VansAirForceForums  
Home > VansAirForceForums

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

- Today's Posts | Insert Pics

  #1  
Old 09-15-2018, 06:06 AM
cderk's Avatar
cderk cderk is offline
 
Join Date: Sep 2015
Location: Park Ridge, NJ
Posts: 639
Default Landing Gear Install

My finish kit arrives on Monday, and I?m excited to continue moving forward. I have a bit of a problem...

My garage door height is NOT conducive to getting the plane up on its landing gears... at least not with wheels and all. Was wondering if anyone else has had this issue. I am interested in seeing if anyone has mounted the gear, left the wheels of and instead installed some kind of low profile casters. I think if I do this, I should be able to get it in and out of the garage.

I have 77? from the floor to the opening on top.

Anyone else having this issue and devise some kind of temporary wheels?

Thanks
Charlie
__________________
RV10
http://n688cd.wordpress.com
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 09-15-2018, 06:15 AM
steve murray's Avatar
steve murray steve murray is offline
 
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Flat Rock, North Carolina
Posts: 360
Default

I have a similar issue but it is the width related. I spoke to Van's, my current plan is to leave the fuselage "gear-less" until after I hang the engine. I hear the added gear height makes it more difficult to work on.
__________________
Steve

RV8 Flying since 2007 - Now for Sale
RV10 - Flying (Jan 2020)
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 09-15-2018, 06:34 AM
cderk's Avatar
cderk cderk is offline
 
Join Date: Sep 2015
Location: Park Ridge, NJ
Posts: 639
Default

Ive contemplated that, but it seems like it will be difficult to put it up on gear after the engine is installed. For me, the engine may even help... I?m sure the gears flex a bit - just not sure how much. I called vans at one point and they told me that perhaps i could put a bunch of ballast in the plane and let the air out of the tires to give me enough clearance.

I guess I have to wait for the gears to get here to take a look and see if I can come up with something...
__________________
RV10
http://n688cd.wordpress.com
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 09-15-2018, 09:06 AM
az_gila's Avatar
az_gila az_gila is offline
 
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: 57AZ - NW Tucson area
Posts: 10,011
Smile

Quote:
Originally Posted by cderk View Post
My finish kit arrives on Monday, and I’m excited to continue moving forward. I have a bit of a problem...

My garage door height is NOT conducive to getting the plane up on its landing gears... at least not with wheels and all. Was wondering if anyone else has had this issue. I am interested in seeing if anyone has mounted the gear, left the wheels of and instead installed some kind of low profile casters. I think if I do this, I should be able to get it in and out of the garage.

I have 77” from the floor to the opening on top.

Anyone else having this issue and devise some kind of temporary wheels?

Thanks
Charlie
I can't find any pictures but I have seen temporary wheels on axles.

IIRC they were discs of 3/4 plywood laminated to the same thickness as a wheel hub.

Wheel dollys may also work.
__________________
Gil Alexander
EAA Technical Counselor, Airframe Mechanic
Half completed RV-10 QB purchased
RV-6A N61GX - finally flying
Grumman Tiger N12GA - flying
La Cholla Airpark (57AZ) Tucson AZ
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 09-15-2018, 01:07 PM
cderk's Avatar
cderk cderk is offline
 
Join Date: Sep 2015
Location: Park Ridge, NJ
Posts: 639
Default

Thanks Gil
That?s kinda what I was thinking. I was hoping someone may have done it so I don?t have to reinvent the wheel - literally!
__________________
RV10
http://n688cd.wordpress.com
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 09-16-2018, 05:24 AM
dtw_rv6 dtw_rv6 is offline
 
Join Date: May 2008
Location: Martinsville, IN
Posts: 454
Default

https://www.amazon.com/Vestil-LFH-55.../dp/B0052P5S2I
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 09-16-2018, 05:57 AM
Ron B. Ron B. is offline
 
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Yarmouth, Nova Scotia
Posts: 2,408
Default

I machined Alum. pipe to fit into the gear leg socket to lower the fuselage height for working purposes. It was well worth the trouble for a short guy like me. I also made a wooden platform with stairs on both ends to fit over one wing right next to the fuselage door opening. Very easy to get in and out, had a power plug mounted in it and somewhere to lay tools near by the place you are working.
__________________
Thanks Ron
RV-10 SOLD
RV-14 Flying
AirCam flying
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 09-16-2018, 01:10 PM
rongawer rongawer is offline
 
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Brentwood, CA
Posts: 659
Default I must be missing something...

Wouldn?t it be easier to just not attach the rudder and V-stab until at the hangar?
__________________
Ron Gawer

- RV10, Build in progress.
- RV12, N975G, "The Commuter"...many great hours and happy landings so far.
- Several others that are now just great memories for me.
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 09-16-2018, 01:35 PM
BrianDC's Avatar
BrianDC BrianDC is offline
 
Join Date: Mar 2016
Location: Northern VA
Posts: 267
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by rongawer View Post
Wouldn?t it be easier to just not attach the rudder and V-stab until at the hangar?
We are talking about the height to the top of the fuse when on wheels. With the tail feathers on its much taller.
__________________
Brian Lester
Dues Paid - 2020
RV10 Slow Build - #41778
Finish Kit - in progress
RV10builder.com
KVKX / KHEF
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 09-16-2018, 01:43 PM
az_gila's Avatar
az_gila az_gila is offline
 
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: 57AZ - NW Tucson area
Posts: 10,011
Smile

Quote:
Originally Posted by rongawer View Post
Wouldn?t it be easier to just not attach the rudder and V-stab until at the hangar?
Typical garage door mentioned...

I'm sure the VS would not be on.
__________________
Gil Alexander
EAA Technical Counselor, Airframe Mechanic
Half completed RV-10 QB purchased
RV-6A N61GX - finally flying
Grumman Tiger N12GA - flying
La Cholla Airpark (57AZ) Tucson AZ
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 07:36 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.