Tow bar holes

wirejock · #1 10-01-2022, 05:43 PM

Plans say 11/16". Is that adequate? I really dont want to mess up a nice paint job because the tow bar doesn't fit the holes.

Also, any recommendations on a tow bar?

alcladrv · #2 10-01-2022, 07:16 PM

A Bogi-Bar works good for me on my -7A. It's got thinwall tubing that just fits over the 5/16" washers under the towbar bolt heads. I switched from the allen head bolts to an AN bolt with a stack of 6 or 8 washers (I can't remember) beneath the head so the towbar would have a better grip. If the towbar slips off of the bolt, you end up pulling directly on the nosewheel fairing. If you want to keep your paint job nice in that area, make sure that you're the one using the towbar. Other users, aka linemen, aren't quite so careful.

wirejock · #3 10-01-2022, 07:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by alcladrv

A Bogi-Bar works good for me on my -7A. It's got thinwall tubing that just fits over the 5/16" washers under the towbar bolt heads. I switched from the allen head bolts to an AN bolt with a stack of 6 or 8 washers (I can't remember) beneath the head so the towbar would have a better grip. If the towbar slips off of the bolt, you end up pulling directly on the nosewheel fairing. If you want to keep your paint job nice in that area, make sure that you're the one using the towbar. Other users, aka linemen, aren't quite so careful.

What is the dimension on the Bogi Bar? ID? OD?

PilotjohnS · #4 10-01-2022, 07:26 PM

Oh Don't get me started on tow bars.

I just wasted a whole night trying to make one.

I saw the Bogart are quite expensive. So I thought I could make one.

Went down to Lowes, bought some alum C-channel, drilled a 5/8" hole in two ends of a fork to fit over the bolt and washers. Riveted on a handle.
Tried to turn the wheel using the tow bar and broke a AN3 rivet I had used to hold it together.
After that, if it was wood, I would have used it in the fireplace...

So now I am shopping for a Bogart...

The tow bar needs to be strong due to the breakout force of the castering nose wheel.

9GT · #5 10-01-2022, 08:00 PM

Spend the extra money for a Bogart tow bar. I had one for my -10 and loved how light it was. When it came time for buying one for my -9A, it was during the peak of the lock down and unavailable. I opted for the generic Cessna style from AS&S. Though it works just fine, it is probable double the weight of the Bogart. I’ll probably swap it out when the time comes to fly this thing.

bhester · #6 10-02-2022, 09:10 AM

I use these Tow Pins:
https://bogertaviation.com/products/...d1907bbb&_ss=r

And this Tow Bar:
https://www.aircraftspruce.com/pages...es13-18476.php

It’s the only setup I’d use!

Strikhedonia · #7 10-02-2022, 09:23 AM

I really like these to protect from towbar damage: https://flyboyaccessories.com/produc...-nosewheel-rvs

MacCool · #8 10-02-2022, 09:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Strikhedonia

I really like these to protect from towbar damage: https://flyboyaccessories.com/produc...-nosewheel-rvs

Yes those are very nice and work well. They need a hole in the wheel pants of 1 5/16. Without them or something similar you will indeed chew up the paint surrounding the holes. They're kind of expensive...seems like they'd be pretty easy to make for anyone with machinist skills. Looks like about a 10 minute project for someone with access to a water jet cutter or a milling machine and some scrap stainless steel. I would guess that they could be made out of aluminum too.

I use a plain old Bogert tow bar. It's nothing special but works OK. It's not particularly durable but it came with the plane, and for me this is a low-stress application. The tow bar is amenable to rehab when necessary. I did make an extension rod with a ring so it can tow from my truck or golf cart. I don't actually use it much since getting a Best Tug Alpha 2. I have a slight incline down out of my hangar so pulling the plane out by the prop is no problem. Putting it back in is hard, though especially in the winter since water melting off the roof runs off, hits the ground in front of the hangar and re-freezes...hence the Best Tug. Pushing an airplane backward with a free castering nose wheel can be frustrating.
especially on the ice.

..

Webb · #9 10-02-2022, 11:15 AM

Found these aluminum ones on the web for ~ $18 each.

https://shop.wagnercompanies.com/flange-16324

I would think you could make a flange out of aluminum and "dimple" the edge of the hole with a little effort.

wirejock · #10 10-02-2022, 11:50 AM

I could really use the ID and OD of the Bogart Tow Bar forks. I will call Bogart tomorrow. I'll just drill pilot holes and layup some carbon fiber inside for now.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Webb

Found these aluminum ones on the web for ~ $18 each.

https://shop.wagnercompanies.com/flange-16324

I would think you could make a flange out of aluminum and "dimple" the edge of the hole with a little effort.

I like that idea.