VansAirForceForums  
Home > VansAirForceForums

- POSTING RULES
- Donate yearly (please).
- Advertise in here!

- Today's Posts | Insert Pics


Go Back   VAF Forums > Model Specific > RV-4
Register FAQ Members List Calendar Search Today's Posts Mark Forums Read

Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread Display Modes
  #11  
Old 02-08-2017, 12:54 PM
smokyray's Avatar
smokyray smokyray is offline
 
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: TX32
Posts: 1,891
Default The Long and Short of it...

Quote:
Originally Posted by Larry DeCamp View Post
I need to order gear for my project. I have decided to use Catto 3 blade on the 0360 for smoothness since I am not a max/optimum performance type flier. I am told the long gear was developed for better clearance of long props but I won't need that. Are there any other criteria to weigh regarding long vs. short gear ?
Larry,
All of the above are valid reasons to install long gear. I've proven the STOL aspect time and again in a friends long gear vs mine. However comma, some of us early 4 builders had no choice, the short gear was the only option. That said, in 2000 hours, most of it flown from short, unimproved runways and attempting to maximize performance I'll add these to the short gear plus column.

1. Better taxi forward visibility.
2. Less drag. (Dave Anders "fastest RV4 on earth" still has his short gear)
3. Less weight.
4. Less shimmy
5. Less cost (someone might even give you their old engine mount and gear)

V/R
Smokey
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 02-08-2017, 07:32 PM
Dave Anders Dave Anders is offline
 
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: cottonwood, calif
Posts: 28
Default

smokeys' right. a 4 with short gear is a piece of cake to fly. if you don't have your speed dialed in on a 3 point landing, it won't work well in either long or short gear. you probably will carry just a bit more speed for a 3 point with near aft CG with short gear but i doubt that it would matter much.
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 02-08-2017, 09:46 PM
Russ McCutcheon's Avatar
Russ McCutcheon Russ McCutcheon is offline
 
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Vancouver, WA USA
Posts: 908
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Larry DeCamp View Post
I need to order gear for my project. I have decided to use Catto 3 blade on the 0360 for smoothness since I am not a max/optimum performance type flier. I am told the long gear was developed for better clearance of long props but I won't need that. Are there any other criteria to weigh regarding long vs. short gear ?
Hi Larry,

Something I don?t think anyone touched on yet is that if you?re ordering an engine mount and gear legs new from Van?s you only have one choice, Van?s stopped selling the short version a long time ago.
__________________
Russ McCutcheon
@rv4welder on Facebook
russmccutcheon@gmail.com
We build many of your RV weldments.
Reply With Quote
  #14  
Old 02-08-2017, 10:51 PM
Infidel's Avatar
Infidel Infidel is offline
 
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: WV22
Posts: 849
Default

Before I ever do any mod's I always consider resale. I've never flown a short gear version so I can't opine on much of it other than aesthetics. Seeing a short gear -4 and a long gear, it's not difficult to decide which one has visual appeal. The long gear looks staunch. The short gear, IMO, a set of testes dwarfed due to steroids.

From my experience flying my long gear -4, visibility is excellent in all parameters. Not once have I had the need to "S" turn while taxiing. Wheel landings are a breeze but if your too hot for a 3 point, the wing will bite and you'll know it by floating further than intended. But hold it there and the induced drag will bring you to where you need to be.

Go with the long gear. You won't regret it. Besides, there's a reason Van went to the long gear and I concure, FWIW.
__________________
RV-4 0320\D3G 160, Whirlwind 200GA 70".
Reply With Quote
  #15  
Old 02-09-2017, 10:40 AM
Richard@Langair Richard@Langair is offline
 
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Scappoose
Posts: 119
Default

The long gear is also a bit stronger and can withstand the unfortunate hard landing a bit better. But the are also heavier because of that in case you are trying to build a super light plane.

I like the longer gear myself...
Reply With Quote
Reply


Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

vB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Forum Jump


All times are GMT -6. The time now is 01:26 AM.


The VAFForums come to you courtesy Delta Romeo, LLC. By viewing and participating in them you agree to build your plane using standardized methods and practices and to fly it safely and in accordance with the laws governing the country you are located in.