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Old 10-10-2012, 05:51 PM
airduct airduct is offline
 
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: Anywhere, USA
Posts: 30
Question Does the standard RV-4 Tailwheel swivel?

If not, is there a retrofit kit available?
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Old 10-10-2012, 06:03 PM
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n5lp n5lp is offline
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Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Carlsbad, NM
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I don't know if it changed later but when I built my RV-6 the supplied tailwheel was non-swiveling as was the RV-4 of the time. I converted my airplane to the full-swivel version during construction. I had to cut off the bent portion of the tailwheel spring and machine down the end to a smaller diameter to fit the full-swivel wheel. It was pretty easy but I did have to have a machinist do the lathe work. Done this way the tailwheel spring is shorter than normal. I have noticed no adverse consequences from this except that steering links may not be the correct length.
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Old 10-10-2012, 06:41 PM
fixnflyguy fixnflyguy is offline
 
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Location: Winston-Salem, N.C.
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Default Tail wheel

No, the standard does not, but it will pivot 90% for doing locked wheel pivots. You just cant push it backwards unless disconnecting the chains or it will mess up the rudder bottom cap and the tailspring paint. All standards can be retrofitted, and there are several aftermarket ones available as well as VANS. I still like my standard TW, but will likely switch one day to make it stupid proof when moving it around.
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Old 10-11-2012, 02:00 AM
Yen Yen is offline
 
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Location: Benaraby Queensland. Australia
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My kit bought 2010 has a fully swivelling tailwheel as standard. Easy to push backwards.
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Old 10-11-2012, 09:02 AM
Richard@Langair Richard@Langair is offline
 
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Scappoose
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If you have one of the early non swiveling tailsprings, you can send the spring back to Langaire and they can cut it off and grind it down to fit the new full swivel units. Then you can install a full swivel unit or your choice either from Van's or somewhere else if you have another you like better.
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Old 10-11-2012, 10:34 AM
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vfrazier vfrazier is offline
 
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Location: Mount Vernon, IN
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We offer a full line of RV retrofit tailwheel parts. The URL is www.flyboyaccessories.com
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Vince Frazier
www.f1aircraft.com
F1 Rocket and F4 Raider components
1-888-F1AIRCRAFT (1-888-312-4727)
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RV and Rocket Accessories, Tailwheels, Tools, & More
1-888-8FLYBOY (1-888-835-9269)

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F1-H Rocket "Crazy Horse" - sold
RV-4 "Chief Pontiac" - sold in 1994, purchased in 2018
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