>Surprised ( and disappointed ) no one has replied to this question, I'm
>also looking to start next week on a trailer project for a KR2 tri-gear,
>and would welcome advice from those that have been there already.
>Especially if you have some good idea's on how to winch up the plane on to
>the trailer without causing too much stress on the gear !
>Phil
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++=
I held back on that one as I thought you might think my solution
might be a bit of "over-kill".
Being an optimist, I purchased/built my trailer about 6 years ago.
I just got my paperwork in the mail today from the FAA saying
my KR is now a real airplane so I guess I'd better get it ready
to fly.
My criteria when starting was:
- tandem axle, at least 12" wheels. I didn't want to lose my KR
to a tire blowout or leave it setting along the highway while
I went to get a tire fixed.
- lightweight frame, I didn't want the trailer to weigh more than
the load I would be hauling.
- easy load and unload.
- a trailer with enough "guts" that I could pull it across the country
if need be.
- CHEAP ! I knew it wouldn't get a lot of use so I didn't want to have
a lot of money tie up.
It took me about six months of looking in a 50 mile area and I
ended up finding one just a mile from my house. It was a
(well) used tandem axle boat trailer for a river Jon boat. The
owner wanted $400. I held out for 30 days and got it for $275.
The frame is basicly flat using 3" lightweight channel steel.
A friend cut off all the roller assemblies and associated parts
leaving just the flat frame.
I bought four new wheels and tires ($29 ea), one new wheel bearing,
and a new light kit. From the local scrap yard I bought three pieces
of chanel steel, 1" x 6" by about 7'10" long. In Illinois a trailer is
legal up to 8' wide and my gear spread goes right to the 8' mark.
I used some 4"x4"s to bring the deck height to just even with
the top of the fenders. I then used 8 foot 2"x10"s from front to rear
over the axle area for landing gear. I have a 24 inch (approx) platform
on each side for the mains and a 10" wide board down the middle
running all the way to the front for the tailwheel. All tailwheel
aircraft are pulled with tail to the front. I use 10 foot ramps that
simply clip on to the back of the trailer and a simple center
support for each ramp. Aircraft are winched on using the boat
winch and 1/4" cable. I've never need over two people to load
any aircraft I've hauled, one person to turn the winch and a second
to guide the aircraft onto the trailer.
The trailer setup allows most of the aircraft weight to stay over the
trailer wheels, helps me control the tongue weight, and makes for one
great pulling trailer. When loaded I simply tack down some wood
chocks and strap the gear legs to the trailer frame.
If I were to do it again I would have cut the fenders off also and simply
put a light alum sheet on the bottom side of the deck. I could
have lowered the deck a good 4" that way. Sometimes you just
don't notice the simple things until the project is finished and you
step back to admire it. I have wing racks that attach to the trailer
to haul the wings and make it a one trip affair.
To date it has hauled:
- my KR (three times) it is a 24" stretch with the outside of the main
gear tires just outside of the wing center section.
- an AcroSport II (two times)
- an RV 4
- an RV6A
- a KitFox
- a Starlight
- a Long Eze
- a Wittman W-10 project (14 hours on the highway)
- it made one trip to Minnesota and Michigan (approx 34 hour on
the highway)
- a full size hot tub, a mower, and a partridge to the pear tree.
(just checking to see if anyone really reads these post)
I probably have about $800 tied up it the trailer. Not bad for all
the work and precious cargo it has moved.
My advise would be if you only plan to haul your KR a short distance
to and from the airport and nothing else, keep it light and keep it
simple. A cheap, lightweight trailer with the tongue extended and
the wheels moved in or out to just inside or just outside you main
gear should do. No deck with just channels for the gear would
be best. Remember, you only intend to haul 700 pounds max.
That's about the same weight as you and three of your friends.
O.K., may two of your friends for some of you, but you get the
point. Anything more than that, I'd suggest you do it up right
and you won't have to live in fear each time you use it.
If I can get a digital picture in the next week or two, I'll shoot it
to Mark for posting. This subject comes up every couple years.
Speaking of years, this year will mark my 14th Gathering without
a miss ! Can anyone out there beat that?
Larry Flesner
