tie down

[Mike Leimetter]

Hi all, I’m almost at the point of attempting to trailer my gyro. There are no tie down eyelets so where are you all securing your machines? I have 3 spots on the floor for tie down hooks but not sure where on the aircraft to hook it. Motor mounts? I thought about using the main gear but it’s only inches above the floor and no room to tighten the straps

 

[Sv.grainne]

I installed tie down bolts, 2 for each axle, 2 for the fwd Keel, 2 for aft Keel/ block. I also made some heavier duty ratchet straps. Place some as you need on your trainer.

 

[Mike Leimetter]

I installed tie down bolts, 2 for each axle, 2 for the fwd Keel, 2 for aft Keel/ block. I also made some heavier duty ratchet straps. Place some as you need on your trainer.

Thanks Bobby. You drilled holes in the axles and keel? I’ll look into that idea. The trailer already has 3 mounting points built in to the floor for the RAF thanks to Tommy Milton. Just need to learn where to hook them .

 

[Sv.grainne]

No drilling on the Gyro. Ratchet strap looped over axle, clipped to trailer tiedowns then tightened up. I can take a few photos if that would help.

I drilled trailer floor and installed tie down loops.

 

[Sv.grainne]

I also fabricated and installed tire pockets so that mains and nosewheel are captured in the proper position on the trailer. These pockets act like chocks and the straps hold the machine in place.

 

[Aerofoam]

I made a dolly, so the gyro has 3 sets of pneumatic wheels separating it from the bumps in the road, lifting it high enough to clear the tail wheel and it is easier to load with a small winch that drags it up the trailer.

 

[Mike Leimetter]

I also fabricated and installed tire pockets so that mains and nosewheel are captured in the proper position on the trailer. These pockets act like chocks and the straps hold the machine in place.

Ahhh ok gotcha. My trailer has the tie downs already. The tire pockets are not a bad idea!

 

[Mike Leimetter]

I made a dolly, so the gyro has 3 sets of pneumatic wheels separating it from the bumps in the road, lifting it high enough to clear the tail wheel and it is easier to load with a small winch that drags it up the trailer.

That’s really slick

 

[Sv.grainne]

Ahhh ok gotcha. My trailer has the tie downs already. The tire pockets are not a bad idea!

If you want some photos let me know

 

[lanichol]

Tilt trailer: Over the axles, nose wheel, block under the keel, block rudder from moving.

Alumn Blade boom: 3 bolts, removable winch.

30 ft padded blade box.

Home Ks: trailered to Oregon and near Dallas TX.

 

[Aerofoam]

Tilt trailer: Over the axles, nose wheel, block under the keel, block rudder from moving.

Alumn Blade boom: 3 bolts, removable winch.

30 ft padded blade box.

Home Ks: trailered to Oregon and near Dallas TX.

Are you carrying the blades assembled?
Very cool trailer!!!
That thrust line looks scary!!!!

 

[lanichol]

Blades assembled.
Blade boom has slight spring due to rope to make quick line up of tower bolt.
Engine dropped 4 inch. Turf tires. Stabilator.
I owned the first RAF Sparrow Hawk (Kenny J).
It is more stable and light on trim.
Thrust line is not a problem.

 

[Aerofoam]

A trailer comment.
The low harbor freight flatbed in my pics above has been rear ended 3 times at stop lights and the rear of the trailer was totaled in a Home Desperate parking lot, while parked. All these incidents involved tall trucks and no load in the trailer.
In your case, I would put a couple of 4ft. rods with flags (with blinking (LEDs) on the aft end of the blade box, because it is asking to get run into.....

 

[bugflyer]

A trailer comment.
The low harbor freight flatbed in my pics above has been rear ended 3 times at stop lights and the rear of the trailer was totaled in a Home Desperate parking lot, while parked. All these incidents involved tall trucks and no load in the trailer.
In your case, I would put a couple of 4ft. rods with flags (with blinking (LEDs) on the aft end of the blade box, because it is asking to get run into.....

2nd that...happened to my son in a parking lot.
smiles,
Charles

 

[Sv.grainne]

I think this setup is asking for trouble. May take a bit longer setup and takedown but I would disassemble the blades and stow.