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  #1  
Old 03-01-2020, 08:42 AM
Frankster13 Frankster13 is offline
 
Join Date: Feb 2019
Location: Sausalito CA in Northern CA near wine country
Posts: 45
Default Electric Powered Towbar Options

Does anyone know if there is a cost effective option for a electric powered towbar? My RV-14A gets a little tough to to move in and out of the hanger at times and I have an uphill push to get in my hanger. Any thoughts? It would also give more control and allow me to fully focus on not hitting anything.
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  #2  
Old 03-01-2020, 08:51 AM
Mike S's Avatar
Mike S Mike S is offline
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Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Dayton Airpark, NV A34
Posts: 15,420
Default

Couple folks here have built their own, try a search.

Converted snow blower is another option.
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Mike Starkey
VAF 909

Rv-10, N210LM.

Flying as of 12/4/2010

Phase 1 done, 2/4/2011

Sold after 240+ wonderful hours of flight.

"Flying the airplane is more important than radioing your plight to a person on the ground incapable of understanding or doing anything about it."
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  #3  
Old 03-01-2020, 09:24 AM
rocketman1988 rocketman1988 is offline
 
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Sunman, IN
Posts: 2,189
Default I am going to use:

Saw these at Oshkosh.

https://www.besttugs.com/?matchtype=...kaAqFrEALw_wcB
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Bob
Aerospace Engineer '88

RV-10
Structure - 90% Done
Cabin Top - Aaarrghhh...
EFII System 32 - Done
297 HP Barrett Hung
ShowPlanes Cowl with Skybolts Fitted - Beautiful
Wiring...

Dues+ Paid 2019,...Thanks DR+
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  #4  
Old 03-01-2020, 09:45 AM
jliltd jliltd is offline
 
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: Rancho San Lorenzo
Posts: 885
Default

I have an electric Taildragger Dragger with differential axle. Great for heavy tailwheel aircraft.

I also have an AC Aircraft Technology remote controlled rubber tracked tug it can handle everything from an RV-3 to a Cessna 310. Super great for stacking a maintenance hangar.

Both items above are expensive and probably overkill for a RV in a T Hangar.

There is one product out there that basically uses a cordless dril to move small aircraft. That shoild be pretty cost effective.
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(a few more airplanes too)
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  #5  
Old 03-02-2020, 03:59 PM
Frogman208 Frogman208 is offline
 
Join Date: Nov 2014
Location: San Diego,ca
Posts: 24
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Frank,

I got a gas (100LL engine) power tug (EZ 40 powertug) that I'm going to be listing for sale. Its from my RV-9a and RV-6a days. I won't need it when I get the RV-7 finished. Let me know if your interested. I'm in San Diego.
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Scott
RV-9A/N32LK-SOLD
RV-6A/N27KP-SOLD
Flying RV-7/N74RV
Flying Cessna 140
Dues Paid
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  #6  
Old 03-02-2020, 06:40 PM
Nova RV Nova RV is offline
 
Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: Leesburg, VA
Posts: 492
Default

I use the Aero-tow E200 electric with my -14A and it moves it easily and is much less than the besttugs. http://www.aero-tow.com/E200.html
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Leesburg, VA

CFI-I ASMEL, ATP

RV-14A kit # 140243 (flying as of 11/18)

www.mykitlog.com/chrismoon/
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  #7  
Old 03-02-2020, 07:30 PM
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Ed_Wischmeyer Ed_Wischmeyer is online now
 
Join Date: May 2005
Location: Savannah, GA
Posts: 1,301
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I taxi into the hangar (up over a lip and uphill) and then it's easy to push the plane out. Two seat RVs are small enough that you can get away with it.

I also have a centerline stripe. On my very worst day, I'm a foot off. On a good day, about 1/4".

Your mileage may vary, of course.
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RV-9A at KSAV (Savannah, GA; dual G3X Touch with autopilot, GTN650, GTX330ES, GDL52 ADSB-In)
Previously RV-4, RV-8, RV-8A, AirCam, Cessna 175
ATP CFII PhD, so I have no excuses when I screw up
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  #8  
Old 03-02-2020, 07:34 PM
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blueflyer blueflyer is offline
 
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Shreveport, LA
Posts: 1,002
Default riding mower

I use my riding lawn mower.
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  #9  
Old 03-03-2020, 08:16 AM
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kbalch kbalch is offline
 
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Clermont, FL
Posts: 565
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I also have a slight uphill grade into my hangar and realized that the manual towbar wasn't going to do it.

I ordered a Best Tugs A2 and couldn't be happier. It's an excellent product (well-built and very capable) and I've received great service from the company at every contact. Highly recommended.
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RV-8 N118KB (#81125) - Sold
RV-14A N114KB (#140494) - Sold

RV-14A.com
N114KB Build Site
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  #10  
Old 03-03-2020, 08:47 AM
Ralph Inkster Ralph Inkster is offline
 
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Calgary, Alberta
Posts: 1,005
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I'm crossing my fingers so far that my ramp doesn't develop frost heaves, so still push the RVs in by hand.
A friend uses one of those battery hand drill powered tow bars with his RV10 & says it handles it easily. Not so easy on an icy ramp.
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Ralph
built a few RVs, rebuilt a few more, hot rodded some, & maintained/updated a bunch more
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