baggage anchor points

[SeanB]

I'm nearing the point of the baggage floors being riveted permanently and would sure appreciate any good ideas (hopefully pics) of how you secure baggage tie-downs. My initial plan is to provide something removeable (wing tie down rings) at each corner of the baggage floor.

I'm especially interested in the sub-structure that allows the anchor to be made. It seems the existing ribs and other structure may be on the light side for the tension of straps being applied without some kind of reinforcement.

Thank you!!!

[Dbro172]

Here's how I did it, and they are real sturdy. If I had a hoist in the ceiling of the garage I could lift the plane by these. (Not saying that I actually would though... Insert common sense here)

http://www.mykitlog.com/users/displa...=160026&row=57

http://www.mykitlog.com/users/displa...=160027&row=56

[SeanB]

Derek,

That's helpful. Thanks!

[RV7Ron]

Originally Posted by Dbro172

Here's how I did it, and they are real sturdy. If I had a hoist in the ceiling of the garage I could lift the plane by these.

http://www.mykitlog.com/users/displa...=160026&row=57

http://www.mykitlog.com/users/displa...=160027&row=56

Nice, clean setup. Where did you find those dandy looking baggage tie-downs?

[Flying Scotsman]

I bought some of those, but they're huuuuuuuge, to big for my tastes...I used these

http://www.strapworks.com/Metal_D_Ring_w_Clip_p/drc.htm

anodized in red to match my (planned) paint scheme. Now I just need to find the right size cargo net.

I put nutplates in the floor ribs, and just worked a hole through the carpet with an awl and screwed 'em down.

[krwalsh]

You can buy these from US Cargo Control for about $1.50 each. They are referred to as L-track, and the little round version is basically a button-size of a laong track that you can also buy.

http://www.uscargocontrol.com/Ratche...traps-Hardware

We bought ~10 of these for our (non-RV) project, and attach them to a bungee style cargo net to hold everything nice and snug.

[roee]

Originally Posted by SeanB

I'm nearing the point of the baggage floors being riveted permanently and would sure appreciate any good ideas (hopefully pics) of how you secure baggage tie-downs. My initial plan is to provide something removeable (wing tie down rings) at each corner of the baggage floor.

I'm especially interested in the sub-structure that allows the anchor to be made. It seems the existing ribs and other structure may be on the light side for the tension of straps being applied without some kind of reinforcement.

Thank you!!!

I installed L-track bases in the corners of the floors, along with some backing to help spread the load, similar to what Derek did. Having said that, I don't consider them "hard points", and I probably wouldn't tighten a ratchet strap across them.

I think that tightening a ratchet strap could easily generate enough static pull force to damage not only the floors (reinforced or not), but also the surrounding fuselage structure.

I'd be very careful to not over-tighten if using ratchet straps. Using simple rope or bungees, lashing without the high mechanical advantage of a ratchet, might be a safer choice.

We're only talking about tying down up to 100 lb of baggage to secure it in case of turbulence (say -3 g max excursions in the extreme), right?

[Scott Hersha]

We're only talking about tying down up to 100 lb of baggage to secure it in case of turbulence (say -3 g max excursions in the extreme), right?

Good point Roee.

I made my tie downs out of some spare .063 cut into a half circle witha big hole in it, attached to a left over piece of hinge material, riveted to the floor right at the edge of the vertical part of the bag compartment. Total cost $0.0...... but I like the ones the Scotsman has. Those will be in my -14. Many colors to chose from.

[Dbro172]

Originally Posted by RV7Ron

Nice, clean setup. Where did you find those dandy looking baggage tie-downs?

Ron, first i found mention of the product here on VAF? vans sells them but I got these online at http://pitposse.com/quditian.html significantly less expensive than other sources.

[Vlad]

While building I installed several nutplates for AN4 bolts in corner baggage locations planning for tiedown rings. Then full interior came in... covered everything. I fly a lot and take full baggage when going for several days. Bags are relatively heavy and I pack them tight. I never had problem with bouncing items. Even over turbulent Rockies. If building again I would not bother with baggage tiedowns.